Using CLEP for High School Credit

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Regional Task Force Report and Resources

Background

An ad hoc group of representatives from Twin Cities metro area school districts began meeting in November 2006 to discuss an expanded role for the use of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests. CLEP is based on the premise that some individuals enrolling in college have already
learned part of what is taught in college courses through various avenues, including independent reading and study. CLEP provides an opportunity to demonstrate college level learning by taking exams that assess the knowledge and skills taught in college courses.

Sample Policy for Using CLEP as the Preferred Way to Test Out

CLEP tests are currently offered to high school students in Minnesota. The Task Force developed sample policy that can be used as a starting point for districts wishing to promote CLEP tests not only as a way for high school students to gain college credit but as a way for students to gain high school credit as well. This policy may be considered in addition to a district’s current credit-by-assessment policies.

Alignment to Minnesota High School Standards

In addition to developing sample policy, the Task Force reviewed individual CLEP exams and designed a template to demonstrate alignment of the exams with the Minnesota Academic Standards. Sample alignments were created for the 10 most-requested exams for Minnesota High School students:

1. American Literature
2. Analyzing and Interpreting American Literature
3. Biology
4. College Algebra
5. College Math
6. English Composition with Essay
7. English Literature
8. History of the United States I
9. Pre-Calculus, and
10. Western Civilization I

The template also acts as a key to the alignment charts.

• You’ll see that each chart starts with the CLEP test specifications published annually by the College Board.
• Alignment to the Minnesota Standards is shown by including the standards and benchmarks related to the test specification. If only part of a standard is covered, then the part not covered has a strike-through.
• Important notes included in the far right hand column provide additional information. For instance, notations are made when a CLEP assessment might be used for a portion of the credit assessment. In these cases, an additional test or performance assessment could be used by a district to assure all aspects of the Minnesota standards related to a course were assessed.

It is understood that this alignment can show the connection to the Minnesota High Schools Standards, but that another step is needed to determine if the CLEP assessment can meet an individual course requirement at a high school. That second step, or second level of alignment,
will take into account where standards have been placed within individual courses at that school.

Click on the links below to find:

• 10 sample alignment charts for the most-taken tests
• a sample template for districts wanting to add to the group of 10 and align CLEP test specifications to Minnesota standards
• a sample policy for districts wishing to use CLEP tests as the preferred method of credit by assessment

CLEP Template 6-10-08.doc
Credit for Learning Info May-07.pdf
Edina Credit by Assessment.doc
Edina Credit Info.doc
Robbinsdale Credit Nov-05.pdf
Sample CLEP Policy 6-10-08.pdf
Using CLEP for HS Credit 6-10-08.pdf
Westonka Credit Options.pdf

CLEP Alignment Charts

CLEP American Literature 2.pdf
CLEP Analying America Literature 2.pdf
CLEP Biology 2.pdf
CLEP College Algebra alignREV.pdf
CLEP College Mathematics 2.pdf
CLEP English Composition with Essay.pdf
CLEP English Lit 2.pdf
CLEP History of the US I_2.pdf
CLEP Precalcalign REV_2.pdf
CLEP Westen Civ I_2.pdf

Funding Change

In the final enacted 2009 K-12 Education Omnibus Bill, appropriations for the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) examination fees for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 were not included (Minnesota Statute § 120B.131).

High school students may continue to take advantage of the opportunity to earn college-level credit through CLEP exams; however, they will now need to pay the $72 CLEP examination fees in addition to the college campus test administration fees ($15-$25).

Click for the Frequently Asked Questions about the College-Level Examination Program

Regional Task Force

The group of individuals who designed these documents and completed the alignments included both content specialists and curriculum generalists. We thank:

• Deb Polchow, Anoka-Hennepin Math Specialist
• Randy Smosel, Anoka-Hennepin Science Specialist
• Cheri Cooke, Stillwater Language Arts Specialist
• Steve Urbanski, Robbinsdale Director of Teaching and Learning
• Jo Tate, Stillwater Gifted Education Coordinator
• Nancy Dubois, Anoka-Hennepin Gifted Education Coordinator
• Dr. BIll Keilty, Spring Lake Park Gifted Education Coordinator
• Dr. Jon Voss, Intermediate District 287 Academic Programs Supervisor
• Dr. Jane Holmberg, Intermediate District 287 Executive Director of Teaching and Learning
• Dr. Jessica Wiley, Northeast Metro 916 Director of Educational Services

In addition special thanks goes to Angie Judd, Minnesota Department of Education, for her support and perspective.

Further Information

Questions about the sample policy and alignment documents or the work of the task force should be directed to:

Dr. Jane Holmberg
Executive Director of Teaching and Learning
Intermediate District 287
763.550.7152
jcholmberg@district287.org

Dr. Jessica Wiley
Director of Educational Services
Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District
651.415.5609
Jessica.wiley@nemetro.k12.mn.us