AB 104
-19The California Department of Education is well aware of how overcoming the challenges of COVID-19 has felt like running into a brick wall for many students. Under Assembly Bill (AB) 104, which went into effect on July 1, 2021, students are eligible for relief from the havoc the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked on their academic progress and graduation credits.
Interim Retention Process: Education Code section 48071 provides that students enrolled in grades K-11 during the 2020-21 school year who have received deficient grades (D,F or no pass) for at least one-half of the pupil’s coursework in the 2020–21 academic year are eligible for retention. Parents or guardians or students over 18 may request retention. This policy does not apply to the 2020-21 senior class. Requests for retention can only be made within the 2021-22 school year.
Grade Changes: Education Code 49066.5 Any students enrolled in high school in 2020-21 school year can have any letter grades changed to Pass (from ABC or D) or No Pass (instead of F) on their transcripts. This will not negatively impact their grade point averages nor impact their eligibility for athletics or other extracurricular activities. The grade change application (available here) must be submitted by August 31, 2021 to their school by their parent/guardian (if they are under 18). Students 18 and over can submit their own applications. It is a requirement of the legislation that the student or parent/guardian be informed within 15 days that the grade change has been made. (Note that some colleges will not accept Pass or No Pass for admission purposes but many will, including many within the UC and CSU systems and private universities. See the list here.)
Local Graduation Requirements Exemption: Education Code 51225 was amended by AB 104. It establishes an interim graduation exemption process applicable to students who were in enrolled in their third or fourth year of high school during 2020-21 and not on track to graduate in four years, based on their school’s requirements. No action is required; students and/or parents will be contacted by the school if they qualify for this process.
If you need more information about how to apply for retention or need to submit your application for a grade change, reach out to Andrea Klein or Tisha Middleton.
Interim Retention Process: Education Code section 48071 provides that students enrolled in grades K-11 during the 2020-21 school year who have received deficient grades (D,F or no pass) for at least one-half of the pupil’s coursework in the 2020–21 academic year are eligible for retention. Parents or guardians or students over 18 may request retention. This policy does not apply to the 2020-21 senior class. Requests for retention can only be made within the 2021-22 school year.
Grade Changes: Education Code 49066.5 Any students enrolled in high school in 2020-21 school year can have any letter grades changed to Pass (from ABC or D) or No Pass (instead of F) on their transcripts. This will not negatively impact their grade point averages nor impact their eligibility for athletics or other extracurricular activities. The grade change application (available here) must be submitted by August 31, 2021 to their school by their parent/guardian (if they are under 18). Students 18 and over can submit their own applications. It is a requirement of the legislation that the student or parent/guardian be informed within 15 days that the grade change has been made. (Note that some colleges will not accept Pass or No Pass for admission purposes but many will, including many within the UC and CSU systems and private universities. See the list here.)
Local Graduation Requirements Exemption: Education Code 51225 was amended by AB 104. It establishes an interim graduation exemption process applicable to students who were in enrolled in their third or fourth year of high school during 2020-21 and not on track to graduate in four years, based on their school’s requirements. No action is required; students and/or parents will be contacted by the school if they qualify for this process.
If you need more information about how to apply for retention or need to submit your application for a grade change, reach out to Andrea Klein or Tisha Middleton.
