KINGSWAY REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Option II Guidelines & Application Committed to Excellence
Option II Guidelines I. Introduction Kingsway Regional School District ensures we investigate alternative programs to meet the needs of our students and expand curricular offerings to ensure students are college and career ready. Option II was created to provide a degree of flexibility for students who want to challenge themselves with educational experiences that fall outside the regular program offered in a school or to pursue higher levels of coursework than they would otherwise be able to take. The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) recognizes and acknowledges that all students will not achieve the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) in the same manner and/or with the same level of success (N.J.A.C. 6A: 8-5.1(a) 2). While the Kingsway Regional School District believes that the best educational experience possible for our students is participating in courses offered at Kingsway, we acknowledge that students may also choose to make individualized decisions about their course selections that will allow them to take additional courses or more advanced courses during their high school years. To this end, the Kingsway Regional School District allows for students to engage in individualized learning opportunities outside of the traditional classroom. These opportunities are stimulating and challenging and enable students to meet or exceed the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. This is commonly referred to as, Option II. For more information related to Option II, please visit http://www.nj.gov/education/aps/option2.htm. Students are permitted to earn credit toward graduation through Option II learning experiences. These experiences include, but are not limited to: early college credit, on-line learning, co-curricular or extracurricular programs, and/or other structured learning experiences. In addition, Option II allows for group programs based upon specific instructional objects that meet or exceed the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Option II procedures have been created to review and approve these requests while maintaining the integrity of the Kingsway Regional School District s High School diploma. (Option II does not apply to courses taken for credit recovery due to previous course failure or loss of credit due to excessive absenteeism.) Participation in Option II is predicated on the application process through which students seek approval. The process for application, is detailed in the information following. Attainment of credit toward graduation is based on the successful completion of assessments that verify student achievement in meeting or exceeding the New Jersey Student Learning Standards at the high school level. Please carefully read the following for more information. School Counselors are available to answer questions and guide students through the process. II. Important General Information It is the student s responsibility to maintain academic standing and enrollment in an approved Option II program. Any failure to complete an approved program may jeopardize the student s ability to meet graduation requirements. In the event of a student withdrawing from an approved Option II program, KRSD cannot guarantee placement in an equivalent KRSD course. The district reserves the right to determine the number of credits to be awarded. The course name and actual grade earned will be noted on the student s official transcript. If a student receives a grade from an accredited institution such as a college, it will be a graded course. The name of the course, number grade, and number of credits will appear on his or her transcript. For non-college Board Equivalent Courses, the grade will not factor into his or her GPA. If a course is taken at an accredited college or university and if the
course is the College Board Equivalent of an Advanced Placement Course, the course will be weighted as an Advanced Placement Course for the purposes of calculating G.P.A. If a student participates in an Independent Study/non-traditional learning experience or alternate PE Program, it will be a Pass/Fail course. The name of the course, P or F, and number of credits will appear on his or her transcript. If a student does not get prior approval for a course and/or a non-traditional learning experiences, he/she will not receive credit for the course. III. Building-level Option II Review Committee The Building-level Option II Review Committee consists of the building principal, the supervisor of pupil personnel, a school counselor, and instructional supervisors, as needed. The committee will assist the principal in collecting and reviewing pertinent information about proposed Option II programs and will make recommendations to the principal as approval or disapproval of the alternative educational experiences/programs are considered. The Building-level Option II Review Committee will convene at least twice a year to review all current Option II applications. The Committee will meet in April of each school year to review all applications for summer semester programs and fall semester (Semester I) programs. The Committee will meet in