CHAPTER Ed 1400 LEARN EVERYWHERE PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATION CREDIT
REVISION NOTE:
Document
#13090, effective 8-14-20, adopted Chapter Ed 1400 titled “Learn Everywhere
Program for High School Graduation Credit.”
Chapter Ed 1400 had formerly been titled “Career and Technical
Education”, but Document #12573, effective 7-14-18, had readopted with
amendments Chapter Ed 1300 titled “Alternative Education Programs” and Chapter
Ed 1400 titled “Career and Technical Education” and renumbered them as a single
Chapter 1300 titled “Alternative Education and Regional Career and Technical
Education.” See the Revision Note below
the chapter heading for Chapter Ed 1300 for the prior filings for the rules in
the former Chapter Ed 1400.
PART Ed 1401 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Ed
1401.01 Purpose. Part Ed 1401 through Part Ed 1407 provide
rules of procedure to ensure uniform application of RSA 193-E:2-a, V(b)
relative to the approval of alternative programs for granting credit leading to
graduation, referred to as learn everywhere programs. The commissioner will
develop and implement this program in conjunction with the state board of
education.
Source. #13090, eff 8-14-20
(see Revision Note at chapter heading for Ed 1400); ss by #13393, eff 6-10-22
Ed 1401.02 Scope.
(a)
These rules shall apply to any for-profit or non-profit entity applying to offer an
educational program, consistent with these rules, that meets the minimum
standards for approval to grant credit leading to graduation.
(b)
These rules shall apply to students, emancipated minors, or students
with disabilities in accordance with their individualized education program
(IEP) as determined by the IEP team.
(c)
Approved learn everywhere programs shall result in certificates that
lead to high school graduation credit.
(d)
These rules shall apply to all school districts or local education
agencies (LEAs).
Source. #13090, eff 8-14-20
(see Revision Note at chapter heading for Ed 1400); ss by #13393, eff 6-10-22
PART
Ed 1402 DEFINITIONS
Ed 1402.01 Definitions.
(a)
"Alternative" means a choice of one or more opportunities.
(b)
"Alternative program" means a learn everywhere program.
(c)
"Commissioner" means the commissioner of the department of
education.
(d)
"Competency" means state competencies as defined in Ed
1402.01(k).
(e)
"Department" means the department of education.
(f)
"Individualized education program (IEP)" means
"individualized education program" as defined in 34 CFR 300.22 and
which meets the requirements in Ed 1109.
(g)
"Learn everywhere program" means a state board approved
alternative program for granting credit leading to graduation.
(h)
"Local education agency (LEA)" means "local education
agency" as defined in 34 CFR 300.28.
(i) "Program" means a sequence of
instruction over a period of time, which meets the
state competencies of a subject or subjects listed in Ed 306.27(v) resulting in
a granting of credit leading to high school graduation.
(j)
"School" means a New Hampshire public school, public academy,
or chartered public school that contains any of the grades 9 through 12.
(k)
"State competency" means the expected content, concepts,
and skills to be mastered in a course deemed equivalent to graduation
competencies in accordance with Ed 306.02(k) solely for the purpose of granting
credit in the areas enumerated in Ed 306.27(v) table 306-2.
(l)
"State board" means the New Hampshire state board of
education.
Source. #13090, eff 8-14-20
(see Revision Note at chapter heading for Ed 1400); ss by #13393, eff 6-10-22
PART Ed 1403 PROGRAM APPROVAL
Ed 1403.01 Initial Application Requirements.
(a)
An applicant, as described in Ed 1401.02(a), seeking state board
approval for an alternative program shall submit to the department for review
an application that includes all of the following
elements:
(1) The sponsoring
organization's purpose, mission statement, or both;
(2) The name and contact information of the individual responsible
for oversight and administration of the program for which approval is sought;
(3) A description of demonstrated qualifications and a statement
assuring that the instructor satisfies those qualifications, which shall not be
construed to imply that instructors require a New Hampshire educator license;
and
(4) A criminal history
records check policy that includes a statement affirming that the sponsoring
entity shall not allow instruction or student contact by a person who has been
charged pending disposition for, or convicted of, any violation or attempted violation
of any of the offenses as outlined in RSA 189:13-a, V pursuant to a criminal
history records check conducted by the department of safety as outlined in Saf-C 5703.06 through Saf-C
5703.11.
