2
Volusia County School Board Members
Mrs. Ida D. Wright, Chairman
Mrs. Melody Johnson, Vice-Chairman
Mrs. Linda Costello
Mrs. Linda Cuthbert
Dr. John Hill
Mr. James T. Russell
Superintendent of Schools
Ms. Teresa Marcks
Chief Academic Officer
3
ELEMENTARY ACCEL OPTIONS
The Volusia County School District provides academically challenging curricula and accelerated
instruction to eligible elementary school students. Eligibility requirements and procedures have been
established by the district. According to s.1002.3105, F.S., ACCEL options include, but are not limited
to, whole grade and mid-year promotion, subject matter acceleration, virtual instruction and the Credit
Acceleration Program (CAP). Refer to the Student Progression Plan for detailed information
concerning ACCEL.
If a student is being considered for whole grade acceleration, the principal should follow the process
outlined for district promotion/retention requests. Contact the Student Services Department at ext.
20759 for additional information.
ACCEL Eligibility
Any student currently enrolled in a Volusia County School may apply for acceleration opportunities.
To initiate the acceleration process, the student’s parent must submit a written request to the
principal/designee of the student’s school of enrollment.
Eligibility for one or more acceleration opportunities is determined by, but not limited to, the following: (1) data indicating that the student has the ability to perform above grade level; (2) student attendance and conduct record; (3) recommendation from one or more of the student’s teachers in core-curricula courses as
defined in s.1003.01(14)(a)-(e), F.S.; (4) score of Level 3 or above on statewide, standardized assessments;
(5) evidence that the academic requirement(s) for selected program(s) have been met.
For gifted students with active EP, recommendation for whole grade acceleration for gifted
learners is determined by the need of the student for acceleration as indicated by the team
members of the Education Plan (EP) committee which is comprised of, but not limited to,
parents, school counselor, the principal or designee, teachers from each of the affected grade
levels, placement specialist, and the gifted program specialist.
OVERVIEW OF OPTIONS
Credit Acceleration Program (CAP)
The CAP is created for the purpose of allowing students to earn high school credit in courses that
require statewide, standardized end-of-course (EOC) assessments and/or advanced placement
courses. Credit will be awarded by the district for any student who attains a Level 3 or above as
defined in s.1008.22(3) (c) 5, F.S. Students are not required to be enrolled in the course or to have
completed the course. A student who is not enrolled in the course or who has not completed the
course will take the statewide, standardized EOC assessment or Advanced Placement Exam during
the regular administration of the assessment.
Students requesting to participate in the end-of-course exam must submit a completed Credit by
Exam Request Form with the testing coordinator and counselor at the current school of enrollment
nine weeks prior to the state-mandated testing window. Students requesting to participate in an
4
Advanced Placement Exam for a course in which they are not enrolled in will be required to pay the
associated exam fee and will need to register with the school-based Advanced Placement Testing
Coordinator, as outlined in the Student Progression Plan.
Online Courses
When a school has identified a student as eligible for acceleration, choosing a virtual option is based
on the following, s.1002.455, F.S.:
(a) The student spent the prior school year in attendance at a public school in this state
and was enrolled and reported by the school district for funding during the preceding
October and February for purposes of the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP)
surveys.
(b) The student is a dependent child of a member of the United States Armed Forces who
was transferred within the last 12 months to Florida from another state or from a
foreign country pursuant to a permanent change of station order.
(c) The student was enrolled during the prior school year in a school district virtual
instruction program, a K-8 Virtual School Program or a full-time Florida Virtual School
program.
(d) The student has a sibling who is currently enrolled in a school district virtual instruction
program and the sibling was enrolled in that program at the end of the prior school
year.
(e) The student is eligible to enter kindergarten or first grade.
