Board of Education Agenda Abstract

Meeting Date: April 7, 2011 Agenda Type: Discussion and Action Agenda Item #: 6f Subject: Approval of Recommended Revisions to Policy 3101 Options to Earn Course Credits
for Graduation on 1st Reading Division: Person Responsible: Instructional Services Denise Bowling, Rodney Trice Department: Feedback Requested From: Technology and Instruction Secondary counselors, Board Policy Committee

Public Hearing Required: Previous Work Session Previous Discussion and Action

No No No

Date Date

Attachment(s): Revised Policy 3101 Options to Earn Course Credits for Graduation PURPOSE: To gain approval of recommended revisions to Policy 3101 Options to Earn Course Credits for Graduation. BACKGROUND: The policy was reviewed for alignment to the new guidelines for enrollment in NC Virtual Public School (VPS) courses. During that review, additional revisions were made to improve the organization and clarity of the policy. The revisions were reviewed by the Board Policy Committee members. Revisions are noted in strikethrough and underline. Required new language is noted by italics. Page 1, Section A, #2. This number was added to align with State Board Policy GCS-M-001. In preparing for the revisions to this policy and Policy 3460 Graduation Requirements, we reviewed State Board Policy GCS-M-001 Course for Credit. The italized section below is a requirement in this State Board Policy.

The following courses, including the honors versions, must be taken at the high school (middle school as indicated) the student attends. These courses can be taken through NCVPS, as allowed by the local Board, since NCVPS is a NC Public School. English I, II, III, IV Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and any higher level mathematics course with Algebra II as the prerequisite that will be used to fulfill the fourth mathematics requirement or Integrated Mathematics I, II, III. (May be taken at middle school) Biology, Earth/Environmental Science, and a physical science course that is used to fulfill the third science requirement Civics & Economics, US History, World History First year of World Language or second year of the same language (may be taken at the middle school) Healthful Living

The impact of the State policy in combination with the local guidelines for enrollment in NC VPS courses would be for students who want to enroll in courses specifically required for graduation during the summer or in addition to their regular course load in order to accelerate. The revised local guidelines for enrollment in NC VPS courses exclude courses available at the students high school. Since it would be rare for one of the required courses not to be available at one of our high schools, students are limited to taking the required courses at their school or another NC public high school. Based on previous enrollment data (2009-10), Geometry was the only required graduation course with a large enrollment. The total enrollment in Geometry for both semesters and summer was 33. Realizing the impact of this requirement, we contacted Dr. Angela Quick, Deputy Chief Academic Officer for DPI. She confirmed that the courses listed above (and the honors versions) must be taken at the students school or through another NC public school, including NC VPS. Dr. Quick said a district only could request a waiver from the State Board if the district cannot offer the course. At the time (March 3rd) the Board approved the new guidelines for enrollment in NC VPS courses, the local policy stated that students have the option to enroll in any non-EOC course through other approved providers. This was noted in the March 3rd abstract.

Additional recommended revisions: Page 2, #4: The first revision changes the reporting from the Curriculum Management Coordinating Committee to the Board. We feel this is more appropriate for keeping the Board up to date. The current list will be available to the public on the policy regulations. The second revision is a requirement in State Board Policy. The final revision was made to add clarity in the approval process for providers. Page 2, #s 8-11 and page 3 #s 15-16: The revisions were made to provide clarity in responsibility for enrollment.

o Page 3, # 18: The policy actually applies to high school courses not just high school students. o Pages 3-4, Section B, #1-2: This section was revised to align with the Board action on March 3rd concerning enrollment guidelines for NCVPS courses. o Page 4, Section C: The information in this section is required. o Pages 5-7: The revisions were made for clarity. The italized language on page 6, #2c is required. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The policy revisions include the revised guidelines for enrollment in NCVPS courses approved by the Board at the March 3rd meeting. Although the State has not finalized the cost structure for NCVPS courses, the guidelines were approved for cost savings. PERSONNEL IMPACT: None RECOMMENDATION: RESOLUTION: Approval of the resolution Be it, therefore, resolved that the Board of Education approves the revisions to Policy 3101 Options to Earn Course Credits for Graduation.

