Why was the Kiamichi Tech Completer/Graduate policy developed?

Educational and Instructional Excellence is a paramount core value for Kiamichi Tech. This policy enacts a higher standard for Kiamichi Tech students.

Becoming a Kiamichi Tech graduate inducts students into a network of graduates across southeast Oklahoma who are committed to becoming highly-skilled workers, industry leaders, and responsible community members. Kiamichi Tech prepares graduates for success, so they can improve the quality of their lives and the quality of our region's workforce.

Resource: Board of Education Policy 8.15

What are the graduation paths available for our students?

There are three options for completers and graduates.

1. Certificate of Completion: Students who successfully complete a plan of study.

2. Graduate Certificate: Students who complete all program of study competencies, pass their industry endorsed certification or equivalent, and complete Microburst EmployABILITY curriculum with Employer's Choice certificate.

3. Graduate Certificate with Distinction: Students who meet the requirements for the graduate certificate AND achieve 95% attendance, pass all program of study courses with 80% or higher, participate in their CTSO, and have five or more hours of community service.

   1. The attendance rate is cumulative; therefore, the student must maintain 95% attendance over the time it takes for them to complete the program.

Resource: Become a Kiamichi Tech Graduate

What certifications qualify as industry endorsed, as written in this policy?

The program professional learning communities (PLCs) have determined what content-specific industry-endorsed certifications will meet the requirements set in the policy. Industry-endorsed certificates are listed on the local program renewal sheet.

When and how do students receive their certificates?

The certificate of completion is printed at each campus and distributed locally. There is a standard template available for campuses to use. Students who meet the requirements for the graduate certificate or graduate certificate with distinction will receive their formal certificate in the mail along with a congratulatory letter from the Superintendent. A spreadsheet has been developed for campuses to submit each month to Melyssa Lynch. The District Administration Office will send these certificates.

Who participates in the graduation ceremonies?

Students who meet the requirements for one of the above three paths can walk in the ceremony. If they do not meet these criteria, they are not a completer or graduate. Ideally, this student would be returning to finish their training next year. If a student plans to return in the fall to finish their training and will meet the requirements by September 30 of the following school year, then they can participate in the ceremony. They will not receive their certificate until they have met the criteria. If a student has been suspended during their enrolled hours, the campus leadership committee will determine if the student participates in the ceremony. If a student drops from Kiamichi Tech, they will not participate in the graduation ceremony.

What will students receive at the ceremony?

All students participating in the graduation ceremony will receive a certificate cover when they cross the stage. Graduates with distinction will also receive (and keep) a silver and white honor cord.

How does this policy affect how we track follow-up?

It does not change follow-up definitions, or the way follow-up as currently been completed.

Resource: See Appendix B for ODCTE completion code definitions.

Does this policy affect program performance standards?

No, because program performance standards are based on completion data from follow-up.

How do instructors/campuses track graduation requirements?

A graduate tracking report has been added to SAS. Additionally, each campus has a spreadsheet to track CTSO participation and community service in their Teams account.

Will students who are pulled out for academic courses be able to be a graduate or graduate with distinction?

Yes. As long as the student completes their plan of study and meets the requirements set by the policy, they will be a graduate and participate in the graduation ceremony.

How will graduation supplies and ceremonies be paid for?

The District Administration Office will purchase:

• Graduation/completer certificate cover

• Certificates for Kiamichi Tech Graduate and Kiamichi Tech Graduate with Distinction

Campuses are responsible for:

• Printing the Certificate of Completion

• Purchasing graduation gowns

• Purchasing honor cords for Kiamichi Tech Graduate with Distinction (district-facilitated order, purchased from campus activity fund)

• Supplies and materials for ceremonies

Resource: Graduation ceremony planning worksheet (example, all campuses have a version in Teams)

Can students wear honor cords/stoles from other entities (partner schools, Choctaw Nation, etc.) in our graduation ceremonies?

Yes, since we ask our partner schools to allow them to wear their Tech honor cords, we want to reciprocate. Additionally, state law now allows students to wear tribal regalia in graduation ceremonies, so our students can do so in our ceremonies, as well.