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** Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) Scholar   ** ||

The Distinguished Achievement Program is a course of study that requires high performance beyond that usually expected of students in high school. In addition to specific course requirements, the Distinguished Achievement Program requires that all students successfully complete any combination of four advanced measures that focus on demonstrated student performance at the college level or work equivalent to that done by professionals in the arts, sciences, business, industry, or in community service. These measures are judged by external sources of evaluation. ** Who are DAP Scholars? **   DAP Scholars are senior students who have completed, or will complete, the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) graduation plan. ** Why become a DAP Scholar? **   The advantages to students for completing this more rigorous course of study are numerous. Some of the advantages include: DAP Scholar candidates will be recognized in the senior year with a ceremony prior to graduation. During this ceremony, the DAP Scholar candidates will be recognized with an award. According to policy EIC (Local), the DAP Scholar candidates will be recognized as District Honor Graduates. The DAP Scholar candidate Honor Graduates will be denoted in the commencement program with this designation. In order to be considered a District Honor Graduate, all outside coursework must be completed by the end of the first nine weeks of the spring semester (3rd nine weeks), with the exception of dual credit courses in progress. Parents play a crucial role in a student’s success in the DAP Scholars Program. In the eighth grade, each student, with the help of his or her parents and counselor, should prepare a four-year graduation plan which meets the academic requirements of the Distinguished Achievement Plan. In addition, students and parents should begin planning how to meet the advanced measures requirement. Finally, a parent’s encouragement and support are essential for student success with demanding course work and planning.
 * What is the DAP Scholars Program? **
 * Students are better prepared for college success.
 * Students may earn college credit while still in high school (saving college tuition payments).
 * Students participate in more rigorous courses and are more academically challenged.
 * Students develop and refine higher level thinking skills.
 * Students are able to pursue specific areas of interest in research projects.
 * Students are rewarded for school and professional success and accomplishments.
 * Students have the opportunity to network with business and community professionals.
 * How do students become a DAP Scholar? **
 * Earn 24 credits. Students entering ninth grade in fall 2007-2008, and beyond, must complete 26 credits.
 * Complete all of the requirements for the Recommended Plan.
 * Complete one additional year or Level III of a foreign language credit in the same language.
 * Complete four advanced measures (see pages 8-9 for details).
 * Students, who have not completed four advanced measures prior to the spring of their senior year, will be designated as a //candidate// for the Distinguished Achievement Program (i.e. enrolled in appropriate coursework, working on advanced measures, and/or registered for AP exams).
 * How are DAP Scholar Candidates Recognized? **
 * What role do parents play in the DAP Scholars Program? **