(b)
In addition to the application requirements outlined in 1403.01(a), an
applicant shall also submit:
(1) In the area of
instructional program:
a. Identification of the
education, program, or opportunity from Ed 306.27(v) for which students completing the learn everywhere program shall receive high school credit(s);
b. An outline of each program for which approval is sought, which includes
goals, competencies, a detailed description of the course of instruction, and a
description of expected student outcomes;
c. A plan for recording
student progress in meeting expected student outcomes;
d. A description of assessments of student learning outcomes, including, but not
limited to:
1. Instructor observation of project-based learning, including off-site learning projects;
2. Competency-based or performance-based assessments;
3. Instructor observations of student performance;
4. Project evaluation rubrics used to evaluate program proficiencies; and
5. Other assessment approaches as determined by the learn everywhere program;
e. The number of credits
the program will fulfill; and
f. A description of the competency-based grading system;
(2) In the area of
admission:
a. A description of methods
for admission which shall not be designed, intended, or used to discriminate or violate individual civil rights in any manner prohibited by law;
b. A description of how the
program will liaison with the local education agency (LEA) for students with an education plan pursuant to section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act;
c. A description of how the program will liaison with the LEA for a student with
disabilities, consistent with the student's IEP to include, but not be limited to
coordinating:
1. Required special
education programs;
2. Support services; and
3. Least restrictive environment; and
d. A statement that the
program understands that it has certain responsibilities, pursuant to Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act, if it receives federal funds, or the Americans
with Disabilities Act, as amended, to provide students with disabilities with equal
access and equal opportunities to participate in the learn everywhere program,
including by providing the student with reasonable accommodations;
(3) In the area of
facilities:
a. A description of
facilities to be used for educational instruction and a description of how the facilities will meet the priorities of the program;
b. A statement affirming that the facilities shall comply with all applicable
federal and state health and safety laws, rules, and regulations, including,
but not limited to the following:
1. Fire safety; and
2. Barrier-free access
under Abfd 300, code for barrier-free design, and the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990(ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments
Act of 2008; and
c. Participation in the
learn everywhere program shall not require facility requirements not otherwise
required by state or federal law; and
(4) Disclosure of
insurance,
if any, which would cover the participants in the learn everywhere program.
Source. #13090, eff 8-14-20
(see Revision Note at chapter heading for Ed 1400); ss by #13393, eff 6-10-22
Ed
1403.02 Review by Department of
Application for State Board Approval.
(a)
Upon receipt of an application, the department shall form an ad hoc
learn everywhere program approval committee comprised of the following members
appointed by the commissioner or designee:
(1) From the department:
a. The administrator of the
learn everywhere program, or designee, who shall serve as chair of the
committee; and
b. Department
representatives with content area expertise, curriculum competency expertise,
or both; and
(2) Additional members,
whose reasonable availability shall not interfere with the timely review of the
application pursuant to RSA 541-A:29 including:
a. A representative from
the extended learning opportunity network; and
b. No less than one and no
more than 2 New Hampshire state board licensed educators licensed in the
content area enumerated on the application, where at least one shall be
currently teaching in that content area in a school, as defined in Ed 1402.01(j).
(b)
Pursuant to RSA 541-A:29, the department shall review the application
submitted for state board approval within 30 business days of receiving the
application to verify completeness and:
(1) If the application is
incomplete, shall notify the applicant by email of the requirements for completion;
and
(2) If the application is
complete, shall notify the applicant by email that the application is received
and complete.
(c) The department shall provide support to the
applicant during the application process.
(d)
The learn everywhere program approval committee shall convene and
evaluate the completed application for review by the board using the following
criteria:
(1) The purpose or mission statements
express a clear and focused purpose for the program that supports student learning;
(2) The description of the facilities
includes sufficient detail to indicate that priorities will focus on a facility
that is appropriate for the activities and students to be served;
(3) The program outline
being proposed aligns with the selected Ed 306.27(v) subject and the subject program as
outlined in Ed 306.31 through Ed 306.48;
(4) There are educational
goals, competencies, and methods for assessment that will be used to measure
student progress toward meeting program goals and competencies;
(5) An adequate description
is provided for staff member qualifications;
(6) Verification of a criminal background
check policy and an assurance that it will be disclosed to parents upon
enrollment; and
(7) A description
of how the program will meet individual student needs and to ensure that the
program meets the requirements of Ed 1403.01(b)(2)b.
