Students transferring into the DeKalb County School District may receive credit for courses taken at non-District schools and home-study programs as follows.
Transfer credits for courses taken at an accredited school, as defined in State Board of Education Rule 160-5-1-.15, shall be accepted upon presentation of a transcript or the equivalent from the accredited school.
Transfer credits for courses taken at a non-accredited school or home-study program must be validated, as defined in State Board of Education Rule 160-5-1-.15. Such courses must meet the required core curriculum developed by the State Board of Education, and Carnegie Unit credit for graduation shall be awarded only for courses that include the concepts and skills contained in the approved state curriculum. The Superintendent shall establish procedures for reviewing and validating the content of courses and for documenting student learning of course content.
For elementary and middle school students entering the District from non-accredited schools or home-study programs, grade placement will be determined using standardized tests, if available. If standardized tests are not available, tests developed and/or approved by District staff may be used.
For high school students, credit earned at non-accredited schools and home-study programs shall be validated using other standardized tests, if available. If standardized tests are not available, tests developed and/or approved by District staff may be used. Grade-level placement shall be based upon the number of units accumulated and shall be consistent with the District’s promotion criteria.
A unit shall represent satisfactory completion of instruction in a subject for two semesters or one school year. A Carnegie Unit is based on 150 clock hours during the regular school year or 120 clock hours during summer school.
Legal References
- O.C.G.A. 20-02-0159.4 — Policies and guidelines for awarding units of high school credit based on demonstrated proficiency (Lexis)
- O.C.G.A. 20-02-0240 — Powers and duties of State Board of Education (Lexis)
- O.C.G.A. 20-02-0319.1 — Georgia Virtual School (Lexis)
- O.C.G.A. 20-02-0319.3 — Online clearing-house of interactive distance learning courses (Lexis)
- O.C.G.A. 20-02-2112 — Special Needs Scholarship - Definitions (Lexis)
- O.C.G.A. 20-03-0519 — HOPE scholarship; definitions (Lexis)
- O.C.G.A. 20-17-0002 — Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Lexis)
- Rule 160-5-1-.15 — Awarding Units of Credit and Acceptance of Transfer Credit and/or Grades
- Rule 160-4-8-.12 — Alternative Education Programs
- Rule 160-4-2-.34 — Dual Enrollment
- Rule 160-5-1-.18 — Competitive Interscholastic Activities in Grades 6-12
- Rule 160-4-3-.13 — Youth Apprenticeship Programs