hats-657140_1920Many students are given three options for graduation, but not many quite understand what is involved beyond the Recommended plan. English II teacher Matthew Carrington is the Distinguished Achievement Graduation Plan, or “DAP”, coordinator for Timber Creek. DAP serves as higher honored graduation program that reflects college and professional level skills.

Students who wish to graduate within the guidelines of the program for 2017 must meet certain requirements, more than just the commonly understood three years of foreign language. In addition, students must earn four science credits other than IPC (Integrated Physics and Chemistry). As a final requirement, students of the program will be required to complete any combination of four possible advanced measures.

One of the most commonly completed advanced measures is the scoring of a 3 or higher on an AP exam. This can be done four times to fulfill all the state standards for DAP. Noting that some AP exam scores will not be available until the summer after a student graduates, the student will still be able to graduate distinguished as long as they have one qualifying score on record. However, if the scores return below a 3, the student’s transcript will be updated to display graduation on a Recommended Plan rather than DAP.

Students taking college courses, or dual-credit courses for their junior or senior year can earn a 3.0 or higher for a grade point average and fulfill their four requirements. This can account for anywhere from one to all four advanced measures depending on how many courses the student is taking.

Another option for students that excelled at their PSAT, is having a score that qualifies them as a National Commended Scholar or similar recognition. This standard is only applicable for one of the four qualifications needed.

The last option, perhaps more obscure, is a student creating an original research project. The project will be judged by professionals and conducted under the supervision and guidance of a mentor. Students interested in this option should contact Carrington for more information and can have the project count for two of the qualifying measures.

Once the student submits their Statement of Intent for the program, Carrington will add that student to the Intent list. The form does not guarantee a Distinguished graduation, but will allow the student to do so if they meet all the requirements. During the spring semester of a student’s senior year, they will meet with Carrington to ensure that everything is in order and on track for a Distinguished graduation.

Students can print out a Statement of Intent below or visit Carrington’s room, C109, to pick one up.

Statement of Intent