TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... 3 GRADUATION...

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2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... 3 GRADUATION... 4 GENERAL INFORMATION... 5 TRANSCRIPT SEAL... 5 PREFERRED GRADUATION PROGRAM... 5 CREDITS FOR RECOMMENDED AND DISTINGUISHED PROGRAMS... 6 DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM... 8 COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANNING... 9 TIMETABLE FOR COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANNING CAREER PLANNING-CHOICES COLLEGE PLANNING AND FINANCIAL AID WEBSITES SCHEDULE CHANGES GENERAL INFORMATION PERMISSIBLE SCHEDULE CHANGES GRADE RELATED ISSUES CLASS RANK HONOR COURSE INFORMATION HONOR ROLL NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY HONOR COURSES ACCREDITED PRIVATE SCHOOLS MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSES GRADES FOR NEW STUDENTS RECLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS EARLY GRADUATION NON-TRADITIONAL CREDIT DUAL CREDIT HOME SCHOOLING TESTING OUT OF A COURSE CREDIT BY ACCELERATION CREDIT BY EXAMINATION ALTERNATE CREDIT SOURCES CREDIT BY CORRESPONDENCE COURSE CREDIT RECOVERY SUMMER SCHOOL EXTRACURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY GENERAL INFORMATION UIL CREDIT REQUIREMENTS GRADE REQUIREMENTS I GRADES GAINING AND LOSING ELIGIBILITY DROPPING A FAILING CLASS UIL WAIVABLE CLASS LIST CREATING YOUR SCHEDULE COURSES APPROVED FOR STATE AND LOCAL CREDIT ADVANCED PLACEMENT AND PREADVANCED PLACEMENT INFORMATION POLICES AND GUIDELINES REQUIRED TAKS TESTS AP COURSE CONTRACT LHS INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARS AND BACCALAUREATE. 35 IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME 36 GENERAL INFORMATION.. 37 PROGRAM OVERVIEW 38 IDENTIFICATION 41 IB ADMISSION PROCEDURES 41 TIMELINE 41 LHS IB CURRICULUM DIAGRAM.. 42 GROUP 1 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 43 GROUP 2 OTHER LANGUAGES 44 GROUP 3 INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES 46 GROUP 4 EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES.. 47 GROUP 5 MATHMATICS 49 GROUP 6 ARTS AND ELECTIVES 51

3 SPECIAL FEATURES OF TH IB DIPLOMA..52 EXAMINATIONS.53 GLOBAL HIGH SCHOOL. 54 GLOBAL ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS GLOBAL MATH..57 GLOBAL SCIENCE.,.58 GLOBAL SOCIAL STUDIES GLOBAL CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY..60 CORE ACADEMIC CLASSES ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS.62 MATH..69 SCIENCE 73 SOCIAL STUDIES SUMMER READING LIST..79 SOCIAL STUDIES..80 FOREIGN LANGUAGES.. 84 FRENCH.84 LATIN..85 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE..86 SPANISH 87 FINE ARTS. 88 ART.88 THEATRE ARTS..91 BAND.93 ORCHESTRA...94 CHORAL MUSIC..95 DANCE & VIEWETTES..97 HEALTH/PHYSICAL EDUCATION,,,,.. 98 HEALTH STUDIES. 98 PHYSICAL EDUCATION.. 99 CHEERLEADER.101 ATHLETICS GENERAL INFORMATION 102 FRESHMAN ATHLETIC TRYOUTS. 103 NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION ELIGIBILITY 104 ATHLETIC COURSES 105 SERVICE: OFFICE AIDE. 107 MILITARY SCIENCE CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY. 110 CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY CHART OF COURSES. 111 WORK PROGRAMS-CO-OPS.119 AGRICULTURE, FOOD, AND NATURAL RESOURCES CLUSTER.120 ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION CLUSTER..123 ARTS, A/V COMMUNICATIONS CLUSTER 126 BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION CLUSTER 129 EDUCATION AND TRAINING CLUSTER 131 FINANCE CLUSTER 132 HEALTH SCIENCE CLUSTER 133 HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM CLUSTER 136 HUMAN SERVICES CLUSTER..138 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CLUSTER 141 LAW, PUBLIC SAFETY, CORRECTIONS AND SECURITY CLUSTER.143 MANUFACTURING CLUSTER 146 MARKETING CLUSTER..149 SCIENCE,TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHMATICS CLUSTER TRANSPORTAION, DISTRIBUTION, AND LOGISTICS CLUSTER 153 WORK BASED TRAINING COURSES.155 DUAL CREDIT COLLEGE COURSES.157 LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATIONS CAREER PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL EDUCATION. 163 GLOSSARY

