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Lincoln High School / Academics / Course Catalog / Advancing in Coursework

Advancing in Coursework

Lincoln/SPS Policy on Coursework Taken Outside of SPS

We use SPS Policy/Procedure 2024 for questions regarding advancing in coursework over the summer for SPS credit.  If you have not had a chance to review the procedures on this, please take the time to look over the process and decision matrix for how buildings determine whether students are allowed to advance over the summer with first-time credit outside of SPS (see links below).  Policy/Procedure 2024 was updated in 2019.

For Incoming Lincoln Students

In accordance with Washington State law, credit is automatically awarded for high school-level courses offered within SPS’ middle schools.  If you do not wish for high-school course(s) taken in middle school to appear on your student’s high school transcript, you must notify your school before the end of your student’s 11th grade year by completing the Middle School Students Taking Out-of-District High School Courses form.

SPS also understands that some students may choose the option of earning high school credits through out-of-district courses to meet individual academic goals. If a student decides to pursue this option, the steps outlined on the SPS website should be followed. Please note that acceleration beyond what SPS offers is contingent upon both timely notice provided to the school and the availability of the next course at the school site. As a result, advancement to the next course in the sequence cannot be guaranteed within your SPS school’s schedule. That said, you may be able to access these courses through out-of-district options. For more information on next steps, OSPI-approved course providers, planning forms, and procedure, please visit SPS website for Guidance on Middle School Students taking Out-of-District Courses.

For Current Lincoln Students

Taking outside credit over the summer is allowed if it helps a student get on track to access college preparatory courses (AP, IB, College in the HS) during the junior or senior year.   Students are NOT approved for outside credit/advancement if they are already enrolled in grade-level courses and will be able to access the college preparatory courses by junior or senior year without taking the requested out-of-district course.

If a student meets the qualifications, they need to complete the Equivalency Course of Study Form for First Time Credit and submit it to the Lincoln Principal, Dr. Eichner.  This must happen BEFORE enrolling in any coursework.   Any coursework taken without the pre-approval cannot be included on the SPS transcript or be used as pre-requisites to advance your course sequence. Please review this process closely as taking courses not approved may result in the need to take the course again.

At Lincoln, we work to provide additional opportunities for advancement to meet the needs of our students.   Advancement is built into our coursework through individual consultation with our teachers and more specifically through our Project-Based Learning and Exhibition of Student Learning.  During registration each year, students are able to sign up to “double up” on courses in the areas of math and science (placement is not guaranteed with this), which is determined in the fall on a space available basis.  Additionally, we work with students during their junior and senior year with Running Start, which is a great way to advance in learning.

If you are considering applying for out of district credit, please register for your next course in the sequence (i.e. if you are in Algebra 1, please sign up for Geometry) and your registration requests will be adjusted if your request for outside credit is approved and completed.  We again ask to please review the qualifications in 2024 (links below), BEFORE submitting your request to ensure you meet the requirements and are following the appropriate steps.

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