Batavia Local Schools

2011-2012

Credit Flexibility Requirements

2011-2012

Expanded Educational Opportunities for

High School Credit

Dear Current 8th – 11th Grade Parent/Guardian:

Through Ohio Senate Bill 311, the State Board of Education has adopted a plan that enables students to “earn units of high school credit based on demonstration of subject area competency, instead of or in combination with completing hours of classroom instruction.” This plan is referred to as “Credit Flexibility.”

The Batavia Local School District has developed a credit flexibility plan that will enable students to earn high school credit by:

· Completing coursework,

· Testing out of or demonstrating mastery of course content, or

· Pursuing one or more educational options in accordance with the District’s Credit Flexibility Plan, or

· Any combination of the above.

This plan goes into effect beginning with the 2011-2012 school year.

Please use the Credit Flexibility Requirements as a guide to understanding what options are available. Each option requires a different level of student independence to successfully complete the course work for credit. For this reason, all courses and students’ interest level should be carefully considered. Students interested in accessing Level 4 Credit Flexibility for 2011-2012 should detach and complete the Credit Flexibility Application and follow the requirements outlined on the timeline in this Handbook.

Students choosing to take advantage of this opportunity must complete the Batavia High School Credit Flexibility Application and submit it to Mrs. Cindy Jacobs, Gifted Coordinator, no later than April 1, 2011. All applicants will receive notification of approval within seven calendar day. Any student who applies after April 1 will not be eligible for the credit flexibility option during the 2011-2012 school year.

If you have any questions concerning Credit Flexibility or the application process, please contact Mrs. Cindy Jacobs at 732-2343 or . We welcome your questions and will be happy to guide your family through the process.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Cindy Jacobs

Gifted Coordinator

Batavia Local Schools

BATAVIA HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT FLEXIBILITY APPLICATION PROCESS

Steps for the application process:

1. Discuss possible credit flexibility plan with you counselor and parents.

2. Pick up, read, and complete the application packet. Application packets are available in the

guidance office.

3. Request course requirements from the guidance office. You will need these guidelines to help

you in completing the packet.

4. Request a copy of your transcripts to attach to the application.

5. Turn completed packet into Mrs. Jacobs at the Central Office.

6, Be prepared to attend a meeting to discuss your proposal or to re-submit it as necessary.

7. Once the course proposal is approved, the course must be completed as indicated by the

Credit Flexibility Panel. The course must be approved BEFORE you begin coursework.

8. You will have 3 days after final approval is given to drop the course.

9. April 1 is the deadline for submission of the application for all Level 4 Credit Flexibility

options.

Credit Flexibility Options Available at Batavia High School

Level One: Primarily Teacher Directed

· Traditional Carnegie Units: Please see the BHS Course Catalog

· Advanced Placement Classes

· Honors Classes

Level Two: Increased Student Independence

· Work Study

· Inter-District Classes

Level Three: Greater Student Direction and Independence (See Guidance Counselor for appropriate applications.)

· Online classes

§ Virtual Learning Academy

§ University of Kentucky Independent Study (correspondence courses)

NOTE: AP courses taken from an online provider must be audited and approved by The College Board. Students will have to provide proof of the audit and approval from The College Board in order to receive a weighted grade on their Batavia High School transcript.

· Physical Education Credit

· Post Secondary Education

Level Four: Completely Student-Driven (Batavia High School Credit Flexibility Application and timeline required)

· Mastery Assessment: The three components of Master Assessment are:

1. A paper/pencil test

2. A portfolio

3. A presentation to a panel consisting of teachers, administrators and other invited judges

Students wishing to access Master Assessment have 3 opportunities:

1. the last week of May,

2. the first week of September, and

3. the first week of January

Students must achieve a minimum score of 93% (with not rounding) on the paper/pencil test to be eligible for completion of the Master Assessment process.