October of each school year to review all applications for spring semester (Semester II) programs. IV. Criteria for Approval When considering awarding credit under Option II, Kingsway is most concerned with the following: Does the content of the course/program satisfy the standards of the KRSD course for which you are requesting credit? The NJSLS standards may be found on the NJ Department of Education website at: http://www.state.nj.us/education/cccs/ Is the program taught/organized by a certified professional/person? What are the goals, objectives, activities, and assessment methods of this course or program? What is the total number of hours associated with this program? Are there any issues involving student safety? After your application has been reviewed by the Building-level Option II Review Committee, you will receive a letter confirming the status of your Option II application. Once your Option II program is complete and you have provided documentation of completion and/or your final grade report, you will receive a letter documenting your successful completion. This will include the name of the course, the credits, earned, and the grade (either a number grade or Pass/Fail grade). This information will then appear on your transcript. V. Program Requirements for Students & Parents The following requirements should be considered when applying for credit through Option II. The student(s)/parent(s)/guardian(s) is/are responsible for: Completing the attached application and any supplemental forms by the due date. Paying tuition and other costs relating to the program, including transportation, books, and lab fees. Providing KRSD with all requested information which may include, but is not limited to the following: confirmation of final grade, academic progress, course syllabus, instructor credentials, assessment methods, links to the academic standards, and proof of attendance. Providing final grade information to KRSD. Final grade reports from an approved Option II program must be received as soon as available, but no later than two weeks after completion of the program. Please note
that any final grade report that needs to be considered for graduation purposes must be received by KRSD no later than June 1st of the graduating year. VI. Process for Appeal If the proposed Option II application is declined, the student has the ability to appeal this decision. The following must occur: The student shall notify the Principal in writing within five school days of notification from the Buildinglevel Option II Review Committee. This appeal to the Principal should include the reason(s) the student feels he/she should be granted permission for the Option II Program. It should particularly address the criteria for program approval detailed above. The Principal will gather information and notify the student of his/her decision, in writing, within five school days of receipt of the appeal. The decision of the Principal may be appealed to the Superintendent. The Superintendent will gather information and notify the student of his/her decision, in writing, within five school days of receipt of the appeal. The decision of the Superintendent is final.
Kingsway Regional School District Committed to Excellence Application for Option II Credit N.J.A.C. 6A: 8-5.1(a) 2 Option II serves as an alternative to traditional high school courses and involves in-depth experiences that may be provided by school district personnel or instructors not employed by the school district. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain permission PRIOR to beginning an Option II Course. All Option II applications for courses and/or non-traditional learning experiences to begin in Semester One of the school year must be submitted to a student s guidance counselor by March 31 st of the prior school year. All Option II applications for courses and/or non-traditional learning experiences to begin in Semester Two of the school year must be submitted to a student s guidance counselor by October 31 st of the prior school year Option II applications are overseen by the Building-level Option II Review Committee, which is formed and chaired by the building principal. The committee shall consist of the building principal, the supervisor of pupil personnel, a school counselor, and the instructional supervisor who oversees the relevant academic department. 1. Student s Name: 2. Year of Graduation: 3. Title of Program/Course: 4. Length of Program/Course: Total weeks Total Hours 5. When will the student be participating in this program? (Please attach a schedule of dates and times when the program will take place.) 6. Name of Teacher/Professor/Facilitator: 7. Certification(s) and Qualification(s) of Teacher/Professor/Facilitator (Attach all documentation necessary, i.e. resume, copy of certification, etc.) 8. Name and telephone number of contact person and participating institution. 9. Please attach course syllabus or detailed description of the course. This documentation must accompany this application. 10. Please indicate the reason(s) you would like to take this course and/or participate in this learning experience instead of taking a course at KRSD. 11. If the proposed coursework is intended to replace an KRSD course, please indicate which course.
