Policy 6145.6 - International Exchange Students (Secondary)

International Exchange Students (Secondary)

The Board of Education recognizes the value of cultural and educational exchange programs both to foreign students entering district schools and to students resident in those schools.

In order for foreign students to gain the most benefit from their attendance to schools in this district, it is necessary that they and their American hosts understand the district’s educational program as it relates to placement, required courses of study, and graduation. Guidelines relative to those areas are contained in the implementing rules to this policy.

To enroll in a district school, an international exchange student must be participating in an exchange program registered with the California Attorney General’s Office, designated by the U.S. Department of State and accepted for listing on the Council for Standards for International Educational Travel’s Advisory List.

When necessary because of overcrowding within district schools or limited district resources, the Superintendent or designee may limit the number of international exchange students to be accepted at any district high school during any school year.

The district shall not incur any financial obligations when sending and/or receiving international exchange students. Program sponsors shall provide assurance of their responsibility for health/accident/liability insurance, the student’s home placement, and the resolution of any related personal difficulties which may arise. T

he Superintendent or designee shall establish district criteria for issuing regular or honorary diplomas to international exchange students. The principal or designee shall refer to these criteria when assisting international exchange students in selecting classes and co-curricular activities based on the student’s individual qualifications, needs and interests.

District staff shall provide relevant counseling to district students who wish to study in a foreign country. District credit for courses successfully completed in the foreign country shall be granted in accordance with Board policy and rules.

Rule 6145.6

1. Enrollment procedures:
   1. Enrollment procedures start with the principal for proper placement according to age and grade level the student would be in his/her own country;
   2. The Principal or designee has discretion regarding which provider and how many students are allowed to enroll at each high school.
2. Guidelines for placing students at appropriate grade level:
   1. Foreign exchange students are required to provide the host school with a current school transcript from their former school and/or country of residence;
   2. Information regarding the exchange student’s current placement in his/her foreign school and number of years to complete the educational program in that school must be provided when the student enrolls;
   3. When a student is in non-graduate status, age appropriateness can be considered in determining the student’s grade level.
3. Recommended course of study for students not expecting to receive a high school diploma:
   1. One year of appropriate level of U.S. History or Government/Economics;
   2. One year of appropriate level of English;
   3. Must be scheduled into a six period day.
4. Required course of study for students who are determined age/grade appropriate by the principal and who expect to receive a high school diploma:
   1. One year of appropriate level of U.S. History;
   2. One year of appropriate level of Government/Economics;
   3. One year of appropriate level of English;
   4. Must be scheduled into a six period day;
   5. Must have completed an equivalent high school curriculum to that required for graduation of resident students.