Volusia Online Learning (VOL)
Students who qualify for an ACCEL option and meet statutory eligibility may opt to take one or more
courses virtually through Volusia Online Learning. Online courses meet the needs of students who
learn more productively in their own time and in their own space. Enrollment in a virtual course, for
the purpose of acceleration only, must be completed by the zoned school counselor and added to the
student’s schedule either during or beyond the school day. Students are not required to take courses
beyond the school day, but may, if beneficial to the student’s needs. Counselors should contact the
Online Learning offices for enrollment assistance by calling 386-506-0014 or by contacting Wendy
Ferranti at extension 38376 or by email at [email protected].
Florida Virtual School
FLVS is authorized to provide instruction for eligible students in kindergarten through grade 5 for the purpose of acceleration. Elementary students who qualify for the ACCEL option may choose FLVS for middle school courses only. The zoned school ACCEL team must make the determination of student eligibility. Approval of an FLVS course is up to the discretion of the school and the school will add each course to the student’s schedule either during or beyond the school day. Students are not required to take courses beyond the school day, but may, if beneficial to the student’s needs. More information regarding course offerings is available at flvs.net.
5
ACCEL Procedures
Subject Area Acceleration
Upon receipt of the written parent request for acceleration, the procedural requirements for
subject area acceleration are as follows:
(1) A school-based data review is conducted. (2) School principal/designee determines student eligibility in accordance with the subject area
acceleration guidelines outlined in this handbook. (3) School designee, in conjunction with the parent and student, develops the Elementary
Acceleration Plan Performance Contract (page 6) that includes an acceleration plan and timeline, minimum student attendance requirements, minimum student conduct requirements, and possible participation in extracurricular activities, field trips, interscholastic competitions, and other activities related to the ACCEL option selected.
(4) Principal approves and signs the Elementary Acceleration Plan Performance Contract. (5) School principal/designee contacts the parent regarding approval of the plan. (6) If the student successfully completes the plan, he/she will be placed in the next sequential
course or grade level.
Whole Grade Acceleration for Gifted Learners
Recommendation for whole grade acceleration for gifted learners is determined by the team
members of the Education Plan (EP) committee which is comprised of, but not limited to, parents,
school counselor, principal/designee, teachers from affected grade levels, placement specialist,
and the gifted program specialist. Requests for whole grade acceleration EP Committee
Meetings must be submitted prior to April 15th of each school year.
Students who do not successfully meet the outlined eligibility requirements may apply for an
appeal. Parents of these students should contact the school principal or designee to request
appeal paperwork. Once completed, the parent should send the paperwork to Deb Drawdy,
Coordinator Student Services. Refer to Student Packet Checklist (page 7) for the required
documentation.
6
Elementary Acceleration Plan Performance Contract
Student Name__________________________________ Date____________________________
Alpha Code____________________________________ Date of Birth _____________________
Current Grade _________________________________ Age ____________________________
School Name ____________________________________________________________________
Is student currently identified as gifted? ____ If not, is gifted eligibility suspected? _____
If gifted suspected, date of referral:____________(referral not required for subject-area
acceleration; only for whole grade acceleration)
Specific Reason for Request: (Please print)
Documentation to Support Request: Attach supporting documentation, i.e., copy of statewide, standardized assessment
scores, online course grades, teacher recommendation, parent conference notes, etc.
Acceleration Plan and Timeline: Develop an Individual Acceleration Plan that addresses the specific needs, goals, and
objectives for identified student. Include timeline and progress monitoring dates.
Special Circumstances That Should Be Noted: (optional)
Conference Dates: _______________________________________________________________ Student will adhere to school and district policies regarding attendance, behavior, and extracurricular activities.
________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Student Signature Date Parent Signature Date
________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Counselor Signature Date Principal/Designee Signature Date
8/1/16
7
CREDIT BY EXAM REQUEST FORM Volusia County Schools
Credit Acceleration Program (CAP)
Student Name: _______________________________________ ALPHA: ______________
Current School of Enrollment: ___________________________ Grade: _______________
Exam to be taken for course credit (check all that apply):
Algebra I End-of-Course Exam Geometry End-of-Course Exam
Biology End-of-Course Exam U.S. History End-of-Course Exam
Algebra II End-of-Course Exam Advanced Placement (AP) Exam
If you selected Advanced Placement (AP) Exam, please indicate which exam(s) you are requesting to take:
___________________________ ____________________________
___________________________ ____________________________
My signature below indicates that I understand my student will be participating in the exam(s) selected above.
