Learning Unit Contract (LUC's)
The purpose of the Learning Unit Contract (LUC) program is to help students complete structured learning experiences outside of the regular classroom setting. Students have the opportunity to learn skills and acquire knowledge that may not be offered through regular classes at New Vista and earn learning units towards graduation. These contracts are rigorous, in-depth learning experiences that are considered equivalent to classes.
Learning experiences that take place through Learning Unit Contracts include many types of study, and all require reflection, evaluation, and demonstration of learning. Examples include:
internships, lessons, community theater, independent study, world languages, sports, projects, camps, wilderness training, classes in the community, volunteer work, physical fitness training, independent living, involvement in organizations
Where to find information and forms
Information and forms are available in the standing file by the LUC Coordinator’s desk in the staff room. Please ask specific questions about potential LUCs; the LUC Coordinator is available to assist students and advisors at any step along the way. (It is a good idea to consult with her during the “vague idea” stage so that the plan can become more concrete before the pressure of meeting a deadline.) Current info is posted regularly on the LUC bulletin board and announced in the weekly “What’s Happening” newsletter.
Mentors
A mentor for an LUC is:
· skilled and well-established in the field of study
· over 21
· not a relative
· willing to support and supervise the student closely
· willing to communicate with the LUC coordinator
· willing to evaluate the student in a timely manner
· not a New Vista staff member
LEARNING UNIT CONTRACTS - START TO FINISH
1. The student should discuss the learning experience with his or her advisor before applying. The discussion should include:
· Does the student have the ability to follow through with independent learning?
· Does the student have the necessary interpersonal and communication skills to carry out the learning experience? (This may sometimes be a focus of the LUC.)
· Who will mentor the student?
· Is this a realistic proposal considering the student's other time commitments and performance in classes?
· Is this an appropriate study for an LUC as opposed to a Community Experience?
· What type of credit does the student want to earn, and are there specific requirements for earning this type of credit? A letter grade is required for credit to count toward Common Learning. Path LUCs are graded S/IP.
· How much credit? The primary factor determining how much credit a student earns is his or her demonstrated competency. Whenever possible, we assign students credit in a way that is comparable to course structures already in place at New Vista. A general guideline, as with courses at New Vista, is 1 learning unit for 60-120 hours of learning activities.
2. The student fills out an LUC Application form, found in the vertical file outside the front office. The form must be complete before it will be considered. Both student and advisor should check the application thoroughly, but the ultimate responsibility for completeness and timely submission lies with the student.
3. Applications are due in the LUC co-odinator's box by the deadline stated on the form. If you miss the deadline, the application will not be considered.
4. After applications are turned in, the Registration Committee will review them for acceptance or denial based on the value of the learning experience, appropriateness of the mentor, safety & risk considerations, and other criteria similar to those used for determining admission to New Vista classes.
5. Students will be informed of acceptance or denial, along with next steps and timetable, within a few days of the submission date.
6. Students with accepted applications need to set up an appointment with the LUC Coordinator to design their contracts.
7. The student and the LUC Coordinator fill out a Learning Unit Contract, meeting with the mentor as necessary, to plan the learning activities and to determine how reflection, evaluation, and demonstration of learning will happen. This includes establishing the criteria by which the student will be evaluated.
9. During the course of designing and implementing the LUC, periodic meetings with the LUC Coordinator are required. In order for the system to work (both for accountability and support of the student), there are high expectations for fulfilling these requirements. Frequency of meetings is variable, depending on the needs of the student, complexity of the learning experience, and other factors. Specifically, if a student misses three meetings during the start-up period for an LUC, the contract will be terminated. If the third meeting is missed after the contract has been signed, an IP will be earned. If students have a special need, they may arrange exceptions or reschedule meetings ahead of time, and their needs will be accommodated.
10. The LUC Coordinator will:
· check to see that all sections are completed accurately and thoroughly
· contact the student's mentor to clarify his/her role in the learning experience
· get the contract approved by Rona
· send a copy of the contract to the student and to the student's advisor, mentor, sponsor, and parents
· periodically check in with the involved parties to remind them about due dates and to troubleshoot difficulties
· send an evaluation form to the mentor
· ensure that final evaluations are completed and recorded on transcripts, and that students, advisors, and parents are informed of the student’s grade and credit
New LUC Policies to be implemented beginning in the Fall of 2011-2012 school year.
Seniors and LUC’s: Seniors will not be allowed to register for a 4th q. LUC and if they are signed up for a year long LUC then they will have to finish up by the end of 3rd quarter. If there are extenuating circumstances (like illness) then the advisor can come speak with Vanessa ahead of time and explain the situation and we will go from there. *seniors just realizing that they do not have enough credits to graduate is not an extenuating circumstance; they need to be able to plan ahead.
Literacy LUC’s: literacy LUC’s with Vanessa as the mentor is only open to students with an ILP. I can take on 2 students with IEP’s per quarter but the case manager needs to come and speak with me about it before the student does so I know the circumstances and needs.
Sports/PE LUC’s: Sports LUC vs. waiver form. LUC coordinator will discuss the options with each student- either you do the form (easier- . 4 credit per season, limit of 2 credits for entire HS career, no meetings or responsibilities other than getting signatures and can be retroactive) or do the LUC (2 credit cap per year - no limit of how many quarters they can do it – with the exception of 1st quarter, requires meetings with Vanessa, reflection, setting goals etc.) This allows students to make their own choice around this- one that works for their lives and situation.
· Either can earn Path credit and LUC could earn IIP credit.
Cap on credits:
· Students cannot earn more than 2 credits per year per activity
· Summer LUC’s will also be capped at 2 credits (separate from school year cap)
· Students never enrolled in an LUC before can only do 1 LUC at a time until they know they can be successful
· Once students have seen success they may enroll in 2 LUC’s per q.
Note on How to Teach a class at NV workshop: we have seen fewer students sign up for this workshop in the past few years and since there are always 3-4 students that “need” the class to prepare for their culminating project, I have taken them on as LUC’s. We decided it makes more sense for students to co-teach with a NV teacher in preparation for teaching on their own. The workshop will not be offered anymore. Students will need to co-teach during 1st, 2nd or 3rd quarter and it is their responsibility to find a teacher willing to work with them. They can earn credit for teaching the class that is equal to what students earn for taking the class or they can use the hours as part of their culminating project hours.
LUC's start to finish
LUC's Grading Procedure