Failing a class can be discouraging for students, but now students at Rock Ridge High School have the choice to make up their missing credits and keep moving forward through the program called credit recovery. Created by Loudoun County Public Schools in the year 2021-2022, credit recovery offers students a chance to bring their grade up by demonstrating knowledge of the course material without retaking the whole course.

Elizabeth Bush, the Student Support Advisor at Rock Ridge High School, explains the program was created as a way for students who, if they failed the class, to not have to retake the entire class, but to show their mastery at a certain level in order to earn a passing grade for the class. The goal is to allow students to pass the course with a 60 percent so they can stay on track for graduation and advance to the next grade level without getting held back.

Q: How Long Has Credit Recovery Been Active?

A: The Credit Recovery Program at Rock Ridge High School has been in place since the 2021-2022 school year. This initiative provides students with the opportunity to recover course credits from failed classes, helping them stay on track to graduate.  

Who Typically Enrolls in Credit Recovery?

A: Students who typically enroll in the credit recovery program are those who have a failing grade in a class, and are identified to qualify for the program by their counselors based on graduation requirements and past performance. Additionally, this program is not offered to AP/DE courses. The credit recovery program is ultimately designed to bring students back on track for a standard diploma.

Is Credit Recovery Mandatory?

A: The credit recovery program is fully optional to the students. We tell the students that they can have this opportunity if they want it. Not all students want to participate in the program because they have other academic plans or they are unable to grasp the knowledge needed for the course itself in a short period of time.

How Do Students Qualify?

A: Counselors carefully look over students academic records and graduation requirements to determine who is eligible. Once approved, students are invited to participate in the program and this ensures that the program reaches the students that would really benefit from the program.

What Are The Goals of the Credit Recovery Program?

A: The main goal of the program is to support students who have struggled with specific coursework so they can earn a passing grade and progress toward graduation. The program is especially helpful for students who had  a bad quarter due to an illness or emergency.

However, for students who struggle throughout the whole school course year, credit recovery might not be enough. “If a student struggled with the course all year, credit recovery wouldn’t really help with that,” Bush said. 

Is this Fair?

A: Although it is not a perfect system, it is also not something students are owed. “[It] is just one additional opportunity for students who are struggling,” Bush said. It is not meant to be a shortcut for a passing grade, but rather a second chance for students to demonstrate their mastery of the material and get back on track. Ultimately, the program is designed for those who need it most, but it is up to each individual to take advantage of this system to put in the effort required to reap benefits.