EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES, COLLEGE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

The goals of the Pathways programs at ELHS are to advance student learning with community-based experiences, and support students in their post-secondary learning and career choices. Pathways include participation in College Partnership programs and Career Clusters, as well as recognition from the Career Concentrations and Experiential Learning Opportunities program.

What are Experiential Learning Opportunities?

· Experiential Learning Opportunities (ELOs) recognize students for their community-based learning or volunteer activities.

· Like our Career Concentrations program, Experiential Learning Opportunities are non-credit bearing endorsements recognized by a certificate as well as being noted on student transcripts.

· The endorsement can strengthen applications for post-secondary learning and career choices as well as enhance learning.

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Program Requirements:

· Juniors and Seniors in good academic standing.

· An intended site to intern, volunteer, and, in certain circumstances, work.

· Completion of the initial application and interview.

· Completion of learning goals, reflective essay, and mentor evaluation.

To apply:

If you have questions, or wish to apply, please set up an appointment with the Pathways Coordinator through the counseling office.

COLLEGE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS

East Lyme High School, in partnership with other schools and colleges, offers students the opportunity to earn college credits by taking high school courses. Details about courses that are part of the partnership programs will be made available by the classroom teacher where appropriate. Potential partnership programs include; UConn Early College Experience (ECE), College Career Pathway (CCP) program with Three Rivers Community College, the Three Rivers High School Partnership Program, and the New London Scholars Program (Connecticut College).

University of Connecticut - Early College Experience (ECE) UConn Early College Experience provides academically motivated students the opportunity to take university courses while still in high school. These challenging courses allow students to preview college work, build confidence in their readiness for college, and earn college credits that provide both an academic and financial head start toward a college degree. UConn ECE instructors are high school teachers, certified as adjunct professors by UCONN. UConn ECE courses are considered dual enrollment courses and foster independent learning, creativity, and critical thinking – all important for success in college. East Lyme High School offers UConn ECE courses in English, Human Development, Math, Science, World Language, and Applied Mechanics. To support rigorous learning, University of Connecticut offers academics resources, including library and online classroom access to all UConn ECE students. UConn ECE students must successfully complete the course with a grade of C or better to receive university credit on a UConn transcript. University credits are transferrable to many colleges and universities. For a complete list of transfer options, navigate to: eceapps.uconn.edu/credit_transfer_database/

Students are charged a nominal per credit fee. For complete program information visit: www.ece.uconn.edu.

College Career Pathways (CCP) This dual enrollment program sponsored through the Connecticut State Department of Education and Three Rivers Community College, allows East Lyme students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to earn college credit while enrolled in courses at the high school at no cost. These courses are taught by high school teachers who have been approved as adjunct instructors by Three Rivers Community College. Upon graduation, students can request an official Three Rivers transcript to be sent to their attending college. Students are under no obligation to attend Three Rivers Community College.

Three Rivers High School Partnership Program Currently available for eligible high school juniors and seniors who wish to study subjects not offered in high school. Eligible students will attend classes at Three Rivers Community College and will be funded for one college course per semester on a space available basis. Special fees may apply and are the student’s responsibility. Each high school has a limited amount of space available.

New London Scholars Program (Connecticut College) Nominated seniors may enroll at Connecticut College in an entry level academic course. Upon completion, students can obtain a college transcript from Connecticut College at no cost.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM

East Lyme High School is proud to participate in the CollegeBoard’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program, a program that offers students the opportunity to complete college-level studies during high school. The primary goals of the AP program are to strengthen the secondary experience of students who are ready for college-level work and to provide administrative support for granting credit or placement to those students in their freshman year of college.

East Lyme High School encourages students to challenge their expectations in all academic areas. Advanced Placement courses are a tangible way for students to meet their higher educational goals. Advanced Placement courses are student self-selected. While teachers will recommend students for these courses, the final decision remains with students and their parents provided the student has passed prerequisites for the course. A non- recommended course requires an override form.

The CollegeBoard maintains that the full experience includes the AP exam in each course. To meet that standard, East Lyme High School will award AP credit only to students completing the course and the AP exam. The cost of the exam is the student’s responsibility. A contract outlining the AP policy and costs, signed by the student and parent, will be sent home prior to the start of the course.

Students should expect summer readings prior to the start of an AP course. East Lyme High School believes that the level of commitment to AP demands a tremendous amount of work from students. In order to keep the best interests of the students’ paramount, it is the usual policy that students should not take more than three AP courses in one academic year, with a max of four AP courses. For more than four AP courses in one-year, principal permission is required.

It should also be noted that the AP program benefits extend far beyond the direct outcomes of the primary goals. In giving students an opportunity to experience the academic rigors of college, AP inspires confidence, a sense of responsibility and self-reliance, and provides an academic bridge to ease the transition from secondary school to college.

During the 2021-2022 school year, the following Advanced Placement courses were offered:

American Government Environmental Science Music Theory Studio Art

Biology French Language & Culture Physics 1 & 2 U. S. History

Calculus AB/BC Language & Composition Psychology World History

Chemistry Literature & Composition Spanish Language & Culture

Computer Science Mobile Computer Science Statistics

Students who drop an AP course will not be allowed to take the AP exam in that subject area. A revised copy of the grade 12 transcript and accompanying letter will be sent to their prospective colleges.

Dropping the class after October 1 may result in a WF. Waiving the WF requires teacher and administrative approval; the schedule change form must be completed and signed.