2405 - Social Studies Mastery-Based Learning and Credit

The district recognizes the value of helping students become part of an active and engaged citizenry. A developed knowledge and understanding of social studies helps prepare students for post-secondary pathways, careers, and civic engagement. Students may further develop their social studies skills through independent activities and programs. The district encourages students and their families to take advantage of any social studies learning opportunities available to them.

The district will encourage students to learn social studies effectively at a high level of proficiency. The district also recognizes the importance of allowing students to learn at their own pace, and the educational benefits that can be gained by giving students the opportunity to demonstrate competency of skills, proficiency of standards, and mastery of concepts.

As described in the procedures, the district will award social studies credits to students based on demonstrated mastery/proficiency across a range of social studies skills.

To ensure cultural responsiveness and equity in awarding mastery-based credit, the district will collect and annually review disaggregated data to see which subgroups of students are receiving mastery-based credit. If disproportionality is found, the district will take appropriate actions to ensure equitable access to these crediting opportunities.

 

Cross References:

District Policy 2410 – High School Graduation Requirements

District Policy 3114 – Part-Time, Home-Based, or Off-Campus Students

 

Legal References:

WAC 180-51-050	High school credit — Definition
WAC 180-51-051	Procedure for granting students mastery-based credit
RCW 28A.230.090	High school graduation requirements or equivalencies — Reevaluation of graduation requirements — Review and authorization of proposed changes — Credit for courses taken before attending high school — Postsecondary credit equivalencies

 

Management Resources:

2020 – April Issue 2020 – December Issue 2022 – October Issue

 

Adoption Date: July 30, 2025

 

Administrator Responsibilities: