Erskinecharters

SC Reg. 43-234 Defined Program, Grades 9-12 and Graduation Requirements

This webpage provides important information and guidelines for students who are looking to graduate from high school with the necessary credits. It is a valuable resource that outlines the requirements and processes involved in graduating early or during the summer. 

The webpage begins by highlighting the different graduation options available to students, including the traditional path, early graduation, and summer graduation. 

Note: Legislatures recently updated requirements to include a 0.5 credit in Personal Finance. The updated requirements now have the additional Personal Finance and 6.5 credits of electives.

Early Graduates and Summer Graduates are to be excluded from class rank on their final transcripts. 

Early Graduate Processing

For students interested in graduating early, this document provides the process for exiting/graduating the student during the winter. 

Summer Graduate Processing

Similarly, for students who are planning to graduate during the summer, this document offers information on the summer graduate processing. 

)  serves as a comprehensive resource for students who are aiming to graduate from high school with the necessary credits. It provides valuable information on the various graduation options available, including early graduation and summer graduation. By following the guidelines outlined on this webpage, students can successfully navigate the process and achieve their goal of graduating high school.

Diploma Ordering Tracking Systems (DOTS)

The purpose of the PowerPoint is to explain the Diploma Order Tracking System (DOTS) used by the South Carolina Department of Education. It outlines the steps for tracking, ordering, and verifying high school diplomas for public school graduates. The presentation emphasizes ensuring accurate student and school information in PowerSchool, outlines the roles of DOTS users, and provides guidelines for ordering, verifying graduation lists, and completing post-graduation updates. It also provides instructions for accessing DOTS and troubleshooting common issues.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the PowerSchool and IT Department at the Charter Institute at Erskine.

 Verification Steps to Confirm Graduating Students from PowerSchool

In order to verify the list of graduating students from a school in PowerSchool, you can follow the steps outlined below:

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the PowerSchool website. 

2. Enter your credentials (username and password) to log in to your PowerSchool account.

3. Once logged in, you will be directed to the PowerSchool start page.

Step 2: Select the list of potential graduates

1. On the PowerSchool start page, select your list of student. 

1. Once the potential list of graduating students is selected, use the Quick Export function to export and review student fields coded in PowerSchool. 

2. Take the time to review the list and ensure that all the necessary information is present and accurate. This includes names, student IDs, and any other relevant details.

3. Export the following fields from Power School for all potential graduates:

Step 4: Communicate with Staff and Students

1. Reach out to the school's administrative staff, guidance counselors, or relevant personnel to confirm the accuracy of the graduation list.

2. Inform them of any discrepancies found during the verification process.

3. Communicate with the graduating students individually to confirm their intention to graduate and verify any missing information.

4. Make changes to data fields as needed for any student.

Step 4: Cross-Check with the Diploma Ordering and Tracking System

1. Access the DOTS system and order diplomas as needed

PowerSchool Graduates and Diploma Ordering 

 2. Compare the list of graduating students from PowerSchool with the information in the DOTS system.

3. Check for any discrepancies or missing students between the two systems.

4. Make note of any differences and investigate further to rectify any errors or omissions.

Make the necessary updates and corrections to the graduation list. Remember to have the school's principal confirm and verify the graduate list within 10 days of graduation. 

By following these verification steps, you can confirm the list of graduating students from a school in PowerSchool.

Are you having trouble with DOTS? Maybe your students aren't loading from Ed-Fi; or, You are having issues with ordering. Please see the following information:

The following procedures must be adhered to for accurate data entry into PowerSchool:

1. All relevant fields must be coded in PowerSchool. After coding, a waiting period of at least 48-72 hours is required for the data to populate in DOTS.

2. The “Diploma Order” field under “Awards and Recognitions” should have an “F” coded for eligible students.

3. Seniors and third-year graduates are classified as grade 12 students.

4. The enrollment status must be either 0 or 3.

5. Students receiving Employability Credentials and non-diploma recipients should not be coded with an “F.”

6. The graduation date must be accurately populated.

7. Credit Type should be coded as “F.”

If the PowerSchool fields were coded correctly more than 48 hours ago and the data has not yet appeared in DOTS, it is anticipated that the information will be accessible soon. If issues persist, a PowerSchool administrator may need to republish the data or manually push the information to DOTS. Previous issues with the Academic Honors Awards field not populating in DOTS have been resolved. Counselors should check DOTS again and order diplomas separately if necessary. Should the Academic Honors Award field not appear, counselors must provide a list of affected students, including full names and graduation dates, for separate ordering.

 that appear but have already been ordered, they should be removed from the current list. Verification will occur later. If names remain absent in DOTS, troubleshooting tips provided by Wyatt in the Half-Hour with Ed-Fi recording at approximately 14:52 may be useful.

If issues continue, an Excel spreadsheet containing the first, middle, and last names along with Student IDs should be submitted for further investigation into potential coding issues with PowerSchool.

Lastly, if there is a new principal at the school or a new superintendent in the district, obtaining and sending their signatures is critical. Any uncertainties regarding this should be addressed via email, and communication with Jostens will be facilitated. It is important to note that new signatures may delay diploma ordering by a month.

 is essential for ensuring that all graduating students are properly recorded and their diplomas are processed without delay. This accuracy is not only important for timely diploma distribution but also for verifying students’ graduation status, which directly impacts their eligibility for 

South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

, including the Palmetto Fellows, LIFE, HOPE, and need-based programs. By maintaining organized and precise tracking, schools help graduates seamlessly access financial aid opportunities, meet application deadlines, and secure the funding necessary to pursue their postsecondary education.

🎓 Scholarships & Grants for South Carolina Residents (SC CHE)

 state-funded financial aid to eligible South Carolina residents attending in-state institutions.

Guidelines for Early and Summer Graduation Processing

Graduation Requirements

Early Graduate Processing

Summer Graduate Processing

DOTS Process