Upon successfully completing the paper/pencil test, students will receive specific assignments for the Master Assessment Portfolio. They will then have until the next Master Assessment testing week to complete their portfolios. For example, students who score a 93% or better on the paper/pencil test in May will present their portfolios in September, etc. All portfolio presentations will be scheduled through the Credit Flexibility Panel.

Credit Master Assessment will be assigned based on the course content: 1 semester =.5 credit; 2 semester = 1 credit. Students may not select the Mastery Assessment option for only 1 semester of a 2 semester course.

NOTE: There will be no option for Mastery Assessment at Batavia High School for Advanced Placement courses or courses that require students to work collaboratively together to produce a final group outcome. Examples of this kind of course include performing groups (Band, Chorus) and courses that specifically deliver a team-based product (Journalism.)

· Individual Research, Independent Study, Internships, Community Service/Service Learning, Educational Travel, or Combination Opportunities: The Community Mentor Waiver and Acknowledgement form must be completed before beginning any of these options (see Appendix.)

Independent Study provides an opportunity to further explore subjects of special interest or that have been taken in the regular curriculum. Whether they are working on enrichment or advancement of skills and knowledge, students can expand their learning by connecting with resources both within and outside the High School. Examples of Independent Study include local immersion experiences in a foreign language, conducting a musical performance, or creating a book of original short stories or poetry. Students wishing to access Independent Study should find a staff member or community mentor willing to work with them and certify their learning.

· Other: Other options that may be considered for approval include:

· Certifications (lifeguard, CPR, etc.)

Mastery Assessment Flexible Credit Timeline

NOTE: Students who wish to sign up for any Credit Flexibility options must complete the Credit Flexibility Application (see end of this handbook.) Students intending to graduate early must apply through the Guidance Office by April 1 of their Junior year.

April 1 / Applications due
First week of April / Credit Flexibility Panel application evaluation (The Credit Flexibility Panel consists of content area specific teachers/supervisors, Administrators, and Credit Flexibility Advisor.) Student will be notified within 7 calendar days of approval of application for Credit Flexibility.
Last week of May / Mastery Assessment paper/pencil tests
First week of September / Presentation of Credit Flexibility projects/portfolios
Mastery Assessment paper/pencil tests
First week of January / Presentation of Credit Flexibility projects/portfolios
Mastery Assessment paper/pencil tests
Last week of May / Presentation of Credit Flexibility projects/portfolios
Mastery Assessment paper/pencil tests

Project Flexible Credit Timeline

April 1 / Applications due
First week of April / Credit Flexibility Panel application evaluation (The Credit Flexibility Panel consists of content area specific teachers/supervisors, Administrators, and Credit Flexibility Advisor.) Student will be notified within 7 calendar days of approval of application for Credit Flexibility.
May-August / Credit Flexibility Advisor meets with student to discuss their plans. Student creates Project Plan.
First week of September / Credit Flexibility Panel Plan review. After their review, the panel may make suggestions on how to improve/revise individual Project Plans. Students will then have three school days to revise their Project Plans according to the panel’s instructions.
September 15 / Revised Project Plan due
September 17 / Panel review of revised Project Plan
Last week of May / Presentation of Credit Flexibility projects/portfolios

Additional Information

Student Athletes

Students should speak with counselors and Credit Flexibility Advisors to evaluate the impact of accessing Credit Flexibility on athletic eligibility. Students must also sign and return the Credit Flexibility Athletic Waiver before beginning any Credit Flexibility option (see Appendix.)

· High School Athletics—To be eligible to play interscholastic high school sports, a student must be currently enrolled and must have been enrolled in school in five full credit courses during the immediately preceding grading period (semester, quarter, six-weeks, etc.) A student enrolled in Credit Flexibility courses must, at the conclusion of the high school’s grading period, be “passing” all Credit Flexibility courses used to establish athletic eligibility. The student may not yet have completed the courses, but it must be determined that the student was “passing” the course(s) at the time the grading period ended. If it is determined that the student is not passing, no credit toward the five credits (or equivalent) required for eligibility can be awarded.