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Options to Earn Course Credits for Graduation

Policy Code: 3101

In support of Board Policy 3100, Curriculum Development, and the Board's encouragement of expanded curriculum development, the following board requirements are adopted for students enrolled in the school district who also wish to enroll in classes taught by a college, university, community college, or other approved entity, or to take online or independent study courses. Approval of alternative options to earn course credits may be requested for credit recovery, fulfillment of graduation requirements, courses not available at our high schools, and/or for acceleration. A. General Requirements The superintendent shall develop procedures and requirements for awarding high school credit toward graduation for courses addressed by this policy. 1. Credit towards graduation shall be granted only for courses that are consistent with policies and standards of the school district and State Board requirements, including the requirements of State Board policy GCS HSP-M-001, Course for Credit. 2. The following courses, including the honors versions, must be taken at the high school or middle school where indicated. They may not be taken through alternative course providers except as the local Board policy allows for NC Virtual Public School (NCVPS): English I, II, III, IV Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and any higher level mathematics course with Algebra II as the prerequisite that will be used to fulfill the fourth mathematics requirement or Integrated Mathematics I, II, III. (May be taken at middle school) Biology, Earth/Environmental Science, and a physical science course that is used to fulfill the third science requirement Civics & Economics, US History, World History First year of World Language or second year of the same language (may be taken at the middle school) Healthful Living 3. To receive credit toward high school graduation, the provider from which the course is offered must provide such essential information as is generally included in official transcripts of school records. In the case of independent study credit, it will be the responsibility of the designated teacher to provide the information. This information includes: a. identification of content of subject matter covered; b. expected time required to complete course objectives; c. the student's achievement or performance level in the course; and d. a syllabus that includes course goals, objectives, course activities, and grade requirements must be provided.

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4. Approval of alternative option providers and/or independent study options will be based upon the criteria developed by the Curriculum Management Coordinating Committee (CMCC). Alternative option providers, excluding online options, must be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or the regional counterpart. Online learning providers must have approval by NCVPS. for approving independent study, online courses, and dual enrollment courses. All providers must be approved by the Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services and reported to the Curriculum Management Coordinating Committee. Approved providers will be listed in the Policy Regulations 3101-R. Schools may request approval by the Assistant Superintendent for additional providers. Parents may request approval of additional providers through the principal who will forward the request to the Assistant Superintendent. 5. The course must be approved in advance of the students enrollment by the principal in consultation with the appropriate instructional services staff. Prior to granting approval, the principal shall determine whether the course qualifies for credit toward graduation in accordance with procedures and requirements developed by the district. 6. The parent or guardian of the student must give permission for enrollment in an alternative option course and the student must complete any forms required by the school district. 7. Except as provided elsewhere in this policy, all fees, charges, and transportation required of the student are the responsibility of the student and the parent or guardian. The district will be responsible only for the costs of online courses available through the schools. 8. Enrollment of a student in an alternative option course, including a university, college course, or a dual enrollment course or online course is the responsibility of the student and his/her parent or guardian. 9. School counselors will ensure that students enroll in appropriate NCVPS courses and provide guidance on enrolling in other options to earn course credit for graduation. 10. The school Online Learning Facilitator is responsible for coordinating the enrollment, monitoring progress, and administering tests for students enrolled in North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) course. 11. The Career Development Coordinator (CDC) is responsible for coordinating the enrollment of students in courses at community colleges through the Huskins Bill . 12. The school Online Learning Facilitator is responsible for supervising testing for students enrolled in approved online courses as required by the provider. 13. The school Online Learning Facilitator is responsible for supervising students enrolled in school-based credit recovery courses.

