Credit Flexibility Information for Parents
by Christine Hoover
August 16, 2010
One of the newest parts of programming for all secondary students includes Credit Flexibility. This is part of former Governor Taft's reform policy for secondary education. It provides students in Ohio with alternative means of earning credits in addition to the traditional "time spent in classrooms" policy. It allows students to do alternative coursework, assessment, or performance to show proficiency or mastery for the awarding of credit. Newbury Local Schools' provisions for Credit Flexibility are described below. If there are any questions, please contact Mrs. Miller at 440 564-2281 ext. 129. A hard copy of the Credit Flexibility Policy may be obtained by contacting Mrs. Rutz in the Board Office (440-564-5501).
Newbury High School
REMEDIAL AND ADVANCED CREDIT
Remedial and Advanced Credit
The Board of Education realizes that an effective educational program is one that provides opportunities for student learning both within the classroom and for specific reasons beyond the traditional classroom and school day. These expanded opportunities are viewed as educational options to supplement the regular school program.
The intent of educational options is to allow educators, other professionals, parents and others to work together to provide opportunities for students to learn in an independent or individual setting and to study or work with recognized experts in specific fields. Educational options are seen as additional curricular opportunities to improve, expand and enrich student learning experiences and perspectives.
Credit Flexibility Policy
Credit Flexibility is any alternative coursework, assessment, or performance that demonstrates proficiency or proven ability for the awarding of equivalent graduation credit as approved by the school district.
Application
Any student and/or parent may submit an application for credit to be awarded to the student through Credit Flexibility on the district’s Credit Flexibility form. The process begins with a parent-student- counselor conference. Applications for the first semester of the 2010-2011 school year are due by July 1, 2010, and for the second semester by November 1, 2010, to allow time for processing.
Review of Application
The application will be reviewed by the Guidance Counselor, Principal (or designee), Mentor teacher, and an inter-disciplinary staff panel. Upon approval of a completed application, the student will proceed with the learning activity. Completion deadlines are May 1 for the first semester, and December 1 for the second semester.
Awarding Credit
The student will be eligible to receive credit upon satisfactory completion of the alternative coursework, assessment, or performance as required by the Principal (or designee) and reviewed by the staff panel.
- The total number of credits awarded is not limited.
- A single Carnegie Unit will be awarded for 120 hours engaged in learning as approved by the Principal (or designee). Carnegie Units may be awarded for intensive activities based on the equivalence to a 120 hour course or fractional units of ¼ , ½, or ¾ credit.
- The Principal (or designee) may award a Carnegie Unit or fraction of a unit for any assessment that denotes acceleration beyond any related course offered at Newbury High School.
- The student will be awarded a Carnegie Unit or equivalent fraction for credit that substitutes for required courses.
- Credits may be earned simultaneously for any number or variety of courses taken and completed.
- As approved, credit may be earned from other districts and other educational providers—including on-line providers.
- If a student transfers to Newbury from other districts without having completed credit approved by the other district, the Principal (or designee) will consider a new application for credit.
- Credits completed in another district before transfer to Newbury will count as graduation credits as awarded by the sending district.
- Tests or assessments used to determine advancement and course credits will be given annually in August and December so that scheduling may be completed for subsequent school year. If a test or other assessment is used, the student must score at least an 80% to receive credit. A student failing this level may not apply for a second attempt at the assessment until four months after the initial assessment. Any assessment may be attempted a maximum of two times.
Determining Grades
- All Credit Flexibility course credit will be reported as Pass/Fail unless the student chooses to be awarded a letter grade. Grades will not be weighted. The letter grade to be posted on the student transcript and included in calculation of the student’s G.P.A. will be awarded by the Principal (or designee) in consultation with the staff panel.
- If a student fails to complete the alternative coursework, activity, assessment, or performance within the time period specified in the application, the Principal (or designee) will revoke the proposed credit and may report a failing grade.
- The grade must be posted before the credit can count toward early graduation or graduation.
- If the student is not able to complete the credit due to illness with a medical excuse acceptable to the Principal (or designee), the Principal (or designee) may extend the time permitted or revise the requirements. If the student does not intend to complete the credit and there has been an illness or other good reason, the application may be revoked by the principal (or designee) without posting a failing grade.
- Should a student transfer to another district in Ohio, upon request of the student or parent, the district will forward a copy of the approved application to the new district for consideration.
Access
This policy does not prohibit access to on-line education, postsecondary options, educational options, or services from another district approved by the Board of Education.
