Credits for Prior Learning

Students have the opportunity to waive a course, or receive course credit, for knowledge they acquire outside the standard course curriculum. The experience must meet current Minnesota academic standards.

Credit by Portfolio

Course Number: See Counselor for Personalized Learning Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

A portfolio submission allows a student to demonstrate evidence of competency of standards collected by the student and presented to staff to review. Earning credit through a portfolio submission will require successfully submitting evidence that demonstrates mastery of the course content competencies, and must allow for observable, authentic assessment of learning that can be verified by an expert in the field of study, and validated by a school official. The activities and expectations of the prior learning experience must be at the same level of rigor and expectations as the competencies assessed in the regular school setting. Evidence in the portfolio may include: • Letters of support and explanation from individuals or organizations who have actually witnessed the student’s demonstration of the content competencies; • Oral or written interviews; • Actual performances or demonstrations assessed by district staff or others knowledgeable in the specifications of the content competencies (this could include participation in varsity sport or its equivalent); • Work samples, videos, exhibitions, and/or other evidence as appropriate for the individual situation.

Credit by Assessment

Course Number: See Counselor for Personalized Learning Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Students are able to demonstrate the course content competencies prior to enrollment of a course by taking an examination. The examination process allows a student to demonstrate evidence of competency of standards through a process administered by school district staff. • Advanced Placement exam score of 3 or better • College Level Examination Program (CLEP) passing score • Spring Lake Park High School course summative assessment score of 80% or greater

916 CAREER AND TECHNICAL OFFERINGS

Spring Lake Park Schools is a member of Intermediate District 916 along with 13 other school districts. Through this partnership, Spring Lake Park High School students have access to 916’s Career and Tech offerings. These include 20 programs that give high school students professional skills, industry certifications, and in many programs, college credit. These courses give students a start on post-secondary success while earning high school elective credit. Students attend for 105 minutes and spend the remainder of their day at their home high school taking their required core classes. Courses include:

• Cosmetology: General, 3 to 12 credits • Cosmetology: Nail Technology & Esthiology (skin), 12 credits • Hospitality Careers: Intro (grade 10-12) • Automotive and Welding Careers: Intro, 4 credits • Diesel Trucks and Engine Technology: 7 credits at DCTC • Animal Science and Natural Resources: 6 credits • Automotive Technology: Up to 14 credits • Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement: 9 credits • Dental Careers: (grade 12), 9 credits • Phlebotomy: (grade 12)