Graduation Requirements High School Program Options Course Descriptions For Harmony School of Advancement Students, Grades 9 12

Transcription

1 Graduation Requirements High School Program Options Course Descriptions For Harmony School of Advancement Students, Grades 9 12

2 Dear Students and Parents, Careful course selection is critical for a successful high school experience as well as a thoughtful and effective approach to the college application and admission process. Admission counselors will consider the courses you have selected, as well as your grades, as they review your academic record. If you have the appropriate academic background and strong ability in a subject, consider taking an Advanced Placement or Dual Credit courses. Remember that maintaining a balance is the key. Do not risk jeopardizing your achievement in other classes by overloading your schedule with too many of these courses. Co curricular activities are a vital element of your experience at HSAdvancement as well. Try something new, whether in the arts, athletics, student government, or a club. Just as community life is a vital part of your HSAdvancement experience, colleges value students who demonstrate extracurricular commitment and concern for others. Take advantage of opportunities for leadership in organizations or within the community that are available to you at Harmony School of Advancement. While building your schedule, please remember that it is important to enjoy the richness of what you are learning today and challenge yourself to perform at your best in each of your courses. The college process will be greatly enhanced if you know yourself, your strengths, and your interests. Explore and learn as much as you can while challenging yourself with the most appropriate and rigorous courses that are reasonable in light of your abilities. Please consult with your teachers and your counselor as you consider your course selections. Good Luck! Counseling Department For a digital copy of the Course Selection Guide and more information, visit our counseling website: Harmony School of Advancement (College Board CEEB code: ) 3171 N. Sam Houston Pkwy W. Houston, TX Phone: Fax:

3 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS In order for a student to graduate at Harmony School of Advancement, students must fulfil: 1 High School Credit Requirement 2 Texas State Assessment (STAAR) 3 Admission by a 4 year college 4 Minimum 100 community service hours 5 Capstone Project in Senior year Course by Credit Summary Being a college preparatory school, Harmony School of Advancement recommends the following course by credit plan to all students, regardless of the plan they choose to graduate: Course Credits English 4.0 Mathematics 4.0 Science 4.0 Social Studies & Economics 4.0 Physical Ed. 1.0 Languages other than English 3.0 Fine Arts 1.0 Speech 0.5 Electives 4.5 Local Credit Courses TOTAL 4 LC* 26 credits+4 LC *Students will be exempt from 2 local credit requirements if they meet a qualifying score on MAP Math test. 2

4 CREDIT REQUIREMENTS Classifications of Students Student classification is determined by the number of credits accumulated by the end of the preceding year. To be a ninth grade student (Freshman)... *Completion of Eighth Grade Requirements To be a tenth grade student (Sophomore)...6 Credits Required To be an eleventh grade student (Junior)...12 Credits Required To be a twelfth grade student (Senior)...18 Credits Required Foundation Graduation Plan (available to all students)...22 Credits Required To Graduate with an Endorsement...26 Credits Required Recommended or Distinguished Plan ( 2016, 2017 graduates)...26 Credits Required Attendance Students in grades 9 12 may be promoted to the next grade level if the following conditions have been satisfied: A student may not be given credit for a class unless the student is in attendance for at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered. There will be no make up examination for unexcused absences. A student who is in attendance for at least 75 percent, but less than 90 percent, of the days a class is offered may be given credit if the student completes a plan approved by the principal that provides for the student to meet the instructional requirement of the class. In accordance with Texas Education Code excused absences will be counted in determining whether a student is in compliance with the attendance requirements for class credit. How To Earn Credits Students can earn a half credit for each semester course and a whole credit for a yearlong course. Students traditionally earn 8 credits a year when they pass all their courses and are not denied credit for excessive absences. Students should talk to their counselor to plan their credits. The following are ways a student can earn credits: Course is taken as a part of the student s high school schedule. Dual Credit college course approved by counselor, taken for high school credit and college credit. Must be one of the approved courses listed on the dual credit list. Refer to the Dual Credit Policies, page 17. Credit by Exam (CBE)/Exam for Acceleration (EA) is an approved exam through the UT Austin. Refer to CBE/EA Policy Page 11. Online courses approved courses through accredited online course providers. Students and parents assume the responsibility for registering for, and completing courses attempted. Students and parents assume the cost of taking courses outside of their regular high school schedule. Students must talk to their counselor for information regarding alternate methods of acquiring credits before signing up for any course. 3

5 TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION Testing Requirements for Students Graduating under State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) End of Course (EOC) Beginning with the Class of 2015 (ninth graders entering high school in fall 2011 and beyond), state law requires that students pass five STAAR End of Course (EOC) assessments in English, Math, Science, and Social studies, along with meeting their course requirements, to receive a diploma from a Texas public high school. Courses with an EOC assessment are listed in the chart below. English Mathematics Science Social Studies English I English II Algebra I Biology US History A student is not required to retake a course as a condition of retaking an EOC assessment. Students who are taking any of these five high school courses in middle school will also takethe required EOC assessment. Students may not retake an EOC assessment that they have passed. EOC assessment scores are not included in students course grades. Sample questions for the STAAR EOC tests can be found at 4

