What Comes Next?
Post Secondary Resource Guide
If you have failed a high school course that is holding you back from advancing to the next grade or keeping you from graduating on time, there are credit recovery options. These options allow you to complete the course in a different format, allowing you a second chance to earn the high school credit if you pass. Depending on what your school has to offer, there are options to attend after school programs, summer school, and online credit completion. Generally, the requirements to be able to enroll in a credit completion option include attempting to take a course and failing, and meeting the attendance "time" requirements for a course needed for graduation.
High School Credit Completion Options
Alternate Ways of Earning Credit
Use this information to learn about high school credit recovery and ways to earn college credit while you are still in high school.
Face to Face
This credit recovery option involes working in a classroom environment directly with a teacher. This can be in the form of an after school program where students will stay after school, summer school where students attend courses in the summer, or attending an alternative high school to work on credit completion.
Online Credit Completion
This is a virtual classroom that is completed either at school, home, or computer lab setting. A student will log into the course, and move through the course on their own. This allows a student to try a different learning environment with interactive multimedia. Through pretests and assessments, a student’s understanding of the material is assessed and the lesson is customized to fit the student’s need. Many of these courses include online instructors who give assignments, assistance, and feedback virtually. These programs can be open all year long, allowing students to start a course at any time.
Blended
Although there are online options that can be completed independently, the most successful programs are those that are blended, including online and face to face components. This allows a student to complete their online course with a teacher present. This helps the student stay on track and motivated while a teacher is there to provide assistance and support. A student can have scheduled time in a specific classroom or computer during the school day to complete this, or can do so at after school credit completion.
Education2020 helps provide core and elective credit recovery through a virtual school setting. This allows a student to complete their course work anytime. This is a flexible option where a student can complete a single section of a course or an entire class. Talk to your school counselor for more details.
Other Credit Recovery Resources
Earning College Credit during High School
Ambitious high school students can explore options to earn college credit while they are still in high school. Earning college credit in high school will help in the college admission process and earn transferable credit towards their post-high school college education, lessening overall college tuition costs. This option is for ambitious students who are independent workers. Be careful not to overburden yourself with too many tough courses, as this can lead to high stress and lower grades. Talk with your school counselor to see if you would be a good candidate.
Advanced Placement (AP)
There are 35 AP courses in 19 different subjects that provide students with the opportunity to take a college level course at high school. Courses count as high school credit but also offer students an opportunity to earn college credits through the AP Exam.To earn college credit, a student will need to earn a 4 or 5 (on a scale of 1-5) on the AP Exam for a specific AP class. Additional qualifications for college credit depend on the college a student will be attending. Check with that school to see what AP Exam scores they accept for college credit. The class does not cost anything, but there is a fee you will be responsible for if you plan on taking the AP Exam to try for college credit.
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Dual Enrollment
High school students can earn college credits by attending High School classes and college classes simultaneously. A student will have to meet the enrollment requirements such as a qualifying ACT Plan, PSAT, or MME exam score.Courses can count for high school credit, college credit, or both.Payment for dual enrollment if made from a school district’s State Aid foundation grant.A student will have to attended classes on the college campus or complete them online as well as attend classes at the high school.
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International Baccalaureate Degree Programs
IB is a two-year curriculum only available in an IB approved school where students engage in a challenging curriculum. Students learn a second language, and the skills to work with others internationally.The program is open to any student but teachers, parents, and school counselors work to determine if a student is the right fit.At the end of the program, students take written exams which are graded by external examiners. The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points. College credit is earned by passing the IB exam with a qualifying score of 4-7. The amount of college credit depends on the college.
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Early/Middle colleges
This is a high school program where a student can earn their high school diploma and substantial college credit with the option of an additional fifth year of study if needed. Students can earn up to 60 transferable credit, an associate degree, or a MEMCA Certificate. Students earn credits through dual enrollment. Courses are offered on the college’s campus, online, and even at the high school.
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Michigan Department of Education
The Early College Alliance
This is an early/middle college program located on Eastern Michigan University’s campus. This program immerses high school students into a college learning environment. Students have the opportunity to earn college credit, and academically focuses students a chance to complete advanced course work. It also provide an alternative to students who are struggling or do not feel connected to their school. This program is recognized by the Michigan Department of Education as a four plus one program. Students can participate in the program a year past what would have been their graduation year, while not negatively impacting the district’s Adequate Yearly Progress.
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