Wake County Schools outlines state arts credit requirement and new diploma endorsement

Wake County Public School System staff told the Student Achievement Committee that North Carolina now requires students who entered sixth grade in 2022'23 to complete one full state-recognized arts course between grades 6 and 12, and described how the district will implement a new state arts diploma endorsement.

The district presentation explained why the change matters: the arts credit is now part of the elective credits that count toward the state'required 22 graduation credits, and the new endorsement recognizes deeper arts proficiency through coursework and extracurricular engagement.

Dr. Wilson Norman, opening the agenda item, said the district considers arts education a core component of a well'rounded education and tied the initiative to Wake County Schools' strategic plan priorities. Mr. Turpin (arts department staff) summarized the state'level details: "Students must complete the full standard course of study in the arts course in order to fulfill the requirement. So partial courses or exposure courses ... do not meet that state law." He added the law includes a single exemption for students who transfer into the public school system from out of state after grade 9 if taking the course would prevent them from graduating with their cohort.

On the endorsement, Mr. Turpin said the arts proficiency endorsement became law during the 2024 General Assembly session and is reflected in a State Board of Education pilot policy. To qualify, students must complete a minimum of four courses aligned to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (these may include AP or IB arts courses), maintain a 3.0 GPA across those four courses, and complete 40 hours of arts-related extracurricular activities between grades 9 and 12. Those extracurricular hours must be documented and approved by a teacher and counselor and include a short student reflection, he said. "They also have to document their activities and write a short reflection, and they must be submitted through their school teacher and their counselor to ensure authenticity and thoughtful participation," Mr. Turpin said.

Committee members asked how the district will support current seniors and students who did not contemporaneously document extracurricular hours. Mr. Turpin said the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) provides a form that lets students retroactively document hours; a sponsor or adviser can sign off and the school teacher can approve the submission. He also noted the state will not be able to add a digital badge this year; the digital badge will be available next year. District staff said they will set an internal date (March was mentioned during the meeting) to collect submissions so seniors can receive the endorsement on this year's diplomas.

Board members asked how broadly arts courses are defined. Mr. Turpin said North Carolina currently recognizes dance, music, theater and visual arts as arts areas identified in course codes; a course must meet the full arts standard course of study to count. For questions about a specific course, students should ask their teacher or contact Mr. Turpin.

District supports described during the presentation include aligning local course catalogs to state standards, offering professional development for arts teachers through professional learning communities, providing district guidance on scheduling and curriculum materials, and collaborating with community partners. Mr. Turpin highlighted a partnership with the North Carolina Museum of Art that enabled a district exhibit of student work and provided free professional development opportunities for arts educators.

Staff said they have worked with high school arts department chairs to build an approved list of extracurricular activities that count for the 40-hour requirement. The activities were grouped into performing arts (rehearsals, performances, private lessons, mentoring, community events), visual arts (exhibitions, competitions, community projects, assisting art shows), and general arts engagement (workshops, internships, technical roles such as lighting and set design). Staff told the committee that community-based activities can count if they meet the approved criteria and are documented.

District presenters said about 93'94% of Wake County students already complete the course requirement, and that the endorsement is mandatory for public schools but optional for charter schools. They also previewed a forthcoming five'year fine-arts framework the district plans to present in spring; staff said the framework will focus on investing in human and physical resources, aligning resources and leadership, educating stakeholders on the value of arts, and maximizing student opportunities. Staff said they will return with additional details and an adoption request for the plan.

The presentation concluded with staff committing to targeted communications for students, families and principals, and to provide guidance and timelines so eligible seniors can document prior activities for the endorsement.

Ending: District staff said they will circulate the approved activities list and continue outreach to principals, counselors, arts teachers and families so students who qualify, including current seniors, can be identified and certified for the endorsement.