R277-705-3. Required LEA Policy Explaining Student Credit

(1)(a) An LEA governing board shall establish a policy, in an open meeting, explaining the process and standards for acceptance and reciprocity of credits earned by a student in accordance with state law. (b) An LEA policy described in Subsection (1)(a) shall include specific and adequate notice to a student and a parent of all policy requirements and limitations. (2)(a) An LEA shall accept credits and grades awarded to a student from a school or a provider accredited by an accrediting entity adopted by the Board. (b) An LEA policy may establish reasonable timelines and may require adequate and timely documentation of authenticity for credits and grades submitted. (3) An LEA policy shall provide various methods for a student to earn credit from a non-accredited source, course work, or education provider including: (a) satisfaction of coursework by demonstrated competency, as evaluated at the LEA level; (b) assessment as proctored and determined at the school or school level; (c) review of student work or projects by an LEA administrator; and (d) satisfaction of electronic or correspondence coursework, as approved at the LEA level. (4) An LEA may require documentation of compliance with Section 53G-6-204 before reviewing a student's home school or competency work, assessment, or materials. (5) An LEA policy for participation in extracurricular activities, awards, recognitions, and enhanced diplomas may be determined locally consistent with the law and this rule. (6) An LEA has the final decision-making authority for the awarding of credit and grades from a non-accredited source consistent with state law, due process, and this rule. (7) An LEA may award a grade for original credit through the packet method if: (a) the packet adheres to the following criteria: (i) it fully covers the course standards; (ii) it includes adequate opportunities for practice and application; (iii) it includes a variety of assessments; and (iv) it is consistent with Section 53E-3-501; and (b) the LEA approves the packet for use as an instructional material in accordance with: (i) Subsection 53G-4-402(27) for a district school; or (ii) Section 53G-5-404 for a charter school; or (c) the Board recommends the packet after going through the state instructional materials process described in Title 53E, Chapter 4, Part 4, State Instructional Materials. (8) Packets for original credit are not "Demonstrated Competence" as defined in Subsection R277-705-2(2). (9) An LEA may not use the packet method, or classify a packet as original credit, to improve a previous course grade of a high school student as described in Subsection (9). (10) A high school student may improve a grade through grade replacement by: (a) repeating a course one or more times; or (b) enrolling in and completing a comparable course that is teacher-led. (11) The Board shall: (a) ensure that packets that come to the Board for review adhere to the following criteria: (i) the packet fully covers the course standards; (ii) the packet contains adequate opportunities for practice and application; (iii) the packet includes a variety of assessments; and (iv) is consistent with Section 53E-3-501; and (b) maintain a comprehensive list of Board approved packets in the Board 's Recommended Instructional Materials System on the Board's website; and (c) report annually to the Education Interim Committee the number of students in each LEA who receive academic credit through the packet method. (12) An LEA shall: (a) assign a distinct course name and number for credit earned through the packet method to easily identify the use of the packet method on a student transcript; and (b) track and record the number of packets an LEA uses to award original credit or replacement credit each school year. (13) Subsection R277-705-3(11)(b), regarding a report on the packet method, is repealed July 1, 2028. (14) Beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, in accordance with Section 53E-4-209, an LEA shall offer and administer statewide test-out options for core classes. (15) An LEA shall award credit to a student who demonstrates proficiency through a statewide test-out option for a core class established under Section 53E-4-209. (16) An LEA shall record credit earned through a statewide test-out option for a core class on a student's transcript in accordance with Board rules. (17) A statewide test-out option for a core class established under Section 53E-4-209 is distinct from locally determined demonstrated competence under Subsection R277-705-2(4). (18) An LEA may not substitute a locally developed assessment for a statewide test-out option required under Section 53E-4-209.