Proposed Change for Program of Studies

Since 1998, we have assigned credit for 1 credit courses one-half credit at time. This is a unique practice that has been the subject of debate for several years. The High School Design Team researched the background of this practice and published it through the Compass and several presentations to consulting groups.

In our research, we found reasons for the change to 1/2 credit. Although the goal was to support low-achieving students, we found that there was nothing in place to study the change to ½ credit. We back-filled with some research during the fall and spring of and found that in regard to student achievement (GPA), 1/2 and whole credits are neutral.

The practice of ½ credits was put in place prior to several of the interventions we currently use, including our on-line credit recovery program, Apex. An unintended consequence of using ½ credits is the practice of pushing students out of courses one-half of the way through based on failure of the first semester. 56 or 64 separate courses (1/2 credit each) create a transcript that is double the size of what it could be with each course listed once for one credit. A student can develop mastery of course content over a longer period of time and be rewarded for this growth with one credit assigned at the end of the course.

Counselors and DART staff have said that the transcript would be a better communication tool in terms of clarity with one credit per class. College admission staff we interviewed affirmed the use of one-credit per course. A teacher would have just one credit grade to record per course rather than two.

Albemarle County Parent Council: April 12, 2011 Albemarle County Teacher Advisory: May 11, 2011 WAHS PTSO: May 16, 2011 Murray High School Staff: May 17, 2011 County Student Advisory Council: May 17, 2011 AHS Staff Meeting (invitational):May 17, 2011 AHS PTSO: May 18, 2011 WAHS Department Chair Meeting: May 19, 2011 MoHS Staff Meeting: May 26, 2011 MoHS PTSO: June 6, 2011

Planning and Study Article published in the April and May editions of the Compass employee newsletter. We pitched the information to local news venues. News Story on the Newsplex in the spring. All information posted in spotlight section of the ACPS website since May.

In order to gather ideas about student credit assignment from our principals, counselors, teachers, and families with 8 th through 12 th grade students, we offered a survey asking for their preference and for comments regarding credit assignment for high school coursework. This survey took place over several administrations from April 27 through June 17, 2011.

We asked each group for their preference and to describe experiences with ½ credits. We had 371 responses. Preferences and comments are reported at: A Change for Student Transcripts?

The high school entering class of would begin high school using 1 credit per course. Transcripts would reflect the change for all other high school students as well, but only for classes taken during and beyond. Explanation would be included in the school profile. DART staff are eager to begin work on this for changes to be reflected in course registration and program of studies.

Currently, we are using the Virginia Transcript produced by Power Schools. We can possibly revise the transcript to show a semester (non-credit) grade along with the final credit grade to provide more information on the transcript.

We are seeking a cleaner, more user friendly transcript for students, parents, school staff, and college admissions staff. We are seeking for reduced time in counseling staff reviewing transcripts. We are seeking to reward learning growth for students. This should be reflected in their engagement level with courses. We will study these short term goals and adjust accordingly.

Proposed Change for Program of Studies