High school credit will be awarded for the course if my student scores a Level 3 or above.
____________________________ _______________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Print Name
_______________________________
Date
My signature below indicates that I understand that I will be participating in the exam(s) selected above. If I
score a Level 3 or above I will earn high school credit for the course(s) associated with the exam(s).
____________________________ _______________________________
Student Signature Print Name
_______________________________
Date
This form must be completed nine weeks prior to the start of the testing window. Upon completion of this form,
the school counselor will give a copy of this completed form to the school-based testing coordinator.
____________________________ _______________________________
Counselor Signature Print Name
_______________________________
Date
Original document: student’s cumulative folder
Copies: parent/guardian school based testing coordinator district testing coordinator
8/1/16
8
MIDDLE SCHOOL ACCEL OPTIONS
The Volusia County School District provides academically challenging curricula and accelerated instruction to eligible middle school students. Eligibility requirements and procedures have been established by the district. According to s.1002.3105, F.S., ACCEL options include, but are not limited to, whole grade and mid-year promotion, subject matter acceleration, virtual instruction, and the Credit Acceleration Program (CAP). Refer to the Student Progression Plan for detailed information concerning ACCEL. If a student is being considered for whole grade acceleration, the principal should follow the process
outlined for district promotion/retention requests. Contact the Student Services Department at ext.
20759 for additional information.
ACCEL Eligibility Any student currently enrolled in a Volusia County School may apply for acceleration opportunities.
To initiate the acceleration process, the student’s parent must submit a written request to the
principal/designee of the student’s school of enrollment.
Overview of Options
Awarding Credit for High School Courses Completed in Middle School
Students receive credit for high school courses successfully completed in middle school. The full high
school curriculum is taught in these courses, and all required district and state assessments are given
to the students at the time the course is taken. The earned grade in these courses will become part of
the high school transcript and Grade Point Average (GPA) calculation.
Credit Acceleration Program (CAP)
The CAP is created for the purpose of allowing students to earn high school credit in courses that
require statewide, standardized end-of-course (EOC) assessments. Credit will be awarded by the
district for any student who attains a level 3 or above, as defined in s.1008.22(3)(c)5, F.S. Students
are not required to be enrolled in the course or to have completed the course. A student who is not
enrolled in the course or who has not completed the course will take the statewide, standardized
EOC assessment during the regular administration of the assessment. Any student who has not
been enrolled in a course or taken the EOC will be enrolled in the appropriate grade-level course
according to the district program of studies.
Students requesting to participate in the CAP must have filed a completed Credit by Exam Request
Form with the testing coordinator and counselor at the current school of enrollment nine weeks prior
to the state-mandated testing window.
Online Courses
When a school has identified a student as eligible for acceleration, choosing a virtual option is based
on the following, s.1002.455, F.S.:
(a) The student spent the prior school year in attendance at a public school in this state
and was enrolled and reported by the school district for funding during the preceding
October and February for purposes of the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP)
surveys.
9
(b) The student is a dependent child of a member of the United States Armed Forces who
was transferred within the last 12 months to Florida from another state or from a
foreign country pursuant to a permanent change of station order.
(c) The student was enrolled during the prior school year in a school district virtual
instruction program, a K-8 Virtual School Program, or a full-time Florida Virtual School
program.
(d) The student has a sibling who is currently enrolled in a school district virtual instruction
program and the sibling was enrolled in that program at the end of the prior school
year.
