The commencement celebrates not only the students’ success, but also the District’s efforts to change potential dropouts into high school graduates.
To earn a high school diploma, District students must pass the state-mandated California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) and earn a total of 230 high school credits in designated subjects.

The District offers several credit recovery options for students who fail a class or fall behind in credits for any reason. For those students who make it to their senior year and still need additional help, the District’s Youth Services Department created the Superintendent’s Summer Institute in 2009.
According to Youth Services Director Ray Culberson, many students just need some extra time and instruction to reach their academic goals.  The summer institute provides both, plus moral support for students who have not been successful in more traditional programs.
“Every student can earn a diploma,” Culberson said.  “The potential lies in all of them.”
District counselors and student recovery specialists identified and met with potential dropouts from April through June to create individual credit recovery and graduation plans.  Students were encouraged to review their options and select the program or programs they felt would work best for them.  Among the options the District offers are traditional summer school classes, online courses, independent study, and classes at alternative high schools.
Only students who have earned a full 230 high school credits in the correct subject areas by July 26 will be eligible to participate in the summer commencement ceremony, including those who have not yet passed the CAHSEE.  The District will provide students with up to two years of intensive instruction and additional opportunities to take the CAHSEE, if necessary.
Although the District has offered credit recovery programs for several years, this is only the second time a summer commencement ceremony has been held for the students and their parents.
For more information about the Superintendent’s Summer Institute and the District’s other credit recovery programs, contact Youth Services at (909) 880-6812.