CREAM

CREAM is a remediation program designed to provide identified students with an opportunity to develop knowledge and skills during their senior year to prepare them for college through McGraw Hill’s Connect (English) and Pearson’s MyMathTest (Math). 

The goal is for high school students to complete remediation/developmental courses in high school, resulting in quicker college graduation and fewer accrued costs.

Step-by-step guide for CREAM implementation:

1. Assign someone to serve as the CREAM facilitator for the school.
2. After spring ACT results are available, identify a “pool” of students who would benefit from CREAM as demonstrated by the following criteria:
   • Student is college-bound.
   • Student has an ACT score below the benchmark of 18 in English and 21 in math required for college placement into a credit-bearing course according to NDUS policy.
   • Student has struggled in English or math as demonstrated on local interim assessments or teacher observation.
3. Send the student pool parents a letter explaining the program and providing benefits.
   • Sample Sign-Up Form
   • Sample Parent Letter
4. For the school to participate in CREAM, complete the one-page proposal form and submit it to Harmony Richman at Valley City State University.
5. Assign staff to serve as the teacher of record for English and math.
   • Obtain training for the teachers/mentors with a stipend.
   • Determine a possible teacher stipend for implementing the program if it exceeds their teaching contract (with provided documentation).
6. Enroll interested students in the CREAM course and ensure proper coding to receive high school credit.
   • College Learning Lab - English 12 *05078
   • College Learning Lab – Math 12 *11118
7. Students take a diagnostic pre-test and are assigned modules based on materials they still need to master.
8. Have the teacher/facilitator check on and encourage the students to keep them motivated.
9. Provide tutoring for students who need assistance with the CREAM course.
10. Students take a post-test once the assigned modules are completed.
11. Local schools provide credit if required modules are completed. The local school determines the grade listed on the student’s transcript.
12. Successful completion is shared with post-secondary institutions via student transcripts.

Questions can be directed to:

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Pursuing a college degree is an achievement many parents desire for their children; however, many students are tasked with taking developmental coursework upon entering college. This coursework does not provide credits toward the student’s degree of study—regrettably, having to take these developmental courses while in college results in additional time and money spent for these students and their families.

Fortunately, a solution to this problem is called College Ready English and Math, also known as CREAM. Through CREAM, North Dakota students can take that same necessary coursework during their senior year of high school. Completing these courses while in high school allows students to begin taking all credit-bearing classes immediately in college, saving both time and money.

If you are interested in learning more about CREAM so your 11th grader can access this program during their senior year of high school, please visit with the following staff at our school:

(Insert names and contact information of staff with knowledge of CREAM)

The North Dakota State Legislature has appropriated funds to administer this program to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. Information about CREAM is available on the NDDPI website at www.nd.gov/dpi/cream

If you want to visit me on this issue, please call or email me anytime.

Sincerely,

Building Principal