· College Athletics—Students who anticipate continuing participation in sports at the college level should carefully consider the possibility that the NCAA Initial Eligibility Center may not include some Credit Flexibility options as part of the qualifying core courses required for Division I and II eligibility. For potential college student athletes, the NCAA eligibility requirements specifically address the types of learning opportunities available through the Credit Flexibility policy (e.g., online/distance learning, independent study, one course taken over two years.) The NCAA does not allow “credit by exam” (or Mastery Assessment) courses to be applied to core course eligibility requirements. If you expect to play college sports, you must check with your counselor to ensure that any credits taken through Credit Flexibility will meet the NCAA Eligibility Center standards.

Credit Flexibility Requirements

2011-2012

Appendix

Batavia High School

Credit Flexibility Application

Credit Flexibility gives students an opportunity to earn graduation credit through non-traditional means. The following methods of Credit Flexibility require competition of the Batavia High School Credit Flexibility Application:

· Mastery Assessment: The three components of Master Assessment are:

4. A paper/pencil test

5. A portfolio

6. A presentation to a panel consisting of teachers, administrators and other invited judges

· Individual Research, Internships, Community Service/Service Learning, Educational Travel, or Combination Opportunities: The Community Mentor Waiver and Acknowledgement form must be completed before beginning any of these options (see Appendix.)

· Other: Other options that may be considered for approval include:

· Certifications (lifeguard, CPR, etc.)

The Application Process:

Please complete the application that is contained in the following pages. In order for a Credit Flexibility Plan to be given consideration, the application must be complete. Incomplete or late applications will not be approved for the upcoming academic year. All applications MUST be submitted by April 1 to Mrs. Cindy Jacobs.

Application submitted by the April 1 date will be thoughtfully reviewed and considered. All applicants will receive notification of approval within 7 calendar days. In the event that an application is rejected, an appeal may be filed with the Superintendent within 10 calendar days of receiving a notice of rejection.

It is strongly recommended that the student consult with a teacher from the core subject area prior to completing the application.

Project Forms

Project

Credit Flexibility

Application

Student Name: ______Date: ______Current Grade: ______

Student Home Phone: ______Cell: ______

Parent Home Phone: ______Work/Cell: ______

Student Email: ______

Parent Email: ______

Proposed Course for Flexible Credit: ______

Reflection

Flexible credit is an option for students to earn high school credit. All students should spend time discussing this option with their parents, guidance counselors, and/or mentors. Please answer the following questions both thoroughly and thoughtfully. Your responses will be one criteria considered in the approval or rejection of your flexible credit application.

1. Why am I interested in taking a flexible credit class and how does it relate to my future goals?

2. Have you consulted with a teacher from the core subject area of your proposed course?

If so, who? ______

3. Am I ready for this class? What experiences and prerequisite skills and knowledge do I have

to make this a successful experience?

4. Instructional Environment: Where will I pursue this goal? When? What is my timeline for

completing the curriculum? Please be specific.

5. For successful completion of this course, I will demonstrate mastery of the appropriate

Indicators in the Batavia High School course of study and/or Ohio Academic Content

Standards. (attach indicators/standards)

*Batavia High School courses of study can be found in the guidance office. The Ohio

Academic Content Standards can be found on the Ohio Department of Education’s web

page.

Please read the following statements, initial in the space provided by each statement, and sign below to indicate that you understand and agree to the procedures put forth in this document.

I understand and agree that:

_____If my credit flexibility proposal is accepted, I will earn a letter grade (A, B, C, D, F or Pass/Fail--to be

determined by the Credit Flexibility Panel) for the course.

_____The grade that I earn will appear on my transcript, regardless of the final grade and will be

calculated in my GPA.

_____Credit will be granted at the end of regular Batavia High School semesters for all flexible credit

Courses.

_____Weighted credit cannot be obtained through a flexible credit course.

_____I may not drop a flexible credit course after the drop date. (i.e. 3 days after final approval by the

Credit Flexibility Panel) If I drop the course after the drop date, I will receive a WF on my

transcript. (withdrawn/failure)