Additional Credit Options

INDEPENDENT SERVICE 

Independent service is an opportunity for students to participate in various support positions within the school community.  The type of service may include lab assistants, office aides, media and computer classroom aides, and similar support positions.

The following guidelines have been established for the approval of independent service:

▪ Daily attendance and completion of tasks is required.

▪ The application should have the approval of teacher/supervisor, parent, lead teacher,  school counselor, and assistant principal.

▪ Independent service can be taken on a semester basis only.

▪The student must earn a minimum of 3 credits in the semester to receive Independent Service credit. 

▪ The maximum service credit per semester is .25 credits.

▪ Grading is on a pass basis if credit is elected.  Otherwise no credit will be issued.  

▪ The form must be submitted by the fifteenth day of the semester.

INDEPENDENT STUDY 

The purpose of the independent study program is enrichment in an instructional area where a student has taken all the available course work.  The rigor of an independent study must be equal to or exceed other curricular offerings in the subject area.  In addition, the assessment(s) must illustrate student learning equal to or above the standards set for the instructional area. Students who participate in the independent study program should be able to work independently and be able to dedicate the time necessary to fulfill the criteria.  The maximum combined credit earned through correspondence courses, independent study to be applied toward graduation is two credits.  The following guidelines have been established for the approval of independent study:

▪ Independent study is restricted and may not be used as a substitute for existing or required courses in the curriculum.

▪ Courses required for graduation may not be taken as is.

▪ The application should have the approval of teacher, parent, lead teacher, school counselor, and assistant principal.

▪ The student and teacher will meet on a daily basis.

▪ Independent study can be taken on a semester basis only.

▪ At the end of the semester the student must be enrolled in courses that carry a total of at least 3 credits to receive independent study credit.

▪ The maximum independent study credit per semester is .25 credit.

▪ Grading is on a pass/fail basis.

▪ Independent study forms must be submitted by the fifteenth day of the semester.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Community Unit School District 303 offers a fee-based summer school program.  The summer school session typically begins the week following the end of the school year.  Grades will be posted to the transcript at the end of summer school, however, points earned for GPA will not be reflected until the end of first semester. District 303 does not provide transportation for summer school students.

Non-District Courses and Experiences 

A student may receive high school credit for successfully completing any of the listed courses or experiences:

1. Distance learning course, including correspondence, virtual or online course.  Courses in an accredited foreign exchange program

2. Summer school or community college courses

3. College or high school courses offering dual credit at both the college and high school level

4. Foreign language courses taken in an ethnic school program approved by the Illinois State Board of Education

5. Work-related training at manufacturing facilities or agencies in a Tech Prep Program

6. Credit earned in a Vocational Academy

Coursework taken from institutions other than CUSD 303 must be from an institution accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges or the Illinois State Board of Education or another state’s board of education. 

Students must seek approval to receive graduation credit.  As approval is not guaranteed, students should seek conditional approval of the course or experience prior to participating in the non-District course or experience by completing the Alternative Scheduling Form available in the College and Career  office.

The student is responsible for any fees, tuition or supplies.  The student is responsible for providing documents or transcripts that demonstrate successful completion of the experience. Additionally, the student may be required to take a proficiency exam before credit is granted.

NCAA

To participate in athletic competition at a Division I or II school, students must meet NCAA initial eligibility requirements. Please see the website at www.NCAAclearinghouse.net for details about eligibility requirements and a complete list of approved courses see your school counselor for NCAA information.

HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION

Home/Hospital services are provided when a physician determines a  student is unable to attend school for an extended period of time due to a medical condition. Home/Hospital services are designed to allow a student to remain on pace with classroom instruction. Participation in a Home/Hospital services is established through District 303’s  Department of Student Services and includes a medical certification from the treating physician, the assignment of a tutor and/or contact with the cooperating hospital program, and an ongoing working relationship with the high school counselor.  Please contact the District Direct of Student Services for complete details.  

OFF-CAMPUS OFFERINGS

Students have the opportunity to participate in courses that are not taught on the high school campus.  Fox Valley Career Center (FVCC) offers courses that provide skills for those directly entering an occupational area. Students enrolled in off-campus FVCC programs will follow the attendance calendar for Kaneland High School.  St. Charles High Schools will provide transportation to and from the career center for most, but not all, courses.  

 St. Charles High School students may attend Elgin Community College (ECC) for enrichment and/or to participate in the Part-time Dual Credit Pathway. See your school counselor for the necessary details and registration forms.  To learn more about the ECC Part-time Dual Credit Pathway, go to https://elgin.edu/admissions/apply/high-school-students/dual-enrollment/

The Internship Program is a partnership with the business, industrial, and service communities of District 303. The program provides students with a chance for hands-on career exploration.

ARTICULATED CREDIT

Students who meet eligibility requirements that are set by the institution of higher education may earn proficiency credit, which can be used to meet program course requirements only at that institution. In contrast, dual credit courses are accepted outside of the awarding institution. See the Appendix  for articulated credit information.