B. Course Credits
In order to graduate, students must earn 44 credits distributed across specific academic subjects and aligned to
specific NYSED commencement-level learning standards. All high schools must provide students with the
opportunity to take credit-bearing courses in grades 9–12 that satisfy the requirements for a high school diploma.
Students’ programs may be composed of both credit-bearing and non-credit-bearing units of study. A unit of
study is defined as 180 minutes of instruction per week throughout the school year or the equivalent. This is the
equivalent of 108 hours per year, which is 54 hours of instructional time per credit awarded during the school
year and 45 hours of instructional time per credit awarded during the summer term.
Schools must provide courses
that afford students the full instructional time per credit.
In July 2020, NYSED amended the definition of unit of study to include instruction delivered through “alternative
instructional experiences, including but not limited to through digital technology or blended learning, that
represents standards-based learning under the guidance and direction of an appropriately certified teacher.
Instructional experiences shall include, but not be limited to: meaningful and frequent interaction with an
appropriately certified teacher; academic and other supports designed to meet the needs of the individual
student and instructional content that reflects consistent academic expectations as in-person instruction. Any
alternative instructional experience must include meaningful feedback on student assignments and methods of
tracking student engagement.”
Students must then demonstrate competency of the learning outcomes outlined in a course syllabus in order to
receive credit.
These policies are described further in the section of this guide on credit-bearing courses. Schools
must provide all students with opportunities to complete the credit requirements and must cover any costs
associated with participating in and making up required courses.
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All credit-bearing courses in NYCDOE schools must address NYSED commencement-level (high school) learning
standards, meet instructional time requirements, and be taught by a NYCDOE subject-certified teacher with
NYSED secondary certification in the course subject area. See the section of this guide on credit-bearing courses
for additional information.
NYSED has commencement-level learning standards in the following departments: English language arts; social
studies; mathematics; science; technology; arts education (including visual arts, music, dance and theater); world
languages; health, physical education, family and consumer sciences; and career development and occupational
studies. Commencement-level learning standards and assessments reflect the knowledge, skills, and
understandings all students are expected to know and be able to do upon receiving a high school diploma.
Courses that do not align to these high school-level standards, including elective courses, may not bear credit.
There are no standards in guidance or advisory; such courses generally should not bear credit.
It is the policy of the NYCDOE to maintain a safe and supportive learning and educational environment that is free
of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying and free of discrimination because of actual or perceived race, color,
creed, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship/immigration status, religion, gender, gender identity, gender
expression, sexual orientation, disability, or weight. See the Guidelines on Gender Inclusion
for help implementing
gender-inclusive curricula, programs, activities, and practices that are consistent with this policy and with the
NYCDOE’s commitment to equity and access. Schools must be mindful that inappropriate gender segregation may
result in isolating students, hindering diversity, and/or perpetuating gender stereotypes.
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Students do not have to pay to take any courses that are offered by their school, including online courses, nor do they have to pay to
receive diplomas. See also NYCDOE Chancellor’s Regulation A-610.
High School Academic Policy Guide Updated April 5, 2024 12