It is the policy of Seattle School Board that students may obtain mastery-based credit for World Language and Career and Technical Education (CTE).  Students will demonstrate mastery on a district-created or -identified assessment that is aligned to state learning standards or course equivalency requirements adopted by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Students do not need to have attempted and failed a course before being eligible for these options. Students may gain the knowledge and skills to earn mastery-based credits through learning experiences such as independent study or experiential education, including paid work.

World Language

Students may obtain up to 4.0 mastery-based World Language credits by demonstrating proficiency across a range of language skills using a District-approved assessment process.

For purposes of this policy, “World Language” includes those languages that are only spoken or signed.

Career and Technical Education

Students may obtain up to 1.0 mastery-based credit for qualified worksite learning experiences, including paid work, by 1) completing a high-quality partner program approved through the CTE Department’s approval process or 2) passing a district created assessment that is aligned to state learning standards. 

This assessment will include: 

• Written report by the student;
• Student-designed portfolio of work; and
• Hands-on demonstration of knowledge and skills.

Awarding Mastery-Based Credit

Following the completion of a mastery-based assessment, approved program completion, or course completion, the district will notify the student of the number of credits the student will be awarded. Credits awarded will be recorded on the student’s transcript with a grade of “Pass.”

To ensure cultural responsiveness and equity in awarding mastery-based credit, the district will collect and annually review disaggregated data to see which subgroups of students are receiving mastery-based credit. If disproportionality is found, the district will take appropriate actions to ensure equitable access to these crediting opportunities.

Additional subjects may be added to this policy upon guidance by the State Board of Education or the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The Superintendent is directed to develop procedures for awarding high school credits to students based on demonstrated mastery.

Superintendent Procedure:

• 2409SP – Competency/Proficiency High School Credit for World Languages

Policy Cross References:

• 2420 – High School Grade and Credit Marking

Previous Policies:

• C17.00 – Competency/Proficiency Based Credit

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.230.090 High school graduation requirements or equivalencies — Reevaluation of graduation requirements — Review and authorization of proposed changes — Credit for courses taken before attending high school — Postsecondary credit equivalencies.
• WAC 180-51-050 High school credit — Definition.
• WAC 180-51-051 Procedure for granting students mastery-based credit.
• WAC 392-410-315 Equivalency course of study—Credit for worksite learning.

Management Resources:

Last Board Review:

• May 14, 2025

Revisions:

• May 14, 2025
• March 12, 2025 (Administrative Update per Policy No. 1310)

Adopted by the Board:

• December 7, 2011