Volusia Online Learning (VOL)
Students who qualify for an ACCEL option and meet statutory eligibility may opt to take one or more
courses virtually through Volusia Online Learning. Online courses meet the needs of students who
learn more productively in their own time and in their own space. Enrollment in a virtual course for the
purpose of acceleration only, must be completed by the zoned school counselor and added to the
student’s schedule either during or beyond the school day. Students are not required to take courses
beyond the school day, but may, if beneficial to the student’s needs. Counselors should contact the
Online Learning offices for enrollment assistance by calling 386-506-0014 or by contacting Wendy
Ferranti at extension 38376 or by email at [email protected].
Florida Virtual School
FLVS is authorized to provide instruction for eligible students for the purpose of acceleration. The zoned school ACCEL team must make the determination of student eligibility. Approval of an FLVS course is up to the discretion of the school and the school will add each course to the student’s schedule either during or beyond the school day. Students are not required to take courses beyond the school day, but may, if beneficial to the student’s needs. More information regarding course offerings is available at flvs.net.
Whole Grade Acceleration for Gifted Learners
Recommendation for whole grade acceleration for gifted learners is determined by the team members of the Education Plan (EP) committee which is comprised of, but not limited to, parents, school counselor, principal/designee, teachers from affected grade levels, placement specialist, and the gifted program specialist. Requests for whole grade acceleration EP committee meetings must be submitted prior to April 15th of each school year.
ACCEL Procedures
Upon receipt of the written parent request for acceleration, the procedural requirements for whole grade, mid-year, and/or subject matter acceleration are as follows: (1) A school-based data review is conducted. (2) School principal/designee determines student eligibility in accordance with the subject area
guidelines provided by the district, outlined in this handbook. (3) School designee, in conjunction with the parent and student, develops the Middle School
Acceleration Plan Performance Contract (page 11) that includes an acceleration plan and timeline; minimum student attendance requirements; minimum student conduct requirements; and possible participation in extracurricular activities, field trips, interscholastic competitions, and other activities related to the ACCEL option selected.
(4) Principal approves and signs the Middle School Acceleration Plan Performance Contract. (5) School principal/designee contacts the parent regarding approval of the plan.
10
(6) If the student successfully completes the plan, he/she will be placed in the next sequential course or grade level.
Students who do not successfully meet the outlined eligibility requirements may apply for an appeal.
Parents of these students should contact the school principal or designee to request appeal
paperwork. Once completed, the parent should send the paperwork to Deb Drawdy, Coordinator of
Student Services.
11
Middle School Acceleration Plan Performance Contract
Student Name__________________________________ Date____________________________
Alpha Code_____________________________________ Date of Birth____________________
Current G.P.A. __________________________________ Age____________________________
Current Grade Level_____________________________ School Name_____________________
Is student currently identified as gifted? ____ If not, is gifted eligibility suspected? ____
If gifted suspected, date of referral:_______(referral not required for subject-area acceleration;
only for whole grade acceleration)
Specific Reason for Request: (Please print)
Documentation to Support Request: Attach supporting documentation, i.e., copy of statewide, standardized assessment
scores, online course grades, teacher recommendations, parent conference notes, etc.
Acceleration Plan and Timeline: Develop an Individual Acceleration Plan that addresses the specific needs, goals, and objectives
for identified student. Include timeline and progress monitoring dates.
Middle School Courses Completed: Attach documentation regarding middle school coursework that has already been
completed or currently in progress.
Conference Dates: ___________________________________________________________________ Student will adhere to school and district policies regarding attendance, behavior, and extracurricular activities.
_______________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Student Signature Date Parent Signature Date
_______________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Counselor Signature Date Principal/Designee Signature Date
8/1/16
12
CREDIT BY EXAM REQUEST FORM
Volusia County Schools
Credit Acceleration Program (CAP)
Student Name: _______________________________________ ALPHA: ______________
Current School of Enrollment: ___________________________ Grade: _______________
Exam to be taken for course credit (check all that apply):
Algebra I End-of-Course Exam Geometry End-of-Course Exam
Biology End-of-Course Exam U.S. History End-of-Course Exam
Algebra II End-of-Course Exam Advanced Placement (AP) Exam
If you selected Advanced Placement (AP) Exam, please indicate which exam(s) you are requesting to take:
___________________________ ____________________________
___________________________ ____________________________
My signature below indicates that I understand my student will be participating in the exam(s) selected above.