12. Course grading (Please circle one): Graded Course Pass/Fail Course If a student receives a grade from an accredited institution such as a college, it will be a graded course. The name of the course, number grade, and number of credits will appear on his or her transcript. For non-college Board Equivalent Courses, the grade will not factor into his or her GPA. If a course is taken at an accredited college or university and if the course is the College Board Equivalent of an Advanced Placement Course, the course will be weighted as an Advanced Placement Course for the purposes of calculating G.P.A. If a student participates in an Independent Study/non-traditional learning experience or alternate PE Program, it will be a Pass/Fail course. The name of the course, P or F, and number of credits will appear on his or her transcript. A student applying for alternate PE program will be required to submit this application and the PE Supplement. These forms must be notarized before they are submitted. If the Option II course is satisfying a required graduation credit, KRSD will ensure that the Option II course meets the state required New Jersey Student Learning Standards. ***Please note the following*** All costs including transportation and tuition are the responsibility of the student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s). KRSD staff reserves the right to visit, monitor and/or contact the appropriate people involved in this program. It is the responsibility of the student/parent to submit proof of course completion to his or her guidance counselor. The school district is not responsible for performing background checks on external instructors. I hereby acknowledge that all information contained in this application is truthful and that I hold the school district harmless for liability. I also acknowledge that I have read and understand all the information contained in the Option II Guidelines. Student Signature: Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: Guidance Counselor s Signature: Date: Supervisor of Pupil Personnel s Signature: Date: Your Option II application proposal has been reviewed. Your request is: Approved Not approved Subject Area: Area Credits to be awarded: Number of credits to be awarded: Please provide written proof of completion within 2 weeks of course completion. If you wish to appeal this decision, see the program guidelines. The deadline for any appeal is 3 school days after receiving notification.
Academic Supervisor s Signature: Date: Principal s Signature: Date:
Kingsway Regional School District Ms. Patricia A. Calandro, ext. 4205 Chief Academic Officer Committed to Excellence Office of Curriculum & Instruction Ms. June Cioffi ext. 4230 Athletic Director & Instructional Supervisor of PE/Health December 2016 Option II for Alternative Physical Education To Whom It May Concern: Please be advised that Option II provides students with the opportunity to meet New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) in a setting other than the traditional classroom. Participation in activities such as gymnastics, dance, competitive swimming and competitive sports can be used as an alternative to a daily P.E. class if the student can demonstrate that he or she is learning the standards that would be guiding the instruction developed by the P.E. teacher. If approved for Option II Alternative P.E., the student will receive a copy of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Health and P.E.. He or she should review Standard 2.5 Motor Skill Development and Standard 2.6 Fitness. Careful attention should be given to the third column on each page under the heading By the end of grade 12. In order to grant credit under Option II, Kingsway Regional School District requires the student keep a journal that documents the ways in which he or she is learning these standards through practice, training, and participation in competition. It s possible that not every aspect of each standard will be addressed during the year. However, Kingsway believes that many will be addressed. At least two journal entries per week are required. The KRSD P.E. teachers will provide the student with more information following approval of the request. Journal entries must be reviewed by a certified P.E. teacher who will then make a recommendation to the instructional supervisor regarding the awarding of credit. In addition, NJ State Statute 18A: 35-5, 7 and 8 requires 150 minutes of participation in P.E. weekly. The student must have the coach verify that the student was present for at least 150 minutes each week. The weekly log must be signed by the coach or outside instructor. Respectfully yours, Ms. June Cioffi Athletic Director & Instructional Supervisor of PE/Health
Kingsway Regional School District Committed to Excellence Guidelines for Option II Participation in Physical Education Once approved, students are responsible for keeping track of hours and presenting documentation journals to their assigned Physical Education Teacher weekly. All forms must be turned in by 2:30 pm each Monday. The established protocol and specific forms are expected to be adhered to. Students are responsible for meeting the minimum of 150 minute per week requirement, documenting physical activity on the LOG FORM as well as explaining the link to the Content Standards in their JOURNAL. Students will receive a grade of P or F at the end of each quarter. One hundred percent compliance (100%) is required in order to receive a passing grade for the marking period. Two late journals in a marking period may result in failure. The student s guidance counselor will inform the student of their assigned PE Teacher. From there, the student must report to the assigned PE Teacher at the beginning of the marking period to discuss journal requirements and receive the necessary paperwork. If a student is assigned to a new teacher during the school year, they must meet briefly with their new PE teacher. In case of injury, sickness or the inability to participate in any physical activity, a doctor s note will be required and must be presented to the school nurse and the Physical Education Teacher in order for the student to be excused. Parental notes for illness will not be accepted to excuse students from their activity. Procedure for Completing Logs and Journals Students are responsible for obtaining a signature for every week they participate in an outside activity from their coach or advisor. This signature will verify the time requirement. The assigned Physical Education teacher will also sign the log to verify that your journal entries reflect completion of the NJCCCS. Shortened school weeks do not alter the minimum 150 minute per week requirement in the Option II Program. Example: Thanksgiving break. When school is closed for an entire week, students are not responsible for fulfilling their Option II obligation. Extra minutes cannot be carried over to the next week. Parent/guardian and students have sole responsibility for student learning, academic progress, liability and submitting the proper documentation on the dates required. LOGS and JOURNALS are expected to be handed to your assigned Physical Education teacher by 2:30pm on Monday. Any documentation that has been forged, plagiarized, or cannot be verified by the coach or advisor will result in an F for the marking period. Copying or repeating journal entries prohibited. Students will receive a warning for a first violation of and will have to redo the journal entries. A call home to the student s parents will be made by the PE teacher to apprise the parent of the violation. If a second violation occurs, the PE teacher will arrange for a meeting with a building administrator, the student, and parents of the student. A second violation may result in failure for the marking period. Student grading will be similar to the process used when students have a medical excuse for part of the year.
