Adds to existing law to provide that students may receive credit for extended learning opportunities or by demonstrating prior knowledge of a content area.

Many Idaho school districts allow students to earn credit for learning or work done outside of traditional classrooms. This bill codifies the practice and provides certainty for students and parents by clarifying that such credit can be earned in any local district subject to school board discretion. Local school boards will determine how they will implement the policy and create their own process for allowing students to apply for credit. Examples of credit-worthy activities could include organized sports, music lessons, internships, trade apprenticeships or military service. Starting in the 2022-23 school year, high school students will also have an avenue to get credit for prior knowledge. Local school boards will have the discretion to decide how to implement their own policies and processes to allow students to “test out” or otherwise demonstrate that they have sufficient knowledge to get credit for a course.