The West Virginia State Department of Education has established an alternative means to earn high school credit that is commonly known as Option Pathway.  This program is designed for students who have fallen behind their cohort (peers) and can not meet graduation requirements "on time" in the regular program.  A student must obtain a passing score on the TABE (Tests of Adult Basic Education) in reading and mathematics to qualify for and to enter the Option Pathway Program.  

Option 1 has two major components:  1) students are required to complete a CTE (Career and Technical Education) course, that is they must pass four credits in any concentration offered at the Mercer County Technical Education Center, or four JROTC credits, or four business credits at their home school, AND  2) they must pass the HiSET, a battery of five tests including: reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies with a minimum score of 8 out of 20 on each test,  a minimum of 2 on the writing essay, and a composite score of 45 for the entire battery.

Option 2 is for seniors who have credit deficiencies in one core area.  The student must pass the OPT (HiSET Official Practice Test) to be eligible for the program, and then they would only take the HiSET for the one core area. 

Students will take HiSET preparation classes at MCTEC and CTE classes at MCTEC with the exception of JROTC and business.  With these two options, students who successfully complete requirements graduate with their peers.  This program is not easy; it requires work and dedication.  It is simply an alternative to what may be considered the "traditional" route to a high school diploma.

Principals and counselors at the four high schools can answer questions, or calls may be directed to the Option Pathway program instructors at MCTEC (304) 425-9551, ext. 4524 or4516.