High school credit will be awarded for the course if my student scores a Level 3 or above.
____________________________ _______________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Print Name
_______________________________
Date
My signature below indicates that I understand that I will be participating in the exam(s) selected above. If I
score a Level 3 or above I will earn high school credit for the course(s) associated with the exam(s).
____________________________ _______________________________
Student Signature Print Name
_______________________________
Date
This form must be completed nine weeks prior to the start of the testing window. Upon completion of this form,
the school counselor will give a copy of this completed form to the school-based testing coordinator.
____________________________ _______________________________
Counselor Signature Print Name
_______________________________
Date
Original document: student’s cumulative folder
Copies: parent/guardian school based testing coordinator district testing coordinator
8/1/16
13
HIGH SCHOOL ACCEL OPTIONS
The Volusia County School District provides academically challenging curricula and accelerated
instruction to eligible high school students. Eligibility requirements and procedures have been
established by the district. According to s.1002.3105, F.S., ACCEL options include, but are not limited
to, the Credit Acceleration Program (CAP), subject matter acceleration through Advanced
Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), dual enrollment and early admission courses,
career academy courses, courses that lead to national industry certification, virtual instruction, and
accelerated graduation options.
The Department of Education Office of Articulation provides key advising resources for high schools,
school counselors, students, and parents to facilitate college readiness, seamless articulation,
acceleration opportunities, and ease of postsecondary transition. School counselors are encouraged
to carefully review the resources available online at the Office of Articulation website,
www.fldoe.org/articulation. These resources provide information to reduce duplication of college
credit, support informed decision‐making, and guide careful and effective academic planning for
postsecondary success.
Any student currently enrolled in a Volusia County school may apply for acceleration opportunities.
To initiate, the student’s parent or student must contact the school counselor.
Overview of Options
Credit Acceleration Program (CAP)
The CAP is created for the purpose of allowing students to earn high school credit in courses that
require statewide, standardized end-of-course (EOC) assessments. Credit will be awarded by the
district for any student who attains a Level 3 or above, as defined in s.1008.22(3)(c)5, F.S. Students
are not required to be enrolled in the course or to have completed the course. A student who is not
enrolled in the course or who has not completed the course will take the statewide, standardized
EOC assessment during the regular administration of the assessment. Any student who has not
been enrolled in a course or taken the EOC will be enrolled in the appropriate grade-level course
according to the district program of studies.
Students requesting to participate in the CAP must submit a completed Credit by Exam Request
Form to the testing coordinator and counselor at the current school of enrollment nine weeks prior to
the state-mandated testing window.
Advanced Placement Program (AP)
The College Board's Advanced Placement program is a nationwide program consisting of more than
30 college-level courses and exams in subjects ranging from art to statistics offered at participating
high schools. Students earning a qualifying score on an AP exam can earn credit or advanced
placement for their efforts. Eligibility for an AP course includes past academic performance to
support a student’s potential for advanced coursework. According to the College Board, "More than
2,900 universities and colleges worldwide grant credit, advanced placement, or both to students who
have performed satisfactorily on the exams, and approximately 1,400 institutions grant sophomore
standing to students who have demonstrated their competence in three or more of these exams"
(College Board 2000). Studies have shown that students who complete a solid academic core,
14
including advanced courses, are more likely to be successful in college. Many school counselors
have found that AP courses provide the challenging content necessary to engage all types of
learners. For more information on the AP program, visit the College Board at www.collegeboard.org.
Students who earn a 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement Exam will receive high school credit for the course, regardless of their overall course grade. Students who are not enrolled in an Advanced Placement course, but wish to take the exam may do so; fees and deadlines may apply.
