It seems to me that many of the citizens of New Hampshire might not realize that public schools already offer many options for earning credit toward graduation.
I have worked in schools that make connections with community businesses, allowing students to work as interns, which in turn earns them high school credit. Many offer credit for studying or traveling abroad in an educational capacity. Some volunteer work or training can be counted for credit. Taking night courses and online courses count for credit. Some courses are offered as dual-enrollment courses, which allow students to earn college credit as well as earn credit toward high school graduation. Vocational and technical centers offer students the opportunity to learn skills that ready them for the workforce while earning them credit toward graduation. Schools offer night classes for students to help them to accommodate their schedules.
We are very fortunate in New Hampshire, because these options, paired with alternative education programs and home schooling, offer students the opportunity to learn everywhere. Rather than assume that the state should control the definition of “Learn Everywhere,” I recommend that parents and students start by talking with their school administrators to discuss their options. They may be pleasantly surprised.
URSULA ASKINS-HUBER
Sunapee