Educationally Sound

Over the last few weeks I have seen a flurry of activity online when researching credit recovery ideas online and off.  The term “credit recovery” is used to mean many things.  Many generalizations are thrown around which can be confusing and sometimes misleading. Here is my attempt to simplify and clarify a few of them…

Statement 1- “Credit Recovery has been around a long time”.

Well, the concept of credit recovery has been around for a long time.  Credit recovery really refers to granting credit without full satisfactory completion of all original course requirements.  This has been done in many ways– from programs in schools, to special projects run by teachers or administrators.  There ve been many blogs on the topic recently, as many have seen abuses and are unhappy with the way it is being used by districts to deal with the pressures to raise scores and reduce dropouts.  As a result, NYSED has approved a new policy to clarify the use of credit recovery, according to the New York Post, October 21,2009.  This policy deals with credit recovery programs online and otherwise.  Credit recovery does not have to be online.

Statement 2- “Online  credit recovery programs such as NovaNet have been used for a long time”.

NovaNet and other similar programs have been used in many states which have laws allowing for online learning for many years.  New York has not had any laws which authorize learning and teaching online at the k12 level.  Online learning can be used by a teacher as a tool as part of a course of instruction.  Downstate schools have used these programs for a few years to save schools at risk of closing.  Although still controversial, many believe teachers in these areas have not raised some issues as the programs are keeping their schools open.

Statement 3- ” There are no rules for credit recovery programs”.

In April NYSED began developing proposals for policy on this issue.  After receiving feedback, they have now developed a policy for credit recovery generally and online credit recovery.

Statement 4- “Programs like NovaNet have been approved by NYSED”.

Book publishers who create these programs often say they are based on NY standards.  As of this writing, according to NYSED officials, no online program has been approved. It is up to each district to determine if the curriculum is consistant with state standards. (Remember it is the responsibility of the district to provide education in alignment with these standards.)  Districts look to teachers and curriculum experts to bless these programs and determine their alignment with state requirements.

Statement 4- “Online learning is here to stay.”

There is no question that online learning is here to stay.  Colleges are offering more and more courses online;companies are using online learning for staff development and training.  Credit recovery is a particular type of online learning.  District policies for credit recovery vary according to the needs and philosophies of the district.  Remember, credit recovery really refers to the fact that it is a program granting credit with fewer requirements.  It can be accomplished by many types of programs– online is just one option being used. The new proposal by NYSED calls for several things.  It clearly indicates that online programs may be used as long as they include tests, essays or other assessments consistent with state standards, instruction, and programs are run under the supervidion of certified teachers in the subject area.  Programs are to address individual student needs as well. NYSED also wants some thought given to who is offered these programs.  A committee is to be established comprised of teachers and administrators to decide who is allowed to gain credit via credit recovery. See the new policy for more details.

What are some of the issues we see in the discussions concerning credit recovery?

• Is it improving our schools and education system?
• Is it fair to students who do not participate in these programs?  What about students who might like another opportunity to raise their grade?  Shouldn’t all students have the opportunity?
• Are the progams delaying the inevitable as students are not getting the skills they need to be successful in later courses?
• Is failure no longer an option?  Should it be?
• How does it impact teacher motivation?  Can this impact the overall program in a school for all students?
• Are the costs of these programs disproportionate as they impact so few students?
• Are programs which are reading based providing differentiation for students with special needs?  Are they consistent with IEP’s?
• Do these programs really provide education consistant with NY Standards?
• What other solutions are available?
• What is going to be your schools policy on credit recovery?  How is it going to be used and when? What will be the components of the courses? Who will run them?
• Who will determine who participates?  Who will determine the members of the committee in NYSED policy?

Lots to think about?  You bet!