DPS Expands High School Course Options into Middle Grades
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Chris Bennett, Assistant Superintendent
Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, 560-2597
DURHAM—Beginning in fall 2010, Durham Public Schools will offer more options for middle school students to take high school courses and receive credit toward college acceptance.
The state Board of Education recently adopted a policy allowing school districts to expand the offering of certain high school courses into middle school for high school credit. In DPS, the courses are English I, Algebra I, Geometry, Physical Science, French I, Spanish I and Mandarin I (Shepard Middle School only).
Some of the advantages of taking these courses before reaching high school include the opportunity to earn high school credits toward graduation, the ability to have more time to take Advanced Placement courses, opportunities to take online courses through the NC Virtual Public School or other approved online providers, and the opportunity to take dual enrollment in courses at a local college or university and graduate early.
Parents should consult with their middle school student’s counselor to ensure readiness for high school courses. Middle school students who take high school courses must have:
- Demonstrated mastery in all academic subjects.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex assignments independently.
- Strong personal motivation to excel academically.
- Academic criteria specific to each course.
Students will earn high school credit only if they earn a passing grade and achieve a 3 or 4 on End-of-Course tests.
“We are very pleased to be able to give our high-achieving middle school students a jump on earning college credit, plus the opportunity to avail themselves of a greater number of challenging courses and electives once they reach high school,” said Interim Superintendent Hank Hurd. “We are convinced that this move will serve to better prepare our students for college and other postsecondary goals.”
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