KDE’s Division of Curriculum staff prepared the following information related to questions we received concerning middle school students who complete high school credits. This is a reminder to ensure that your district is following the current statute and that students are receiving credit accordingly. It does not represent new policy but instead existing law. If you have questions about the information found below, contact Michael Miller at 502-564-2106 or via email at Michael.Miller@education.ky.gov .
KRS 158.622 (3) requires that districts:
• Accept for credit toward graduation any course a student completes through Kentucky Virtual High School (KVHS) and incorporate the grade the student receives in that course when calculating his/her grade point average without distinction between the KVHS course and courses taught within the school district.
• Accept for credit toward graduation and completion of high school course requirements an Advanced Placement or a high school equivalent taken by a student in grades 5, 6, 7, or 8 if that student attains performance levels expected of high school students as defined by achieving a score of "3" or better on a College Board Advanced Placement examination or a grade of "B" or better in a high school equivalent course according to the local grading scale.
From Program of Studies for Kentucky Schools P-12 (incorporated into regulation through 704 KAR 3:303)
"High School Credit Earned in Middle School
It is expected that most students will earn these credits during their high school years. However, local school districts may offer these courses to middle level students if the following criteria are met:
the content and the rigor of the course is the same as established in the Program of Studies
the students demonstrate mastery of the middle level content as specified in the Program of Studies
the district has criteria in place to make reasonable determination that the middle level student is capable of success in the high school course
the middle level course is taught by teachers with either secondary or middle level certification with appropriate content specialization
Postsecondary Credit Earned in High School
Dual credit (articulated credit) opportunities allow students to pursue both high school and postsecondary credit-bearing work prior to their graduation from high school. A local board of education shall maintain a copy of its policy on high school graduation requirements that may contain policy regarding dual credit opportunities.
College Board Advanced Placement (AP) courses provide opportunities for students to access challenging curricula that facilitate high-level attainment of Kentucky’s learning goals. The AP program provides high school students with opportunities to earn college credits at universities and colleges across the country.
AP courses require use of standardized, prescribed college-level curriculum. Course materials and resources are selected from among identified college-level texts in the appropriate content area.
The College Board has no restrictions on the age/grade level of students who take Advanced Placement courses and/or Advanced Placement examinations. College credit is solely based on the level of performance on each examination. Access to the courses may be achieved through regular classes, virtual opportunities, independent study or other means.
Dual enrollment opportunities allow students to pursue postsecondary credit bearing work prior to their graduation from high school. This differs from dual credit in that students are earning only postsecondary credit, not high school credit, for that course."