Senior Options

As defined by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), Senior Options are 12th grade programs for all high school seniors that will increase their options to begin preparing for a college education or a career following graduation following two basic standards. First, participating students must complete all high school graduation requirements.  Second, the programs offered must provide multiple and diverse paths leading to success for all students. 12th grade options are coordinated through the Department of Education regional centers. Options include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1)  Dual enrollment in college courses (both in the high school and at the college);

(2)  Participation in work-based learning;

(3)  Enrollment in technical courses (in the high school, college and proprietary schools);

(4)  Participation in mentorships with teachers at grade schools; 

(5)  Study abroad offered through partnerships  with out-of-state/county colleges through articulated agreements through exchange programs or with nationally  or regionally accredited institutions  of higher learning; and

(6)  Capstone projects involved with in-depth research projects designed for mastery learning culminating with a detailed performance assessment and exhibition that demonstrates research, learning, and involvement.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) (N.J.A.C. 6A:19-1.2, NJDOE) means experiential, supervised educational activities designed to provide students with exposure to the requirements  and responsibilities of specific job titles or job groups, and to assist them in gaining employment skills and making career and educational decisions. A work-based learning experience may be either paid or unpaid, depending on the type of activities in which the student is involved. All work-based learning experiences must adhere to applicable State and Federal child labor laws and other rules of the State Departments of Education and Labor. Work-Based Learning may include, but is not limited to:

        (1)  Apprenticeships;

        (2)  Service Learning;

        (3)  Cooperative education;

        (4)  Internships;

        (5)  Job shadowing;

        (6)  School-based enterprises; 

        (7)  Volunteer activities;

        (8)  Vocational student organizations; and

        (9)  Work Experience Career Exploration Program (WECEP)

Northern Valley will offer the following Senior Options:

Dual Enrollment College Credit – Students in grades 11 and 12 studying various courses have the opportunity  to participate in a dual enrollment program sponsored by Seton Hall University and Bergen Community  College. Those students who enroll can earn college level credits directly from the university/college as well as achieving a grade in their Northern  Valley course. Eligibility for this program is based on the regular course selection process.

BCC Prep – Students have the opportunity to enroll in courses at Bergen Community  College and earn up to 18 college credits. Day or evening classes are available. NVRHS students may also participate in a half-day dual enrollment program with BCC on their campus. Eligibility for this program is based on the regular course selection process.

Honors Studio Art – The main goal of this course is to provide eleventh and twelfth grade students with an opportunity for a student driven, teacher guided, portfolio creation experience. Students will work with their teacher to identify their long and short term goals and to propose the scope of their portfolio project, and identify resources needed to complete this portfolio. Eligibility for this program is based on the regular course selection process as specified in the Program of Study. 

Open Ingenuity Lab – The main goal of this course is to provide eleventh and twelfth grade students with an opportunity  for a student driven, teacher guided, semi-structured project/problem- based learning experience. This course provides an opportunity for students who are interested in integrative Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) topics to engage in a related project-based experience. Students will work with their teacher to identify their core ingenuity competencies, to propose a comprehensive project, and identify resources needed to accomplish their projects. They will then carry their project to fruition including a comprehensive presentation  and assessment based upon the core ingenuity competencies. Eligibility for this program is based on the regular course selection process.

Cooperative Education – The Cooperative Business Education (CBE) Work-Experience Program is a strongly integrated and supervised cooperative venture of the Business Education Department and the business community. The school provides classroom training in developing business knowledge, workplace skills, and occupational information while the business community provides the employment where the students practice these skills and acquire experience that can only be gained on the job. Students work part-time (a minimum of 15-20 hours per week) in areas relating to their career goals.  Community Based Internship (CBI) course will develop skills to educate students and prepare them for the transition from school to the world of work. CBI goals are directly related to objectives written in the students’ Individual Educational Programs (IEPs). Students will develop skills and strategies that promote personal responsibility related to employment. The values and competencies learned will support the student in practicing and achieving life goals. For the purpose of this course, the term internship can be defined as one of

the following based on an individual’s level of independence:

• Community Based Internship: Structured learning experience during which the student will intern off campus toward a specific career path, and be supervised  as needed.

• On Campus Internship: Student will intern on the campus of Northern Valley.

