What is the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma (GSSMD)?
Assembly Bill 3488, approved in July 1996, called for the development of the GSSMD to recognize public school graduates who have demonstrated their mastery of the high school curriculum in designated content areas.
Why were GSSMD regulations proposed and adopted in spring 2004?
Education Code Section 51452 identified the Golden State Examination (GSE) as the means by which students could demonstrate their mastery of the high school curriculum and earn the GSSMD. Later, Assembly Bill 1266, Chapter 573, Statutes of 2003, repealed the GSE program. Education Code Section 51452 also stated that the State Board of Education (SBE) could designate other subject-matter examinations deemed appropriately rigorous as the means by which students could demonstrate their mastery of the high school curriculum. In order to continue the GSSMD, the SBE proposed regulations to allow the use of specified California Standards Test (CST) scaled scores, previously earned GSE results, or a combination of the two to qualify for the GSSMD. Those regulations were adopted at the March 2004 SBE meeting and became effective April 22, 2004. Regulations are available for viewing on the California Regulations Web Site (Outside Source).
How do students now qualify for the GSSMD?
To be eligible for the GSSMD, students (1) must be receiving a high school diploma from their district; and (2) must have earned a scaled score of 370 or above on six qualifying CSTs. Results from specified CSTs students have taken in previous years may be used. When using CST results, students must have earned a scaled score of 370 or above. * When using GSE results, students must have earned a performance level of recognition, honors, or high honors.† The six examinations must include the grade 11 CST for History–Social Science (U.S. history), one English–language arts exam, one mathematics exam, one science exam, and two exams of the student’s choice.
Detailed eligibility requirements are available on the GSSMD Web page.
*The CSTs for General Mathematics, Algebra I, Integrated Mathematics 1, and Grade 10 Life Science
may not be used to qualify for the GSSMD.
†The GSE was last administered in 2003. Students graduating in 2008 and beyond would most likely not have GSE results.
Which CSTs may be used to qualify for the GSSMD?
Students may use qualifying scaled scores from the following CSTs:
- English–Language Arts (ELA): grades 9, 10, and 11
- Mathematics: Algebra II, Geometry, Summative High School Mathematics, and
Integrated Mathematics 2 and 3 - Science: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, and Integrated Science 1, 2, 3, and 4
- History–Social Science: World History and grade 11 U.S. History
May GSE results still be used to qualify for the GSSMD?
GSSMD recipients will usually meet eligibility requirements on the basis of qualifying CST results; however, qualifying GSE scores received prior to the repeal of the GSE in 2003 may still be used. The GSE was last administered in 2003. Students graduating in 2008 and beyond would most likely not have GSE results.
May students use results from three CSTs for ELA (or three CSTs for Mathematics or three CSTs for Science) to qualify for the GSSMD?
Yes. Students must earn a qualifying scaled score on the grade 11 CST for History–Social Science, one CST for ELA, one CST for Mathematics, and one CST for Science. After qualifying on these four exams, students may use qualifying scaled scores from any other eligible exams, including two other CSTs for ELA (or two CSTs for Mathematics or two CSTs for Science).
May the World History CST, formerly known as the grade 10 World History CST, be used to meet the history exam requirement?
No. Education Code Section 51451(b) specifically cites United States history as one of the subject-matter requirements. However, a student's results on the CST for World History may be counted toward the GSSMD as one of the two exams of his or her choice.
What will eligible students receive?
For each eligible senior, school districts and charter schools will receive two GSSMD insignias: a gold embossed insignia to be affixed to the student’s high school diploma and a black-and-white insignia to be affixed to the student’s transcript (Education Code Section 51453 [b]).
In response to multiple requests from districts, the California Department of Education (CDE) now provides the GSSMD insignias in a smaller size, one-inch in diameter, to better accommodate the size of high school diplomas.Do students apply for the GSSMD?
Individual students do not apply to the state for the GSSMD.Each school district or charter school that confers high school diplomas is required per Education Code sections 51450–55 to maintain appropriate records in order to identify eligible students who have earned a GSSMD and to affix the appropriate insignia to the diploma and transcript for each qualifying student. School districts and charter schools submit the Insignia Request Forms for eligible students.
How do school districts and charter schools identify students and obtain insignias?
Each year the CDE provides an identification and request packet to assist school districts/charter schools The packet is also available on the CDE Standardized Testing and Reporting Program Web page.
The packet currently consists of an information letter and the following documents:
- Eligibility Requirements for the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma
- Certification of Award Summary Sheet
- Insignia Request Form
When is the deadline for submitting the Insignia Request Form to the CDE?
There is no deadline for submitting the Insignia Request Form to the CDE; however, the form should be sent far enough in advance of the first graduation ceremony date in the district to allow time for the CDE to process the request and for district staff to place the insignias on the diplomas. Districts should receive insignias within two weeks from the date that CDE receives the request. The CDE will begin mailing requested insignias for current-year recipients in April.
Do school districts and charter schools need to send student records to the CDE?
No. Student information is not to be sent to the CDE. School districts and charter schools are to maintain the individual student information used to verify GSSMD eligibility. The only document to be submitted to CDE is the Insignia Request Form.
May school districts and charter schools request insignias for eligible graduates from previous years?
Yes. The verification process is the same as that used for current-year graduates. To request insignias, complete and submit an Insignia Request Form with the “Graduation Year” section showing the appropriate year of graduation. The “Graduation Date” section may be left blank. The form must be signed by the school district superintendent or charter school administrator.
More questions?
If you more general questions about the GSSMD, please contact the Standardized Testing and Reporting Office by phone at 916-445-8765 or by e-mail at star@cde.ca.gov.
