Credit Flex to Add Options for Students

Beginning next school year, Greene County students will have far more flexibility in how they earn credits toward graduation, according to Laura Dailey, ESC Coordinator of Gifted Education.  “In 2007 the Ohio General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 311, which directs the State Board of Education to adopt a plan to enable Ohio students to earn units of high school credit based on demonstration of subject area competency,” Laura explains. “This bill offers all high school students an alternative to ‘seat time’ and shifts the emphasis instead to mastery of content.”

Focusing on performance rather than on a ‘one size-fits all’ education, Senate Bill 311, offers exciting opportunities and options for high school students.  For example, school districts could allow students to test out of certain classes for which they have already mastered the material.  Additionally, districts could permit students to simultaneously earn multiple credits in multiple content areas through real world projects and problems which they select based upon their interests.  Learning experiences, including post secondary options, internships, educational travel, on-line learning, and community service could provide additional opportunities for students to earn high school credits.

“The principle behind flexible credit,” explains Dailey, “is to provide an alternative to the traditional Carnegie Unit.  By expanding the definition of the high school credit, all students will have additional opportunities for enrichment and acceleration.  Students will have broader opportunities for independent study.  Students at risk for dropping out will have additional ways to recover credits and to earn credit in ways more appropriate to their learning styles.  Students, as a result, will be driven by their own incentives and they will have a say in designing their own learning experiences and levels of mastery.”

While they ways in which students can earn flexible credit remains a local decision, SB 311 stipulates that there will be no restrictions on the kinds of courses, nor limits on the number of courses that can be earned.  In order to guide implementation of the new law, local boards of education must have policies in place by March, 2010. Information about credit flexibility will be communicated to the students and parents on an on-going basis.

Educators can find out more about flexible credit by attending either an AM or PM half-day workshop at the Greene ESC on February 22, 1010.  The morning session is from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and the afternoon session is from 12:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.