• Job Sampling: Students will participate in supervised job sampling.

Eligibility for these programs is based on the regular course selection process.

Honors Independent Study Capstone – To provide a rigorous opportunity  for students to explore their talents, passions, and interests in a real world setting.  In addition, it provides a forum for students to showcase their original research, similar to what would occur in college and in our global society. Students will receive high school credit and recognition on a transcript for participating in real world problem-solving applications. This experience will occur outside of the school day. Eligibility for these programs is based on the regular course selection process.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) Teaching Mentorship - Teaching Mentorship is a program of study which includes supervised practical training in an educational setting. Students develop workplace readiness skills, professionalism, and independence.  Students will also have an opportunity  through observation, interview and study to develop an understanding of the teaching profession. Preference for this program is offered to students who have successfully completed Child Development. High school students will be active participants during and after the regular school day at one of the Northern  Valley sending district’s elementary schools or high schools. Participation will be determined by the regular classroom teacher and/or local school administrator.  Initial Eligibility  requirements  include 3.0 cumulative GPA at the start of senior year. In addition to the other Senior Options eligibility requirements, Students must have an average GPA of 3.0 or higher calculated after the 2nd marking period of senior year. Any student eligible at this point must maintain a marking period average of a 3.0 or higher in the 3rd marking period.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) Service Learning – National and Community Service Project (P.L. 106-170, National and Community Service Act) means any project, program or undertaking designed to provide, or assist in providing, activities or services to promote conservation, restoration or preservation of natural resources, open space of the environment, or the public health, education and welfare among the general population or segments of the population having identifiable needs or deficiencies. Students will be able to receive high school credit by participating in a project that is designed to enhance and augment some aspect of the Northern Valley Community. Educational experiences will take place outside the school building during and/or after the regular school day or as determined by the representative of the community that is responsible for overseeing the project.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) Job Shadow/Professional Internship – Job Shadowing (N.J.A.C.12:56-18.1, NJDOL) means the process by which a student determines by observation, interview and study the pertinent information related to an occupation. Information can include such factors as qualifications for employment, functions performed, necessary skills and knowledge, equipment and material used, and physical demands and working environment. Internship (N.J.A.C.12:56-18.1, NJDOL) is a program of study, which includes supervised practical training. Students develop workplace readiness skills, professionalism, and independence. Students will also have an opportunity through observation, interview and study to develop an understanding  of specific occupations. Information can include such factors as qualifications for employment, functions performed, necessary skills and knowledge, equipment and materials used, required education, physical demands and working environment.  Certain employers may require students to work one day per week as opposed to the intensive timeframe between May and June.  The requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the principals or designee.

Eligibility Requirements:

In order to remain eligible for the Teaching Mentorship, Service Learning/Volunteering, and Unpaid Internships/Job Shadowing Work-Based Learning students must meet the following requirements:

a. Student has a positive behavior record as related to disciplinary referrals and attendance. There must be no suspensions (see privilege reinstatement provisions), outstanding detentions or obligations and students must be in good standing.

Students who have exceeded 10 unexcused absences in any class or school by the first day of the program will be ineligible. 

Students who have exceeded 10 tardies to school by the first day of the program will be ineligible.

Students who have exceeded 5 unexcused absences in any semester 2 course will be ineligible. 

b. Students must complete all course requirements, earn a passing grade in all courses for each marking period, and be earning C- or better for the fourth marking period in any course, to participate. 

c. Any student suspended for substance related incidents that wishes to be considered for reinstatement of privileges/eligibility in order to participate in the Structured Learning Experience, must follow the guidelines as stated in the updated procedures/regulations outlined in BOE policy regulations 5131.6. Please refer to the BOE 5131.6 policy at www.nvnet.org/boe/policy.

Work Based Learning (WBL) Transcript Credit: 

Students completing the WBL program will receive a .25 credit on their transcript. Students may decide to withdraw from WBL within the first five days of the program without consequence. Withdrawal from the program after the first five days or being removed from the program will result in a grade of “withdrawal failing.” Students completing all of the program requirements will receive a grade of “P” for passing the course. 

Students who fail to meet all of the requirements of WBL will receive a grade of an “F” on their transcript. This includes submitted written work, required scheduled hours, and proper attendance within the program.