6146.2 Enrollment in an Advanced Course or Program and Challenging Curriculum

Book                           Policy Manual

Section                        6000 - Instruction

Title                          Enrollment in an Advanced Course or Program and Challenging Curriculum

Code                           6146.2

Status                         Second Reading



                    ENROLLMENT IN AN ADVANCED COURSE OR PROGRAM AND CHALLENGING CURRICULUM

The Colchester Board of Education (the “Board”) understands the importance of providing opportunities for students to enroll in an
advanced course or program and offering students challenging curriculum in the Colchester Public Schools (the “District”). In
accordance with Connecticut law, this policy shall explain the manner in which the District determines eligibility for enrollment in
advanced courses or programs and creates academic plans for students in the District.

        I. Definitions

           For purposes of this policy:

           "Advanced course or program" means an honors class, advanced placement class, dual enrollment, dual credit, early college
           or any other advanced or accelerated course or program offered by the Board in grades nine to twelve, inclusive.

           “Advanced placement” program is a program authorized by the College Board that offers college-level courses and exams
           that students take in high school.

           “Dual credit/Dual enrollment” courses are college courses offered by high schools in partnership with a college or university.
           Students taking these courses in high school are simultaneously enrolled with the partner higher education institution.
           Students who successfully complete a dual credit/dual enrollment course earn credit toward high school graduation as well
           as college course credit that appears on a student transcript issued by a college or university.

           "Prior academic performance" means the course or courses that a student has taken, the grades received for such course or
           courses, and a student's grade point average.

    II. Eligibility Criteria

          Consistent with state law, the District will identify students in grades eight and nine who may be eligible to take or enroll in
          an advanced course or program. Students will be eligible to enroll in advanced courses or programs throughout their high
          school career, even if they are not identified as eligible in grades eight or nine.

          Eligibility for enrollment in an advanced course or program shall not be based exclusively on a student’s prior academic
          performance. There are multiple methods by which a student may satisfy the eligibility criteria for enrollment in an advanced
          course or program, including:

           Recommendations from teachers, administrators, school counselors or other school personnel.
           A student’s prior academic performance, as determined by evidence-based indicators of how a student will perform in an
           advanced course or program.
           The District administration may, in its discretion, identify and publicize additional criteria, including but not limited to
           student or parent request. Any such criteria shall be established prior to the commencement of an academic term.

    III. Creation of an Academic Plan/Challenging Curriculum

          The District will create an academic plan for each student who is identified in grade eight or nine as eligible for enrollment in
          an advanced course or program. Such plan will be designed to enroll the student in one or more advanced courses or
        programs and allow the student to earn college credit or result in career readiness. Such academic plan will also be aligned
        with:

         The courses or programs offered by the Board,
         The student’s student success plan, created pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-221a(j),
         High school graduation requirements, and
         Any other policies or standards adopted by the Board relating to the eligibility for student enrollment in advanced courses or
         programs.

The academic plan may be part of the student's success plan, which plan is required for each student by Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-221a.

A student, or the student’s parent or guardian, may decline to implement the provisions of an academic plan created for such
student.

   IV. Guiding Principles and Implementation

The Board recognizes that course access and academic planning should be guided by considerations beyond traditional course
eligibility criteria.

The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible for implementing this policy and developing procedures in furtherance of this
policy and in accordance with guidance provided by the Connecticut Department of Education.




Legal                      Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-221x
                           Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-221w

                           Conn. Gen Stat. §10-221a