Students who take Option II for a full year will receive either a P or F. Students who participate in the Option II program for one or two marking periods will be graded as such: One marking period of Option II and two marking periods of regular Physical Education class will result in a numerical grade (%) for the year. Two marking periods of Option II and one marking period of regular Physical Education class will result in an Option II grade for the year ( P or F ). When computing grades in either of these circumstances a P = 100% and a F = 64.4% Required Documentation STANDARDS Please visit http://www.state.nj.us/education/cccs/standards/2/2.pdf and print the appropriate gradelevel standards. These standards must be referenced by number in all log and journal entries. LOGS: Documentation and time accumulated for the week begins on Monday and ends on Sunday. All students are responsible for a minimum of 150 minutes of activity per week beginning the first day of the marking period and ending the last week of full day classes during the marking periods approved. Time logs and journals will be due each week on Mondays. Failure may result if two logs are late or missing per marking period. Log Checklist: Document completion of 150 minutes of activity. Get Coach s or Advisor s signature. Completed Logs and Journals must be turned into assigned Physical Education Teacher no later than Monday at 2:30pm. JOURNALS: Weekly Journals must include 2 entries per week. Each entry should be a minimum of two paragraphs. Please follow common conventions for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and structure. Journal entries must support how the activity promotes the CPI and prove that the objective has been met. Various CPI s should be used throughout the marking period. Each Monday a student is required to hand in to their assigned physical education teacher all journals. Failure may result if two logs/journals are late or missing per marking period. Journal Checklist: Review the grade-level Physical Education Standards and choose one. Next, choose a Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI) that you would like to demonstrate. Write a minimum of two paragraphs to support how and what you did to achieve proficiency in the CPI. You must prove that you successfully have mastered the concept. Be sure to check your spelling and grammar. Repeat for each journal entry- 2 per week LOG~ EXAMPLE JOURNAL ENTRY: Below is an example of a journal entry using Standard 2.5 Motor Skill Development. The Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI) selected is 2.5.12.A.1. STANDARD 2.5 Motor Skill Development: All students will utilize safe, efficient, and effective movement to develop and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI)- 2.5.12.A.1 Explain and demonstrate ways to transfer
movement skills from one game, sport, dance, or recreational activity to another (e.g., striking skills from/to tennis, badminton, ping pong, racquetball). This week during soccer practice we worked on our free kicks. It was important that we recognized the proper way to plant our foot. The non-kicking foot is placed directly next to the ball at a comfortable distance to allow a smooth swing. The toe of the non-kicking foot should be pointed in the direction of the intended path. After the soccer ball is hit the striking foot should follow through at the intended target. This movement should be completed in a smooth fashion with no pauses transferring the weight from the back to the front. Transferring of the weight will lead to a more powerful kick. This skill movement can be transferred to a field hockey on a free hit. The ball and stick should be at a comfortable distance from the player at approximately 2 O clock. The ball should be lined up with the left foot. The left toe should be pointed in the direction of the intended path. The stick/hit should follow through the intended path as well. This swing of the stick should be in a smooth fashion just as a soccer player kicks the ball. Transferring of the weight is important to put power behind the shot.