2409 - Credit for Competency/Proficiency

BOARD POLICY No. 2409

CREDIT FOR COMPETENCY/PROFICIENCY

World Languages
The Board recognizes the value of preparing students to be global citizens with the skills to communicate in English and other world languages. In our state's diverse communities, is not unusual for students to have various opportunities to develop language skills, for example, through experiences of using the language at home, participation in dual immersion programs, attendance at language programs offered in the community, learning online or time spent living abroad. The district encourages students and their families to take advantage of any language learning opportunities available to them.

To enable students to fully benefit from the advantages of multilingualism, the district will encourage students to learn to understand, speak, read and write at a high level of language proficiency. Proficiency can also be demonstrated in languages that are only spoken or signed.

In order to recognize the language of proficiency of students, the superintendent is directed to develop procedures for awarding world language credits to students based on demonstrated proficiency across a range of language skills.

Seal of Biliteracy
The district will award the Washington Seal of Biliteracy to students who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in one or more world languages in addition to English. Students who meet the criteria, as established in WAC 392-410-350, will be awarded the seal on their high school diploma and transcript. The superintendent will implement procedures to determine eligibility.

State and National Assessments
State and national test scores may be used to show competency in two ways: challenging courses; or as a tool for students to recover credit for previously failed courses in math or English.

Students who want to use test results to challenge courses or for recovery of credit may request that the competency grade (P) be posted to their transcript for certain courses. Students who are not planning on replacing the course with a credit bearing course in that subject area should be advised of the potential adverse effect on college admission.

Credit by Proficiency Standards for Subject Area Content
The district recognizes the importance of allowing students to learn at their own pace, and the educational benefits that can be gained by giving students the opportunity to demonstrate competency of skills, proficiency of standards, and mastery of concepts in specific subject areas.

In order to recognize the proficiency of students in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, the Arts, Career and Technical Education, and Health and Fitness, the superintendent will implement procedures for awarding subject-area credits to students based on demonstrated proficiency across a range of academic skills.

Cross References:
Board Policy 2410 High School Graduation Requirements

Legal References:
RCW 28A.230.090 High school graduation requirements or equivalencies—Reevaluation of graduation requirements – Review and authorization of proposed changes - Credit for courses taken before attending high school--Postsecondary credit equivalencies
RCW 28A-300-575 Seal of Biliteracy
WAC 180-51-050 High school credit – Definition
WAC 392-410-350 Seal of Biliteracy

Adopted: August 20, 2013
Revised: April 2020