6 Grading Scale and GPA GRADING SCALE All classes will follow a standard scale for assigning letter grades for nine week periods and semester work. Individual teachers will follow the HPS grading practices/guidelines for their classes, with grades corresponding to the following scale: GRADING SCALE: A Excellent B Above C Average F Fail GPA CALCULATION Grade Point Average is calculated by dividing the total amount of grade points earned by the total amount of credit hours attempted. Beginning with the freshman class, all semester grades for courses attempted will count toward a student s GPA. Courses are weighted as follows: TABLE - GPA COMPUTATION DATA Regular AP & Dual Grade & Pre-AP Credit Below Weighted GPA is used to determine class rank. Unweighted GPA is used for admission to most colleges and universities and for scholarships at in state schools. 5

7 CLASS RANK & AUTOMATIC COLLEGE ADMISSION Harmony School of Advancement is a non ranking school and only ranks students on top 10% or if it is for the benefit of the student. Class rank indicates how a student's grades compare with those of other students in his/her class. Semester averages (not full year averages), beginning with the year student started taking high school courses, are used to compute class rank. All numeric scores for regular and college classes, including distance learning will be recorded and used to calculate the GPA. Credit by Examination scores for which the student earns credit toward graduation will be recorded numerically and used to calculate the GPA. Estimated class rankings are to be determined at the end of the junior year, and the first semester of the senior year for the express purpose of college entrance requirements. A final calculation of GPA and class rank is determined at the completion of the senior year and will be reflected on the final transcript. Attention Juniors: Credits earned during the summer of the junior year have to be submitted before August 1 st to their counselors to be entered to the junior year course lists and be counted in the overall GPA and ranking computations. Any credits received after August 1 st will be entered to the senior course list and will not affect the ranking submitted to colleges during the Fall semester of the senior year. It is students responsibility to ensure summer credits submitted on time and properly entered to their course lists. ELIGIBILITY FOR AUTOMATIC COLLEGE ADMISSION Explanation of Eligibility for Automatic College Admission Under the Automatic Admission policy(texas Education Code ), Under the Automatic Admission policy (Texas Education Code ), Texas students may be eligible for automatic admission to a state college or university as an undergraduate student if they meet certain criteria. To qualify for automatic admission, a student must: (1) earn a grade point average in the top 10 percent* of his/her high school graduating class, (2) graduate from a Texas public or private high school (or, if the student is a Texas resident, from a high school operated by the U.S. Department of Defense), (3) earn the Distinguished Level of Achievement and/or a Performance Acknowledgment for outstanding performance (starting from Class of 2018) or successfully complete the requirements for the Recommended High School Program (RHSP) or the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) (or the equivalent if enrolled in private school) or satisfy ACT's College Readiness Benchmarks on the ACT college entrance exam or earn a score of at least 1,500 out of 2,400 on the SAT college entrance exam, and 6

8 (4) apply for admission to a state college or university within the first two school years after graduation from high school. Students who meet the criteria for automatic admission must submit an application before the deadline set by the college or university to which they are applying. Students must also provide a high school transcript or diploma that indicates whether they have satisfied or are on schedule to satisfy the requirements of the Distinguished Level of Achievement and/or a Performance Acknowledgment for outstanding performance, RHSP or DAP. Curriculum Requirements Not later than the end of a student s junior year in high school, his or her official transcript should indicate whether the student has satisfied or is on schedule to satisfy the requirements for the Distinguished Level of Achievement and/or a Performance Acknowledgment for outstanding performance (starting with the Class of 2018), RHSP or DAP. Students who are unable to satisfy the curriculum requirements of the graduation requirements because the courses necessary to complete the requirements are unavailable as a result of course scheduling, lack of enrollment capacity, or another cause not within the student's control, are considered to have satisfied the requirements of the relevant program. In such cases, the student must have successfully completed the portions of the graduation requirement curricula that were available and the student s official transcript or diploma must indicate this. Admission and Enrollment State colleges and universities may admit a student accepted under the Automatic Admission policy for either the fall semester of the academic year for which the student applied or for the summer session that proceeds that fall semester. Additionally, the admitting college or university may require that applicants in need of additional preparation for college level work enroll in enrichment courses or programs during the summer immediately after the student is admitted. Colleges and universities are required to admit an applicant as an undergraduate student if the applicant is the child of a public servant who was killed or fatally injured in the line of duty and who meets the minimum entrance requirements set by the college or university. *The University of Texas at Austin Beginning with admissions for the school year, The University of Texas at Austin (UT) is no longer required to automatically admit applicants in excess of 75% of its enrollment capacity for first time resident undergraduate students. The University has determined that it will automatically admit all eligible 2016 summer/fall freshman applicants who rank within the top 8% of their high school graduating classes, with remaining spaces to be filled through holistic review. 7