(e)
Pursuant to RSA 541-A:29, within 30 days of the notification of a completed
application, the department shall notify the applicant in writing of the date
and time of the meeting where the application will be discussed and voted on by
the state board.
(f)
The administrator of the learn everywhere program shall submit the evaluation report
to the commissioner who shall submit such report and a recommendation to the
state board along with the application materials for review.
Source. #13090, eff 8-14-20
(see Revision Note at chapter heading for Ed 1400); ss by #13393, eff 6-10-22
Ed 1403.03 State Board Approval.
(a)
The review of applications shall be an item on the agenda of a regularly
scheduled state board meeting, not to exceed 60 days after receipt of a completed application.
(b)
The state board shall approve, conditionally approve, or deny the
application and notify the applicant in writing of its decision.
(c)
The state board shall approve the application, after reviewing the
application and the department's evaluation under Ed 1403.02, if it determines
the application is in compliance with Ed 1403.01.
(d)
If the application is not in compliance with the standards referenced in
(c) above, the application shall be conditionally approved if the state board
determines that the remaining issues can be addressed in a timeframe not to
exceed 90 days from notification by the state board, otherwise the application
shall be denied.
(e)
If the state board conditionally approves an application, the state
board shall include in the notification:
(1) A written explanation
of the reasons for conditional approval;
(2) The conditions the
applicant shall meet for final approval;
(3) The deadline for
submission of the conditional approval response; and
(4) The consequence for
failure to comply with the conditional approval requirements.
(f)
If the state board denies an application, the state board shall include
in the notification:
(1) A written explanation
of the reasons for the denial;
(2) The areas deemed
deficient by the state board; and
(3) An explanation that the
applicant may reapply for approval at any time.
(g)
When the state board receives the conditional approval response from the
applicant, the state board shall review the response at the next regularly
scheduled state board meeting for discussion and vote and shall notify the
applicant in writing of either a final approval, conditional approval, or a
denial of the application.
(h)
The applicant may appeal a denial or conditional approval by the state
board in accordance with Ed 213.
Source. #13090, eff 8-14-20
(see Revision Note at chapter heading for Ed 1400); ss by #13393, eff 6-10-22
Ed 1403.04 Renewal of an Alternative Program for High
School Graduation Credit.
(a)
Ninety
days prior to the expiration of a provisional approval, pursuant to Ed 1404.01(a),
or a full approval, pursuant to Ed 1404.01(b), an applicant seeking renewal of
a learn everywhere program approval shall submit an application pursuant to Ed
1403.01(a) to the department along with the following:
(1) A statement signed by
the sponsor entity stating that there have been no changes to any of the
programs or documentation required, as outlined in Ed 1403.01, since the
previous application period; or
(2) A statement signed by
the sponsor entity stating there have been changes to one or more approved
programs, a list of the changes, and supporting documentation as outlined in Ed
1403.01.
(b)
Upon receipt of a renewal application, the department shall follow the
review procedures as outlined in Ed 1403.02.
(c)
The state board shall consider renewal applications following the
procedures outlined in Ed 1403.03.
(d)
The state board shall not issue a renewal of a one-year provisional
approval without reviewing all evaluations received pursuant to Ed 1407.01.
Source. #13090, eff 8-14-20
(see Revision Note at chapter heading for Ed 1400); ss by #13393, eff 6-10-22
Ed 1403.05 Changes to Application Information. Any changes to any of the information
enumerated in Ed 1403.01 shall be submitted in writing to the department for
review and shall be submitted to the state board following the procedures
enumerated in Ed 1403.03.
Source. #13393, eff 6-10-22
PART Ed 1404 PROGRAM APPROVAL, REVOCATION,
AND WITHDRAWAL
Ed 1404.01 State Board Approval.
(a)
If the state board approves an initial application or a conditional
approval of an initial application for establishing an alternative program for
high school graduation credit, the state board shall issue a one-year
provisional approval, which can be renewed following the procedures outlined in
Ed 1403.04.
