Credit may be awarded for a previously attempted course (1 or 2 semesters) that a student received No Credit (NC) when the student earns an A, B, or C in the next higher-level course that has a natural progression of the state learning standards from the previous course. This typically applies to English Language Arts classes, World Language classes, and other courses with a clear trajectory; however, many courses do not have the next higher-level course.

This also applies to courses in which a student received an NC for the 1st term of a year-long course, but did earn credit for the 2nd term and demonstrates mastery of 1st semester content. This procedure only includes attempted courses and Higher Level Course from the regular school year, and does not include summer school. Except in exceptional cases, this procedure only applies to courses taken within Highline Public Schools.

To initiate the process to award Higher Level Course Mastery Credit, school-based staff must document the following and submit for review within 1 week of the end of term: 

• Name and course number of the attempted course
• Term and year when the NC was posted; must be within the previous 12 months
• Name and course number of the Higher Level Course
• A grade of A, B, or C for the Higher Level Course
• Attestation of administrator that the attempted course and Higher Level Course includes a natural progression of state learning standards
• Attestation of the Higher Level Course teacher the student has demonstrated mastery of the attempted course content, including basis for determination for such mastery: higher level course assessments/assignments, supplemental assessments/assignments, or completion/continuation of assessment/assignments from the attempted course

A central office committee will review requests within two weeks of submission. Once approved, credit shall be entered at the school in the student information system as follows:

• The attempted course will be listed in the same reporting period as the Higher Level Course
• The grade shall be a P
• The attesting teacher will be the teacher of record

The courses below may be considered for Higher Level Mastery. For courses not on the list below, a school may document an attestation, however further documentation may be requested upon review.

Highline School District 401

Adopted by the Superintendent 2.22

Revised by the Superintendent: 10.22, 11.24