International Baccalaureate Program (IB)
The IB Diploma program is a rigorous pre-university course of study, leading to internationally-
standardized examinations. The program is designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum that
allows its graduates to fulfill requirements of many different nations' education systems. Eligibility for
the IB program includes past academic performance to support a student’s potential for advanced
coursework. As with the Advanced Placement, students earning qualifying scores on IB exams are
eligible for postsecondary education credit. The award of credit is based on scores achieved on IB
exams. Students can earn up to 30 postsecondary semester credits by participating in this program at
the high school level. Approximately 40 Florida high schools currently participate in the IB program,
with the students participating at no cost. For more information on the IB program, visit the
International Baccalaureate Organization at www.ibo.org.
Early Admission
Many colleges and universities accept students after they complete their junior year (11th grade) in
high school (early admission). In other words, the student begins college without a high school diploma.
Early Admission is a form of dual enrollment that allows the student to receive a high school diploma
after successful completion of the first year of college. Daytona State College, the University of Florida,
and the University of Central Florida have early admission dual enrollment agreements with Volusia
County Schools. Early admission may be approved by the School Board when the following
requirements have been met:
The student has completed all required courses for the standard 18 or 24 credit diploma, except electives and one credit in English, ½ credit in Economics, and ½ credit in American Government.
ACT or SAT test scores have been submitted prior to the term of desired entrance. Test scores will be evaluated for entrance into the college program. Students without SAT or ACT scores may take the Post-Secondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) or Accuplacer.
The principal of the high school has recommended the student for early admission.
The student has a 3.0 or higher unweighted high school GPA.
Early Admission students will be required to take a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester. These credits must be applicable to both the high school diploma and the associate degree.
The student has been accepted by a post-secondary regionally-accredited college or university.
Students must provide their own transportation to the college campus.
The early admission student will receive a high school diploma when these conditions have been met:
The student has completed college credits to equal two semesters as determined by the college of attendance, with a normal class load, and with at least a “C” average or its equivalent.
The district has received written documentation from the college of attendance covering the college work.
A college English course consisting of two semesters, a college Economics course, and a college American Government course have been successfully completed.
NOTE: A student in the early admissions program shall not be ranked in his/her high school graduating class. Please refer to School Board Policy 307 for additional information.
15
Dual Enrollment
The State Board of Education, based on the recommendations of the Articulation Coordinating
Committee, has identified the specific dual enrollment courses that meet high school graduation
requirements and assigned a specific amount of high school credit that must be granted for each dual
enrollment course. These courses must be accepted by all high schools in Florida in accordance with
the State Board of Education list. In addition, school districts offering dual enrollment through a local
articulation agreement must provide information regarding postsecondary dual enrollment courses
that meet high school graduation requirements.
Dual enrollment allows students in grades 6-12 to enroll in postsecondary courses for which the
student earns credit towards high school graduation, while at the same time earning college credit.
Participating students are exempt from the payment of tuition and fees. Students are permitted to
enroll in dual enrollment courses on a part-time basis during school hours, after school, or during the
summer term. Early admission programs allow students to enroll in postsecondary courses full-time
on college campuses and earn credits simultaneously toward a college degree and high school
diploma.
The Dual Enrollment Guide outlines program specifics and can be viewed at:
http://myvolusiaschools.org/student-support-services/Documents/DSC%20Dual%20Enrollment%20Guide.pdf
(In process of being updated for 2016-2017)
Industry Certification Opportunities
Industry certification opportunities are offered in specific Career and Technical Education courses.
These adult level certifications allow students to leave high school with marketable skills that can
directly translate to job readiness. The state legislature works together with leaders from business
and industry to identify certifications that are relevant in today’s job market. Students have the ability
to earn certifications at no charge. In addition, successful completion of a state recognized industry
certification allows a student to earn “merit designation” upon their graduation.
Online Courses
When a school has identified a student as eligible for acceleration, choosing a virtual option is based
on the following, s.1002.455, F.S.:
(a) The student spent the prior school year in attendance at a public school in this state
and was enrolled and reported by the school district for funding during the preceding
October and February for purposes of the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP)
surveys.
