W. Va. Code R. § 126-32-8

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 126-32-8 - Criteria for Administering Option Pathway in West Virginia Public High Schools and WVSDT Facilities

8.1. The Option Pathway program provides the opportunity for an at-risk student to take the HSE test while still enrolled in and attending a West Virginia public high school or WVSDT educational program. Option Pathway (Option 1) blends CTE and the WVDE-approved HSE test and provides an opportunity for at-risk students to stay in school and graduate with a standard high school diploma. Option 1 is designed for the student who has failed major core courses and remains enrolled in high school. To maintain the integrity of the Option Pathway program, teachers, administrators, and staff at WVDE-approved Option Pathway schools must follow all Option Pathway guidelines and policies as outlined in the Option Pathway Organizational Manual which is available upon request by contacting the WVDE Option Pathway Coordinator.

8.1.a. If the Option 1 student successfully passes all content areas of the WVDE-approved HSE test and successfully completes a state-approved CTE program of study as defined in W. Va. 126CSR44M, Policy 2520.13, West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Programs of Study/Standards for Career Technical Education, or completes the Option Pathway Career Integrated Experiential Learning (CIEL) pathway as outlined in the Option Pathway Organizational Manual, the student shall receive a regular high school diploma and shall be counted as a graduate.

8.1.b. CIEL is an alternate CTE pathway intended to offer at-risk students additional flexibility while meeting their career aspirations by providing them with employability skills and opportunities to test for nationally recognized credentials.

8.2. Option 1 students who do not complete the Option Pathway program while a resident at a WVSDT facility may return to their home high school to complete their graduation requirements as an Option Pathway student, provided the home high school has an approved Option Pathway program.

8.2.a. Option 1 students who do not complete the Option Pathway program while a resident at a WVSDT facility may enroll in their local AE program to complete their high school equivalency test and earn their high school equivalency diploma. To be eligible to take the HSE test through an AE program, the student must be transferred back to their home high school and officially drop out of school. Documentation of their withdrawal from their home high school must be provided to the AE instructor.

W. Va. Code R. § 126-32-8