May 17, 2012
Overview of the Option Pathway
Debra Kimbler, Asst. Director
Linda Berlin, Coordinator
THE OPTION PATHWAY
Option (1) Pathway
 Designed for students who have failed major core courses and are in the ninth, tenth, eleventh or
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twelfth grade - a student in the second semester eleventh or a student in the twelfth grade must
already be enrolled in and passing a CTE pathway unless the school has a CTE pathway that
requires only one year to complete
Attends GED® preparation classes and passes the GED® tests as given
Completes a 21st Century Global Skills job preparation program
Completes the four (4) required core courses in a WVDE CTE skilled pathway.
Completes the WorkKeys® job skills assessment in CTE program
Receives a High School Diploma upon completion of all Option requirements
If student receives a 500 average on the GED® test, is then eligible to apply for the Promise
scholarship
Students may participate in extracurricular activities including sports
Student may not be taken out of the participation numbers/not counted in the class rank
Student is required to take the WESTEST and other state tests
Screening Process - Option1 Pathway Student
 Counselor/instructor identifies student to the Option Pathway:
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One (1) year or more behind ninth grade cohort, or
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At risk of dropping out of school, or
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Age inappropriate according to grade level
 With approval from parent/guardian, the student takes the TABE and scores:
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Recommended to score 8th grade level in reading
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Recommended to score 7th grade level in math
 The Option Team meets to discuss placement of student into the Option Pathway. If student is
placed, a meeting is held with student and the parent/guardian. Academic, attendance and
behavioral expectations are discussed/ parent contract signed
The following information is included in the county contract:
Option Team Meeting
Criteria for Student Selection
A preliminary meeting will be held before the student is allowed to begin the Option program to
determine if the Option Pathway is an appropriate selection for the student.
Selection of students for the Option Pathway is a very life changing decision for the student. Students
are taken from regular academic classes, and put into a program that redesigns their path for
graduation. Every effort should be made to choose students you feel will fit the program and succeed.
While we know we cannot insure 100% success, it is our obligation to take a serious approach to
choosing students before placing them in Option. This is not an alternative program for extreme
behavior and/or learning problems.
Participation in Option will be restricted to students who are at least 16 years of age and have met one
or more of the following criteria:
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Have credit deficiencies (a total of one year’s credits behind their 9th grade cohort group).
Are at risk of dropping out due to inappropriate age.
Are seventeen (17) and high risk of dropping out of school.
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Demonstrate the ability to read independently in English at a level sufficient to
successfully complete GED® instruction and testing. The recommended TABE scores are
8th Grade Reading level and 7th Grade Math level.
If a history of behavioral problems has existed, documentation is provided that the
behavioral issues have significantly improved.
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At Risk Students with Disabilities:
Students with disabilities who meet above student selection criteria:
 Should take the GED Official Practice Test™ using accommodations stated in the Individual
Education Plan (IEP) prior to entering the Option Pathway to see if passing the GED® tests is
possible.
 If successful passing the OPT with required accommodations, submit an accommodations
request to GEDTS® to make sure these accommodations are approved by the GEDTS® for the
Option candidate.
 Each request must include the proper documentation, such as a psychological report no older
than five years for a learning disability or a letter from the diagnostician stating the disability
and functional limitations for a mental, emotional ADHD or physical disability. This is required
for consideration for GED® testing accommodations.
The Option team should take careful consideration before placing students with disabilities into the
Option Pathway. Parents and students should be aware that the GED® test preparation is rigorous and
that accommodations on the GED® tests must be approved by the GEDTS®, which may not reflect the
same accommodations of the student IEP.
The following link will provide you with information from GED Testing Service® for
Accommodations
http://wvde.state.wv.us/ged/special_acc.html
Debra Kimbler dkimber@access.k12.wv.us
Linda Berlin lberlin@access.k12.wv.us