4 Longview High School 201 Tomlinson Parkway Longview, Texas Making A Difference: One Student At A Time Dear Students and Parents/Guardians: Each spring Longview High School students select courses for their next year s schedule. Descriptions of each course offered by Longview High School are provided in this course selection guide. This guide should prove useful in the selection of the courses for the school year as well as in the setting of long-range academic and career goals. Information such as graduation requirements, Texas Scholar requirements, career and academic planning, and scholarships and financial aid is also provided. Please take time to study the guide and all the possible course selections that are available for your consideration. Longview High School is proud of the wide variety of courses that are available for students to take as required or elective selections. Since decisions made now will greatly affect future endeavors, every possible consideration should be made. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call the school and/or visit with the counselors. Your continued support is welcomed and encouraged as we continue toward the goal of excellence in education. Sincerely, Linda Buie Dean of Instruction 1

5 NON-DISCRIMINATION DECLARATION The Longview Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability in providing educational services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. INTERNET INFORMATION Longview High School provides a number of online resources to parents and students. These include the course selection guide and school announcements. In addition, many teachers are posting class information and assignment calendars. You may view the online resources at 2

6 INTRODUCTION Longview High School encourages students to give careful thought to their selection of courses in terms of graduation requirements and future goals. Students should consider courses that correlate with future career plans. Those who plan to attend college should select advanced academic courses that relate to their future college major or career goals. Others who do not plan to attend college should choose courses that will provide a broad academic background and the skills necessary to obtain career choices. Students should involve teachers, parents, and counselors when making plans for high school and beyond. After being advised by teachers, students should discuss course selections with parents, and with the help of an academic counselor, prepare a written Academic Plan to serve as a guide while they are in high school. Over the course of each student s high school career, the guidance staff will make every effort to monitor the student s progress toward meeting state and local graduation requirements. However, it is extremely important that students and parents take responsibility for ensuring that all graduation requirements are completed in a timely fashion. Course planning and registration should be taken very seriously. Students should select courses and programs that match their interests and academic abilities. Careful consideration should be given to the combination of courses selected and the demand on time for studying, practicing, performing, or competing. Our counseling staff is available to help students and parents plan courses to meet state and local graduation requirements while meeting their career goals. Choices students make during high school will determine the choices available to them for the rest of their lives. Additional education or training gained through college, post-secondary education, technology training, military service, and vocational training can open up a world of opportunities. Students should set a goal that extends beyond high school and focuses on what they need to do now in order to make that goal come true. The Longview Independent School District Course Catalog lists the courses that our high school generally makes available to students. It should be noted, however, that not all of the courses listed are scheduled every year. Since it is not economically feasible to schedule classes in which only a few students enroll, the class may not be offered for the current year. Sufficient numbers of student requests for specific courses then become the determining factor as to whether or not a course is scheduled. This Course Catalog provides a Table of Contents to assist in locating specific areas of information. The first section of the guide contains general information. The second section provides the specific description of courses by department. Descriptions, prerequisites, grade levels, and credits are listed for each course. The last section includes college and career planning information. The Course Catalog is also available online at Students are also encouraged to use the LHS Guidance web site at MISSION Believing in excellence for all, the Longview Independent School District will guarantee the highest level of academic achievement and character development of each learner by providing challenging curriculum and exemplary instruction within a safe environment. 3

7 GRADUATION GENERAL INFORMATION TRANSCRIPT SEAL PREFERRED GRADUATION PROGRAM GRADUATION CREDIT REQUIREMENTS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE RECOMMENDED AND DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM 4

8 GENERAL INFORMATION Graduation from Longview High School signifies that students have met the course requirements of the Texas State Board of Education and the Longview Board of Education to include passing all portions of the TAKS test. The counseling staff will make every effort to ensure that students are enrolled in the courses required for graduation. However, parents and students must share the responsibility for students being enrolled in the appropriate courses. Students can meet the credit requirements through one of several graduation plans. The specifics of each plan are listed in this guide. TRANSCRIPT SEAL All Longview High School students who graduate receive identical diplomas, but the Academic Achievement Record (transcript) will be stamped with the state seal reflecting the graduation plan completed by the student. The transcript will reflect the completion of a Recommended, Distinguished, or Minimum graduation plan. The Graduation options and program planning options are explained within this guide. PREFERRED GRADUATION PROGRAM If you take the courses needed to fulfill the Recommended High School Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program, you will be well prepared to enter college, the workforce, or both. These programs are approved by the State Board of Education and endorsed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as courses of study that will help you become better prepared for the future. All students entering the ninth grade after 2005 will be automatically enrolled in the Recommended Program. GRADUATION CREDIT REQUIREMENTS The credits listed for graduation under each of the state plans depict the minimum number of credits needed to complete state requirements. The Longview Independent School District requires that students accumulate additional credits in order to graduate under these plans. The required additional credits can be in any combination of state and local credits. Note: Longview High School does not offer all of the courses listed in the state graduation plans. Graduation Plan Total Credits Required Recommended Graduation Plan Distinguished Graduation Plan* 26 All 26 must be state credits. 26 All 26 must be state credits. Minimum Graduation Plan ** 22 All 22 must be state credits. * Plus 4 Advanced Measures ** A student may graduate on the Minimum Plan only with permission from the principal. 5

