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Wisconsin Pathways to High School Graduation

By Sherry Holly, Wisconsin DPI

Introduction 
According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s WISEdash Public Portal, approximately 4,700 students did not graduate with their class in 2024. In response to such data, Wisconsin provides several graduation pathways that, with school board approval, lead to a regular diploma. Having options for students to meet graduation requirements increases school success and graduation rates, provides opportunities for all students to feel a sense of belonging to the school community, reduces failure and potential dropouts and can meet the individual needs of students.  Administrators should be aware of the following pathways available to Wisconsin students and know the specific pathways available in their school district based on each local school board policy.

Traditional Pathway

  • Requirements: Minimum 22+ credits (set by school board)

  • Method: Earn credit

  • Outcome: Diploma

Reduced Credit Pathway

  • Requirements: Minimum state requirement of 15+ credits (set by school board)

  • Method: Earn credit

  • Outcome: Diploma

Competency-Based Pathway

  • Requirements: Competency-based coursework

  • Method: Demonstrate proficiency

  • Outcome: Diploma

GED Option #2 Pathway

  • Requirements: Combination of credit and GED exams, or competency-based coursework

  • Method: Demonstrate proficiency

  • Outcome: Diploma

Individualized Education Program (IEP) Pathway

  • Requirements: Combination of credit or competency-based coursework as outlined in each individual student with a disability’s IEP

  • Method: Demonstrate proficiency as outlined in each student’s IEP

  • Outcome: Diploma

118.15 Agreement Pathway

  • Requirements: Combination of credit and GED exams, or competency-based coursework

  • Method: Demonstrate proficiency

  • Outcome: Diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma

Challenge Academy Pathway

  • Requirements: Combination of credit and GED exams, or competency-based coursework

  • Method: Demonstrate proficiency

  • Outcome: Diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma

Job Corps Pathway

  • Requirements: Combination of credit and GED exams, or competency-based coursework

  • Method: Demonstrate proficiency

  • Outcome: Diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma

Summary
Per Wisconsin State Statute 118.153(2)(a) and DPI PI 25.03, school boards are mandated to identify students at risk of not graduating and to develop annual plans to meet their needs. Furthermore, state law stipulates that a high school diploma may only be granted if a student has been enrolled in high school coursework or an alternative education program as defined in 115.28(7)(e)1.