Outside Learning

Are you considering taking a Class OUTSIDE the BSD?

Here is some information to help you decide if taking a class online, OUTSIDE the BSD, is a good choice for you.

Important:

If you plan to take Health, or a pre-requisite course, online, over the summer, the NHS registrar needs an official transcript from the online provider PRIOR to placement in the alternate or higher-level class (be mindful of the time it takes for official transcripts to arrive to us).
The outside learning class must be completed (and transcript received by NHS) prior to the start of school in order for a change of placement.
There is no guarantee that space will be available in the desired NHS course once you’ve completed your online course.

Original Credit (taking a class for the first time)

Credit, no grade – the BSD policy allows students to take original credit courses from an approved online provider for credit, but no grade. Colleges want to see grades for core classes, so this may not be a good idea depending on your post high school plans.
Curriculum may not align – Online providers have different curriculum than the BSD and a course may taken outside the district may not prepare students to be successful in the next course in the sequence.
Advancing quickly is not always a good idea – While some students are successful, MANY students who try to accelerate by taking courses online, end up struggling to maintain lower grades.
Health – This is an important class to take in person, especially for students interested in any type of medical field or the social behavior sciences. Student mental health is critical for academic success and many of the online providers do not have a mental health unit. Any student interested in ASPEN (Advanced Health) is required to take this class in person. Students who chooses to take health in the summer, will be able to select from the open classes after providing a transcript. You will NOT be able to pre-select a different class unless you take WANIC Health.
- WANIC Health – https://wanic.lwsd.org/academics/summer-courses
  - This option is In Person and will be added to your transcript for credit and grade.
  - Students who choose to take WANIC Health in the summer can bring us proof of enrollment and can select a different course.
  - This course fills up quickly. Students can sign up to get an email when enrollment opens.

Grade Improvement and Credit Recovery (retaking a class)

District Policy on Grade Improvement and Credit Recovery

Steps to Enroll in a class outside the BSD:

Choose an OSPI Approved Online Provider.
Complete the attached fillable form. The form is a fillable PDF. Type in the fillable boxes, do NOT click the “fill and sign” tool. A photo or scan of a hand signed form will not be accepted.
Email the form back to your counselor and they will send it to the principals to get their signature.
Once reviewed by District, your request(s) will be uploaded into the Documents Tab in Synergy.
Register for and take the course.
When you are done with your course, have your official transcript sent to Ms. Aldridge at NHSRegistrar@bsd405.org

NOTE – Given the volume of requests, the process can take 2 to 3+ weeks for review and approval. Your approval will be uploaded into the Documents Tab in Synergy.