9 SUBJECT AREA ENGLISH STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION RECOMMENDED PROGRAM 4 credits English I, II, III, IV DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM* 4 credits English I, II, III, IV MATH English I and II for Speakers of Other Languages may be substituted for English I and II only for immigrant students with limited English proficiency. 4 credits: Must include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II English I and II for Speakers of Other Languages may be substituted for English I and II only for immigrant students with limited English proficiency. 4 credits: Must include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II SCIENCE 4 credits: Must include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC), Biology, and Chemistry or IPC, Biology, Physics, and Lab Science. 4 credits: Must include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC), Biology, and Chemistry or IPC, Biology, Physics, and Lab Science. SOCIAL STUDIES 3 ½ credits World Geography, World History, US History, U.S. Government 3 ½ credits World Geography, World History, U.S. History, U.S. Government ECONOMICS ½ Credit ½ Credit FOREIGN LANGUAGE PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2 credits Any 2 levels of the same language. 3 credits Any 3 levels of the same language. ** ** May include Foundations of Personal Fitness, May include Foundations of Personal Adventure/Outdoor Education, Aerobic Fitness, Adventure/Outdoor Education, Activities, Aerobic Activities, and Team or Individual and Team or Individual Sports. Sports. (Limit 2 credits) (Limit 2 credits) Can substitute: Drill team, marching band, Can substitute: Drill team, marching band, cheerleading, ROTC, athletics, approved privat cheerleading, ROTC, athletics, approved programs. private programs. SPEECH FINE ARTS ½ credit Communication Applications or Professional Communications in the same course Art, Music, Theatre, Dance, Elements of Floral Design ELECTIVES 5 ½ credits 4 ½ credits ½ credit Communication Applications or Professional Communications in the same course Art, Music, Theater, Dance, Elements of Floral Design SPECIALIZATION COMPONENTS In addition to the required credits, students must also complete 4 advanced measures For the Distinguished Achievement Program. TOTAL 26 CREDITS 26 CREDITS 6

10 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Note: The College Board Advanced Placement courses and Pre-AP courses may be substituted for requirements in appropriate areas. * If Algebra I is taken in 8 th grade, it must be recorded on the transcript. Three years of math must be completed in 9 th 12 th grade. ** Students who take marching band, upon successful completion of the fall semester, will receive a waiver of the physical education requirement. Athletics, Cheerleading, Drill Team, ROTC, taken in either fall or spring semester may substitute for the physical education requirement. All students are required to complete of physical education for graduation. Students may earn no more than 2 credits toward state graduation requirements in physical education. All physical education credits i.e. Athletics, Drill Team, Cheerleading, beyond these 2 credits must receive local credit only. In addition to credit requirements students must show mastery on ALL state EXIT LEVEL TESTS. Beginning with the freshmen in the Fall of 2011, students will be required to pass a series of EOC (End of Course) exams to meet graduation requirements. These tests are administered in the four core areas English, math, science, and social studies. 7

11 DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM Purpose: The Distinguished Achievement Program recognizes students who demonstrate levels of performance equivalent to that of college students or work done by professionals in the arts, sciences, business, industry, or in community service. Student performance on advanced measures, other than Advanced Placement tests, may be assessed through an external review process. Traditionally, LHS students have completed their advanced measures with Advanced Placement tests and dual credit classes. Students must obtain approval from their academic counselor prior to pursuing credits for college courses, products of professional quality, or original research/projects. Documentation of completion of the four advanced measures even if this documentation is received after graduation (in the case of AP scores) must be provided. Requirements: Distinguished Achievement Program (26 credits+ 4 Advanced Measures) A student must achieve any combination of four of the following prior to graduation: Test data: A score of three or above on a College Board Advanced Placement examination; A score of four or above on an International Baccalaureate examination; A score on the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) that qualifies a student for recognition as a Commended Scholar or higher by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation; as part of the National Hispanic Scholar Program of the College Board; or as part of the National Achievement Scholarship Program for Outstanding Negro Students of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The PSAT Score may count as only one advanced measure regardless of the number of honors received by the student. College courses: A grade of 3.0 or higher in a college academic course or a tech-prep articulated college course that is more advanced than any course offered by Longview ISD. Prior approval is required for this category. Original research/project (no more than two of the four advanced measures): Individual product of professional quality as judged by a panel of professionals in the field that is the focus of the project. Students are limited to one advanced measure (individual product) from this category. Prior approval is required for this category. Approved Individual Products/Original Research Projects Award winning Science Fair Projects approved through Longview ISD Science Department Mentor based projects completed through approved mentor courses. Students must be enrolled in an approved course or under the supervision of a Longview ISD teacher to complete an advanced measure in this category. External evaluation of a project must be maintained in the student s cumulative folder and documented on the student s permanent record card. The project must be related to the required curriculum set forth in 19 TAC 74.1 (relating to Essential Knowledge and Skills) and may not be used for more than two of the four advanced measures. 8