(b) The student is a dependent child of a member of the United States Armed Forces who
was transferred within the last 12 months to Florida from another state or from a
foreign country pursuant to a permanent change of station order.
(c) The student was enrolled during the prior school year in a school district virtual
instruction program, a Virtual School Program, or a full-time Florida Virtual School
program.
(d) The student has a sibling who is currently enrolled in a school district virtual instruction
program and the sibling was enrolled in that program at the end of the prior school
year.
16
Volusia Online Learning (VOL)
Courses are available for students in grades 9-12 throughout the school year and some courses are
offered during the summer. Online courses meet the needs of students who learn more productively
in their own time and in their own space. Virtual courses are added to the student’s schedule either
during or beyond the school day. Students are not required to take courses beyond the school day,
but may, if beneficial to the student’s needs. More information regarding course offerings and the
online application is available at volusiaonlinelearning.com. Counselors should contact the Online
Learning offices for enrollment assistance by calling 386-506-0014 or by contacting Wendy Ferranti
at extension 38376 or by email at [email protected].
Florida Virtual School
FLVS is another option for instruction for eligible students. Approval of an FLVS course is up to the
discretion of the school and the school will add each course to the student’s schedule either during or
beyond the school day. Students are not required to take courses beyond the school day, but may, if
beneficial to the student’s needs. More information regarding course offerings is available at flvs.net.
18 - Credit Accelerated High School Option
For students entering 9th grade during the 2013-2014 school year and thereafter, an 18-credit accelerated high school option was added to the ACCEL option which allows those who meet the following requirements to be awarded a standard high school diploma:
A student must meet the high school standard diploma requirements outlined for the student’s 9th grade cohort group with the exception of the high school course and full credit in Physical Education. Students choosing the 18 credit ACCEL diploma are only required to complete three elective credits.
A student must earn a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
The new 18-credit ACCEL accelerated high school graduation option replaces the college preparatory and the career preparatory 18-credit accelerated high school graduation options.
ACCEL Procedures
To explore acceleration options, the student and parent should contact the school counselor to initiate
the process of determining the student’s eligibility for each option and develop a plan for acceleration,
as appropriate. Upon notification of student/parent request for acceleration, the school counselor will:
1. review student achievement and academic performance data to establish eligibility for one or
more ACCEL options;
2. notify student of eligibility and program requirements;
3. assist student in meeting timeline and ACCEL option requirements; and
4. develop a schedule to meet student’s needs and chosen program.
17
CREDIT BY EXAM REQUEST FORM Volusia County Schools
Credit Acceleration Program (CAP)
Student Name: _______________________________________ ALPHA: ______________
Current School of Enrollment: ___________________________ Grade: _______________
Exam to be taken for course credit (check all that apply):
Algebra I End-of-Course Exam Geometry End-of-Course Exam
Biology End-of-Course Exam U.S. History End-of-Course Exam
Algebra II End-of-Course Exam Advanced Placement (AP) Exam
If you selected Advanced Placement (AP) Exam, please indicate which exam(s) you are requesting to take:
___________________________ ____________________________
___________________________ ____________________________
My signature below indicates that I understand my student will be participating in the exam(s)
selected above. High school credit will be awarded for the course if my student scores a Level 3 or
above.
____________________________ _______________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Print Name
_______________________________
Date
My signature below indicates that I understand that I will be participating in the exam(s) selected
above. If I score a Level 3 or above I will earn high school credit for the course(s) associated with the
exam(s).
____________________________ _______________________________
Student Signature Print Name
_______________________________
Date
This form must be completed nine weeks prior to the start of the testing window. Upon completion of
this form, the school counselor will give a copy of this completed form to the school-based testing
coordinator.
____________________________ _______________________________
Counselor Signature Print Name
_______________________________
Date
Original document: student’s cumulative folder
Copies: parent/guardian school based testing coordinator district testing coordinator 8/1/16