9 Valedictorian/Salutatorian & Cum Laude System Selection method to determine the valedictorian for a graduating senior class: 1. The student who is selected as the highest ranking graduate eligible to receive the Honor Graduate Certificate and Declaration will also serve as valedictorian. 2. In the event no student meets the criteria to receive the Honor Graduate Certificate, a valedictorian will be selected who meets all of the following criteria: 3. The student must have been enrolled with the school campus for no less than three calendar semesters or all semesters the school has been opened if less than three calendar semesters; and 4. By the date of graduation the student must have met all Texas State Graduation Requirements applicable to him/her including meeting all state assessment requirements; and 5. The student with the highest cumulative grade point average graduating under the Recommended or Distinguished Program will be selected as valedictorian, with the second ranking student serving as salutatorian. Under no circumstance will a student with a higher GPA who is graduating under the Minimum Graduation Program rank higher than a student graduating under the Recommended or Distinguished Program; or 6. In the case where no students are graduating under either the Recommended or Distinguished Program, the student with the highest cumulative grade point average out of all graduating seniors will be selected valedictorian, and the student with the next highest GPA will serve as salutatorian All calculations for this honor will be conducted at the end of the spring semester (before graduation) each school year. An eligible student must have attended at least one of the calendar semesters during the school year that the honor is granted. Grade Point Average will be calculated in accordance with the existing policy adopted by the Board of Directors. Cum Laude System Harmony Public Schools recognize at graduation those students with weighted GPAs at or above specific benchmarks. Benchmarks may require occasional adjustments as changes in curriculum dictate. Currently, graduates are recognized as follows: Summa Cum Laude Weighted average* of exactly or higher Magna Cum Laude Weighted average of exactly or higher Cum Laude Weighted average of exactly or higher GPA = 4.0+ GPA= 3.8 to 3.9 GPA= 3.5 to 3.7 8

10 SCHEDULING & COURSE SELECTIONS Harmony School of Advancement uses Naviance Course Planner for graduation plans and course selections. With Course Planner, students can access the school course catalog, choose courses they want to take the next school year, know which courses are recommended by teachers and see if their course plans satisfy high school graduation requirements, as well as college entrance requirements for schools on their college application lists. Plus, they can identify areas where they can increase academic rigor to improve their college admissions chances. Course Selections and Scheduling Steps 1. Teacher Recommendations new school year course catalog is uploaded and teachers enter their course recommendations to Naviance. 2. Graduation and Course Selection Process with the help of their counselors, students build their graduation plans and select courses through Naviance Course Planner. The Course Planner will be open for editing and review until March 14 th, Students are highly encouraged to consult with their teachers regarding recommended courses and discuss their choices with their parents before submitting course plans for approval. No course selections will be available after March 14 th. 3. Course Plan Approval Counselors and teachers work collaboratively to review student course plans. Counselors will contact students/parents with any questions or concerns. 4. Decision Making After all course plans reviewed and approved, decisions regarding class cancellations, number of sections, and staffing are made. 5. Master schedule is built. Students are notified of conflicts and an alternate request is considered. 6. Counselors review end of year grades and provide students with summer school/credit recovery options. If students do not earn credit in a course during the school year and do not attend summer school, the schedule will be reviewed and student will retake failed courses in This may change the student s previous course request. 7. Finalized schedules are given to students during the orientation day of the new school year. 9

11 . SCHEDULE CHANGES Changes requested after the Course Plan has been submitted will be made only for the following reasons per counselor approval: Senior needs to make up deficient graduation credits. Student received an F grade and needs to repeat the class for high school graduation requirements or to meet college eligibility requirements. Student is in the incorrect course level. Course requested will not be offered due to budgetary restraints or low class size. Student completed a course credit at summer school. During the first 15 school days of academic year, students may request a schedule change according to the following guidelines: Level change request, based on availability Placement recommendation based on academic performance Medical/health issues require adjustment in schedule Course needed for graduation requirement or to meet college eligibility requirement Spring Semester Changes: Yearlong courses will only be dropped for extenuating circumstances with administrative approval. After a semester, a student in a Pre AP class may be transferred to on level course if the student has an average of 70 or lower for the first semester, or with teacher s recommendation. Schedule changes based on teacher preference will not be honored. The administration reserves the right and has the responsibility to only make changes as necessary to meet graduation requirements, balance class sizes, correct administrative or clerical error, reflect changes in school personnel, or other educationally appropriate reasons. Dropping A Course A student who drops a course during the first 15 school days of the academic year may do so without any entry on his/her permanent record card. Course dropping or schedule change requests will not be granted after the first 15 school days of academic year. Note: Students in 9 th 12 th grade are required to register for eight periods and remain on the HSAdvancement campus for eight periods. 10

12 CREDIT BY EXAM (CBE)/ EXAM FOR ACCELERATION (EA) Credit by exam (CBE) is available for students who failed a course and can be taken only for an original credit. 1. A student to Grades 6 12 will be given credit for an academic subject if the student scores 70% or above on each of the criterion referenced examination for the applicable course. 1. It is not recommended to gain credit by such an examination if the course grade is less than 60 in the course failed. Students may not attempt to earn credit by examination for a specific high school course more than two times. 2. If the student scores 70% or above, regular credit is given and the examination score is entered on the student s transcript. 3. Students who have already earned a credit for specific high school course cannot take CBE to pull up her/his GPA. Exam for acceleration (EA) is available for students who want to skip in each of the following areas: language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. 2. To earn a credit students need to score 80 or above for EA. 3. Student may take a specific examination only once during each window. Students may not attempt to earn credit by examination for a specific high school course more than two times. 4. If a student fails to earn credit by examination for a specific high school course before the beginning of the school year in which the student would ordinarily be required to enroll in that course in accordance with the school district s prescribed course sequence, the student must satisfactorily complete the course to receive credit. July 6 10 Nov March May 4 12 CREDIT BY EXAMINATION WINDOWS CBE/EA 11 CBE/EA CBE/EA CBE/EA Procedure: Students are required to register for CBE/EA at least one month prior to first day of testing (or CBE/EA window). Parents/Students need a counselor (and/or Campus CBE coordinator) approval to order a CBE. Once approved, parents/students pay $45 (only for credit recovery/ fee subject to change) per semester at the front office. There is no fee for taking Exam for Acceleration. It takes approximately a week for a test to arrive, another week or two to receive the scores from UT Austin.