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14. A highly-qualified teacher is responsible for supervision, instructional support, and assessing learning for students enrolled in independent study. 15. Students may not enroll in alternate options for courses that require an End-of-Course (EOC) test unless the curriculum is the NC Standard Course of Study. If students enroll in such a course they are required to take the EOC test immediately after having completed the semester-long, year-long, or summer course and score at level 3 or above to meet the high school exit standard. The principal must notify the district testing coordinator at the time of enrollment so that testing materials will be available. The approved alternative options (providers) are listed in Policy Regulations 3101-R. 16. Students can enroll in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses through dual enrollment at community colleges that are not offered at a high school in the district. If the course has a VoCATs test, the student will be required to take the test at their high school upon completion of the course. The CDC must notify the district testing coordinator at the time of enrollment so that testing materials will be available. 17. High school credit, grade, grade point average, and class rank will be awarded in accordance with state and local procedures and requirements (Local Board policies 3400, 3450, and 3460; State Board policy GCS-L-004). 18. The alternative options to earn course credits described in this policy are limited to high school courses. students. If parents/guardians of middle school students would like their child to enroll in a high school course for which the student has met the prerequisites, they must request prior approval from the principal. Middle school students who take high school courses for which there is an EOC test are required to take that test and score a Level III or above to receive high school credit. The principal must notify the district testing coordinator at the time of enrollment so that testing materials will be available. The grade received for a high school course completed in middle school will not be used in the calculation of the students high school grade point average.

B.

North Carolina Virtual Public School The superintendent shall develop procedures and requirements consistent with State Board of Education policy and this policy for students enrolling in the North Carolina Virtual Public School or in Learn and Earn Online Courses available through the UNC system and/or community colleges. To the extent these courses are made available, they shall be provided at no cost to the student or the students family.

The following procedures apply to enrollment in NC VPS courses during the academic year and during the summer. Students are considered high school beginning with the summer prior to ninth grade.

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1.

High school students may take a NCVPS course as part of their academic course load (six/seven courses) or in addition to their academic course load. High school students enroll in no more than eight (8) courses per academic year (regular instructional year) during the regular academic year if, including NCVPS courses. High school students may enroll in one NCVPS course during the summer. Enrollment requires prior approval by the principal. High school students may request to enroll in NCVPS courses for the following reasons: the course is not offered at the students high school; the course is offered at the school but is not available in the specific year; the course resolves an unavoidable scheduling conflict; the student learns more effectively in an online setting, including the need for credit recovery; or the course satisfies the Health course requirement for students who began 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in 2011-12. Middle school students may take a NCVPS high school course if the principal gives prior approval because the course is required to continue a sequence in math or world languages or the course is needed to fulfill the Individual Differentiated Education Plan (IDEP); and the course is not available at the school in the specific year. Schools will administer End-of-Course (EOC) tests, VoCATs tests, or Advanced Placement examinations for students enrolled in NCVPS courses. Students are required to take the appropriate tests. Students taking a NCVPS summer course must take any associated EOC/VoCATs test at their home school during the designated August EOC test administration. Rising 9th grade students enrolled in NCVPS summer courses will take the EOC/VoCATs test at the high school they will attend the following year. Access to a computer and Internet access outside of the school day should not be a limitation for students who wish to take advantage of NCVPS courses.

2.

3.

4.

C.

Learn and Earn Online Courses A student enrolling in Learn and Earn Online courses through a community college to earn college credit must: 1. be enrolled in a North Carolina public school or have completed all high school graduation requirement in a North Carolina public school throughout the duration of the online course; 2. be enrolled in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12; 3. meet the prerequisites, co-requisites and course admission requirements at the time of enrollment; and 4. meet State eligibility requirements.

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A student who meets the community colleges curriculum program requirements effective at the time of his or her enrollment may be awarded a certificate, diploma and/or degree upon completion of that program.

D.

Other Concurrent (or Dual) Enrollment in Post-Secondary Institutions In addition to the general requirements in Section A of this policy, students not participating in an early college or middle college program may enroll concurrently in appropriate courses in a post-secondary institution of higher education (college, university, or community college) and the local high school under these conditions: 1. Student Eligibility a. b. Students must be at least 16 years of age at the time of enrollment. Students must be recommended by the principal of their high schools and, for students enrolled in a community college, approved by the president of the college. Students must meet the same prerequisite and course admission requirements as adult students. Students may enroll only in courses required for graduation that are not available at the students school of attendance or offered at another school within the school district. The principal of the high school must certify that the student will be enrolled in high school courses for at least one-half of the school day and is making appropriate progress toward graduation. For courses offered in the summer, students must have been enrolled in high school courses for at least one-half of their school day during the preceding year and must be making appropriate progress towards graduation. For purposes of this policy, adequate progress towards graduation means that the student has passed the minimum number of credits required each year to meet graduation requirements The student must meet State eligibility requirements.

c. d.

e.

f. 2.

