Individualized Student Learning Opportunities

Students may participate in an individualized learning opportunity (ILO) in any subject area.  The guidelines to participate are as follows:

1. Be a 10th, 11th or 12th grade student enrolled in a full time or shared time program at either High School North or South.

2. Complete an application, which may be obtained from the Guidance Office.

3. Obtain approval from the building administration.

4. For an ILO in Health/Physical Education, you must submit proof of either of the following: 

a. Must participate in a minimum of two (2) athletic seasons of an NJSIAA sanctioned sport AND complete a program       that addresses and satisfies the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in Health.

I. Tenth grade students that participate in ILO and take Driver’s Theory outside of the building will not be permitted to take their Driver's Education written exam at the high school and will have to go to NJMVC for their written exam to obtain their driving permit.

b. Must maintain a regular fitness regimen of a minimum of 2.5 hours per week under the supervision of, and verified by, professionals including but not limited to: organized fitness activity such as dance, karate, gymnastics, etc., independent non-sanctioned athletic teams, AND complete a program, possibly including online coursework, that addresses and satisfies the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in Health.

Combinations of (a) and (b) are considered.  For example, a one season athlete may combine that activity with participation in an organized dance program that meets the 2.5 hour per week participation time requirement. 

5. Maintain a portfolio/record of work completed.

6. Student must report any changes to the approved ILO program immediately to his/her counselor. 

7. For Physical Education, students who complete their ILO outside of a school-sponsored activity may need to complete a Physical Fitness assessment at the end of the school year to earn credit.

8. Agree to be assessed on a PASS/FAIL basis.

9. Parents/Guardians and/or students agree to hold the school/district harmless from, and waive any and all claims against the school/district, for any injury or damages of any kind incurred during completion of the ILO of any non-school sponsored activity. 

10. ILO programs are not funded by the district.  All costs incurred in completing an ILO are the responsibility of the student and/or his/her parents/guardians.

11. Successful completion of English and Health & PE for the equivalent of 4 years is a high school graduation requirement.  Failure to complete the ILO agreement may result in an inability to graduate in June of senior year.

*** All other ILO requests that fall outside of the guidelines listed above will be evaluated, by committee, on a case-by-case basis.  Submissions must demonstrate participation in a unique and rigorous activity whereby the opportunity to participate is selective as opposed to registration/tuition-driven.  The administration has the ultimate discretion to accept or deny these types of ILO applications based on the information submitted by the students and/or parents/guardians.

• Individualized Student Learning Opportunity Application

Qualified  students  can  earn  both  high  school  and  college credits by enrolling in dual credit courses taught at the high school  by  district  staff  certified  as  adjunct  instructors  at Brookdale Community College (BCC), Seton Hall University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Kean University and Rider University.  Students interested in the BCC program must pass the Accuplacer test. All other programs require only student approval from the high school administration. These programs generally require parents to pay a reduced tuition to the college. For more information and an application, contact the student’s guidance counselor.

This self-directed learning opportunity allows the teacher to act as a guide or facilitator for a specific curricular area while the  student  plays  a more active role in designing and managing his or her own learning. Students are able to complete some of their credit requirements through individual study and research. A student and his or her independent study teacher agree in advance on the topic and approach of the study program and meet regularly to discuss the student’s progress. Students create a final product for presentation at the end of the study. Interested students should see their Guidance Counselors for more information.

Online courses give students the opportunity to recover high school credit. All online courses must be arranged through the student’s Guidance Counselor.  Any costs associated with online course work is the responsibility of the parent.

Service Learning is a method by which  students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service  that  is  conducted  in  the community to meet its needs.    Students  may  earn  credit  through  a  Service Learning Project.  Project proposals must be submitted to the student’s Guidance Counselor by March 1st  and are subject to administrative approval.  The amount of credit earned is based on the scope of the project.