.03 Enrollment and Credit Requirements.
A. Beginning with students entering the 9th grade class of 2014—2015 school year, each student shall enroll in a mathematics course in each year of high school that the student attends, up to a maximum of 4 years of attendance, unless in the 5th or 6th year a mathematics course is needed to meet a graduation requirement.
B. To be awarded a diploma, a student who entered the 9th grade class in the 2020—2021 school year or earlier shall be enrolled in a Maryland public school system and shall have earned a minimum of 21 credits that include the following specified credits:
(1) English — four credits of organized instruction in comprehension of literary and informational text, writing, speaking and listening, language, and literacy, of which one credit shall be aligned with the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment for English;
(2) Fine Arts — one credit in dance, media arts, music, theatre, or visual art, or a combination of these;
(3) Mathematics — three credits, including one with instruction in algebra aligned with the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment for algebra or one or more credits in subsequent mathematics courses for which Algebra I is a prerequisite, and one with instruction in geometry aligned with the content standards for geometry;
(4) Physical education — one-half credit;
(5) Health education — one-half credit;
(6) Science — three credits of organized instruction which includes a laboratory component engaging in the application of the science and engineering practices, the crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas including Earth/space science, life science, physical science (chemistry and physics), engineering, and technology, aligned to the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment for science;
(7) Social studies — three credits including one credit in United States history, one credit in world history, and one credit in local, State, and national government aligned with the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment for government;
(8) Technology education — one credit that includes the application of knowledge, tools, and skills to solve practical problems and extend human capabilities; and
(9) One of the following:
(a) Two credits of world language, which may include American Sign Language;
(b) Two credits of advanced technology education; or
(c) Successfully complete a State-approved career and technology program.
C. Beginning with students entering the 9th grade class in the 2021—2022 school year, to be awarded a diploma, a student shall be enrolled in a Maryland public school system and shall have earned a minimum of 22 credits that include the following specified credits:
(1) English — four credits of organized instruction in comprehension of literary and informational text, writing, speaking and listening, language, and literacy, of which one credit shall be aligned with the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment for English;
(2) Fine arts — one credit in dance, media arts, music, theatre, or visual art, or a combination of these;
(3) Mathematics — four credits, including one with instruction in algebra aligned with the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment for algebra or one or more credits in subsequent mathematics courses for which Algebra I is a prerequisite, and one with instruction in geometry aligned with the content standards for geometry;
(4) Physical education — one-half credit;
(5) Health education — one credit;
(6) Science — three credits, designed to develop scientific literacy with all courses integrating the application of the science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and each containing a laboratory component, including one credit in life science aligned to the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment for Life Science; one credit in physical science (including chemistry, physics, or integrated physical science); and one credit in Earth/space science or a course with the topics of Earth/space science integrated;
(7) Social studies — three credits including one credit in United States history, one credit in world history, and one credit in local, State, and national government aligned with the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment for government;
(8) Computer science, engineering, or technology education — one credit that includes the study of computers and algorithmic processes or the application of knowledge, tools, and skills to solve practical problems and extend human capabilities; and
(9) One of the following:
(a) Two credits of the same world language, which may include two credits of American Sign Language; or
(b) Successful completion of a State-approved career and technical education program.
D. Elective programs and instruction shall be developed at the discretion of the local school system, open to enrollment for all students, and shall focus on in-depth study in required subject areas, exploration, or application and integration of what has been learned.
E. All students must complete a locally designed high school program of environmental literacy as set forth in COMAR 13A.04.17 that is approved by the State Superintendent of Schools.