12 COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANNING CAREER PLANNING LHS COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER 9

13 COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANNING TIMETABLE FOR COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANNING FRESHMEN Consider the results of your middle school interest inventory as you make plans for high school. Plan a realistic high school program to meet your needs and future plans. Become aware of vocational and career opportunities. Get to know your high school counselor. Become familiar with requirements of colleges and programs that interest you. Become involved and keep a record of school activities. Make the best grades you can. Attend the College/Career night at Maude Cobb Activity Center. Strive to be a Globe Scholar/Texas Scholar and to graduate on the Distinguished Achievement Program. Choose classes carefully for the sophomore year. SOPHOMORES Plan a realistic program to meet your needs and future plans. Become familiar with the materials and assistance available in the Guidance Office. Start to visit college campuses. Investigate the vocational programs available through your local and area schools. Attend the College/Career Night at Maude Cobb Activity Center. Continue making good grades. Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. Strive to be a Globe Scholar/Texas Scholar and to graduate on the Advanced or Honors Program. Choose classes carefully for the junior year. JUNIORS Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. Research college and vocational opportunities. Attend seminars and meetings with college and career representatives who visit Longview High School. Visit colleges or technical schools. Plan to take the SAT or ACT in the spring of your junior year. Continue to perform at your highest level of academic achievement. Continue a thorough self-evaluation of your abilities, interests, and future goals. Discuss educational plans with your parents, teachers, and counselor. Continue to participate in school activities. Make a list of college features that suit your interests, needs, preferences, and abilities. Start to evaluate colleges and to select those that interest you. Request college catalogs, scholarships, financial aid, and housing information. Attend the College/Career Night at Maude Cobb Activity Center. Investigate scholarship and financial aid opportunities. Choose classes carefully for the senior year. SENIORS Check to see that all graduation requirements are being met. Continue to take a full load of classes. Continue seeking vocational and career information. Apply for scholarships and financial aid. Be aware of test registration dates. Take SAT, ACT, THEA, or Accuplacer college entrance examinations early. Submit college and financial aid applications. Attend the College/Career Night at Maude Cobb Activity Center. Make dormitory or other housing arrangements. Request that transcripts be mailed to the colleges to which you have applied. Attend seminars held by college representatives and career people. Notify colleges of your decision once an offer has been made. Continue to perform at your highest level of academic achievement. Request final transcript be mailed to the college or university you plan to attend. Take the THEA, if necessary. 10

14 CAREER PLANNING CHOICES The choices you make during high school will affect the choices available to you during the rest of your life. College, post-secondary education, technology training, military service, and vocational education can open up a world of opportunity for you. Set a goal now to attend college (education beyond high school) and you will be more focused on what you need to accomplish now and in the future. Why should college be your goal? A college education is an investment in your future. It can provide you with opportunities such as: 1. More job opportunities: The world is changing rapidly! Many jobs rely on new technology. In your working life more and more jobs will require education beyond high school. With advanced training, the world is full of opportunities. You will have more choices about the career you pursue. You will also have the ability to change jobs or careers easier later in life. 2. More money: People who go to college generally earn more than people who don t. If you take a look at what you could earn over a lifetime, you will see just how big the income gap is. Information compiled during the 2000 Census indicates an individual with a high school diploma can expect to make $1.2 million over his/her working life, while a college graduate can expect to earn $2.1 million working full-time between ages 25 and 64. An individual with a master s degree is projected to earn $2.5 million, while someone with a professional degree, such as a doctor or lawyer could make up to $4.4 million (2000, U.S. Census Bureau, Lifetime Earnings). 3. Greater knowledge and potential: Advanced training can increase your ability to make wise decisions, to think critically, to explore your interests, consider lifelong goals, and assist your family. LHS COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER The College and Career Center is an excellent resource for researching career fields and planning for post-secondary education. The library site on our web page has Career Cruising, COIN and Bridges.com for your use. These are career guidance programs that will help you discover your interests, and help you learn about careers, occupations, colleges, scholarships, financial aid, career planning and more. 11

15 COLLEGE PLANNING/FINANCIAL AID WEBSITES The Internet can help you in nearly every par of the college search, college admission, financial aid and scholarship search experience. Use search engines wisely and you could save lots of time. For example: You could type in college admissions and get a list of thousands of sights. But it would be better to have a good idea of what you re looking for: lists of college home pages, scholarships, financial aid help college comparisons, Rice University, tips on essays, best colleges in Texas, etc. ACT website Any College.Net BlackExcel:College Help Network CareerShip College Answer College Board Online(SAT Test) or College Express CollegeData.com College Net College Quest College View Compendium of Texas Colleges & Financial Aid Calendar ecampustours.com ETS Net FASTWEB Scholarship Search Financial Aid Need Estimator Financial Aid The Smart Student Free Application for Federal Student Aid Kilgore College National Association for College Admission Counseling National Collegiate Athletic Assn. (NCAA) Minority On-Line Information Service(MOLIS) MyCollegeOptions.com Petersons Education Center Princeton Review Sallie Mae s On-line Scholarship Service Scholarship Resource Network Texas Common Application or all purposes except eligibility. ExPAN Scholarship Service LHS GUIDANCE WEBSITE 12

