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Golden State Seal Merit Diploma

State Seal of Merit Diploma Logo in Header
 
The Golden State Seal Merit Diploma (GSSMD) is awarded to recognize public school graduates who have demonstrated their mastery of the high school curriculum in at least six subject areas, four of which are English language arts, mathematics, science, and U.S. history, with the remaining two subject areas selected by the student. The GSSMD is awarded jointly by the California State Board of Education (SBE) and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI).
 
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Benefits of Earning a Golden State Seal Merit Diploma
 
  • Standout on graduation day with a Golden State Seal Merit Diploma medallion and sash
  • Standout with Golden State Seal Merit Diploma recognition on your diploma, transcript and resume
  • Standout on your college applications
  • Official acknowledgement of your academic abilities
 
*The only three official seals that can be placed on a graduation diploma include: the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma, the State Seal of Biliteracy and the State Seal of Civic Engagement.
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Golden State Seal Merit Diploma Eligibility
 
To be eligible for the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma, students (1) must be eligible to receive a high school diploma; and (2) must have demonstrated the mastery of the curriculum in at least six subject areas, as follows:
 
 
bullet 1Requirement #1: English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA)—students must have earned one of any of the following:
  1. A grade of B+ or above (or numerical equivalent) each semester of a single course completed in grades nine, ten, or eleven
  2. An achievement level of “Standard Met” or above for the high school Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment taken in grade eleven
 
Bullet 2Requirement #2: Mathematics—students must have earned one of any of the following:
  1. A grade of B+ or above (or numeric equivalent) each semester of a single course completed in grades nine, ten, or eleven
  2. An achievement level of “Standard Met” or above for the high school Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment taken in grade eleven
 
Bullet 3Requirement #3: Science—students must have earned one of any of the following:
  1. A grade of B+ or above (or numeric equivalent) each semester of a single course completed in grades nine, ten, or eleven
  2. An achievement level of "Standard Met" or above for the high school California Science Test taken in grade ten or eleven
 
Bullet 4Requirement #4: U.S. History—students must have earned one of any of the following:
  1. A grade of B or above (or numerical equivalent) on completion of the required U.S. history course (each semester)
  2. A qualifying score that demonstrates mastery of the subject as determined by the LEA for an examination produced by a private provider or LEA
 
Bullet 5Requirement #5: Two additional subject areas—students may choose from any of the following:
  1. Any additional qualifying grade or score listed above earned for the subject of ELA, mathematics, science, or U.S. history and not already used to meet eligibility
  2. A grade of B or above (or numerical equivalent) upon the completion of high school courses in other subjects
  3. A qualifying score that demonstrates mastery of other subjects, as determined by the LEA, for an examination produced by a private provider or LEA
 
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