Option Two

 

The purpose of Option Two (N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a) 2 i,ii) is to provide educational experiences that are meaningful and relevant, and that provide pupils with opportunities to explore and achieve at high levels. Option Two allows local school districts to design and implement curricular programs that meet the needs of all pupils.

 

The regulations support pupil participation in deep and meaningful learning experiences that advance pupil learning and focus on pupil interest and abilities. Option Two allows pupils to obtain credit for learning experiences outside of the traditional classroom environment.

 

Some of these experiences may provide real-world connections not available in the school setting. Other learning experiences may go beyond what the traditional high school can provide, allowing pupils to participate in research, international study, or college-level work.

 

_ Independent Study;

_ Program for College Credit/Dual Enrollment;

_ Internship/External Program; and

_ Service to Community.

 

 

• Internship/External Programs proposals must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the proposed program and will be reviewed by the Principal or designee(s) to ensure that the qualifications and experiences of instructors match Core Curriculum Content Standards and Option Two outcomes.
• Programs are approved only when the principal signs off on the application.
• If the Principal declines the application, the pupil has the ability to appeal this decision. The following must occur:

• The pupil shall notify the principal in writing within three school days of notification from the principal or a designee. This appeal to the principal should include the reason(s) the pupil feels she/he should be granted permission for the Option Two Program. It should particularly address the criteria for program approval detailed above. 
• The principal will gather information and forward it to the Director of Curriculum. The Director of Curriculum will notify the pupil of his/her decision, in writing, within five days of receipt of the appeal materials.
• The HSPA test or any state or district graduation requirement cannot be substituted by any Option Two experience.

 

When considering awarding credit under Option Two, DHS is most concerned with: Does the content of the course/program directly relate to the Core Curriculum Content Standards (CCCS) of the DHS course for which you are requesting credit? Is the program taught/organized by a qualified professional/person? What are the goals, objectives, activities, and assessment methods of this program? What is the total number of hours associated with this program? Are there any issues involving pupil safety? Consideration of the factors not allowing the pupil to take the Dumont High School Course, (ex. Scheduling conflicts beyond the pupil's control)

 

• Credits awarded will be Pass/Fail and will not count as a part of a pupil’s GPA or honor status.
• Credits will be awarded at the end of each year and requirements must be completed one week prior to final exams.
• Up to 6 credits can be awarded for successful completion of these programs. 
• All Option Two credit accumulation is limited to a maximum of 25 credits in total per pupil over a four-year period.
• In the event of a pupil withdrawing from an approved Option Two Program, Dumont High School cannot guarantee placement in an equivalent Dumont High School course.
• In the event that the pupil does not complete the program option being applied for due to any reason, partial credit will not be awarded.
• Internship/External program supervisors or managers must provide evidence that the program is safe and in compliance with child safety and/or labor laws.
• Internship/External Program supervisors or managers must participate in ongoing communication and reporting with high school personnel to ascertain pupil progress and course completion.
• Any Option Two program that does not meet the guidelines of the NCAA Clearinghouse may affect the pupil’s athletic eligibility in high school or in college.

 

It is the pupil's responsibility to maintain academic standing and enrollment in an approved Option Two program. Any failure to complete an approved program may jeopardize the pupil's ability to meet graduation requirements. A pupil’s parent/guardian is responsible for: 

• Paying for a college or university coursework or activity, providing transportation, specialized equipment or materials;
• Completing the Option Two application and providing all requested information in the stated time frame; 
• Any tuition or other costs related to the program, including transportation arrangements, books, lab fees, etc.;
• Providing attendance and academic records to Dumont High School for the approved Option Two Program;
• Providing Dumont High School with all requested information including, but not limited to, academic progress, course syllabus, final grade report, instructor credentials, assessment methods, links to CCCS, and proof of attendance; and giving final grade information to Dumont High School. Final grade reports from an approved Option Two program must be received as soon a available, but no later than two weeks after the conclusion of the program. Please note that any final grade report that needs to be considered for graduation purposes must be received by Dumont High School no later than June 1 of the graduating year.
• The parent/guardian must comply with any requests by the district/school for information about Internship/External Programs in regard to safety considerations, rigor and alignment with standards and local curriculum.

 

 

Independent Study – The intent of independent study is to provide pupils with an enrichment opportunity to go beyond standard curriculum experiences. The pupil will be expected to transcend the less complex tasks of recalling specifics and move toward the acquisition of more complex abilities and skills. As an inclusion to the culmination of the study, a paper, a report or demonstration of skills or a crafted or creative expression will be required. The independent study cannot be used to circumvent graduation requirements. Independent study cannot be taken in a course that is a graduation requirement; it cannot be used as a substitute for a failed course or in place of a regularly scheduled core curriculum class. Example: A historical video documentary of a political convention, an in-depth historical investigation of a local event or character.

 

Program For College Credit – This program allows pupils who have demonstrated college readiness and who meet established criteria to enroll in college level courses at Bergen Community College or any accredited NJ college. Pupils who meet the selection criteria established for the program will be eligible to take courses in these programs and receive college credit and 6 Dumont High School credits per semester. This program will allow high school pupils to complete college or technical courses under identified Option Two credit allowances.

 

Internship/External Programs – These are programs taken by pupils other than those provided by the school district, by an outside provider. These programs must meet the parameters of the Core Curriculum Content Standards and school district approval guidelines. Examples: Pupil internship experiences, school-year internships, study-abroad programs, community school courses.

 

Service to Community – Pupils who participate in local community, state, or national service-oriented programs may request that their service be considered as an Option Two experience. These programs must meet the parameters of the Core Curriculum Content Standards and school district approval guidelines.

 

 

Download the Option Two Application below.
After completing, return to the principal.