Welcome to Pinedale High School's Body of Evidence System
In the heart of Sublette County, Wyoming, lies Pinedale High School, a beacon of academic excellence. With a commitment to nurturing well-rounded students, Pinedale High School employs a unique Body of Evidence (BOE) system to ensure that students not only meet but exceed state educational standards.
Understanding the Demographics and Environment
Pinedale High School stands as the sole high school in the district, serving a dynamic community where natural gas development is a significant economic driver. The district is witnessing a steady growth in enrollment, with a 32% increase from 2001 to 2008, and anticipates further growth in the coming years. This evolving landscape necessitates a flexible and robust educational framework.
The Graduation Process: More Than Just Credits
Graduating from Pinedale High School is more than just earning credits. Students must meet the Wyoming Content and Performance Standards across nine content areas. The BOE system allows students to demonstrate proficiency through a variety of assessments, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of their capabilities.
Levels of Endorsement
Upon graduation, students can earn one of three transcript endorsements based on their performance:
- Advanced Endorsement: Requires advanced performance in five content areas and proficiency in the others.
- Comprehensive Endorsement: Proficiency across all nine content areas.
- General Endorsement: Proficiency in five content areas.
The Compensatory Common Assessment Approach
Pinedale High School employs a compensatory, "common assessment" approach. This involves administering assessments through "gatekeeper courses," which cover:
- Language Arts
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Health
- Physical Education
- Career/Vocational Education
- Fine and Performing Arts
- Foreign Language
These assessments are aligned with Wyoming's state standards and benchmarks, ensuring students meet the expected proficiency levels.
Additional Opportunities and Support
For students who do not meet proficiency on initial assessments, Pinedale High School offers additional opportunities. These include retaking courses or enrolling in advanced classes aligned with the same standards. Moreover, the school is continually developing alternate assessment forms to aid students in demonstrating mastery.
Monitoring Progress and Providing Guidance
Communication is key in the BOE system. Each spring, the high school counselor meets with eighth-grade students and their parents to discuss graduation requirements. Additionally, progress reports are provided to high school students and their families, detailing their journey towards graduation and potential endorsements.
Supporting Transfer Students
Transfer students are welcomed with a thorough review of their transcripts to ensure alignment with Wyoming standards. If necessary, additional assessments are administered to confirm proficiency, ensuring a smooth transition into Pinedale High School's educational framework.
The Appeals Process
Students have the right to appeal if they believe their credits or endorsements do not accurately reflect their abilities. An appeals committee, comprising school administrators and certified staff, reviews such cases, ensuring fairness and transparency in the graduation process.
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