(b)
If the state board approves a renewal application or a conditional
approval of a renewal application for an alternative program for high school
graduation credit, the state board shall issue a 5-year approval, which may be
renewed every 5 years following the procedures outlined in Ed 1403.04.
(c)
If the state board conditionally approves a renewal application for a
learn everywhere program, the state board shall issue a conditional approval,
not to exceed 180 days, with a specific deadline for conditions to be met.
(d)
A list of approved learn everywhere programs and their approval status
shall be maintained on the department's website.
Source. #13090, eff 8-14-20
(see Revision Note at chapter heading for Ed 1400); ss by #13393, eff 6-10-22
PART Ed 1405 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
PART Ed 1405 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Ed 1405.01 Alternative Program for High School
Graduation Credit Reporting Requirements. Each approved program shall annually, in
September, submit to the state board a report which shall include, at a
minimum, the following:
(a)
A brief statement explaining how the program is meeting the goals of its
mission statement; and
(b)
The number of students enrolled in the program and the number of
students awarded certificates leading to high school credits for the previous
school year.
Source. #13090, eff 8-14-20
(see Revision Note at chapter heading for Ed 1400); ss by #13393, eff 6-10-22
PART Ed 1406 STUDENT ENROLLMENT
REQUIREMENTS
Ed 1406.01 Responsibility of the LEA.
(a)
If a child with an IEP notifies the school of his or her intent to
participate in a learn everywhere program, the LEA shall:
(1) Follow the procedures
enumerated in Ed 1109.03(h) and 34 CFR 300.324 to schedule an IEP team meeting;
and
(2) If requested by the
child's parent or member of the IEP team, invite a representative from the
learn everywhere program to attend the IEP team meeting.
(b)
If the IEP team decides to redraft, revise, amend, or modify the IEP,
the IEP team shall:
(1) Determine what, if any,
special education, related services, supplementary aids and services,
accommodations, and modifications the student needs to participate in the
program; and
(2) Be responsible for
providing the student with the special education, related services,
supplementary aids and services, accommodations, and modifications the IEP team
has determined the student needs pursuant to (b)(1) above.
(c)
The IEP team may decide not to redraft, revise, amend, or modify the IEP
for reasons including, but not limited to:
(1) The program would not
assist the student in making progress towards one or more of the student's
annual goals or appropriate measurable postsecondary goals in the student's
IEP, regardless of whether the program will result in the student earning a
high school credit;
(2) The program is not
necessary for the student to receive a free appropriate public education
(FAPE); or
(3) The program is not safe
for the student, even if the student were provided with special education,
related services, accommodations, and other supports and services.
(d)
If a student's parent disagrees with the determination of the IEP team
regarding the student's placement in a learn everywhere program, the parent may
follow the procedures outlined in Ed 1121 through Ed 1123 regarding complaints,
alternative resolutions, and due process hearings.
Source. #13090, eff 8-14-20
(see Revision Note at chapter heading for Ed 1400); ss by #13393, eff 6-10-22
PART Ed 1407 PROGRAM COMPLETION CERTIFICATES AND ISSUING
CREDIT
Ed 1407.01 Program Completion Certificates.
(a)
Within 30 days of a student's successful completion of a program and
submission of a learn everywhere program evaluation, a completion certificate
shall be issued to the student.
(b)
Certificates shall be signed by the person designated in Ed
1403.01(a)(2) and the instructor(s) of the program.
(c)
Certificates shall contain course identification and credit information,
including, but not limited to:
(1) Course title;
(2) Course minimum standard
alignment as indicated in Ed 1403.01(b)(3);
(3) Number of credits
awarded; and
(4) Either:
a. "Mastery" to
indicate completion of the program having met or substantially met all state
competencies which results in a granting of credit; or
b. "Participate"
to indicate the program was completed without having met or substantially met
all state competencies.
(d) An IEP team may conclude
that participation shows growth toward one or more of a student's annual or
appropriate measurable post-secondary goals.
(e)
Students applying more than the required credit leading to graduation
may petition the school to allow that credit to count toward another required
subject enumerated in Ed 306.27(v). If that petition is denied, the credit
shall be applied to the designated credit area and the student will have
accumulated excess credits in that credit area.
