"Short, thematic and containing embedded resource links, these case study stories illustrate what’s possible under credit flexibility. They showcase innovative policies and practices and serve to inspire educators, community members and other stakeholders in the important work of ensuring each and every student graduates from high school prepared to be successful at the next level.

The essence of credit flexibility is customization for students and for schools, districts and communities. Therefore, these stories demonstrate a diversity of approaches and are not prescriptive. While the practices featured are based in research, case studies are not provided as a “how to” recipe so much as motivation, inspiration, and a vision for what’s possible. The intent here is to begin to consider approached that may be appropriate to meet similar needs or circumstances in your district."

To view the credit flexibility case studies, visit: http://www.education.ohio.gov/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&TopicRelationID=1864&ContentID=82748

"These documents are designed to provide school and district leaders guidance on how to implement their credit flexibility policy in ways that better ensure compliance and safeguard critical operations (e.g., state and federal accountability and school funding).

Policymakers intended credit flexibility to be implemented and customized to local circumstances. As a result, state-level assistance is limited. ODE cannot anticipate every question or circumstance a district might face. Local customization allows for a variety of approaches to implementation. Guidance reflects our best thinking to date, and answers may change as this process is iterative. Where feasible and appropriate, ODE is working in partnership with local administrators to consider ways of improving system design and operations. "

To view the available guidance, visit: http://www.education.ohio.gov/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&TopicRelationID=1864&ContentID=82751

Joe DiMartino, founder and president of the Center for Secondary School Redesign, and formerly the director of the Secondary School Redesign Program at Brown University, talks about his new book "Personalizing the High School Experience for Each Student" in this ASCD video (http://www.ascd.org/Publications/Authors/Joe_DiMartino.aspx?id=58518916001%26nvid=a3b1).