FAQS

 

  1. Why are students now required to earn a Mastery Experience (ME) credit?

The CT General Assembly passed Public Act 17-20, “An Act Concerning Revisions to the High School Graduation Requirements” which requires all students in the class of 2023 and thereafter to earn 25 total credits and one mastery credit.

  1. What are some of the benefits of a ME credit?

Engaging students through genuine and challenging learning experiences is a key goal of the West Hartford Public Schools. Several research studies indicate that student choice enhances processing, creativity, retention of information, and improves student work habits. 

  1. Which students must earn the ME credit?

All students in the class of 2023 and thereafter must earn 1 mastery credit. For the 2020-2021 school year, all sophomores will have this opportunity.

  1. Do students need an adult advisor assigned?

No. Students are not required to have an adult advisor; however, they may seek support from any adult for guidance.

  1. How do students sign up to do a project in a Qualifying Mastery Experience course?

For the 2020-2021 school year, sophomores who enroll in a Qualifying Mastery Course have the opportunity to earn the ME credit. During the first three weeks of each course, teachers will devote a portion of class time to present students information on how to earn the credit and the key due dates along the way.

  1. How do students sign up to earn the Seal of Biliteracy?

WHPS is very excited to offer ME credit through the Seal of Biliteracy. Students who reach Level 5 of their world language course have the opportunity to earn this seal. Students should speak with their world language teacher about the details of earning the Seal of Biliteracy or the Global Seal of Biliteracy.

  1. When are the Mastery Experience projects due?

Students who earn the ME credit in a qualifying course will be informed of due dates by the teacher of the course. Students enrolled in a first semester course will have a due date on or around the second week of December. Students in a second semester or year long course will have a due date on or around the first week of May.

  1. When do students learn about the mastery credit and the three pathways?

Great question! Freshman will learn about the Mastery Experience credit during the Community Block, Freshman Advisory, and Freshman Class Meetings. Students can also reference the Mastery Experience Overview here.  

  1. Who do I call if I have questions?

Students or family members who have questions about the Mastery Experience program should contact the school counselor assigned to the student.