State Establishes New Standards for High School Honors Students

DeKalb County High School, starting with the graduating class of 2014, will no longer recognize students with ‘highest distinction” and “high distinction”. The only categories will be “honors’ and “distinction”.
Under new guidelines imposed by the Tennessee Department of Education, high school graduates will have to meet new benchmarks to be recognized with “honors” or “distinction”.

David Gash, Assistant Principal, says DCHS will recognize students graduating with “honors” and “distinction” in the following manner:
1. Students who score at or above all of the subject area readiness benchmarks on the ACT or equivalent score on the SAT will graduate with “honors”.
2. Students will be recognized as graduating with “distinction” by attaining a “B” average and completing at least one of the following:
a. Earn a nationally recognized industry certification
b. Participate in at least one of the Governor’s Schools
c. Participate in one of the state’s All State musical organizations
d. Be selected as a National Merit Finalist or Semi-Finalist
e. Attain a score of thirty one or higher composite score on the ACT
f. Attain a score of three or higher on at least two advanced placement exams
g. Successfully complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
h. Earn twelve or more semester hours of transcripted post secondary credit
At the present time, DCHS allows students with a “B” average to graduate with honors.
Students who obtain a 3.8 to 4.0 are recognized as honors students with “Highest Distinction” Students who obtain a 3.6 to 3.79 are recognized as honors students with “High Distinction”. Students who obtain a 3.2 to 3.59 are recognized as honors students with “Distinction”.
Under the new policy mandated by the state, DCHS will no longer recognize the three types of distinction. Starting with the graduating class of 2014, students will only be recognized by DCHS with “honors” or “distinction” based on the new policy.

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