NC Honors Coursework Policy Overview

Summary

In this presentation, the North Carolina Department of Education shares updates on the honors level coursework for high school students, emphasizing a collaborative approach to enhance academic rigor. The team discusses new policy implementations aimed at fostering advanced learning opportunities, which were informed by extensive feedback from educators. They outline the definition of honors courses, the responsibilities of public school units, and the resources available for course development. With a commitment to supporting teachers and promoting consistency, the initiative seeks to improve student success and access to quality learning experiences across the state.

Takeaways

• 😀 The North Carolina Department of Education is updating honors level coursework to better support high school students.
• 🎓 A team approach has been taken involving multiple departments to enhance advanced learning opportunities.
• 📊 Data revealed that 84% of graduating seniors earned credit in honors courses, highlighting their significance.
• 🔍 The updated framework will provide a statewide structure for developing and evaluating honors courses.
• 💡 Input from various stakeholders, including teachers and state consultants, has shaped the new policy.
• 📅 The last update to the honors coursework policy was in 2013, making this a long-awaited revision.
• 📚 Honors courses will now be defined by their depth, scope, and the ability to meet advanced learning needs.
• 🛠️ The DPI will provide a comprehensive honors level course guide and evaluation tools for implementation.
• 👥 Schools are encouraged to assign personnel for oversight and develop committees for consistency in course delivery.
• 🌐 Resources, including a dedicated webpage and office hours, will be available to support schools in this transition.

Q & A

What was the main purpose of the presentation?

The main purpose of the presentation was to share updates on honors level coursework in North Carolina high schools, focusing on improvements and new guidelines developed over the past few years.

Who are the key team members involved in the update of honors coursework?

The key team members include Snehao, the director of advanced learning and gifted education; Lori Carlin, section chief for social studies and arts education; Chrissy Brown, state consultant in the office of advanced learning and gifted education; and Amy Palacastro Schrader, career development consultant for the Department of Career Technical Education.

What significant policy update was approved in June 2023?

In June 2023, the State Board approved a new policy to update and strengthen the implementation of honors level courses across North Carolina, which had not been significantly revised since 2013.

What data was presented regarding honors courses among graduating seniors?

The data indicated that 84% of graduating seniors had enrolled in and earned credit in honors level courses during their high school careers, highlighting the significant role these courses play in education.

What flexibility does the new policy provide to local schools?

The new policy offers a statewide framework while allowing local schools to adapt and implement honors courses according to their specific contexts and student needs.

What are the defined responsibilities of local education agencies (PSUs) regarding honors courses?

Local education agencies are responsible for developing honors courses using the NC DPI's honors level course guide, ensuring courses meet the established definition by the end of the 2024-2025 school year, and evaluating honors courses every three years.

What tools and resources were introduced to support the implementation of honors courses?

The presentation introduced an honors level course development and evaluation tool, which includes advanced learning indicators and instructional practices to assist in evaluating and developing honors courses.

What kind of professional development opportunities will be provided?

Ongoing professional development will include virtual and face-to-face training sessions, regional professional development opportunities, and monthly office hours for further support.

How should districts facilitate the review of existing honors courses?

Districts are encouraged to review existing honors courses for fidelity to the new policy and utilize the policy framework in the development and implementation of new honors courses.

What is the significance of collaboration among educators in implementing the new honors coursework policy?

Collaboration among educators is vital for ensuring consistency and quality in honors coursework across districts, which ultimately leads to improved educational outcomes for students with advanced learning needs.