Skill Building
KUSD High School Competency Diploma (Graduation Test)
What is Skill Building?
Skill Building helps students who want to graduate through Kenosha Unified School District’s Competency Diploma option. Students work independently at their own pace with help from the teachers to complete all requirements. Students also study, review and prepare to take the
graduation test. Students may make a schedule to suit their needs. To be successful Skill Building students must attend regularly, work hard and study.
What is the High School Competency Diploma?
It is an alternate way to graduate for students who meet all requirements and pass the Iowa
Tests of Educational Development (ITED). With this diploma graduates can go to college, join
the military or go directly to work. However, the diploma may not be accepted by all colleges, trade schools, apprenticeship programs or branches of the military.
How does the program work?
Students ages 17 and over who are credit deficient will meet with their counselors to determine
credit status and feasibility of graduating by earning credits. Students are required to attend school, study for the test and complete all prerequisites. Students who attend school for test preparation
will be subject to all classroom, school and District policies.
What are the requirements?
- You must have earned credit for Health, Consumer Education or Economics and Government and Politics.
- Score a 4 on the 10th grade WKCE Writing Test or score a 3 on the WorkKeys Business Writing Test
- Complete Employability Skills requirement
- A resident of Kenosha Unified School District
When are the tests given?
The graduation test is given four times a year: September, December, March and June.
The WorkKeys writing test is given in November, February, May and July.
Is there a graduation ceremony?
There is a Competency Diploma graduation ceremony. You will receive information about this
when you have met all requirements.
What does the diploma look like?
It is similar to a high school diploma, but it is awarded by the District, rather than a high school.
How early can students graduate?
You will not be allowed to graduate before your cohort year. Students in the current cohort may take
the March test. Then you will take any tests you failed in June.
What happens if I fail a test?
You may retake any test you fail until you are 21. Study Study Study. You may study in the Skill
Building classroom.
How much does it cost?
There is a scoring fee of $6.00 each time you take a graduation test. There is a $10.00 scoring fee
for the pencil/paper version of the writing test. There is a $20.00 scoring fee for the computerized version of the writing test.
Miscellaneous Information
The entire test takes about 6 hours and is done in two afternoons.
Do not bring electronic devices in to the testing area.
You must present a valid Wisconsin driver’s license or Wisconsin identification card that includes your photograph, legal name, birth date, address and signature.
All testing fees must be paid in full prior to taking the tests.
Questions?
Talk to Heidi Buss (Tremper), Lee Dougherty (Reuther and Indian Trail) , or Lee Gonzales (Bradford),
in room 260 at Reuther Central High School or call 359-6162.