The Londonderry School Board had a first reading for a proposed policy related to alternative credit options during its most recent meeting.
It was noted by High School Principal, Rick Barnes, that it’s a policy required by law.
In the memo he stated that the policy “provides broad language to support students earning credits through alternative methods outside of the classroom.”
“It also indicates how the board will direct the superintendent to establish regulations and procedures in support of this policy,” he wrote.
Barnes said one of the key pieces as part of the proposed policy is giving them the ability to set limits for the number of credits that can be accepted.
“This policy gives us the authority to set limits,” he said.
As part of the proposed policy, it states that credit “may be earned through alternative methods outside of regular classroom-based instruction offered by the district schools.”
It also states that the awarding of credits going towards high school graduation “will be determined by the high school principal,” and that it will only be granted if the request fulfill certain requirements including if the “request is submitted with a plan to achieve competency that meets or exceeds the rigorous academic standards required by the school for students enrolled in a credit course offered by the school.”
Other requirements include the need for the plan to include “clear expectations for performance.”
Another requirement is for the plan to include “clearly defined methods and expectations for assessment,” as well as “Verification of the plan’s merit can be evaluated in a timely fashion and does not cause unnecessary burden of the resources of the administration.”
“The Board encourages increased educational options for hospitalized or homebound students, dropouts, suspended or expelled students, young athletes, or other atypical students for whom regular classrooms are not practical or effective,” the proposed policy states. ” It is hoped that such offerings will serve as a motivator for students with different learning styles.”
It also states as part of the proposed policy that “Students earning credit via alternative methods will participate in all assessments required by the statewide education improvement and assessment program.”
As part of the policy, it also states that the Board “directs the Superintendent to establish regulations and procedures for implementing this policy,” including the following:
- Definitions of allowable alternative learning opportunities
- Reasonable limits on the number of approved alternative courses that can be administered each school year, both school-wide and per student
- The number of alternative credits each student may use toward graduation requirements
Application and approval process
- Criteria for determining which requests satisfy a particular subject area requirement
- Identification of person(s) responsible for approval, supervision, and monitoring progress
- Requirements that alternative opportunities meet the same rigorous academic outcomes as traditional classroom delivery
- Assurance of student safety including physical and technological
Assurance of equal access for all students
- Assurance that approved alternative learning opportunities are consistent with all policies of this board.
The procedure will be made available to the public.
The proposed policy goes on to state that “It is the policy of the Board that alternative methods for the awarding of credit may include: - Competency testing in lieu of enrollment under the provisions of Board policy ILBAA
- Interdisciplinary credit
- Satisfactory completion of course requirements at: an approved school under the provisions of Board policy IK; an approved home education program(seeBoard policies IKan NH Dept. of Education Rule Ed 315).
- Demonstration of mastery of required coursework and material, pursuant to Board policy IK.
- Online/virtual learning opportunities under the provisions of Board policy IMBA
- College Credit, including credit earned through Dual and/or Concurrent Enrollment under Board policy IHCD
- Early Graduation under Board policy IKFA
- 7th and 8th grade coursework meeting the standards of Board policy IMBD
“If a student demonstrates knowledge and abilities on a placement pre-test developed by the school district for a particular course, the student shall not receive credit for the course, but shall be allowed to take a more advanced level of the subject or an elective,” the proposed policy states.
In terms of funding, the proposed policy states “unless otherwise recommended by the Superintendent and approved by the Board, under ordinary circumstances students or their parents/guardians are responsible for all related expenses including tuition and textbooks.”
“The District may pay the fee for expelled students who are permitted to take courses in alternative settings. If paid by the District and the course is not completed, the student must reimburse the district for the expenses,” the proposed policy states.
The School Board unanimously approved sending the policy to a second reading.