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Tennessee Diploma Project: Graduation Requirements

Beginning next school year, the Tennessee Department of Education will implement the Tennessee Diploma Project (TDP), a broad overhaul of standards and curriculum designed to challenge students and better prepare them for college and the workforce.

Students beginning high school in Fall 2009 will begin a new path with increased graduation requirements from 20 credits to 22, a focus on the skills needed for college and the workforce in an ever expanding global economy, and new assessments.

Gateway Exams in high school will be replaced by end-of-course exams that truly test the mastery of expectations leading to college- and work-readiness. The overall assessment system includes the ACT’s College and Readiness Test, Explore (given in the 8th grade) and the PLAN College Readiness Test given in the 10th grade.

Tennessee Graduation Requirements
Current Basic High School Requirements Requirements for Students Beginning High School in Fall 2009

Total Credits Required: 20

Total Credits Required: 22

Math: 3 Credits - Including either Geometry or Algebra II

Math: 4 Credits  - Including Algebra I, II, Geometry and a fourth higher level math course

Science: 3 Credits - Including one physical science course and Biology

Science: 3 Credits - Including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and a third lab course

English: 4 Credits

English: 4 Credits

Social Studies: 3 Credits

Social Studies: 3 Credits

Wellness: 1 Credit

Physical Education And Wellness: 1.5 Credits

 

Personal Finance: 0.5 Credits

Elective: 6 Credits

Foreign Language: 2 Credits

Fine Arts: 1 Credit - May be waived for students not going to a University to expand and enhance the elective focus
 

Elective Focus: 3 Credits - Math and Science, Career and Technical Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB)