Competency-Based Credit
Nebraska Department of Education World Languages Competency-based Credit Program
Competency-based Credit (CbC) allows students to earn high school world language credit by demonstrating proficiency in a language other than English.
CbC provides flexible pathways to graduation and recognizes the skills of fluent writers and speakers. Benefits include:
- Increased access to required graduation credits
- Preparation of bilingual students for college and career
- Motivation to pursue advanced coursework in a home language
- Recognition of students’ and families’ language traditions
General Guidelines
The Competency-based Credit program is established in NDE’s Rule 10: Regulations and Procedures for the Accreditation of Schools, which allows districts to integrate CbC into existing pathways and local policy. Nebraska districts may award the credits based on a student’s proficiency level, as indicated in the results of a corresponding assessment (004.04C3, pg. 17).
The table below provides proficiency levels for some assessments. All assessments approved for the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy can also be utilized to earn competency-based credits.
| ACTFL Level | AAPPL | STAMP | ALTA | SLPI: ASL | ALSPI | Equivalent class time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novice Mid | N3 | 2 | 3 | Novice | 0+ | 1 semester |
| Novice High | N4 | 3 | 4 | Novice Plus | 1 | 2 semesters |
| Intermediate Low | I1 | 4 | 5 | Survival | 1+ | 3 semesters |
| Intermediate Mid | I2 | 5 | 6 | Survival Plus | 2 | 4 semesters |
Implementation process
School districts should establish local policies and guidelines and incorporate information into communication with students and their families.
School district responsibility
- Develop district policy
- Communicate with parents and students
- Report progress to NDE World Languages (see info. below)
Possible funding sources
- Local grants
- Title funding
- Joint funding structures with the Seal of Biliteracy program
Other considerations
- Once students have completed the appropriate CbC assessment process, the district must ensure the credit is noted on the student’s transcript.
- No student is allowed to earn more than four semesters’ credit via CbC. Students either earn world language credit by taking the course (seat time), or via CbC.
- For replacement purposes, it is recommended that students take required assessments prior to course enrollment in their freshman year so that they can be placed at the appropriate world language course level.
- For graduation and career purposes, it is recommended schools consider the individual needs of students as they implement a process.
Resources
For any questions, please contact Chrystal Liu at chrystal.liu@nebraska.gov or 402-430-8147.