Sycamore s Credit Flex Program An Overview
Why Credit Flex? Opportunity to meet the increased expectations for high school graduates in response to globalization and meet the demands for the 21 st Century work place Problem solving/critical thinking Communication/collaboration Information, Media and Technology skills Life Skills and global awareness
Why should I consider this option? Creates Opportunities!!! Opens up scheduling options in the school day Builds a portfolio of learning for post secondary planning Student driven learning
What is it? Earn High School credit outside of the traditional school day A plan created by the student Available to all students eligible to earn credit for a HS course
Credit distinction Credit Flex options that are taken as a graduation requirement must be designed to comply with Ohio Content Standards. Credit Flex options that are taken as a elective credit supplement our foundational courses and they are not required to comprehensively match up with the Ohio Content Standards.
Note for athletes The NCAA has strict guidelines on course guidelines and student eligibility. It is the students responsibility to check these requirements with the NCAA Eligibility Center to determine whether or not to proceed with a Credit Flex option. *NCAA does not accept testing out of a course for credit
Your Credit Flex Options Online courses Individual Options Independent Study/Research Study Internship Service learning Educational travel Mastery Assessment
Online options that have been approved for Ohio Content standards BYU APEX K 12 LEARNING/Aventa * these options do NOT require an application to be submitted. * paid for by the student / not a scheduled class within the traditional school day
Online options not pre approved Any other online providers must be approved by the department supervisor and grade level assistant principal. The student/parent must provide documentation that support all Ohio Content Standards
AP and Credit Flex College board will allow the AP subject area to be listed on the transcript if a student in Ohio meets either condition Takes an authorized AP course scores 3 or better on the AP exam
Individual Options Designed to meet career goals or student interest or skills Must include a student generated plan with learning objectives from Ohio Department of Education Content Standards Assigned to a Credit Flex Coach who is a Teacher at the school Must make a panel presentation Must have a mentor who is either an outside person or a teacher who is available after contracted hours fees paid by the student Letter of details posted in CF handbook
Mastery Assessment Option Demonstrates knowledge by a test A portfolio Mastery assessment grade of 80% or higher A panel presentation Application must be received in August before school begins. RESTRICTIONS may apply for certain courses required for graduation.
What have students already completed for CF credit? PE ELECTIVE Lifeguarding Extreme sports camps Ballet Hiking camps Blended Foundation of Fitness course on line and face to face learning experiences after school
CF credits earned in Science the Physics of Aviation Math Mastery Assessment in Alg. 2 Social Studies Economics online Spanish Service Learning at Su Casa Art Schain Studios Special Education Service Learning with various organizations
The Credit Flex process Student consults with their counselor/department supervisor about HS plan for courses and CF options HS Students may consult with Assistant Principal, Ms. Hevia for advice on CF options as well JHS students may consult with the Counselor Mr. Brenner for advice on CF options The student creates the plan using the handbook which contains the application Application is turned in to Assistant Principal Ms. Hevia at the HS Ben Brenner at the JHS Application is reviewed by Credit Flex Panel ( detailed in the CF Handbook) Necessary revisions are made by student and re submitted Student meets with Credit Flex Coach and works to complete the learning plan in time to schedule a Credit Flex Panel presentation For on line courses only, students must work with counselor to confirm the final grade.
Timeline All timelines are located in the Credit Flex Handbook
The Credit Flex Panel Teacher members are from the department for which the application is being made Department Supervisor 2 or 3 additional teachers of the department Mentor Grade level Administrator
Question and Answer 1. Can the HS recommend pre approved courses? Nowe only provide a list of approved on line providers. This is student driven. 2. Will sample applications be available to view? Yeswe will post some examples of accepted applications on the HS website. 3. How many hours should be invested for an independent study or service learning CF? We do not have any specific requirement for hours.
Q and A 1. When do students learn the grade of the CF credit? As soon as the Panel determines the grade it is given to Ms. Hevia. It is then reported to our secretary who enters grades. 2. Will the school give notification that the CF application has been received? Yes in the past we have not given written via email notification, however for the 2013 14 school year email notification will be given that the application has been received and also when it has been accepted to move forward.
Q and A 1. Who do you address when a teacher at the HS tells a student they cannot CF something? We are working to make sure that all staff are communicating the same message if your child is told they cannot CF a class, please have them come to see Ms. Hevia. 2. If you don t get the grade you want on a Mastery Assessment, can one decline the CF course at that point? YES
Q and A 1. Does the advisor have to be a teacher at Sycamore High School? There are 2 roles that adults have to help students. There is an appointed Credit Flex Facilitator/Coach that works at the school. This person is a coach who helps students prepare for the panel presentation. The Mentor, one who certifies the learning that takes place for Internships or Service Learning, can be a teacher or an outside person. A parent cannot be a mentor. 2. Does CF count as a bell? No
Q and A 1. How old does the student need to be to access CF? It is not a question of age, JHS students can access CF for Global Language, Art, Math and Personal Finance only because these are the only courses offered at the JHS for HS credit. 2. What tests are approved for testing out? Each department develops their own test for the Mastery Assessment option. 3. How is CF recorded on a transcript? CF graduation requirement credits are recorded as a regular class. A CF that is not a graduation requirement will be named by the..
Q and A Can a student test out of a second semester course after sitting for the first semester? YESthe plan should be specified in the credit flex application. a student may realize that they want to test out during the first semester of a course and should submit the application before the first semester is completed. Can the plan be modified during the implementation? YES one can modify the plan in cooperation with the school