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Running head: Option ii

Option ii
Vanessa Vitiello
William Paterson University
October 2, 2015

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Running head: Option ii

There are innovative and creative ways for students to earn credit for learning experiences outside
of the usual classroom setting. The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) is recognizing that
creativity matters and all students do not learn in the same way. As of June 2009, N.J.A.C.6A:8-5.1(a) 2
required school administrators to develop a policy that enables students to engage in educational
experiences that serve as an alternative to traditional instruction
(http://www.nj.gov/education/aps/option2.htm). This is commonly referred to as Option II and it allows
students individualized learning opportunities outside of the classroom as long as they meet or exceed
core curriculum standards.
The purpose of Option II is to is to provide real world educational experiences that are
transferable to future career goals. It is meant to provide rigorous learning experiences that are
meaningful to all students and will enhance their focus, interests and abilities. Lets face it many students
come to class and do what they have to do but but are bored and do not find value in the course.
Students not being interested...is often cited as a reason that schools must become more relevant and
that teachers must learn to structure curriculum and pedagogy so that it is more interesting and
engaging to students at risk of dropping out Tyler et al.(2009). This type of program will allow
students to see the real world value in the course by exposing them to an environment that uses the
curriculum standard in their field of interest.
There are many Possibilities for Option II experiences. Some examples of programs that students
can participate in outside of the traditional classroom are independent study, online learning, study abroad
programs, student exchange programs, work based programs, internships, apprenticeships and service
learning experiences. In addition, Option II allows for group programs and projects based on specific
instructional objectives that meet or exceed Common Core Standards. Imagine how much knowledge a
student who is interested in math will learn as an accountants intern. Another example of learning outside

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Running head: Option ii
of the classroom is to provide students with the opportunity to learn over the summer and earn credit. If a
student goes to the Middle East for the summer to visit family they can do some research, write a paper
for History, English or Sociology class followed by presentations, teach others about what they learned
or other requirements as long as the State Standards are met.
Unfortunately many New Jersey school districts have not taken advantage of this opportunity.
According to the New Jersey State website, feedback indicates a lack of understanding about the program
has kept districts from creating and implementing an Option II program in their district. The fact that
developing these alternative courses takes a significant amount of time and effort also hinders its
progress. The problems lie in the planning and organization of these programs. There are policy and
implementation guidelines to consider. What is the application process? How can we ensure that the
proposed program provides high quality instruction? How will student progress and completion of the
activities be documented.
In order for this type of academic experience to be successful the board of education, teachers,
administrators and the community need to ensure that policies and procedures are in place and that they
are carried out with fidelity. Teachers and administrators must align the new programs with the
curriculum to meet state standards. Then the board of education would approve policies, procedures,
performance assessments and along with teachers and administrators monitor the validity of student
completion of the program. Finally, community involvement and integrity are essential if students are
utilizing programs such as internships and apprenticeships.
New Jerseys Woodbury school district is correct, Option II is a significant component that if
developed effectively can help students create, implement and be accountable for his or her own
meaningful personal achievement plan (woodburysch.com/studentservices/documents/11-Op2). The
Paterson Public School (PPS) district is currently attempting to organize an Option II program for
students. A committee is meeting on a monthly basis to arrange a tentative schedule and devise a program.

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Running head: Option ii
Some obstacles that have arisen thus far are teacher contracts, transient student population, lack of
community involvement and consistent scheduling throughout the district. Several options have already
been discussed and we are reviewing schedules and programs used for Option II in other districts both
inside and outside of the state of New Jersey. Option II can be a success in PPS as well if sufficient time
and effort is afforded in structuring the program to fit our student population and meet state guidelines.

Bibliography

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Running head: Option ii

How Important is Teaching Literacy in All Content Areas? (2010, August 4). Retrieved
September 30, 2015.
Mathematics Education. (n.d.). retrieved September 30, 2015.
Tyler, J.H.,& Lofstrom, M. (2009). Finishing high school: Alternative pathways and dropout
recovery. The Future of Children, 19(1) Retrieved from wpunj.edu: proquest.com
Vacca, R., & Vacca, J. (2013) Content Area Reading: Literacy and: Learning Across the
Curriculum (7th ed.)Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Villoutreix, E. (2013, January 21). Educationtoday: What are the social benefits of education?
(n.d.). Retrieved September 30, 2015.
Woodbury City Public Schools
http://www.woodburysch.com/studentservices/documents/11-Op2descript.pdf