THE BASICS OF FLEXIBLE CREDIT FOR OHIO’S STUDENTS Jim Harbuck October 4, 2010

WHAT WE ARE USED TO: The Carnegie Unit Introduced at the beginning of the 20th century Equates learning with “seat time” hours = 1 Carnegie unit hours = 1 Carnegie unit for a lab course Requirements for graduation are measured in Carnegie units WHAT ARE THE WEAKNESSES IN THE CURRENT METHOD? Assumes that all students will learn at the same pace Handicaps both slower and more advanced learners Makes differentiation difficult

SENATE BILL 311 (126th General Assembly) Established the Core Curriculum for high schools Changed requirements for college admission Changed physical education requirements Mandated flexible credit in high schools Required ODE to design program requirements and SBOE to adopt (March 2009) Effective the school year (Partial waiver was possible)

HOW DOES CREDIT FLEXIBILITY WORK? Allows students to earn credit through normal “seat time” process or by demonstrating mastery of the course content Is available to all students at the high school level Is not limited to type of course work or number of credits Courses are not identified or separated in any manner on the transcript

Applies to career tech centers as well as comprehensive high school settings Examples include - Distance learning - After school programs - Independent study - Internships - Travel - Community service - “Testing out” of course work

BENEFITS OF OFFERING FLEXIBLE CREDIT TO STUDENTS Creates more learning choices Focuses on performance rather than seat time Accommodates different learning styles, paces, and interests Recognizes importance of student ownership and engagement

LOCAL PLANS MUST Allow all students to participate Communicate the plan annually Determine equivalency to Carnegie units Count credits earned toward graduation Accept flexible credits earned from other districts Establish a review process

Establish provisions for when - Students do not complete requirements - Students transfer between schools - Students graduate early Collect data for the state - Methods and frequency of communication with students and families - Number of students participating - Number of credits earned - Evidence that student participation reflects the diversity of the student body

WHO CONTROLS THE PROCESS? Board of education sets governing policy and rules Licensed teachers provide/verify grades and credit

QUESTIONS ? Search words: flexible credit