Source. #13090, eff 8-14-20
(see Revision Note at chapter heading for Ed 1400); ss by #13393, eff 6-10-22
Ed 1407.02 Issuing Credit for Graduation.
(a)
Notwithstanding Ed 306, schools shall
accept at least 1/3, and may accept as much as 100 percent if approved by the
superintendent, of the total number of credits required for high school
graduation, if requested by a student pursuant to (c) below.
(b)
Approved New Hampshire schools shall grant students with valid
completion certificates from approved learn
everywhere programs high school credit, leading to graduation in the area
enumerated on the certificate. Credits earned from learn everywhere programs
shall appear on high school transcripts but shall not negatively affect the
student's grade point average.
(c)
The student shall submit the completion
certificate to the high school where they wish to be granted credit, or they
shall not receive credit.
(d)
Program completion certificates earned by students while not enrolled in
a school, as defined in Ed 1402.01(j), shall
only be granted credit if approved by the school superintendent.
Source. #13090, eff 8-14-20
(see Revision Note at chapter heading for Ed 1400); ss by #13393, eff 6-10-22
PART Ed 1408 DEPARTMENT
MONITORING OF APPROVED LEARN EVERYWHERE PROGRAMS
Ed 1408.01 Monitoring.
(a)
To determine if all standards are met as specified in the application
and approval and as specified in Ed 1403.01, each approved learn everywhere
program shall be reviewed and have an on-site monitoring visit conducted by the administrator
of the learn everywhere programs as follows:
(1) One on-site visit
during the one-year provisional approval; and
(2) At the discretion of
the department any time during any approval period.
(b)
The
administrator of the learn everywhere program shall issue a written report
of findings to the monitored program indicating compliance or noncompliance
with statutes and rules relative to all programmatic components of the approved
learn everywhere program to the commissioner.
(c)
The commissioner shall submit the report of findings to the state board
no later than 30 days after receiving the report.
(d)
If the state board determines from the report that the program is not
being implemented as approved, the department shall initiate an investigation
as outlined in Ed 1409.
Source. #13090, eff 8-14-20
(see Revision Note at chapter heading for Ed 1400); ss by #13393, eff 6-10-22
PART Ed 1409 COMPLAINTS, REVOCATION, AND WITHDRAWAL
Ed
1409.01 Complaints and Investigations.
(a) Complaints shall be submitted in writing to
the department identifying
one or more of, but not limited to, the following circumstances which the complainant alleges:
(1) The program committed a material violation of any
of the conditions, standards, or procedures set forth in its application;
(2) The program or sponsor organization knowingly
violated
Ed 1403.01(a)(4);
(3) The program or sponsor organization failed to
disclose or violated
its disclosed criminal history records check policy;
(4) The program or sponsor organization made a
material misrepresentation in its application;
(5) The program or sponsor organization became
insolvent; or
(6) The program is in violation of any law that
undermines the purpose of the program.
(b) All complaints shall be investigated, and, upon
receipt of the complaint, the department shall notify the program and sponsor
organization within 15 days of receipt of the complaint that an investigation
has been opened.
(c) After completion of an investigation, the
department shall present its findings to the state board of education at the next regularly scheduled state board meeting.
(d) If the board determines that the program or sponsor
organization has not met one or more of the circumstances enumerated in (a)
above, the program or sponsor organization shall be notified in writing within
10 days of the board's finding.
Source. #13090, eff 8-14-20 (see Revision Note at chapter heading for Ed
1400); ss by #13393, eff 6-10-22
Ed 1409.02 Suspension, Revocation, and Withdrawal.
(a)
The department shall immediately suspend a program approval if the department
finds that public health, safety, or welfare requires emergency action and
incorporates a finding to that effect, pursuant to RSA 541-A:30, III.
(b)
The state board shall revoke a program approval prior to the expiration
of its term if the board determines that the program meets any of the
circumstances outlined in Ed 1409.01(a), and shall notify the
program or sponsor organization in writing within 10 days of the board’s
determination.
(c) A
program or sponsor organization may appeal the board’s decision pursuant to Ed
213.
Source. #13090, eff 8-14-20
(see Revision Note at chapter heading for Ed 1400); ss by #13393, eff 6-10-22
Appendix
I
Rule |
Specific
State Statute the Rule Implements |
Ed 1400 |
RSA 193-E:2-a, V(b) |