Credit Reporting for Intermediate District 287

Special Education Programs

Proposal
Intermediate District 287 has adopted a standard process for reporting of credits earned toward
a diploma, converting credit hours earned in academic work into credits based on a common
formula.
The basic conversion formula:
120 credit hours = 1 credit (Year)
60 credit hours = .50 credit (Semester)
40 credit hours = .33 credit (Trimester)
30 credit hours = .25 credit (Quarter)
For partial credits: Credit hours/120
Credits should include standards for the courses identified with credits earned.

Purpose

To provide a clear pathway toward graduation and a clear record of attainment of credits
toward a diploma.
In conversations with students, families and member district support staff, awareness of where
students are on the path to graduation and what they need to do to earn a diploma is often
confusing when credits are not reported in a consistent manner.
Credit hours are a source of uncertainty in understanding achievement and next steps.
Varying district graduation requirements cause further uncertainty in communicating student
progress toward their goals.

Rationale
1. Most member districts currently convert hours to credits according to a similar formula.
2. The conversion rate in the District 287 Area Learning Centers follows this formula.
3. The formula is based on the number of hours of instruction in an average quarter for one class
period.
4. Consistency across programs within District 287 allows for more accurate reporting of student
outcomes and a more equitable approach to planning and reporting student work necessary to
earn a diploma.

Application
This credit conversion applies to students receiving their home high school diploma. Care and
Treatment programs that require credit hour reporting will continue to report hours. Hours will be
converted to credits for students who transfer from a Care and Treatment program to another
district program. Students earning IEP-driven diplomas are expected to have standards-based
IEPs. Credits will only be reported if required or requested.

Approval
Special education directors approved the request at the Special Education Advisory Committee
(SEDAC) meeting May 19, 2016.