The term "Advanced Opportunities" can be confusing because it means different things in different contexts and within different points in a student's education. For example, in Elementary School, there are Advanced Learning Teachers who may teach a variety of topics (Teachers are often referred to as "ALP" teachers). In Middle School, there may be Advanced Math, Language Arts, and other classes. In High School, however, the term encompasses even more variation.
A very important distinction in High School is that "Advanced Opportunities" more often refers to receiving credits (and often funding) towards college courses. In order to received college credit for an AP (Advanced Placement) course, a student must receive a score of 3 or higher (out of 5) on the AP exam for that course. And many colleges require a score of at least 4. Each college or university has a guide to how AP exam scores transfer into credits at their institution that may be found on their websites.
"Honors" Classes, on the other hand, are technically "advanced" courses (i.e. more rigorous) but don't qualify for college credit, although their grades may be "weighted" so that if a student receives a 3.0 in an Honors class, it actually is reported as a 3.5 on their transcript.
Dual credit courses (sometimes known as concurrent credit or dual enrollment) are classes for which the student receives high school and college credit simultaneously. These courses may be available at the high school, online through a course provider (such as the Idaho Digital Learning Academy - IDLA), online from the college, or on the college campus. Check with your school counselor to see what opportunities your student may have. Also, check with the counselor to see how dual credits are transcribed at your high school. Many schools transcribe the credits at half their college credit value (3 college credits = 1.5 high school credits). This may vary by school.
AP Curricula is determined by CollegeBoard. This means that AP teachers across the country teach the same thing.
Honors Curricula is determined by the State, and individual schools, districts, and teachers.
Dual credit curricula is determined by the credit-granting college and the schools, districts, and teachers.
The State Board of Education defines the "Advanced Opportunities" that are available in Idaho. The State Department of Education determines the funding available for these courses/credits.
Based on HB458 in the 2016 Legislature, all the programs have merged into one; it will still be called "Fast Forward".
Overview
Started:
July 1, 2016
Benefit:
$4,125/student
(No pro-rating for prior program use)
Eligible grades:
7-12 beginning the summer after 6th grade
Enrollment:
Participation Form must be signed by the student / parent, kept on file at school district
Eligible uses:
- Overload classes
- Dual Credit classes
- Credit bearing exams (AP, IB, CLEP)
- Professional – technical exams (CNA, A+, etc.)
- Post-Secondary scholarship for early graduates
Funding mechanism: State Department Advanced Opportunities Portal
Payments: Directly to state entities / to SD for private entities
Payments: Made at the end of each semester
NOTE: As of July 2016, "8-in-6" Program, Mastery Advancement Program (MAP) and Dual Credit Early Completers Program have merged into "Fast Forward" Program
MORE INFO:
Transfer Credits
- https://coursetransfer.idaho.gov/
IDTransfer is a website developed by Idaho public and community colleges and state universities to help students learn what credits will transfer. Links at the bottom of the page link to Transfer information for various North Idaho schools.
Coeur d'Alene School District
Post Falls School District
Lakeland School District