May 17, 2012

Overview of the Option Pathway

Debra Kimbler, Asst. Director

Linda Berlin, Coordinator

THE OPTION PATHWAY

Option (1) Pathway

Designed for students who have failed major core courses and are in the ninth, tenth, eleventh or twelfth grade - a student in the second semester eleventh or a student in the twelfth grade must already be enrolled in and passing a CTE pathway unless the school has a CTE pathway that requires only one year to complete

Attends GED® preparation classes and passes the GED® tests as given

Completes a 21st Century Global Skills job preparation program

Completes the four (4) required core courses in a WVDE CTE skilled pathway.

Completes the WorkKeys® job skillsassessment in CTE program

Receives a High School Diploma upon completion of all Option requirements

If student receives a 500 average on the GED® test, is then eligible to apply for the Promise scholarship

Students may participate in extracurricular activities including sports

Student may not be taken out of the participation numbers/not counted in the class rank

Student is required to take the WESTEST and other state tests

Screening Process - Option1 Pathway Student

Counselor/instructor identifies student to the Option Pathway:

  • One (1) year or more behind ninth grade cohort, or
  • At risk of dropping out of school, or
  • Age inappropriate according to grade level

With approval from parent/guardian, the student takes the TABE and scores:

  • Recommended to score 8th grade level in reading
  • Recommended to score 7th grade level in math

The Option Team meets to discuss placement of student into the Option Pathway.If student is placed, a meeting is held with student and the parent/guardian. Academic, attendance and behavioral expectations are discussed/ parent contract signed

The following information is included in the county contract:

Option Team Meeting

Criteria for Student Selection

A preliminary meeting will be held before the student is allowed to begin the Option program to determine if the Option Pathway is an appropriate selection for the student.

Selection of students for the Option Pathway is a very life changing decision for the student. Students are taken from regular academic classes, and put into a program that redesigns their path for graduation. Every effort should be made to choose students you feel will fit the program and succeed. While we know we cannot insure 100% success, it is our obligation to take a serious approach to choosing students before placing them in Option. This is not an alternative program for extreme behavior and/or learning problems.

Participation in Option will be restricted to students who are at least 16 years of age and have met one or more of the following criteria:

  • Have credit deficiencies (a total of one year’s credits behind their 9th grade cohort group).
  • Are at risk of dropping out due to inappropriate age.
  • Are seventeen (17) and high risk of dropping out of school.
  • Demonstrate the ability to read independently in English at a level sufficient to successfully complete GED® instruction and testing. The recommended TABE scores are 8th Grade Reading level and 7th Grade Math level.
  • If a history of behavioral problems has existed, documentation is provided that the behavioral issues have significantly improved.

At Risk Students with Disabilities:

Students with disabilities who meet above student selection criteria:

  • Should take the GED Official Practice Test™ using accommodations stated in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) prior to entering the Option Pathway to see if passing the GED® tests is possible.
  • If successful passing the OPT with required accommodations, submit an accommodations request to GEDTS® to make sure these accommodations are approved by the GEDTS® for the Option candidate.
  • Each request must include the proper documentation, such as a psychological report no older than five years for a learning disability or a letter from the diagnostician stating the disability and functional limitations for a mental, emotional ADHD or physical disability. This is required for consideration for GED® testing accommodations.

The Option team should take careful consideration before placing students with disabilities into the Option Pathway. Parents and students should be aware that the GED® test preparation is rigorous and that accommodations on the GED® tests must be approved by the GEDTS®, which may not reflect the same accommodations of the student IEP.

The following link will provide you with information from GED Testing Service® for Accommodations

Debra Kimbler

Linda Berlin