11/14/12 - Officials within the Howell school district are developing a plan to make it easier for students to earn school credits from sources outside the classroom. The plan is called âexpanding the path to graduationâ and is based on an educational initiative in New Hampshire that has won national acclaim. The program would allow for activities offered through the school, such as varsity or club sports, as well as activities outside of the district, such as getting a job or participating in community organizations, to earn students credits toward graduation. Superintendent Ron Wilson says such a program would help get rid of the mindset that the school district is the sole provider of a childâs education. He says the program will help struggling students earn the credits to graduate when they take on part-time jobs or participate in outside organizations. He says it will also help advanced students earn more credits by expanding their opportunities to dual-enroll or take advantage of virtual classes. Before this can be deployed a process must be developed for students to apply for additional credits and verify their outside work. Wilson says it is likely that official school functions, like varsity sports, will probably be the first to be recognized under this system. The issue will be discussed at the districtâs next roundtable meeting later this month. (TD)
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