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2404P

Procedure: Science Mastery-Based Learning and Credit

The district will manage the assessment process so that students seeking competency-based credit can demonstrate competency/proficiency in science. Students may demonstrate competence in the following ways: 

  • The student may recover up to one science credit following a failed or incomplete science course if the student meets standard on a state assessment in science;
  • The student may recover up to one science credit following a failed or incomplete science course if the student meets standard on an end-of-course exam for a science course (where an end-of-course exam is available), or
  • The student may recover up to one science credit following a failed or incomplete science course if the student meets standard on another approved state alternative that meets the graduation requirement.

 General Education Development Test

The State Board of Education in consultation with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction determines what constitutes a passing score for a General Education Development (GED) test. Any student may obtain one credit science credit for achieving a passing score on a GED test in science. Additionally, any student may obtain one credit for successfully completing a course or courses in preparation for taking a GED test.

For students in or from institutional education facilities, the district will award at least one (1) Science credit for achieving a passing score on the Science section of a GED test. The district will also award students in or from institutional education facilities additional credit for successfully completing a course or courses in preparation for taking a GED test.

Other Assessments

 The student may obtain up to one science credit for passing a district created assessment that is aligned to state learning standards, such as a portfolio of student work. Students do not need to have attempted and failed a course before being eligible for this option.

Equivalency course of study: Students may receive credit for learning experiences outside of school that align to state learning standards, in accordance with Board Policy 2413 – Equivalency Credit Opportunities and WAC 392-410-300.

Successful completion of next higher-level course: Credit may be awarded for a course when the student successfully completes the next higher-level course in a sequence that includes a natural progression of the state learning standards from the previous course. State or locally determined learning standards will be used as the guide when making decisions regarding what courses should qualify.

Mastery-based credit is available in science courses if the student achieves a C or higher grade in the next-higher level course.

The district collects and annually reviews disaggregated data to see which subgroups of students are receiving mastery-based credit. If disproportionality is found, the district takes appropriate actions to ensure equitable access to these crediting opportunities.

Adoption Date: April 28, 2020, Revised: March 26, 2024