Recent changes to PSD’s academic acceleration policy will provide high school students with greater access to advanced courses, including dual credit programs that earn students high school and college credits. Students who meet statewide assessment standards in math, English and/or science will now be automatically enrolled in the next most rigorous level of advanced courses.
The ultimate goal of the change is for students to automatically enroll in dual credit courses and help students be more competitive in the college admissions process based on their strength of schedule and development of noncognitive skills, explained Richard Lasso, executive director of equity and secondary education. “Enrolling students in more rigorous courses helps foster noncognitive skills, such as self-efficacy, metacognition (understanding one’s own thought processes) and problem solving,” said Lasso. “It also decreases barriers such as lack of encouragement, awareness, or feelings of not belonging.”
Students who meet or exceed state standard on the English language arts statewide student assessment are eligible for enrollment in advanced English, social studies, humanities, and other related subjects. Students who meet or exceed the state standard on the mathematics statewide student assessment are eligible for enrollment in advanced mathematics courses. Students who meet or exceed the state standard on the Washington comprehensive assessment of science are eligible for enrollment in advanced courses in science.
There is an opt-out form and process for students to opt-out of participation in the academic acceleration process and enroll in alternative courses that align with their high school and beyond plan. Families and students are encouraged to reach out to their schools to discuss the benefits of taking advanced courses before opting out.