Graduation Pathways

For programmatic pathway questions contact Maria Muto, Secondary School Counseling 564-999-3916.  

Contact Information

House Bill 1599 (2019) expanded the ways in which Washington students can develop their course plans and show their preparation for a meaningful first step after high school. Beginning with the Class of 2020, students must fulfill the pathway requirement to graduate which must align with their High School and Beyond Plan.

The Graduation Pathways Guide details the basic essentials of how a student could "meet" their graduation pathway.

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Test

For a student who takes the ASVAB while in high school and earns at least the minimum score (31) on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) portion of the test, the ASVAB may be used to meet the graduation pathway.

Students may also attain an AFQT score through the Pending Internet Computerized Adaptive Test (PiCAT). PiCAT scores must be validated at a Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS). For more information on the PiCAT steps, please visit the State Board of Education website.

Career & Technical Education (CTE) Course Sequence

A student may meet this graduation pathway option by completing a sequence of CTE courses

  • 2.0 high school credits in CTE courses; and
  • 2.0 credits are in the same CTE Program Area; and
  • The course has access for students to earn dual credit; or
  • Leads to an Industry Recognized Credential (IRC); or
  • Is a Core Plus program.

Local CTE Graduation Pathways are designed and submitted by districts or State-Tribal Education Compacts (STECs). They must include at least 2.0 high school CTE credits from differing CTE program areas with approval from the school board, school board designee, or local advisory committee. Submissions must receive final approval by OSPI.

ELA & Math Pathways

Students may choose to meet their graduation pathway requirement with a combination of at least one English Language Arts (ELA) and one math graduation pathway options below!

College Admission, AP, IB, Cambridge Exam & Courses

  • Students may use scores on college admissions (ACT, ACT with Writing, SAT) and specified Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) tests to show they possess the knowledge and skills expected of high school graduates.

Dual Credit Courses

  • A student who completes a dual credit course in ELA or mathematics in which the student can earn college credit may use passage of the class as a graduation pathway.

Performance-based Pathway

The Performance-based Pathway allows students to show what they know and can do in real-world, hands-on ways that align with their individual goals for life after high school. 

  • School districts/STECs must adopt a local policy that meets state requirements before offering the performance-based pathway option.
  • School districts/STECs may utilize guidance and resources to help students design their projects, to help students manage their work, and to guide educators in evaluating the students’ work may be found on the State Board of Education website. 
  • All documentation for the pathway should be kept locally.  

Smarter Balanced Assessment

Students meeting this graduation pathway need to earn at least the following scores on the high school ELA and math Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) of:

  • Score on ELA - 2548
  • Score on math - 2595

Transition Courses

  • Passage of the Bridge to College course in English language arts or math may be used as a graduation pathway.
  • School districts and STECs with current articulation agreement(s) for an indicated English language arts or math course. By passing the course indicated in the agreement (resulting in 100 level or higher college-level course placement), the course may be used as a graduation pathway.

Washington Access to Instruction & Measurement (WA-AIM) Assessment

The WA-AIM Assessment is designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Students participating in the WA-AIM may meet the graduation pathway requirement. The graduation scores identified by the State Board of Education for the WA-AIM are:

  • Score on ELA - 104
  • Score on math - 103
Resources