Overview
The A–G Requirements Report helps educators monitor student progress toward completing the 15 required college-preparatory courses needed for University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) eligibility.
These A–G requirements consist of 15 yearlong courses (A–G subject areas), all completed with a grade of C or better.
Data Source
This report is based on CALPADS course completion data, ensuring alignment with officially reported course records used for state and federal accountability.
What is “OnTrack”?
“OnTrack” is not an official metric defined by the State of California.
It is a locally defined indicator created within our system to provide an easy way to evaluate whether a student is progressing toward completing A–G requirements on time.
The goal of the OnTrack metric is to answer:
Is this student completing A–G coursework at a pace that will allow them to finish all 15 required courses by graduation?
How “OnTrack” is Calculated
The OnTrack indicator is based on the cumulative number of completed A–G yearlong courses by the end of each grade level, as reflected in CALPADS course completion records:
| Grade Level | OnTrack Criteria (Completed Yearlong A–G Courses) |
|---|---|
| 9th Grade | 4 courses completed |
| 10th Grade | 8 courses completed |
| 11th Grade | 11 courses completed |
| 12th Grade | 15 courses completed |
These thresholds reflect a pacing model aligned with UC/CSU expectations, where:
- Students must complete at least 11 of the 15 courses before senior year
- All 15 courses must be completed by graduation
Why This Matters
Tracking OnTrack status allows schools and districts to:
- Identify students who may fall behind A–G completion early
- Provide timely interventions (course planning, credit recovery, summer school, etc.)
- Ensure students remain eligible for postsecondary opportunities
Because the report uses CALPADS course completion data, it provides a consistent and standardized view of student progress across reporting cycles.
Without a pacing indicator like OnTrack, students may not realize they are off track until it is too late to recover before graduation.
Important Considerations
- OnTrack is a guidance tool, not a compliance measure from the state
- It does not replace official A–G eligibility rules
- While the report uses CALPADS data, timing of submissions and local data practices may affect completeness
- Local course structures (block schedules, integrated courses, etc.) may impact pacing
- Districts may choose to adjust thresholds based on local academic models
Summary
The OnTrack indicator provides a simple, proactive way to monitor A–G progress using CALPADS course completion data:
- Keeps students aligned with the 15-course requirement
- Emphasizes early and consistent completion
- Supports data-driven intervention
By using OnTrack alongside the A–G Requirements Report, educators can better support students in staying on the path to UC/CSU eligibility..