NCSL Fall Forum 2012: Rethinking "Seat Time": State Approaches to Earning Credit in Out-of-School Time

To lower high school dropout rates and prepare students for jobs, more state policymakers are rethinking traditional ways of earning high school credit and instead are considering proficiency-based learning. Some states are allowing credits to be earned through expanded learning opportunities (ELOs), such as afterschool programs.  NCSL’s Education Standing Committee held a session called "Rethinking Seat Time" at NCSL’s 2012 Fall Forum in Washington, D.C., during which panelists discussed different approaches to earning credit in out-of-school time and the legislative policy implications. Arkansas State Senator Joyce Elliott moderated the session. Panelists included:

• Bridget Godes, policy analyst with Iowa Senate Democrats, presented on  Iowa SF 2284 and the resulting task force on competency based credits. Iowa – Competency Based Education

• Paul Leather, New Hampshire deputy commissioner of the Education Department, presented the work New Hampshire has been doing on credit-bearing expanded learning opportunities, specifically the state rule that allows credit for mastery of course-level competencies through ELOs. Re-Thinking “Seat Time”: Offering High School Credit Through Expanded Learning Opportunities

• Hilary Salmons, executive director of the Providence After School Alliance (PASA), presented the work PASA has been doing with credit-bearing ELOs, specifically ELO pilot programs from spring and fall of 2012. Expanded Learning Opportunities for High School Credit and Digital Badges