16 SCHEDULE CHANGES GENERAL INFORMATION PERMISSIBLE CHANGES GENERAL INFORMATION It is extremely important for all Longview High School students to carefully select their courses for the next school year. Students will be held to those classes selected on their course selection sheet in the spring for next year scheduling. A student who drops a class after the fourth week of the first six-week period of a semester will receive a No Credit (NC) for the semester in the entering class. An attendance committee cannot restore credit in this class. Students who are considering enrolling in Advanced, Pre-AP or AP classes should be aware of prerequisite and recommendations for these classes prior to the class selection. Students who drop an honors class prior to the end of the semester will lose all weighted grade points associated with the honors class. PERMISSIBLE SCHEDULE CHANGES The following are acceptable reasons for schedule change requests: Student placed in a class by data entry error Student has credit for the course in which he is enrolled Student is not appropriately prepared for the course ARD Committee decision Cooperative student does not have a job placement Student has failed the course under the same teacher, and another teacher is available A conflict exists between a student and teacher that cannot be resolved Note: By University Interscholastic League (UIL) rule, a student participating in an extracurricular activity who drops a class with a failing grade will become ineligible at the end of the grading period for the duration of the next grading period. 13

17 GRADE RELATED ISSUES CLASS RANK HONOR COURSE INFORMATION HONOR ROLL NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY HONOR COURSES ACCREDITED PRIVATE SCHOOLS MIDDLE SCHOOLS COURSES GRADES FOR NEW STUDENTS RECLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS EARLY GRADUATION 14

18 CLASS RANK The purpose of the class ranking policy is to increase the percentage of students attempting and completing rigorous academic courses in order to successfully prepare students for college or a career. Class ranking shall be determined by dividing the number of accumulated grade points for all four years of high school by the number of courses for which final semester grades were earned. The final class ranking shall be determined at the end of the dual credit college semester during May. This calculation shall be conducted in the same manner for all students graduating, with no distinction between four-year and three-year graduates. All courses shall carry grade points and be included in the calculation for class ranking except for the following: correspondence courses; credit-by-examination, with or without prior instruction; credit recovery courses; pass/fail courses; courses taken in middle or junior high school; credit for courses not recognized by TEA; and credit awarded in a non-accredited instructional setting. If a student retakes a class for which he/she has already received state credit, the student will receive no additional grade points. Audited classes do not receive grade points. A student s class rank is determined by the following procedures: The semester numerical grade given in each class is converted to a point factor. Multiply the point factor times the course attempted to determine a weighted grade point. Add the weighted grade points. Add the number of courses that the student attempted. The total weighted grade points are divided by the total number of courses attempted and rounded off to four places. The student s total is ranked from the highest to the lowest and compared to all other students at the same grade level. The student with the highest weighted grade point average is ranked first in the class. HONOR COURSE INFORMATION Honor courses at Longview High School place greater emphasis on higher-level thinking skills, cognitive concepts and processes, and problem solving skills. Self-discipline, determination, and maturity are essential for success in honors classes. The decision to take an honors course should be made by the student with the advice and consent of parents, appropriate teachers, and counselors. The goal is a confident command of knowledge and skills at the appropriate level for each student. Taking courses that are above or below that level can be detrimental to the student's educational progress. Advanced Placement courses are college courses for secondary students that are taken on the high school campus and are designed to prepare students to take an advanced placement exam in a specific subject area in May of their junior or senior year. Recommendations for honors courses serve as a guide to help students and parents determine the student's ability to be successful in honors classes. Students taking honors classes should meet the following expectations: Passed all subsections of the appropriate state TAKS test or EOC (End of Course) test. Met the minimum recommended grade average and prerequisite course(s). Have a genuine desire to learn the material and a very strong commitment to the strenuous workload associated with honors classes. Note: Homework Students should endeavor to take as many honors courses as they are personally able to handle without overworking. Students who start on homework by 6:00 p.m. (Sunday- Thursday) and are consistently working past midnight to complete the work may be enrolled in too many honors classes. Since AP courses are college classes taken on a high school campus, parents and students must expect a workload, pace, and difficulty level equivalent to that experienced in college. 15