13 CREDIT RECOVERY & CREDIT TRANSFERS Students earn one half credit per semester and one credit per year for successful completion of a course. Courses vary from one to two semesters in length. A student who fails the first semester of any core course with a grade no lower than 60, but who passes the second semester of the course, may receive credit if the average of the two semesters results in a grade of 70 or above. Otherwise, to receive credit in a core course, the student must utilize credit recovery to obtain a passing grade for any semester failed. Credit recovery options: Option 1: Retaking the Course (online/summer school), and gaining the passing grade above 70 for the required semester. Option 2: Credit by Examination with Prior Instruction. Students can take credit for an academic subject in which he or she has had some prior instruction if the student scores 70% or higher on a criterion referenced test for the applicable course. Once the course is completed with a passing grade, the credit will be added to the student transcript with the R coding. CREDIT TRANSFERS Credits earned by students in accredited school districts (including summer school programs and credit by exam) or through correspondence courses are transferable and accepted by the school. Credits earned through home schooling and at unaccredited private schools may not be transferrable. These students may be asked to earn credit through taking an exam. State and Local Credit Courses All courses which are to be counted toward graduation must be state approved courses. Local credit courses are courses in which a student may participate without receiving state credit towards graduation, unless the course is required by an ARD Committee for students receiving special education services. Local credit courses are, however, calculated as part of a student s GPA. 12

14 ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PROGRAM The purpose of the AP entrance and exit guidelines is to provide information to parents and students and to facilitate students success in academically challenging courses. AP classes in Harmony School of Advancement stimulate and challenge students to perform at an advanced academic level. Therefore, AP coursework requires students to engage in more independent analytical reading and writing assignments, both inside and outside the classroom. Academic Considerations Entrance Guidelines AP curriculum is designed two grade levels above traditional curriculum. Instruction is fastpaced and much of the work is done outside of class. Therefore, AP students should be independent learners who have demonstrated prior success in the subject area as outlined below: Previous grades in that discipline: An A in a particular subject required to enroll in AP. It indicates that the student has the academic ability to succeed at the AP level in that subject. Standardized Test Scores: SAT PSAT STAAR test in that subject is a good predictor of success in an AP class, therefore it is required. Teacher Recommendations: Students who want to enroll in any one or more AP Courses listed in the class selection sheet must have teacher recommendation(s) from a teacher in the same subject area (English, Social Studies, and Science etc.) Performance Considerations AP classrooms are fast paced and challenging environments, with most lesson preparation done out of the classroom. Therefore, students taking these courses should be self motivated learners willing to invest time and energy into their activities and assignments. AP s t u d e n t s should be independent learners who demonstrate: Motivation and Commitment Time Management skills A positive attitude toward challenging coursework A strong work ethic 13

15 HS-Advancement AP Placement Policy Grade Level 9th grade 10th grade 11th grade 12th grade AP Potential* Grades* Previous AP test Score Average* ReadiStep/PSAT/SAT scores n/a ReadiStep 11 Teacher Recommendation Teacher Recommendation from a teacher in the subject area is required. i.e. For AP US History, recommendation from Social Studies teacher is required AP Qualifying Exam* n/a ReadiStep 13 n/a n/a ReadiStep 11, PSAT n/a ReadiStep 13, PSAT PSAT PSAT n/a PSAT n/a PSAT PSAT PSAT PSAT n/a PSAT 120, SAT n/a PSAT 130, SAT PSAT 150, SAT PSAT 170, SAT PSAT 180, SAT PSAT 190, SAT 1900 n/a Applicable AP Course Eligibility Criteria Descriptions AP Potential: Approved maximum number of AP courses Grades: Grades in the related field in which AP course is requested Previous AP Tests: If a student took AP test(s) previously, the scores could be used as a determinant Standardized Test Scores: Due to the fact that AP's are college level courses, ReadiStep/PSAT/SAT scores are used as a college readiness index to assess student AP potential AP Qualifying Exam: Departments may choose to administer AP Qualifying Exams to assess student AP readiness *Students with missing credits are not eligible for AP courses. 14

16 HS-Advancement AP Placement Policy AP Exam Requirement Enrollment in AP course requires that the student take the AP Exam. If the student named in the contract does not take the AP Exam for the subject class, the credit earned will not be weighted on GPA calculations. Further, if a student does not take the required exam, s/he will pay for the Harmony School of Advancement any and all the fees for each exam ordered and paid for by the Harmony School of Advancement. Students Withdrawal Guidelines from AP Course Students may withdraw from AP courses, if withdrawal is requested within first 15 school days after the start of the AP class. Students are expected to complete and turn in the summer assignment during the first week of the school. It is the student s responsibility to track his/her grades, missing course work and absences and to contact with the AP teacher in regards to these. Additional AP Guidelines Students are expected to maintain their school attendance on the AP testing days. Students must attend after school and/or Saturday tutorial sessions if provided. In order to receive credit in AP class, students must attend at least 90% of the days the class is offered. These include both excused and unexcused absences. 15

