51225.3.
(a) A pupil shall complete coursework in accordance with all of the following while in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, in order to receive a diploma of graduation from high school:(1) At least the following numbers of courses in the subjects specified, each course having a duration of one year, unless otherwise specified:
(A) Three courses in English.
(B) Two courses in mathematics. If the governing board of a school district requires more than two courses in mathematics for graduation, the governing board of the school district may award a pupil up to one mathematics course credit pursuant to Section 51225.35.
(C) Two courses in science, including biological and physical sciences.
(D) Three courses in social studies, including United States history and geography; world history, culture, and geography; a one-semester course in American government and civics; and a one-semester course in economics.
(E) One course in visual or performing arts or foreign language. For purposes of satisfying the requirement specified in this subparagraph, a course in American Sign Language shall be deemed a course in foreign language.
(F) Two courses in physical education, unless the pupil has been exempted pursuant to the provisions of this code.
(2) Other coursework requirements adopted by the governing board of the
school district.
(3) (A) Commencing with the high school class graduating during the 2022–23 2023–24 school year, and for the high school classes graduating in each subsequent school year, at least one of the courses completed by a pupil to satisfy the requirements of this subdivision shall have a service learning component.
(B) For purposes of this subdivision, “service learning” is defined as follows:
(i) It is a method through which pupils or participants learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that: (I) is conducted in, and meets the needs of, a community; (II)
is coordinated with a secondary school and with the community; and (III) helps foster civic responsibility.
(ii) It is a method that: (I) is integrated into, and enhances, the standards-based academic curriculum of the pupils; and (II) provides structured time for the pupils or participants to reflect on the service experience.
(b) The governing board of the school district, with the active involvement of parents, administrators, teachers, and pupils, shall adopt alternative means for pupils to complete the prescribed course of study that may include practical demonstration of skills and competencies, supervised work experience or other outside school experience, career technical education classes offered in high schools, courses offered by regional occupational centers or programs, interdisciplinary study, independent study, and credit earned at a postsecondary educational
institution. Requirements for graduation and specified alternative modes for completing the prescribed course of study shall be made available to pupils, parents, and the public.
(c) If a pupil completed a career technical education course that met the requirements of subparagraph (E) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 51225.3, as amended by the act adding this section, before the inoperative date of that section, that course shall be deemed to fulfill the requirements of subparagraph (E) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of this section.
(d) This section shall become operative upon the date that Section 51225.3, as amended by the act adding this section, becomes inoperative.