19 CLASS RANKING The purpose of the class ranking policy is to increase the percentage of students attempting and completing rigorous academic courses in order to successfully prepare students for college or a career. Effective January 12, 2009, grade points will be assigned to the grades earned based on the following scale (if the grade was a 100): International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement 5.5 PreAP/International Scholars/Dual Credit 5.0 Advanced Courses/Honors Courses/Global High Courses 4.5 Regular 4.0 Modified 3.0 HONOR ROLL Honor Roll (3.0 grade point average) and Honor Roll with Distinction (3.5 grade point average) are based on the weighted grade point system. Since weighted grade points are not rounded off for the honor roll, students must have a weighted grade point average greater than 2.99 in order to make the honor roll. Students must pass a class in order to earn weighted grade points in that class. NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY Membership in the National Honor Society signifies high standards of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. Students selected for the National Honor Society must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 after the fall semester of their sophomore year. Students who do not qualify for induction during the sophomore year may be inducted during their junior or senior year if they meet the requirements. Students who qualify are inducted during the spring semester. HONOR COURSES ADVANCED COURSE LISTING Advanced Accounting II Advanced Anatomy and Physiology of the Human System Advanced Band IV Advanced Business Information Management II Advanced Concert Choir IV Advanced Debate III Health Science Practicum in Health Science I and II Advanced Instrumental Ensemble IV Advanced String Orchestra IV Advanced Technical Theatre IV Advanced Theatre Arts IV Advanced Theatre Production IV Advanced Vocal Ensemble IV Creative and Imaginative Writing Independent Study in English - Academic Decathlon Independent Study in Math - UIL Independent Study in Speech - UIL Honors World History All Project Lead the Way Classes 16

20 PRE-AP COURSE LISTING (Pre-AP) Algebra I (Pre-AP) Algebra II (Pre-AP) Art I (Pre-AP) Studio Art (Pre-AP) Biology (Pre-AP) Computer Science (Pre-AP) Chemistry (Pre-AP) English I (Pre-AP) English II (Pre-AP) French Language III (Pre-AP) Geometry (Pre-AP) Integrated Physics and Chemistry (Pre-AP) Physics (Pre-AP) Pre-Calculus (Pre-AP) Spanish Language III (Pre-AP) World Geography AP COURSE LISTING AP Art History AP Biology AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Chemistry AP Computer Science A AP Computer Science AB AP Economics AP English Language and Composition AP English Literature and Composition AP Environmental Science AP European History AP French Language AP French Literature AP Human Geography AP Latin Literature AP Latin Vergil AP Physics C: Mechanics AP Psychology AP Spanish Language AP Spanish Literature AP Statistics AP Studio Art AP United States Government and Politics AP United States History AP World History GLOBAL HIGH SCHOOL COURSE LISTING Global English I Global English II Global English III Global Algebra I Global Geometry Global Algebra II Global Pre-Calculus Global Biology Global Chemistry Global Physics Global World Geography Global World History Global U. S. History from Reconstruction Engineering Project Lead the Way Principles of Engineering Robotics and Automation Principles of Information Technology ACCREDITED PRIVATE SCHOOLS For the purposes of this policy, "accredited" shall be defined as accreditation by TEA, an equivalent agency from another state, or an accrediting association recognized by the Commissioner of Education. The district shall accept all credits earned toward state graduation requirements by students in accredited Texas school districts, including credits earned in accredited summer school programs. Credits earned in local credit courses may be transferred at the District s discretion. MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSES The courses listed below, when taught at the middle school level, using high school Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) count for high school credit and meet high school 17

21 requirements for graduation. Middle school courses designated for high school credit on an official transcript from an accredited school will be accepted for credit. Classes taken at the middle school are for credit only and do not count toward class rank, grade point averages (GPA), or eligibility for the National Honor Society. Only the following courses are considered for high school credit: Algebra I Geometry Art I Health Touch System Data Entry Students may take Spanish in middle school, but this class does not count for high school credit. Students may test through Region VII in the summer for credit to be placed in the next level but these tests do not count in the high school class rank. Students who have received high school credit for courses taken at a middle school but feel that they need additional instruction may choose to repeat the course at Longview High School for local credit only. These classes are exempt from class rank. GRADES FOR NEW STUDENTS Students who enroll without current grades are initially given either a NG or a NS for incoming grades. NS stands for New Student. If a student enrolls after a six weeks is completed and does not present official grades from the transferring school, the Registrar enters NS for that six weeks until grade information is received. If the student has a six weeks grade for a scheduled class, the Registrar will enter that grade into Grade Reporting and inform the teacher. If the student was not ever in a scheduled class, the Registrar will change the NS to NG at that time and inform the teacher. NG stands for No Grade. When a student is scheduled into a class in which he has never been enrolled (which means there will be no entry or six weeks grade from the previous school), that student will be given NG for that six weeks by the Registrar. In order for the student to receive credit for that class, he/she must make up that six weeks work to the satisfaction of the teacher. At that time, the teacher will complete a Grade Change form to change the NG to the appropriate numerical grade. RECLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS A student must have earned the following Number of credits at the beginning of the school year to be reclassified to a higher-grade level. A student who will reclassify as a senior must meet the additional requirement of having received a grade in both the first and second semesters of English III. Sophomore 6 Junior 12 Senior 18 State Credits 18

22 EARLY GRADUATION Students who want to graduate in less than four years from their entry into the ninth grade must meet the following conditions: The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must declare in writing by the end of the second semester of the student s sophomore year to the school principal the student s intent to graduate early. The principal must sign in writing permission for the student to graduate early. All state and local requirements must be met for the current graduating class. The principal must give permission to the student to take two English classes concurrently. When two English classes are taken concurrently, only one may be an AP class. 19

23 NON-TRADITIONAL CREDIT DUAL CREDIT HOME SCHOOLING TESTING OUT OF A COURSE ALTERNATE CREDIT SOURCES 20

24 TECHNICAL DUAL CREDIT COURSE LISTING Courses Taught for Technical Dual Credit: College Welding I College Welding II College Auto Technician I College Auto Technician II Course Name College Precision Metal Manufacturing (Machine Shop) College Computer Aided Drafting Manufacturing Engineering (Process Technology) College Medical Terminology COURSES THAT COUNT FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE CREDIT Longview High School offers students an opportunity to earn high school and college credit at the same time. Students may take dual credit courses in the following ways: Students will enroll in a course at a college for both high school and college credit. 1. Students in certain Career and Technology courses may take the class at Longview High School and receive high school credit and college credit from Kilgore College. Students must pass TAKS and take and pass an entrance test which has a fee that must be paid by the student (approximately $30). Students may be granted permission to take approved courses at a local college to fulfill units for high school graduation and gain college credit. The following provisions apply: Students make application to enroll in a course for dual-credit through a written request. The course may be taken concurrently with high school courses or during the summer or evening. Students must be enrolled in five class periods per day at Longview High School during the regular school year. Students must enroll on line with the college. College courses to be taken must be listed on the Dual Credit Request form. The appropriate Longview High School counselor will list the courses for which the student will be granted credit at Longview High School. The student s parent/guardian must sign the form. Courses will be approved on the basis of meeting state content standards (TEKS). Career and Technology courses must teach both the TEKS (high school state required curriculum) and WECM (college requirements) for the student to receive dual credit. Credit for successfully completed college courses shall be earned in one-half to one-unit increments. The student incurs all costs associated with taking the college course and provides the registrar s office with an official college transcript showing the numerical grade received. The grade must be a minimum of "70" to qualify for high school credit. The student must be present at school during the attendance accounting (second) period. 21

25 HOME SCHOOLING Home schooling is not a program supervised by the Longview Independent School District. Students entering Longview High School from non-accredited public, private, or parochial schools, including home schools, shall be placed initially at the discretion of the principal and will be given credit only for courses that the students have passed at an accredited institution. Students and parents may be given a contract with Longview High School stating that credits for home schooled classes may be granted when a student passes the next level classes and all portions of the TAKS test. Students also may make up additional credits by taking credit by examinations. TESTING OUT OF A COURSE (Student has never taken the course) CREDIT BY ACCELERATION Students who would like to test out of a course for which they have not received prior instruction may request an examination for acceleration. The tests are organized to cover a semester of work, and students may take two tests on one day. Students are not limited in the number of courses for which they can test and receive credit. Students who make a score of 90 or above on an examination for acceleration will be awarded credit for the course and will not be allowed to enroll in the class for credit at Longview High School. Students may choose to test on any of six testing dates but are required to register with the appropriate counselor 30 days prior to the testing date. Scores achieved through examination for acceleration do not count on class rank. There is no charge for this service. The parent and student will be required to sign an agreement stipulating the conditions under which the student may take an exam(s) for acceleration and the rules governing the awarding of credit. Region VII will offer the examinations for Accelerations on the following date: TESTING DATES - SUMMER 2012 Dates Place Time June Region VII ESC 8:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. July Region VII ESC 8:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 22

26 COURSES FOR WHICH TESTS ARE AVAILABLE Algebra I 1 st Semester Algebra I 2 nd Semester Algebra 2 1 st Semester Algebra 2 2 nd Semester Business Computer Information Systems -1 st Semester Business Computer Information Systems - 2 nd Semester Biology 1 st Semester Biology 2 nd Semester Computer Science 1 C++ Computer Science 2 C++ Computer Science 1 Pascal Computer Science 2 Pascal Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits English I 1 st Semester English I 2 nd Semester English 2 1 st Semester English 2 2 nd Semester English 3 1 st Semester English 3 2 nd Semester English 4 1 st Semester English 4 2 nd Semester French 1 1 st Semester French 1 2 nd Semester French 2 1 st Semester French 2 2 nd Semester Geometry 1 st Semester Geometry 2 nd Semester German 1 1 st Semester German 1 2 nd Semester German 2 1 st Semester German 2 2 nd Semester Health 1 Individual and Family Life Integrated Physics and Chemistry 1 st Semester Integrated Physics and Chemistry 2 nd Semester Foundations of Personal Fitness Precalculus 1 st Semester Precalculus 2 nd Semester Spanish 1 1 st Semester Spanish 1 2 nd Semester Spanish 2 1 st Semester Spanish 2 2 nd Semester Spanish 3 1 st Semester Spanish 3 2 nd Semester U.S. Government U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction, 1 st Semester U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction 2 nd Semester World Geography Studies 1 st Semester World Geography Studies 2 nd Semester World History Studies 1 st Semester World History Studies 2nd Semester 23