17 HS-Advancement AP Program List of AP Courses Offered at Harmony School of Advancement AP Course Prerequisite Courses Subject Field AP Calculus AB/BC Precalculus Mathematics AP Statistics Algebra II Mathematics AP Chemistry Biology, Chemistry, Algebra II, concurrent with Precalculus Science AP Physics I Algebra II, PSAT 180 Science AP Physics II AP Physics I Science AP Physics C AP Physics I&II or an Science equivalent course and concurrent with PreCal AP Biology Biology, Chemistry, Algebra I Science AP Environmental Science Biology, Chemistry, Science Algebra II AP English Language English II English Language Arts AP English Literature English III English Language Arts AP Human Geography Pre-Geography Exam Social Studies AP World History World Geography Social Studies AP U.S. History World History and Social Studies English II AP Psychology NA Social Studies AP European History NA Social Studies AP US Government Economics Social Studies AP Computer Science Computer Science I Computer Sciences AP Spanish Language LOTE Spanish II Languages Other Than English AP French Language LOTE French III Languages Other Than English AP Art History Art I, World History Fine Arts AP Studio Art Drawing 2 Arts Credits, which includes Art I 16 Fine Arts

18 Dual Credit Program Courses offered for dual credit stem from agreements between high schools and community colleges whereby a high school junior or senior enrolls in a college course and simultaneously earns college credit and high school credit for the course. Dual Credit Qualification Requirements The student's high school must have a Dual Credit agreement with Lone Star College System (LSCS). The student is enrolled in Junior or Senior year of high school The student has Applied to Lone Star * The student demonstrated College Readiness through approved assessments; 1. TSI Assessment: A high school student is eligible to enroll in Dual Credit in the 11th and 12th grades with the following TSI Assessment Scores: TSI Test Qualifying Score Reading Writing and 4 on essay or 5+ on essay Math A high school student is exempt from taking TSI Assessment and eligible for 11 th or 12 th grade Dual Credit enrollment by meeting one the requirements below SAT: A student has an SAT composite score of 1070 (achieved by adding the math and critical reading scores together) with a score of 500 or higher on the math and critical reading portions of the test. Test score must be less than 5 years old and achieved in one sitting. ACT: A student has an ACT composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 in both the math and English portions of the test. Scores must be less than 5 years old and achieved in one sitting. PSAT/NMSQT: A 10 th grade student has a PSAT/NMSQT combined score of 107 (achieved by adding the math and critical reading scores) with a minimum of 50 on the critical reading and/or mathematics test(s) relevant to the courses to be attempted in the 11 th grade only. The student must meet prerequisites in the areas that are applicable to the course including reading, writing and math, where appropriate; Per Texas Administrative Code, the student shall not be enrolled in more than 2 dual credit classes per semester. The student must maintain a grade of "C" or better in each class to remain in the program *Refer to Dual Credit Enrollment checklist for more details 17

19 Dual Credit Course Matrix Listed below are LSCS courses and their equivalent HSAdvancement courses available for dual credit. Students should consult with a college/university advisor regarding the transfer ability of courses. LSCS College Course College Course Title Language Arts ENGL 1301 Composition and Rhetoric I ENGL 1302 Composition and Rhetoric II ENGL 2332 Survey of World Lit. Ancient Times to Mid- 17 th Century ENGL 2333 Survey of World Lit. Mid017th Century to LSCS Course Credit HSAdvancement Course Title 3 English III DC A/B or English IV DC A/B English III DC A/B or 0.5 English IV DC A/B 3 English IV DC A English IV DC-B 0.5 Present SPCH 1311 Introduction to Speech 3 Communication Applications DC Social Science HIST 1301 United States History 3 US History DC A 0.5 To 1877 HIST 1302 US History Since US History DC- B 0.5 GOVT 2305 Federal Government 3 Government DC 0.5 GOVT 2306 Texas Government 3 Special Topics in Social 0.5 Studies DC(EL) ECON 2301 Macroeconomics 3 Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System DC 0.5 PSYC 2301 General Psychology 3 Psychology DC (EL) 0.5 Mathematics MATH 1314 College Algebra 3 Math Independent Study 0.5 MATH 1316 Trigonometry 3 Math Independent 0.5 Study/Precal DC A MATH 1342 Statistics 3 Math Independent Study 0.5 MATH 2412 Precalculus 3 Math Independent Study/Precal DC B 0.5 MATH 2413 Calculus 3 Math Independent Study 0.5 Fine Arts/Other ARTS 1303 Art History Survey I 3 Art III History -A 0.5 ARTS 1304 Art History Survey II 3 Art III History -B 0.5 ARTS 1301 Art Appreciation 3 Art I 0.5 High School Credit

