Course Catalog
Academic Policy
COURSE ADD/DROP PROCEDURES
An add/drop period is scheduled during the first week of each semester, and is intended for students to make adjustments to their schedule to better fit their abilities, interests and goals. After the add/drop period, students may drop a class only as a last resort and if the remaining schedule includes at least 12 credits. The following process applies:
- The student must meet with their school counselor to discuss the proposed change, and receive a Schedule Change Form, if appropriate.
- The student must meet with the teacher affected by the change, ask for approval and return, if applicable, any books or materials owed. If a teacher disagrees with the proposed change it should be noted on the form.
- The student must discuss the change with their parents. The parent must sign the Schedule Change Form.
- The student must return the completed Schedule Change form to their school counselor before any change is made.
A conference involving the student, parents, school counselor, principal and pertinent faculty members may be called to determine if the proposed schedule change is in the student's best interest.
- During the first eight weeks of school, changes made to any yearlong class (four weeks for a semester class) will not be recorded on the transcript.
- If a student drops a yearlong class after the first quarter (or a semester course after four weeks), a WP (withdraw pass) or WF (withdraw fail) will be recorded on the student's transcript.
- If a student withdraws during the last four weeks of a class, a W (withdraw) and the current grade will appear on the transcript and the grade will be counted in the student’s grade point average.
EARLY GRADUATION
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the rich array of courses available to them and to spend four years completing their high school education. Meeting requirements in less time is possible, but not recommended in most cases. In special circumstances, it is appropriate for a student to graduate early and Portland High School will work closely with such students to meet their needs. Any student who is contemplating graduation in less than four years must see their counselor to initiate the process. Approval by the Principal is required.
Standards Based Learning
To graduate, students must also meet the cross-content performance standards set forth in the Guiding Principles of the Learning Results which state that a student should be:
- A clear and effective communicator
- A self-directed and life-long learner
- A creative and analytical problem solver
- A responsible and involved citizen
- An integrative and informed thinker
Educational experiences offer all students multiple ways to achieve and demonstrate proficiency in the district’s graduation standards. Experiences available to students include, but are not limited to:
- Academic courses offered by the school
- Early college/dual enrollment courses
- Career and technical education programming
- Online/virtual learning
- Apprenticeships, internships, fieldwork
- Community service
- Exchange programs
- Independent study
- Alternative education
- Adult education courses
- Extended learning opportunities that take place outside of the school building and/or school day
- Other Portland Public Schools approved measures of proficiency
While most students will satisfy graduation requirements over the course of a four-year academic program, students may also take more or less time to do so, based on their distinct learning needs.
Students Receiving Special Education Services
Students who demonstrate proficiency in Portland Public Schools’ graduation standards, as specified in the goals and objectives of their Individualized Education Plans (IEP), will be awarded diplomas.