27 (Student has previously taken the course.) CREDIT BY EXAMINATION Students may use credit by examination to demonstrate mastery in any academic course with prior approval of the principal. The examinations used to earn credit under this policy will assess the student s mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). A student must have had prior instruction as determined on review of the student s educational records. In addition, the student shall have received a course grade of at least 60 in order to use credit by examination to make up a failing course grade. Students must make a score of 70 or above on the exam to receive credit for the course. Applications for credit by exam are to be made through the appropriate counselor. Credit-by-exam scores do not count toward class rank, and students are liable for any fees incurred. OTHER ALTERNATE CREDIT SOURCES: CREDIT BY CORRESPONDENCE COURSE A student may take a correspondence course to earn credit in any state-approved course for which a correspondence course is offered. We currently recognize correspondence courses taken through universities approved by the Texas Education Agency. Your counselor will provide specific enrollment information upon request. Students must make a written request to the appropriate counselor to enroll in a correspondence course. Students may earn no more than two credits through correspondence courses. They do not count toward class rank or Honor Roll, and students are liable for any fees incurred. CREDIT RECOVERY The Credit Recovery Program is a part of the dropout prevention at Longview High School. The program is designed to allow students to learn the material and gain credit in a previously taken course in which credit was not earned. Students may not take a class by Credit Recovery if they have excessive absences. The Longview High School Dropout Prevention Coordinator, an assistant principal, counselor, teacher or parent may recommend students for enrollment in the program. Students may request to participate in the program. These classes do not count toward class rank or Honor Roll. SUMMER SCHOOL The Summer School Program at Longview High School. is designed to allow students to learn the material and gain credit in a previously taken course in which credit was not earned or in an enrichment course. The Longview High School counselor must approve a student for enrollment in the program. Students must apply and pay tuition for Summer School programs. These classes do count toward class rank. 24

28 EXTRACURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY GENERAL INFORMATION UIL CREDIT REQUIREMENTS GRADE REQUIREMENTS I GRADES GAINING AND LOSING ELIGIBILITY DROPPING A FAILING CLASS UIL WAIVABLE CLASS LIST 25

29 GENERAL INFORMATION The following requirements are set by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) and/or the Texas Education Agency and apply to both UIL and non-uil extracurricular activities. UIL CREDIT REQUIREMENTS In order to be eligible for UIL activities during the first six-weeks of a school year, students must meet the following requirements. High School year Requirements 1 st year of high school Promoted from 8 th to 9th grade 2 nd year of high school Earned 5 state graduation credits 3 rd year of high school Earned 10 state graduation credits or 5 state graduation credits in the last 12 months 4 th year of high school Earned 15 state graduation credits or 5 state graduation credits in the last 12 months Reclassification requirements are found under Reclassification Requirements. GRADE REQUIREMENTS Students must receive a grade of 70 or above in all non-waivable classes in order to be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities. Note: Students who are given a numerical grade of 69 or below on a teacher s grade sheet in a nonwaivable class are ineligible even if they make up work and receive a passing grade. I GRADES Students receive a numerical grade on their report cards and/or progress reports unless they qualify for an I grade. Students receive an I grade on their report cards and/or progress reports if they have work that has not been turned in due to an absence. Students who have an I grade are ineligible. Students become eligible only if work is completed within a specified time and the new grade is 70 or above (60 or above in a waivable class), and all other grades are passing. GAINING AND LOSING ELIGIBILITY Students who pass all courses for the grading period (six-weeks) remain eligible throughout the next six-weeks grading period. Students who were eligible do not lose their eligibility until seven calendar days after the end of a six-week grading period. Ineligible students must wait seven calendar days after a three-week grading period to regain eligibility. Students may regain eligibility an unlimited Number of times during a school year. All students are eligible during a school break of 5 school days or more. (Currently - Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break.) DROPPING A FAILING CLASS Students may not drop a class in which they have a failing average later than the fourth week of the first six-weeks of the school year without the grade being considered failing for eligibility purposes. Students who drop a class with a failing grade after the first six-weeks of the school year come under the following guidelines: Dropping a class with a failing grade during a three-week evaluation period causes the student to lose eligibility until seven calendar days after the end of the next evaluation period. Dropping a class with a failing grade at the end of a grading period causes a student to lose eligibility until seven calendar days after the end of the three week-evaluation period. Note: Eligibility rules are subject to change by the University Interscholastic League. 26