Challenge for Credit
The Department of Education recognizes that a student may obtain specialized knowledge and ability that an existing credit course seeks to develop. The "policy guidelines" allow students who meet the course requirements to receive credits not offered within the formal curriculum, up to a maximum of two credits for each of grades 10-12; a total of six high school credits.

Programs recommended for challenge for credit at the Community-Operated Public School will be reviewed annually by the Board of Governors of the school. Teaching and assessment resources will be gathered and choices will be presented to the students. Students will also have the opportunity to make individual applications. Challenge for credit programs recommended in the draft curriculum (below) are:

• Fine Arts (Art, Drama and Music)
• Physical Education
• Gaelic Language

Distance Education
Distance education has gained popularity and effectiveness as a result of advancements in information and communication technologies. Modern distance education programs are internet-based, allowing "asynchronous" connections, which enable students to access the course at any time. This allows students to diversify their program selection and to overcome time-tabling conflicts. For the purpose of this pilot project, the courses offered by the Strait Regional School Board (SRSB) will be made available to students in Grades 10-12. Other sources for distance education courses will also be investigated. For the 1999- 2000 school year, the SRSB offers the following programs through distance education: