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COLLEGE PREPARATORY STUDIES CERTIFICATE
The Missouri State Board of Education awards the College Preparatory Studies Certificate to Missouri students who successfully complete a rigorous academic program in high school. The certificate is awarded in addition to the regular high school diploma granted by local school districts. The certificate is designed to provide incentive and recognition for public and non-public high school students who exceed the state’s minimum graduation requirements. Awarding the College Preparatory Studies Certificate is voluntary on the part of school districts, and meeting the requirements is voluntary on the part of the students. While the certificate is primarily intended as an incentive for college-bound students, those who are not planning to enter college also may wish to work toward earning the award. (Refer to the 1994 flier on CPSC published by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education for detailed information on the requirements).
To be eligible for the College Preparatory Studies Certificate, a student must meet these requirements: 1. Complete a rigorous high school program cooperatively planned by the school, the student and the student’s parents. The academic program in the subject areas of English/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and specified core electives is specifically outlined below. No substitutions are authorized. 2. Earn at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale in the combined subject areas of English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. The school will calculate GPA through the eighth semester of high school. 3. Score above the prior year’s national composite average on the American College Test (ACT) or on the Scholastic Aptitude (SAT). This criterion is revised annually to reflect the latest national averages from the ACT and SAT. Check the current year’s certification forms for the required minimum scores. 4. Dual-credit courses taken in high school for both high school and college credit may be counted toward satisfying the core curriculum requirements. 5. Middle/junior high school courses taken by middle/junior in mathematics and foreign language may be counted as satisfying the high school core curriculum requirement if the content is equivalent to high school courses (e.g., Foreign Language I and Algebra I) and if subsequent courses in the subject are shown on the high school transcript (e.g., Foreign Language II and Algebra II).
Superintendents and high school principals in participating districts will be requested to certify to Dr. Kent King, Commissioner of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the number of prospective graduates who have earned the college Preparatory Studies Certificate. Certificates bearing the Commissioner’s signature will be furnished free of charge by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. COLLEGE PREPARTORY STUDIES CERTIFICATE COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS
*ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS- 4 units At least four units, one of which may be speech or debate, and two units of which must be in courses emphasizing composition or writing skills. Examples of courses generally acceptable toward the 4 units: English or Language Arts I, II, III, IV, literature courses, Journalism (if writing intensive), speech and debate. Applied Communications developed by the Agency of Instructional Technology (AIT) may be counted. *MATHEMATICS- 3 units At least three units, high school algebra and beyond, including Algebra II. Examples of courses generally acceptable toward the three units: Algebra I, Algebra II, Algebra III/Pre-Calculus, Trig/Geometry, Calculus. Applied Mathematics as developed by the Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD) may be counted only if the student successfully completes a standard Algebra II course. Examples of unacceptable courses: computer math, computer programming, consumer math, computer science, pre-algebra, basic math, terminal math, business math and accounting. *SCIENCE- 2 units At least two units, (not including general science) selected from biology, chemistry, or physics, one of which is a laboratory course. Examples of courses generally acceptable toward the two units: Biology, Advanced Biology, chemistry, and physics. Applications in Biology/Chemistry developed by the Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD), and Principles of Technology developed by the Agency for Instructional Technology (AIT) may be counted. Examples of unacceptable courses: life science, physical science, earth science, outdoor education, and environmental studies. *SOCIAL STUDIES- 3 units At least three units including American History and citizenship. Examples of courses generally acceptable toward the three units: world history, American history, American government, Civics, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Contemporary History, or the Dual-credit history course offered for the year and Geography. Examples of unacceptable courses: regional history, family living, family relations, marriage and family consumer education, and courses generally listed under “practical arts” or “human environmental science.” *FINE ARTS- 1 unit At least one unit of fine arts courses in the visual arts, music, dance, and theater. Examples of courses generally acceptable toward the one unit: Art I, II, III, and IV, oral interpretation, dramatics, band, and other instrumental music, chorus, and any other vocal music courses, and music appreciation. Examples of unacceptable courses: speech, debate, radio, mass media, arts and crafts. *PRACTICAL ARTS- 1 unit *PHYSICAL EDUCATION- 1 unit *SPECIFIED CORE ELECTIVES- 3 units At least three units selected from foreign language (two units of one foreign language are strongly recommended) and/or combinations from two or more of the following course areas: English, mathematics, social studies, science, and fine arts. A computer science course with prerequisite of at least Algebra I is permissible as a mathematics elective. State and/or international history courses are permissible as social studies electives. *GENERAL ELECTIVES- 7 units At least six units that are sufficient to meet state and local graduation requirements. The courses should be selected and planned by the school, the student, and the student’s parents to develop the student’s aptitude and skills. Advanced vocational-technical courses which have been selected to support and strengthen the student’s college preparatory program or career choice may be used to fulfill this general elective requirement. Total Units- 25 units
HONORS DIPLOMA
To receive an Honors Diploma, students must meet the requirements for the College Preparatory Certificate excluding the required ACT score.
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