High School Completion Correspondence Program
The High School Correspondence Program has grown out of a need for students to have
access to credit courses outside of the traditional classroom schedule. These classes
are taken either as a transfer credit to the student's home high school or credit
toward the DMACC Adult High School Diploma.
Approximately 1200 students throughout the state of Iowa use correspondence courses
each year. DMACC's comprehensive course selection offers students an opportunity to
earn credit in both core and elective curriculum. Because all courses are independent
study, students are able to maximize their opportunities to work on and earn high
school credits.
Exams are typically proctored at the student's home school and are then sent to the
DMACC Correspondence Program to be graded. Once scored, a current grade sheet is sent
to the test proctor to allow teachers to monitor student progress. The High School
Completion Center has faculty available to provide instructor support when needed.
Program Policies & Procedures
Enrollment forms should be emailed to the High School Correspondence Office.
The fee for each course is $100.00 plus the cost of books. Payments can be made by
the participating high school or the student. Students wishing to make a payment can
call Student Accounts at 515-964-6446. Fees are assessed upon the receipt of the enrollment
form. No refunds will be given for dropped students or incomplete courses.
Students have four months from the day of enrollment to complete the course. The enrollment
date will be approximately five days from the date that the enrollment form was emailed.
Time extensions will be granted with an additional enrollment fee.
Tests can be completed on paper or online. As paper tests are completed, please scan
and email as a PDF to the Correspondence Office as listed on the last page of this
document. Paper tests must be dated and bear the student's full name. Online testing
is done via Canvas. Student Canvas accounts are created as part of the enrollment
process.
60% is the minimum acceptable score on any one test in a course. However, an average
of 70% or above is necessary for a successful completion.
It is advisable to forward paper tests as they are completed to the Correspondence
Office for grading. It is in the best interest of the student to wait until you receive
confirmation of scores before taking more tests. This will help ensure a successful
completion. Online tests are graded instantly.
Test proctors must be certified teachers. The proctor is responsible for the integrity
of the testing process.
Re-tests will be sent only if a student fails to meet the minimum of 60% on individual
tests or is below the 70% minimum for the course. Only one re-test is allowed for
each exam. Scores will be averaged with the original score.
When a student successfully completes a course, the participating high school will
receive a grade sheet and a completion letter confirming the completion.
After re-tests, if the student still fails to earn an overall average of 70%, a course
failure will be processed. The student may re-enroll, but he or she will be required
to start the course over. The participating high school will receive a copy of the
grade sheet and a course failure letter.
If a student is dropped, either at your request or because the course is not completed
within the allotted 4 months, we will maintain the test scores for 12 months from
the original enrollment date. You may re-enroll a student during those 12 months,
and we will include the existing scores.
After one year from the original enrollment date, the student will be required to
start the course over. No existing test scores will be honored.
FAQs
Q. How does your program compare to most high schools?
A. The DMACC High School Completion Center is accredited through the Iowa Department
of Education just like any other public or private school.
Q. What happens if I do poorly on my coursework?
A. While you must earn a 70% overall to pass each class, you will be given the opportunity
to re-take tests, if necessary.
Q. Do I have to wait until the beginning of a semester to enroll in a course?
A. No. Because the program is all independent study, there is ongoing enrollment.
Q. How long do I have to complete a course?
A. You will have four months from the date of the initial enrollment to complete each
class.
Q. I still have other questions. How can I get further information?
A. Call us 515-480-4140 or send us an email to Amy Anderson, aanderson@dmacc.edu.