20 High School Graduation with College Core Curriculum With a well planned graduation path and hard work, students at HSAdvancement can graduate with up to 60 college credits and complete their college core curriculum at high school. Core curriculum COMMUNICATION - 9 HOURS Aligned high school courses: -English III, A & B, English IV A&B - Communication Applications/Speech ENGL 1301 (3 HRS) AP English Lang. (3)* ENGL 1302 (3 HRS) AP English Lang. (4)* SPCH 1311 (3 HRS) only DC option MATHEMATICS 3 HOURS Aligned high school courses: -Mathematics 4 th credit -Ind. Studies in Math (elective) MATH 1314, 1316, 1324, 1325, 1342,2412,2413 (3 CREDIT HOURS) AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics (3)* HUMANITIES 3 HOURS Aligned high school courses: -English IV A&B -LOTE Spanish III, LOTE French III - Humanities (elective) Choose ONE of the following:(3hours) ENGL 2322, 2323 AP English Lit. (3)* HUMA 1301, 1302 only DC FREN 2311 AP French Lang. (3)* SPAN 2311, 2312 AP Span Lang. (3)* SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES 15 HOURS Aligned high school courses: -US History A &B -US Government Ind. Studies in S.S. (elective)-0.5 -Psychology (elective)-0.5 credit -Economics -0.5 credit -Sociology (elective) 0.5 credit HIST 1301 (3 HRS) AP US HIST(3)* HIST 1302 (3 HRS) AP US HIST (4)* GOVT 2305 (3 HRS) AP American GOVT (3)* GOVT 2306 (3 HRS) AP American GOVT (4)* ECON 2301,2302, PSYC 2301, HIST 2311, SOCI 1301, GEOG 1303 (3 HRS) AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, AP Psychology, AP European History, AP Human Geography (3)* 19

21 Aligned high school courses: of Art, AP Arts AP Aligned high school courses: th OR AP CHEM AP Chem AP AP C ENVR AP v. Science * AP score applies to University of Houston AP Credit Transfer Policy. To check the policies for other colleges, go to : Dual Credit Courses (through Lone Star College Systems) college credit is earned bypassing courses with C and above. The student must maintain a grade of "C" or better in each class to remain in the program. Credits are transferrable among all Texas Public Colleges. Transfer of credits to private and out of state institutions is not guaranteed. For more details, refer to the LSCS Dual Credit Policy. AP Courses college credit is earned by passing AP exams with the score of 3 and above. Colleges have different AP score requirements to award college credits. For more details regarding AP courses, refer to the HS Advancement AP Policy. Every public institution in Texas has a Core, which is designed to provide a solid foundation for your college education and to make transfers between and among Texas institutions of higher education as smooth and seamless as possible. Each institution's Core Curriculum applies to all academic degrees. They range from 42to 48 credit hours, depending on the college or university. Each Core Curriculum is divided into 8 or 9 categories that are common across the state. Watch Out! You may choose a major which has some more rigorous or more specific requirements than the Core. Most science majors, for instance have more intensive math and science requirements. In these cases, the major requirements have priority. So, switching institutions has become easier, but changing majors may still involve taking some extra courses. 20

22 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS For Students Entering Grade 9 in and after Students enrolled in , or may move to the Foundation Plan. 21

23 Graduation Requirements For Students Entering Grade 9 in and After Students enrolled in , or may move to the Foundation Plan In the Spring of 2013 the 83rd Texas Legislature passed House Bill 5, which made substantial changes to the state s curriculum and graduation requirements, assessment program, and accountability system. The new graduation plan mandated by House Bill 5 is called The Foundation High School Program which is intended to provide students with more flexibility. Students who are freshmen in will be the first class to fall under the graduation requirements in HB5. Beginning in the school year, each student, on entering ninth grade, must indicate in writing an endorsement that the student intends to earn. Students are permitted at any time, to earn an endorsement other than the endorsement the student previously indicated. A student may graduate under the foundation high school program without earning an endorsement if, after the student s sophomore year: (1) ) the student and the student s parent or person standing in parental relation are advised by a school counselor of the specific benefits of graduating from high school with one or more endorsements; and (2) ) the student s parent or person standing in parental relation files with a school counselor written permission allowing the student to graduate under the foundation high school program without earning an endorsement House Bill 5 requires students to pass five State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) end of course exams to meet the new graduation requirements: Algebra I, English I (combined reading/writing), English II (combined reading/writing), Biology and U.S. History. Foundation High School Program (22 credits) Foundation High School Program (FHSP) includes the following requirements: ELA 4 credits Math 3 credits Algebra II not required Social Studies 3 credits Science 3 credits Foreign Language 2 credits Fine Arts 1 credit Physical Education 1 credit 5 Elective Credits 22

24 Graduation Requirements For Students Entering Grade 9 in and After Students enrolled in , or may move to the Foundation Plan Foundation High School Program with Endorsements (26 Credits) Foundation High School Program (FHSP) includes the following requirements: Foundation Plan plus the following 4th Math Course 4th Science Course Endorsement Area Coursework (see endorsements section) Distinguished Level of Achievement (26 Credits) A student may earn a distinguished level of achievement by successfully completing: Foundation Plan A total of four credits in mathematics, which must include Algebra II A total of four credits in science The remaining curriculum requirements 44 SECTION III: ACADEMICS AND GRADING Revised in June 2014 The curriculum requirements for at least one endorsement A student must earn the distinguished level of achievement to be eligible for top10% automatic admission. 23

25 Graduation Requirements For Students Entering Grade 9 in andafter Students enrolled in , or may move to the Foundation Plan Discipline Foundation Only (can only be chosen after the sophomore year) HB 5 Graduation Plan in Chart Foundation + Endorsements Distinguished Level of Achievement English I English II English III Advanced English (4 credits) English I/PreAp English II/PreAP English III/AP/DC English IV/AP/DC (4 credits) English I/PreAP English II/PreAP EnglishIII/AP/DC English IV/AP/DC (4 credits) Algebra I Algebra I/PreAp Algebra I/PreAp Geometry Geometry/PreAP Geometry/PreAP Advanced Math Algebra II/PreAP Algebra II/PreAP Elective Math Elective Math (3 credits) (4 credits) (4 credits) Biology Advanced Science Advanced Science (3 credits) US History Government/Economics World Geo. or World Hist. (3 credits) LOTE (2 credits) Physical Education (1 credit) Biology /PreAP Chemistry/PreA Physics/AP Elective Science (4 credits) World Geography/AP World History/AP US History/AP/DC US GOVT/AP/DC Economics/AP/DC (4 credits) LOTE (2 credits) Physical Education (1 credit) Biology /PreAP Chemistry/PreAP Physics/AP Elective Science (4 credits)) World Geography/AP World History/AP US History/AP/DC US GOVT/AP/DC Economics/AP/DC (4 credits) LOTE (2 credits) Physical Education (1 credit) Fine Arts Fine Arts Fine Arts (1 credit) (1 credit) (1 credit) (5 credits) (6 credits) (6 credits) 24

26 Graduation Requirements For Students Entering Grade 9 in andafter Students enrolled in , or may move to the Foundation Plan Performance Acknowledgements Performance Acknowledgements may be earned in one or more of the following categories: AP test score of 3 or above; IB test score of 4 or above (transfer students only; IB is not available in HPS); Qualifying PSAT score based on the 11th grade test; SAT combined critical reading and math score of 1250 or above; ACT composite score of 28 or above; Completion of a minimum of 12 hours dual credit college courses with final grades of A or B (3.0 GPA or above); Bilingualism and biliteracy; and Earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certification or license. Endorsements Students entering 9th Grade must choose from one of the following endorsements: STEM (Examples: Engineering, Computer Science) Business and Industry (Examples: Business, Finance, Accounting) Arts and Humanities (Examples: Literature, Art, Dance, Music) Public Services (Examples: Hotel Management, Psychology, Teaching, Health) Multidisciplinary Studies (Examples Business, Sociology, Art) Students may change their endorsement at any time prior to graduation. To qualify as part of the top ten percent of their graduating class, students must successfully complete Algebra II. A student must complete the Foundation High School Program (22 credits), one additional math credit, one additional science credit, and two additional elective credits while completing the specific requirements of his/her selected endorsement. Please review the following Endorsement Chart for more information. 25

27 Graduation Requirements For Students Entering Grade 9 in and After Students enrolled in , or may move to the Foundation Plan Endorsement s STEM Science, Technology, Engineering,& Math Students may earn a STEM endorsement by selecting and completing the requirements from among these4 options. Note: Algebra II, Chemistry, and Physics are required for the STEM endorsement regardless of the option the student selects from below Option 1: Engineering Pathway (CTE) Students earn four (4) credits by taking following courses CTE Engineering Path: Concepts of Engineering Engineering Design and Problem Solving Engineering Design and Presentation Adv. Engineering Design and Presentation Option 2: Math Students take Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II AND two (2) of the following courses for which Algebra II is a prerequisite. Pre Calculus Calculus AB or BC Statistics and Risk Management Option 3: Science College Algebra Dual Credit Statistics AP Students take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, AND two (2) of the following courses. Chemistry AP Environmental Systems Biology AP Anatomy & Physiology AP Physics II Environmental Science AP AP Physics I AP Physics C 26

28 Graduation Requirements For Students Entering Grade 9 in and After Students enrolled in , or may move to the Foundation Plan Business & Industry Students may earn a Business & Industry endorsement by selecting and completing the requirements from among these 3 options. Option 1: English Students take four (4) English elective credits that include three levels in one for the following areas. Advanced Broadcast Journalism I, II, III Advanced Journalism: Newspaper I, II, III Advanced Journalism: Yearbook I, II, III Debate I, II, III Option 2: Information Technology (CTE) and Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications (CTE) Students take four (4) elective credits from the following courses. Web Technologies Digital & Interactive Media Audio/Video Production Advanced Audio Video Production Public Services Students may earn a Public Services endorsement by selecting and completing the requirements from among the following option: Option: Health Science CTE Students earn four (4) credits by taking following courses in PLTW Biomedical Science: Principles of Biomedical Science Human Body Systems Medical Interventions Biomedical Innovation 27

29 Graduation Requirements For Students Entering Grade 9 in and After Students enrolled in , or may move to the Foundation Plan Arts and Humanities Students may earn an Arts & Humanities endorsement by selecting and completing the requirements from among these 3 options. Option 1: Social Studies Students take five (5) social studies courses for 5 credits. After 4 required social studies courses the 5 th credit can be taken from the following courses: AP European History Social Studies Advance Studies (GOVT 2306 Dual Credit) Psychology AP Psychology Psychology Dual Credit Sociology Option 2: Foreign Language Students take four (4) levels of the same foreign language. OR Students take two (2) levels of one foreign language AND two (2) levels of a different foreign language (two levels ineach of two different foreign languages for 4 credits). Turkish I Spanish I French I Turkish II Spanish II French II Turkish III Spanish III French III Turkish IV AP Spanish Lang. AP French Option 3: Fine Arts Students take four (4) courses in the same fine arts area for 4 credits. OR Students take two (2) courses in one fine arts area AND two (2) courses in a different fine arts area (two courses in each of two different fine arts areas for 4 credits). Music I: Orchestra Music I: Choir Art I Music II: Orchestra Music II: Choir Art II: Drawing Music III: Orchestra Music III: Choir Art III: Drawing Music IV: Orchestra Music IV: Choir AP Studio Arts 28

