WorldStrides: FAQ
Fequently Asked Questions About this Site
These are frequently asked questions by parents, teachers and WorldStrides students about the Discovery for Credit program.
- Will my school accept credit?
- How much does each course cost?
- Who develops and grades each course?
- What is the responsibility of the teacher for this course?
- Why would students want to take advantage of this option?
- Where can I request more information, such as a course syllabus?
- What does the transcript look like?
- How many hours does each course take?
1. Will my school accept credit?
As an accredited school with the Northwest Association of Accredited schools (see certificate) - we are just like any other public school in America in regards to our curriculum and assessment - our D4C program is rigorous, relevant and equal to a typical course offered in most schools in the U.S. The only difference is our program instructs and teaches our curriculum in a unique way - through a travel program. Students work independently and at their own pace to complete the online portion of the course.
As an accredited school, other public and private schools can accept our credit through reciprocity agreements with other national accrediting agencies. In any region, however, there are policies that are created by the school/district that may limit or prohibit credit acceptance. It is important that students, parents and teachers reach out to their school offices to clarify policy regarding the acceptance of credit. We will work to help clarify policies, provide documentation, and connect with NAAS officials who can speak on our behalf. It is important to note that WS, BGA, and Heritage Festivals does not guarantee the acceptance of any credits.
2. How much does each course cost?
Nothing. It's FREE.
3. Who develops and grades each course?
Our Director of Education develops and oversees the content and assessment for each course. A certified teacher and administrator, our Director of Education has extensive background and experience in education. The program was created in 2001 and has had over 10,000 students complete coursework.
4. What is the responsibility of the teacher for this course?
We ask the teachers to promote this option to students. Posting the D4C link on MyTrip, mentioning it at parent meetings or classroom meetings and generally including it on correspondence home to parents and students.
Teachers do not grade or assess any of their students or any student on this program. They do not write curriculum or develop any type of assessment. Teachers who do want to have a stronger presence for their students to support the D4C efforts, do have the potential to receive an "administration" password for D4C and view and track the progress of their students who are taking the courses. This is an option that is available through the website or via the Education Department.
5. Why would students want to take advantage of this option?
First and foremost, it's a good thing. When students can take what they learn on a travel program and apply it through quality discussion questions, or short writing analysis - they validate their learning.
Second, these courses apply to a student's high school graduation record. This may then open up other opportunities during their high school years to take other courses of interest. Their schedule becomes much more open to new possibilities.
Finally, a student's high school record is sent off to colleges and universities during the admissions process. A student has an advantage when they can showcase their "travel" experience and learning through experiential activities. This same advantage applies for scholarship applications.
6. Where can I request more information, such as a course syllabus?
Contact our Education Department at discovery@worldstrides.com
7. What does the transcript look like?
Here are previews of what a WorldStrides, Discovery for Credit looks like:
8. How many hours does each course take?
- Every course varies, but on average, each Elective course (0.5) credit should take a student 60+ hours to complete (20 pre-trip hours + 20 on-trip hours + 20 post-trip hours)
- Each Academic course (1.0) credit should take a student 120+ hours to complete
- Students may complete their work at any time. This work may be completed pre-trip, on-trip, or post-trip, up to 6 months after their travel dates. Once a student registers, an online "clock" lets them know how many months and days they have to complete their course before their time expires.
New Students
If you are a WorldStrides, BGA or Heritage Festival student traveler, register now for Discovery for Credit and begin your online course!
Register now - start here