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2 Table of Contents Superintendent s Letter... 2 High School Directory... 3 High school honor societies, clubs, athletics... 4 Post-secondary requirements... 5 Course schedule and level changes... 6 College admission checklist Standardized college entrance exams NCAA Academic eligibility requirements by division NCAA core courses, GPA, SAT, ACT & GPA NCAA sliding scales Graduation requirements: Springfield Public Schools High School course numbering codes English courses Fine Arts Music courses Fine Arts Visual Art courses Mathematics courses Computer Science courses Physical Education, Health, Driver s Education courses Science courses Social Science courses Special Education courses World / Foreign Language courses Career & Technical Business Education courses Career & Technical Family and Consumer Science courses Career & Technical Cooperative Education courses Health Science Academy (Southeast High School) Capital Area Career Center courses Non-Departmental courses

3 January, 2015 Dear Parents and Guardians: Springfield Public School District 186 is dedicated to providing rigorous and appropriate coursework for each child to prepare them for their future. We know that you have chosen the Springfield Public Schools because of its tradition of academic excellence and dedication to prepare students for rigorous 21 st Century demands for post-secondary opportunities, college and career paths. The graduation requirements for the Springfield Public Schools go beyond the standards set by the State of Illinois and provide challenging opportunities for all students. We offer multiple pathways for students to meet and exceed these core academic requirements. Please turn to page 22 to understand the number and types of credits that your child needs to graduate within four years. You will also notice the depth and breadth of the elective curricular offerings beyond the core requirements that offers a wide-array of electives course offerings. This course book has been prepared to assist students and parents in becoming better informed about the courses that are offered at each grade level, the content of specific courses, and aid in the decision making process during registration. It is important that the information in this book be studied carefully so that appropriate courses are selected for each child. You should select the courses that will put your child on the path to future success and best prepare him/her for their post-secondary experiences. We encourage parents and students to plan for the school year together and stay involved during your child s high school years. Encourage them to explore the wide variety of extra-curricular, leadership, fine arts and athletic opportunities that each of our high schools has to offer to find ways for your child to be connected at school. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child s high school Guidance Department. Sincerely, Jennifer E. Gill, Superintendent 2

4 Lanphier High School lanphier.sps186.org 1300 N. 11 th Street Springfield, IL / / (Guidance Office) Mr. Artie Doss, Principal Springfield Southeast High School southeast.sps186.org 2350 E. Ash Street Springfield, IL / / (Guidance Office) Mr. Jason Wind, Principal Springfield High School springfield.sps186.org 101 S. Lewis Street Springfield, IL / / (Guidance Office) Mr. Mike Grossen, Principal BOARD OF EDUCATION Mike Zimmers, President Chuck Flamini, Vice-President Lisa Funderburg Judith Ann Johnson Adam Lopez Scott McFarland Donna Moore Jennifer Gill, Superintendent 3

5 Springfield Public Schools High School Service and Honor Societies Do Something Club Key Club National Honor Society Service Learning Student Government Association Best Buddies TEACH Sports/Activities Fall Winter Spring Cross Country Boys & Girls Basketball Boys & Girls Baseball - Boys Cheerleading Coed Cheerleading Coed Soccer Girls Football Coed Ice Hockey Club Boys Softball - Girls Golf Boys & Girls Pom Pons Girls Speech Coed Pom Pons Girls Speech Coed Tennis Boys Scholastic Bowl Coed Swimming Boys Track & Field - Soccer Boys Wrestling Coed Boys & Girls Speech Coed Swimming Girls Tennis Girls Volleyball Girls For more information, please contact Rick Sanders, Coordinator of Athletics, Physical Education and Health, at 217/ or rsanders@sps186.org. Non-Discrimination Equal Educational Opportunity The Board is committed to the concept of equal access to quality education for every student in the District regardless of race, creed, color, gender (including identity), national origin, sexual orientation or disability. (Board Policy ) School sponsored clubs are those directly under the control of school authorities. Such clubs shall not be associated with or sponsored by any political or religious organization, or by any organization which denies membership on the basis of race, color, creed, gender (including identity), national origin, political belief, sexual orientation or disability. (Board Policy )! 4

6 Post-Secondary Requirements GENERAL COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS Colleges prefer a traditional preparatory curriculum that includes the following areas: 4 years English, including composition and literature 3 years Social Science 3 years Mathematics 3 years Natural Science (with labs) 2 years (minimum) of one Foreign Language Colleges also look favorably on enrichment courses that supplement a strong academic program. These areas provide important electives for students who wish to enhance their course of study: Business Family and Consumer Science Fine and Performing Arts Career and Technical Always check individual college catalogues for specific requirements for admission. PUBLIC, PRIVATE, AND HIGHLY SELECTIVE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Different types of institutions of higher education have varied general requirements. While prerequisites may change from year to year, the following minimum guidelines exist: Public Colleges/Universities English 4 years Social Sciences 3 years Mathematics 3 years Science 3 years Private Colleges/Universities Foreign Language 2 to 3 years (some will accept Fine Arts) English 4 years Social Science 2 to 3 years Mathematics 3 to 4 years Science 3 years Foreign Language 3 years Academic Electives 2 years Highly Selective Colleges/Universities English 4 years Social Science 4 years Mathematics 4 years Science (Lab courses) 4 years Foreign Language 4 years Academic Electives 2 years 5

