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IMBC - Alternative Credit Options

Credit may be earned through alternative methods outside of regular classroom-based instruction offered by the district schools. Awarding of credits to be applied toward high school graduation will be determined by the high school principal, and will be granted only if the request fulfills all of the following criteria:

  1. The request is submitted with a plan to achieve competency that meets or exceeds the rigorous academic standards required by the school for students enrolled in a credit course offered by the school.
  2. The plan includes clear expectations for performance.
  3. The plan includes clearly defined methods and expectations for assessment.
  4. Verification of the plan's merit can be evaluated in a timely fashion and does not cause unnecessary burden on the resources of the administration.

Students earning credit via alternative methods will participate in all assessments required by the statewide education improvement and assessment program.

The Board directs the Superintendent or designee to establish regulations and procedures for implementing this policy including:

  • Definitions of allowable alternative learning opportunities
  • Reasonable limits on the number of approved alternative courses that can be administered each school year - school-wide and per student
  • The number of alternative credits each student may use toward graduation requirements
  • Application and approval process 
  • Criteria for determining which requests satisfy a particular subject area requirement
  • Identification of person(s) responsible for approval, supervision, and monitoring progress
  • Requirements that alternative opportunities meet the same rigorous academic outcomes as traditional classroom delivery
  • Assurance of student safety including physical and technological
  • Assurance of equal access for all students
  • Assurance that approved alternative learning opportunities are consistent with all policies of this board
  • The procedure will be made available to the public.

It is the policy of the Board that alternative methods for the awarding of credit may include:

  1. Competency testing in lieu of enrollment under the provisions of Policy ILBAA 
  2. Interdisciplinary credit: Refer to requirements of: Ed 306.27(aa)(1) & (2) a&b
  3. Satisfactory completion of course requirements at another public school district, an approved private school or a home-schooling experience
  4. Transfer of credits earned by students before enrolling in the district, such as students moving into New Hampshire from another state or country
  5. Extended learning opportunities under the provisions of Policy IHBH and Procedure IHBH-R
  6. Distance Education/Online Learning opportunities under the provisions of Policy IMBA
  7. College Credit/Dual Credit
  8. Early Graduation
  9. Middle school acceleration to the extent that the course work exceeds the requirements for seventh or eighth grade, is consistent with the related high school course(s), and the student achieves satisfactory standards of performance per policy IMBD - High School Credit for 7th / 8th Grade Coursework

If a student demonstrates knowledge and abilities on a placement pre-test developed by the school district for a particular course, the student shall not receive credit for the course, but shall be allowed to take a more advanced level of the subject or an elective.

Unless otherwise recommended by the Superintendent and approved by the Board, under ordinary circumstances students or their parents/guardians are responsible for all related expenses including tuition and textbooks. The District may pay the fee for expelled students who are permitted to take courses in alternative settings. If paid by the district and the course is not completed, the student must reimburse the district for the expenses.  

See Also:

See Also:

IHBG - Policy For Homeschool Students
IHBI - Alternative Learning Plans
IHBH – Extended Learning Opportunities
IK – Earning of Credits
IKA - Grading and Reporting System
IKF - High School Graduation
ILBA - Assessment of Educational Programs
ILBAA - High School Graduation Competencies
IMBA - Distance Learning
IMBI - Alternative Learning Plans
IMBD - High School Credit for 7th / 8th Grade Coursework

Legal References:

Ed 306.04(a)(13), Alternative Means of Earning Credit
Ed 306.14(a)(14), Alternative Means Of Demonstrating Achievement Of Graduation Competencies
Ed 306.21, Alternative Programs
Ed 306.27(aa)(1) & (2) a&b

First Reading: 1/3/2019
Second Reading: Waived
Adopted: 1/3/2019
Revised: N/A