Community High School of Vermont

What is CHSVT?

The Community High School of Vermont is a fully accredited high school through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

The school's mission is to provide an accredited, coordinated, and personalized education that assists our students in their academic, social and vocational successes.

Our purpose is to improve their knowledge, skills, and abilities to function as contributing participants in the community.

Students are expected to meet rigorous academic standards and demonstrate proficiency in the core academic subject areas; they must also meet standards in vocational / trades / technical education and social benchmarks. Upon completion of all requirements, students earn a high school diploma.

Many of our students are presently under the custody of the Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC), therefore, the design, operation, and continuous improvement of this school is tailored to the context of corrections and provides programs that balance public safety and security with the educational needs of its students. CHSVT operates within the operational functions of the DOC, and the regulatory responsibilities of the Vermont Department of Education. We proudly maintain seventeen campus sites throughout the State of Vermont with campuses located in every Vermont correctional facility and nine of our community probation and parole offices.

What Programs Does CHSVT Offer?

The guiding belief of CHSVT is that all academic and vocational educational services shall adhere to high standards of purpose, empowerment, self-directed decision-making, excellence, recognition, reward, integrity, and diversity.

Our educational programs and services offer a choice of learning activities and opportunities to a widely diverse student population. Students are offered a myriad of opportunities to expand their learning, knowledge and application of skills in traditional academic classes and applied learning settings.

Vocational training is offered in automotive, welding, wood working, horticulture, restaurant management, printing, graphic arts, electronics and computer skills programs.

All classes and programs are available to students earning a high school diploma and to those with a diploma seeking to improve skills and employment opportunities.

Whether working toward a high school diploma or seeking to improve skills, CHSVT is a place that offers people the opportunity to:

Learn to be literate;
Acquire life and vocational skills;
Experience structured and disciplined study as the norm;
Have genuine opportunity to complete high school;
Master the essential skills necessary to be a productive citizen, including daily habits of attendance, learning and responsibility;
Integrate community-based educational services, job opportunities and job training to support the transition of individuals back to Vermont communities.

Who Can Enroll in CHSVT?

The Community High School of Vermont primarily serves students who:

Have not obtained a high school diploma and are under the custody of the Department of Corrections (DOC);
Youth who have withdrawn from public education;
Have a high need in the area of employment, as identified by DOC classification procedures.

Additional Factors:
Under Vermont state law, all individuals under the age of 23, under custody of the DOC, and without high school diplomas, have a mandatory education requirement. These students are enrolled upon admission.

The school also serves the Special Education needs of students with disabilities in accordance with Federal and State laws.

How are Students Academically Assessed?

Review of Prior School Educational Records
School records are obtained from the last high school of record and reviewed for prior school performance and levels of achievement. Prior school transcripts are analyzed to determine the number and kind of credits needed for a diploma.

Initial Screening & Student Self-Assessment
New students are screened for basic skills achievement by way of administration of norm referenced tests, including Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS). An interview is conducted with each student to complete a self-assessment, identify various pieces of background information, as well as determine interests and goals. Vocational interest inventories may be administered to begin the process of identifying possible choices for career training.

Additional Assessment
With students that have prior special education histories, it may be necessary to conduct a more in-depth assessment of particular learning needs. This could include comprehensive evaluations conducted under the auspices of special education to identify more specific learning needs.

Coursework Selection
Coursework for individual students is selected based on information received in the assessment process and accompanying educational record review.

Progressive Assessment of Student Progress
A number of formal and informal assessments will determine the levels to which students are achieving specific standards and learning outcomes in their coursework. These include tests, work samples and hands-on activities.

Monitoring Course Completion
Attendance and educational performance records are maintained on all students attending CHSVT. Course completion is recorded in the student transcript database and documented on student Graduation Plans. For students with disabilities, progress is also documented for goals and objectives on the Individual Education Plan (IEP).

How is Credit Awarded for Coursework?

Secondary credit may be awarded for:

Participation in a course, coupled with demonstration of the approved course content standards at the secondary level.

Any single or combination of below, achieved through local site team approved written educational plan.

Independent Studies - For award of secondary credit, a written study plan is developed by staff and student. It is coupled with subsequent achievement of curriculum content (standards) at the secondary level.

Individual Assessment – Individual assessment to determine placement or possibility of earned credit from previous academic/life experience. Teacher made assessments, to award credits in this matter, must be reviewed and approved by faculty on the Curriculum Committee.

What are CHSVT Graduation Requirements?