Course Credit a. College credit may be awarded to high school students upon successful completion of each course in accordance with the policies and requirements of the college. High school credit, grade, grade point average, and class rank will be awarded in accordance with state and local procedures and requirements.

b.

3.

Expenses

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Students are responsible for payment of tuition, fees, transportation and other costs incidental to their enrollment in a post-secondary institution except to the extent that state law waives tuition for certain categories of students or classes taken at a community college. Even when tuition is waived, textbooks, materials, fees, and supply costs, or other charges not classified as tuition for courses taken at a community college remain the responsibility of the student. High school students are exempt from paying tuition for courses (except continuing education courses) taken at a community college. E. Courses Offered through Cooperative Agreement with Community College (Huskins Bill Program Courses) The superintendent is authorized to enter annually into a cooperative agreement with the local community college(s) to allow high school students to enroll in college level courses as part of their regular high school course of study. Such agreements shall comply with the requirements of the State Board of Education and the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. 1. Student Eligibility a. Students must be in grade 9, 10, 11, or 12 and be recommended for enrollment by the principal of the high school. b. Students must meet the same prerequisite and course admission requirements as adult college students. 2. Course Credit a. The award of college credit to high school students upon successful completion of each course will be in accordance with the policies and requirements of the local community college. b. High school credit, grade, grade point average, and class rank will be awarded in accordance with state and local procedures and requirements. c. If the student exceeds the college absent policy, he/she will not be eligible for college credit. 3. Expenses High school students are exempt from paying tuition for Huskins Program courses taken through the local community college. Textbooks, materials, fees and supply costs will be provided by the school district. Transportation will be provided at no cost to students. 4. Course Eligibility a. The superintendent shall authorize appropriate staff to work with the local community college to determine Huskins Program course offerings. Course offerings may be limited based on availability of State funding. b. Students may enroll only in courses that are not otherwise available in any district high school. c. Developmental (remedial) courses will not be offered.

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d. Students with Special Needs The school district and the local community college will collaboratively determine the accommodation to be provided by each entity to a student with special needs.

E.

Community College Enrollment of Intellectually Gifted and Mature Students under 16 Years of Age Intellectually gifted students under the age of 16 may enroll in a community college under the following conditions: 1. Student Eligibility c. The student must be identified as intellectually gifted and having the maturity to justify admission to the community college; d. The student must receive written recommendation and approval from the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction; e. The student must meet course prerequisites and state-designated criteria for aptitude and achievement test scores; and f. The community college president must approve the students enrollment. 2. Expenses Students enrolled under this section will pay required tuition, fees, transportation and any other costs incidental to their enrollment. 3. Credit High school credit, grade, grade point average, and class rank will be awarded in accordance with state and local procedures and requirements. 4. Other a. Students are not eligible to enroll in occupational extension courses. b. Students under the age of 15 must be accompanied at all times when on the community college campus by a parent , guardian, or another adult whom the parent or guardian has consented to and has designated in writing.

Legal References: G.S. 115C-36, -47, -81; 115D-1.1, -1.2, -5(b), -20(4); 16 NCAC 6D.0503; 23 NCAC 2C.0305; State Board of Education Policy GCS HSP-F-016; GCS HSP-L-004; GCS HSP-M-001; GCS HSP-N-004; GCS HSP-T-000 Cross References: Curriculum Development (Policy 3100), Time for Learning (policy 3300), Student Evaluations (Policy3400), Class Rankings (Policy 3450), Graduation Requirements (Policy 3460), Extracurricular Activities, Co-curricular Activities, and Student Organizations (policy 3620), Attendance (policy 4400)

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Adopted: Revised: June 6, 2002, November 3, 2005, October 25, 2007, December 20, 2007, May 20, 2010