Credit Evaluation
- Credit Evaluation Overview
- Step-by-Step Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions & Resources
- Contact & Support
Credit Evaluation Overview
In the Davis School District (DSD), we recognize the importance of diverse educational experiences, including courses taken outside our traditional offerings. Our credit evaluation process is designed to assess and validate such coursework, ensuring it aligns with DSD's learning standards and is included on a student transcript and graduation summary report. This process starts with a crucial step: a consultation with your DSD school counselor to identify which external courses need evaluation. After this meeting, the submission of the Credit Evaluation Application will formally begin the evaluation process with the Davis School District Credit Evaluation Committee.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step-by-Step Guide to Credit Evaluation in the Davis School District
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Action: Schedule a meeting with your DSD school counselor.
Purpose: To discuss and identify the specific courses and credits completed outside the DSD system that you wish to have evaluated for credit towards your graduation.
Step 2: Completion of the Credit Evaluation Application
Action: After your consultation, complete the Credit Evaluation Application.
Purpose: This application is your formal request to have your external coursework evaluated by the Davis School District Credit Evaluation Committee. It officially begins the evaluation process.
Step 3: Submission of Documentation
Action: Submit any required documentation along with your Credit Evaluation Application.
Purpose: Documentation may include transcripts, course syllabi, student work samples, or other evidence of course content and completion. This information is crucial for the evaluation committee to assess your external credits accurately.
Note: It is essential to provide ample evidence demonstrating that the course credit you wish to obtain meets the required learning standards.
Step 4: Committee Evaluation
Action: Wait for the evaluation to be completed by the Credit Evaluation Committee.
Purpose: The committee will review your submitted materials to determine if the external courses meet DSD's standards for credit.
Note: The Credit Evaluation Committee meets near the beginning of each month to review, advance, and determine submitted applications for credit recognition.
Step 5: Notification of Results
Action: Receive notification regarding the committee's decision.
Purpose: You will be informed whether your external courses have been approved for credit and added to your DSD transcript.
Step 6: Follow-Up (if necessary)
Action: If your courses are not approved or you have questions about the decision, follow up with your school counselor or the contact provided in your notification.
Purpose: This step ensures that you understand the committee's decision and what actions, if any, you can take to appeal or submit additional information for reconsideration.
For Assistance
Should you require any guidance or have questions at any stage of this process, please do not hesitate to reach out to Cody Johnson at cojohnson@dsdmail.net for support.
Frequently Asked Questions & Resources
FAQs and Resources for Credit Evaluation
1. What is credit evaluation?
Credit evaluation is the process through which the Davis School District (DSD) assesses coursework completed outside of its system to determine if it meets our standards for credit towards graduation.
2. Who needs to undergo credit evaluation?
Any student who has completed coursework outside of Davis School District may undergo credit evaluation to have those credits recognized.
3. How do I start the credit evaluation process?
Begin by scheduling a consultation with your DSD school counselor to discuss which courses need evaluation. Then, complete and submit the Credit Evaluation Application.
4. What evidence is required for credit evaluation?
It depends on whether the institution through which the experience was taken is accredited. Accredited institutions have been recognized for meeting specific educational standards, simplifying the transfer of credits with just transcripts. In contrast, credits from non-accredited institutions necessitate a detailed review process to ensure alignment with learning standards, due to the lack of formal accreditation.
5. How do I know if my institution is accredited?
You should be able to inquire directly with the institution or possibly learn by visiting their website. Also, while this does not include all forms of accreditation, if the institution can be found using the following search, it is safe to say that credit will transfer smoothly: https://home.cognia.org/registry
6. What documentation is required for credit evaluation if it is not accredited?
The Credit Evaluation Committee is responsible for upholding the learning standards of Davis School District throughout the credit evaluation process. It is up to the family seeking credit to prove that the alternative experience meets the Davis School District Learning Standards. For your assistance, the following Suggested Evidence Document (link coming soon) has been generated to supply you with content specific evidence recommendations.
7. What will credit look like on my transcript?
Credit accepted through the process of credit evaluation will be “Pass” and not a letter grade. However, if the outside institution was accredited, then Davis School District will list that grade on the transcript.
8. What should I do if my credits are not approved?
If your credits are not approved, consider reaching out for feedback or clarification. You may be able to appeal the decision or provide additional documentation for reconsideration. Follow up with your DSD school counselor or the contact provided in your notification.
9. Can I earn credit through demonstrated competency outside of the usual credit evaluation process?
Yes! Students can take a competency test at the Northern Utah Testing Center to earn credit for certain courses. Credits earned this way will be documented as "Pass" on the student's official transcript and Graduation Summary Report rather than a traditional letter grade.
10. How often does the Credit Evaluation Committee meet?
The Credit Evaluation Committee meets near the beginning of each month to review, advance, and determine submitted applications for credit recognition.
Resources
Contact & Support
Contact and Support for Credit Evaluation
DSD School Counselor
Arrange a meeting with your DSD school counselor by visiting your school's website. Click on the “Parents & Students” tab, followed by “Counseling Center.” Here, you will find a list showing which counselors are assigned to which students, helping you identify your designated counselor.
Credit Evaluation Committee Chair
For any questions regarding the credit evaluation process, submitting applications, or follow-up inquiries, please reach out to Cody Johnson at cojohnson@dsdmail.net