2022-2023 Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 3:30-5:30pm Questions contact Brad Jensen call or text 320-838-4199
For information on the ABE/GED programs, contact Brad Jensen: [email protected] or (320) 384-6132 ext. 5001
Hinckley-Finlayson Alternative Diploma Program
Competency Completion Options 21 January, 2019 Summary The Hinckley-Finlayson Empower Learning Center’s alternative option for a high school diploma is a standard competency-based program. This diploma is issued by the Hinckley-Finlayson School District to eligible Empower Learning Center (ELC) students having satisfactorily completed each of five competency domains.
Competency Domains 1. Language Arts: Reading/Writing/Language/Speaking and Listening 2. Mathematics: Algebra/Geometry/Measurement and Data/Statistics and Probability 3. Science: Nature of Science and Engineering/Life Science/Physical Science/Earth and Space Science 4. Social Studies: Civics/History/Geography/Economics 5. Employability and Career Awareness: Resume/Self-Management/Future Pathway/Navigating Systems/Digital Literacy Students Demonstrate Skills HF ELC alternative diploma students may successfully complete each competency through one of the following ways, as approved by the HFHS office: 1. Prior Experience-Based Competency Verification (K-12 or other approved experiences) 2. Test-Verified Knowledge (approved standardized assessment for high schools, secondary credentials, or postsecondary entrance exams) 3. ELC Course Work (classes that combine academic, college and career content, like special diploma classes, Accuplacer classes, college readiness classes, subject-specific classes, etc.) 4. Applied and Experiential Learning (through approved project based learning experiences)
Student Eligibility Requirements In order to qualify for this alternative option to an HF diploma the student must be eligible and enrolled in the HF ELC.
1. They must be 18 years old or older and at least one year behind in satisfactorily completing coursework or obtaining credits for graduation (students who are 17 but would complete the program after turning 18 may be enrolled on a case-by-case basis) 2. They must receive a valid score at or above a 6th grade reading level on a norms assessment such as MAP, CASAS, or TABE
Success Through Advising, Instruction, and Evaluation Advising 1. Identify student goals 2. Assess student skills and experience to determine what competencies that may already be complete for the transcript based on prior learning competency verification 3. Identify potential career pathway(s) and needs using career and postsecondary preparation assessments 4. Develop an individualized learning plan based on the student’ identified goals and skills
Instruction and Evaluation 1. Implement individualized learning plan based on instruction and preparation on the competency domains. 2. Post-test evaluation of learners using approved assessments 3. Track progress towards diploma and goals 4. Update and adapt individualized learning plan 5. Provide additional support services Graduating Advising Sessions 1. Evaluate students’ program work to ensure completion of necessary competencies 2. Create transitions plan to students’ future goals Aligned to Minnesota Educational Standards Competencies for the ELC alternative option for a high school diploma are based on Minnesota’s current K-12 graduation standards and also embed: • College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS) • Academic, Career and Employability Skills (ACES) Transitions Integration Framework • Digital Literacy Standards
If you have any questions about this document, please contact Brad Jensen, ELC Pro- gram coordinator, at [email protected] or phone 320-384-6132.