30 Graduation Requirements For Students Entering Grade 9 in and After Students enrolled in , or may move to the Foundation Plan Multidisciplinary Studies Students may earn a Multidisciplinary Studies endorsement by selecting and completing the requirements from among these 3 options. Option 1: Four by Four (4 X 4) Students take four (4) courses in each of the four core content areas. Four (4) English credits including English IV Four (4) math credit Four (4) science credits including biology and chemistry and/or physics Four (4) social studies credits With a least one (1) advanced (3rd year or higher course in the sequence). Option 2: AP or Dual Students take four (4) Advanced Placement (AP) courses for four (4) credits in English, math, science, social studies, foreign language, or fine arts. OR Students take four (4) Dual credit courses for four (4) credits in English, math, science, social studies, foreign language, or fine arts. Option 3: CTE Students take four advanced courses for four (4) credits that prepare them to enter the workforce or postsecondary education without remediation from within one endorsement area or among endorsement areas not in a coherent sequence 29

31 STEM Business & Industry Public Services Arts & Humanities Multidisciplinary Studies Students may earn a STEM endorsement by selecting and completing the requirements from among these 4 options. Note: Algebra II, Chemistry, and Physics are required for the STEM endorsement regardless of the option the student selects from below. Option 1 Engineering Pathway (CTE) Students earn four (4) credits by taking following courses CTE Engineering Path: Concepts of Engineering Engineering Design and Problem Solving Engineering Design and Presentation Adv. Engineering Design and Presentation Option 2: Math Students take Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II AND two (2) of the following courses for which Algebra II is a prerequisite. Pre Calculus Calculus AB or BC Statistics/AP College Algebra I/Dual Credit Option 3: Science Students take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, AND two (2) of the following courses. Chemistry AP Biology AP Anatomy & Physiology Environmental Science AP AP Physics I AP Physics C Environmental Systems AP Physics II Students may earn a Business & Industry endorsement by selecting and completing the requirements from among these 3 options. Option 1: English Students take four (4) English elective credits that include three levels in one for the following areas Advanced Broadcast Journalism I, II, III Advanced Journalism: Newspaper I, II, III Advanced Journalism: Yearbook I, II, III Debate I, II, III Option 2: Technology Students take four (4) technology credits selected from of the following courses. Web Technologies Digital Art and Animation Audio/Video Production Adv. Audio/Video Production Students may earn a Public Services endorsement by selecting and completing the requirements from among these 1 option. Option 1: CTE Students earn four (4) credits of the following area Biomedical Sciences (PLTW) Human Body Systems Medical Intervention Biomedical Innovation Students may earn an Arts & Humanities endorsement by selecting and completing the requirements from among these 3 options. Option 1: Foreign Language Students take four (4) levels ofthe same foreign language. OR Students take two (2) levels of one foreign language AND two (2) levelsof a different foreign language (two levels in each of two different foreign languages for 4 credits). Option 2: Fine Arts Students take four (4) courses in the same fine arts area for 4 credits OR Students take two (2) courses in one fine arts area AND two (2) courses ina different fine arts area (two coursesin each of two different fine arts areasfor 4 credits). Option 3: Socail Studies Students take (5) social studies courses for 5 credits. After 4 required S.S. courses the 5 th credit can be taken from the following AP European History Psychology/AP/Dual Credit Sociology S.S. Advance Studies Dual Credit Students may earn a Multidisciplinary Studies endorsement by selecting and completing the requirements from among these 3 options. Option 1: Four by Four (4 X 4) Students take four (4) courses in each of the four core content areas. Four (4) English credits including English IV Four (4) math credit Four (4) science credits including biology and chemistry and/or physics Four (4) social studies credits Option 2: AP or Dual Students take four (4) Advanced Placement (AP) courses for four (4) credits in English, math, science, social studies, foreign language, or fine arts. OR Students take four (4) Dual credit courses for four (4) credits in English, math, science, social studies, foreign language, or fine arts. Option 3: CTE Students take four advanced courses for four (4) credits that prepare them to enter the workforce or post-secondary education without remediation from within one endorsement area or among endorsement areas not in a coherent sequence.

32 T GU D V O T g for T ma c A m STEM 1 MATH OR CTE MATH 1 SCIENCE OR CTE SCIENCE 2 ELECTIVES BUSINESS & INDUSTRY 1 MATH OR CTE MATH 1 SCIENCE OR CTE SCIENCE 2 ELECTIVES ARTS & HUMANITIES 1 MATH OR CTE MATH 1 SCIENCE OR CTE SCIENCE 2 ELECTIVES PUBLIC SERVICES 1 MATH OR CTE MATH 1 SCIENCE OR CTE SCIENCE 2 ELECTIVES MULTI DISCIPLINARY STUDIES 1 MATH OR CTE MATH 1 SCIENCE OR CTE 2 ELECTIVES FOUNDATION 22 CREDITS 4 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA I, II, III, & IV) 3 MATHEMATICS (Algebra I, Geometry & Algebra II) 3 SOCIAL STUDIES (World Geography or World History or combined course, US History, & Government/Economics) 3 SCIENCE (Biology and two additional advanced sciences) 2 FOREIGN LANGUAGES 1 FINE ARTS 1 PHYSICAL EDUCATION 5 ELECTIVES