Haywood Schools adopts Academic Credit Recovery Program
 

Dr. Oscar Love	Principal Robert Mitchell	Assistant Principal Yvette Blue

At the January 12 Haywood County Schools Board of Education meeting, the board approved a program for Haywood High School and the Alternative Learning Center that can help at-risk students meet promotional requirements and increase the graduation rate at Haywood High. Board members approved the implementation of the Academic Credit Recovery – New Credit Program. HHS Assistant Principal Yvette Blue developed the proposal for the board. She was assisted by HHS Principal Robert Mitchell and Chancellor of Secondary Education Dr. Oscar Love.

The program, which most surrounding school systems have adopted, has proven to be successful in helping students earn a diploma, therefore increasing the graduation rate.

The state graduation rate goal for 2014 is 90 percent. The Haywood County Schools rate has risen from 69.4 percent in 2005 to 79.7 percent in 2008, but then it dropped to 78.4 percent in 2009. At Haywood High, for the 2008-2009 academic year, 28 students were retained due to an insufficient number of credits earned. From grades 9 through 12, 100 students attended summer school, and 324 students are over-aged (2+ years) for their grade level group this school year.

This program is optional for students. After students meet the admission requirements for the Credit Recovery program and have their guardians’ signatures for participation, they will be given diagnostic tests, and their course of study will be based on the results of these tests. The content of their classes will be course specific, technology based and aligned with state standards. Attendance is mandatory, and absences will be pursuant to school policy. In addition, teachers will use the state grading scale, and the program requires 80 percent proficiency. There is also the opportunity to earn new credits.

Dr. Love, who made the presentation to the board members, said the cost to get the program going is about $17,000. This will cover costs for the A+ Assessment and Curriculum software, and for salaries and stipends for staff members and administrators to manage the before- and after-school program. Part of the costs for salaries is available through the AAA program that is providing a before- and after-school program in all the schools. Since the approval, Dr. Love said they are working to get the program going as soon as possible.

“The program is an opportunity for students to earn the credits they need for their diplomas which will help us meet the district’s graduation rate for AYP,” Dr. Love said.

“Credit Recovery is a great opportunity for students to catch up when they get behind,” Principal Robert Mitchell said. “Everyone does not learn at the same rate. With Credit Recovery, many students can graduate who might have given up and dropped out. It is another way that Haywood County Schools is trying to meet the needs of every child and to help them be prepared for a successful future.”