Let Us Help Credentialize Your Student

Submitted by Steve Moitozo on Saturday, March 15, 2003 - 18:02

WHAT ARE THEY ?

The dictionary says, "Cre-den-tial (kri den shel), n. 1. anything that provides confidence, belief, etc. 2. Usually, credentials, evidence of authority of qualification, usually in written form."
When the doctor hangs his license or diploma on the wall, he is displaying his credentials. Hung there to give the viewer a sense of confidence and assurance that some higher agency has recognized and monitored his preparation, training and work.
Most people start their credentializing in high school by earning high school "credits" which are added up to produce the "credential" we know as the high school diploma.

WHO GRANTS THEM?

It is most common for an authority, agency, business, association, or similar to award credentials. The higher authority is recognized as the one who has overseen the process leading to the credential. This can be as simple as your state awarding a drivers license, or as complicated as the National Board of Neurosurgeons awarding credentials to a brain surgeon. But in all cases the giver of the credential is usually higher than the recipient.

WHO NEEDS THEM?

Well, if you want to drive a car, you'd better have that credential that says you can. If youÍd like a summer job as a life guard, the employer may want to see your credential from the American Red Cross swimming program that says you successfully completed those requirements. Bottom line is, nobody NEEDS credentials. But we sometimes WANT credentials. If you'd like to go to college, that college is looking for someone (other than the student) to validate that you are capable of doing college level work, that you have a record in academic achievement. They may want to see your high school transcript from an authorizing school; they may want to see how well you scored on the College Boards; they may want to see if you can handle an interview with an admissions officer. These three items are common.

WHO CAN HELP ?

We can. We are homeschoolers. We incorporated a school. Since 1989 we've had IRS and State recognition, and our graduates attend colleges and universities across America. We have helped hundreds of families credentialize their homeschoolers. And it can happen quickly (in much less than the usual 4 years) if you like.

WHAT COUNTS ?

Credits towards your high school credential are earned in multiple ways: public schools, private schools, church schools, technical schools, colleges, correspondence schools, on-the-job training, "documented" proficienceis, and more. And we're open to your ideas, too. Let's talk. We can be as flexible as you can be creative. And it all counts!

WHAT'S NEEDED ?

A high school diploma from our school, North Atlantic Regional High School, must show successful completion of the following areas:


ENGLISH .................... 4 CREDITSAny mix, includes such courses as Grammar & Composition, American Literature, British Literature, Ancient Literature, World Literature, Biblical Literature, Poetry, Creative Writing, Analysis of Literature, and more.

U S History ............. 1 CREDIT America before 1877, America since 1877, Political History, Economic History, Military History, Technological History, American Government, Religious History of America, and more.

Social Studies ........... 1 credit History (other than U.S. History) such as European, Economic, Ancient, Western Civilization, Military History of the World, History of the Western World, Old and New Testament Survey, Religion, Geography. May also include: Sociology, Economics, Management, Marketing, Law, Macro- Economics, Micro-Economics, etc.

State Studies ............. 1/2 credit (Grade 6-12) Each student must have a basic course in their state's history, growth, geography, products, climate, and relationship to other states. (Any such 1/2 year course taken in grades 6-12 qualifies.)

Science ........................... 2 credits Earth Science, Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Life Science, Physical Mechanics, General Technology and Mechanics, Anatomy, Physiology, Ecology, Nutrition, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Maternal & Child Care, Home Economics, Human Behavior, Criminology, etc.

Math ............................... 2 credits Consumer/Career Math, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Drafting, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Accounting, Economics, General Math, Probability, Statistics, Business Math, Advanced Mathematics, and more.

Health ........................... 1/2 credit Anatomy, Physiology, Disease, Pathology, Interpersonal Relationships, Addictions, Nutrition, Growth and Development, First Aid, etc.

Fine Arts ....................... 1 credit Individualized, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Art Appreciation. This can include formal instruction in music, art, or drama, Participation in choirs, musical ensembles, drama. Many activities may be combined to meet this requirement.

Physical Education .. 1 credit Participate in a physical fitness activity, such as, aerobics, biking, ball games, swimming, hiking, (or any combination of these), team sports and more. Earning formal certificates also qualifies (e.g., Red Cross Life Saving Certificates).

Computer Skills ...... 1/2 credit (Grade 7-12) Basic Computer skills should include keyboarding, opening programs, creating documents, backing up & storing documents, printing, copying documents, closing & storing documents, and the proper function & care of computer equipment. (Any 1/2 year course taken in grades 7-12 qualifies.)

Electives ...................... 4 credits Any qualifying courses, or additional courses selected from the above listings (once the required credit in these areas has been earned).

THERE'S EVEN MORE GOOD NEWS

For highly motivated students we will help access the highest recognition they can achieve. That may mean college credits for work already completed! It could mean a partial transcript to use when transferring from homeschool into a private or public school. It might mean clearing the way with a university to have our student take university courses. We even arrange work-study programs with employers -- official school/work-based learning experiences for which the student gets a real paycheck (in some cases we can use the provisions of the child labor laws to allow a student to work 20 hours per week and then do additional hours as part of his work-study course -- even at the same job -- receiving pay for all the hours worked). Call us for details.