7 Course Schedule & Level Changes The Assistant Principals or Guidance Deans make schedule changes. Until the Assistant Principal or Guidance Dean makes the change, students must attend all seven classes on their schedules. All changes are dependent upon available seats in the class. In the event that students wish to change a course or level, the following procedure will be used. CHANGING CLASSES Students must complete the required form available in the Academic Office. The parent/guardian must sign the form. Course changes should be made PRIOR to the first day of class in each semester. NO course changes will be made after the 10 th day of class. Students changing courses are responsible for making ALL assignments, tests, and quizzes. LEVEL CHANGES Students requesting to move down a level must remain in the course for the first five school days. Students requesting a level change should pick up a form in the Academic Office and obtain all necessary signatures. Students should remain in the course until they are contacted by their Assistant Principal or Guidance Dean. Level changes are always contingent upon availability in classes. Overloading classes to accommodate a change will not be approved. Level changes may be made through the last school day of September for first semester and the last school day of February for second semester. WITHDRAWING FROM A CLASS To initiate a withdrawal a from a class, students must make an appointment with their Assistant Principal or Guidance Dean. When students withdraw from a course, the following conditions prevail: Students may withdraw from a semester course through the last school day of September for the first semester and the last school day in February for the second semester. Students who withdraw from a course after the deadline will be given a WF or WP depending on the student performance at the time the class is removed from the schedule. Students will then be assigned to study hall. Students who withdraw from the course after the deadline may not enter another credit course until the beginning of the next semester. Students must remain in the class until the change process is completed by the Assistant Principal or Guidance Dean. 6

8 College Admission Checklist FRESHMAN YEAR Get to know your Assistant Principal. Take an ACT prep test. Check your college admissions requirements. Plan a college preparatory course schedule for all four years of high school. Plan ahead for courses that require prerequisites. Recognize that class rank and grade point average (GPA) are calculated beginning in grade 9. These are based on final grades in all courses attempted. Participate in extracurricular and community activities. Colleges are looking for students who have achieved in areas beyond academics. SOPHOMORE YEAR Take the preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Take an ACT prep test. Take the hardest courses in areas where you excel. Investigate college course requirements. JUNIOR YEAR Continue taking courses that will sharpen your skills for college and enhance admission prospects. Visit your Assistant Principal or Guidance Dean and your Post Secondary Coach. Attend College Night offered at your school. Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. National Merit semifinalists are selected from students who take this test in the eleventh grade. Ask your parents to check on scholarship programs, which may be offered through their employers. At mid-year, begin to investigate specific college possibilities: 1) meet with your Post Secondary Coach 2) research colleges 3) sign up to talk with visiting college representatives Write or call colleges requesting information Check catalogs for specific entrance requirements (courses, tests, and dates). Enroll in ACT in April or June. Registration materials are available in the Academic Office. Spring and summer are times to visit college admissions offices. Write or call ahead for an appointment. Ask about financial aid and scholarships. Consider attending a summer program on a college campus. 7

9 SENIOR YEAR Continue investigating various post secondary school options in the fall. Become familiar with college deadlines. Request applications, catalogs and financial aid information. Retake the ACT Test if necessary. See your Academy Assistant Principal and Post Secondary Coach. Try to arrange college visits on teacher institute days or holidays Attend College Night. Talk with college representatives. Narrow your choices of colleges and try to categorize them: 1) a reach school 2) a school for which you are reasonably confident about meeting admission standards 3) a school for which you may exceed the admissions standards Pay close attention to application deadlines. Send test scores directly from testing agencies to colleges to which you are applying. Send mid-year grades, if requested. Complete the Federal Financial Aid Student Application (FAFSA) before February 15. If you are accepted at more than one school, make the final decision on the college you will attend and send your acceptance by May 1. Notify the other school that you will be going elsewhere. Request that your final transcript is sent to the college of your choice. 8

10 Standardized College Entrance Examinations Most students take college entrance exams in their junior year and repeat exams as seniors. Frequently, students improve their SAT Reasoning Test (formerly the SAT I) and ACT scores on the second attempt. It is strongly recommended that you take both the SAT Reasoning Test and the ACT. This will allow you to present your best testing profile. Although it is most likely that your performance on these two exams will be similar, experience tells us that some students test significantly higher on an SAT Reasoning Test an others higher on an ACT. Attempting both testing formats will allow you to see where your best results are likely to occur. Virtually all colleges and universities will now accept the ACT as an alternative to the SAT Reasoning Test or as a replacement for both the SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests. PSAT/NMSQT This test serves as: 1) a practice for the SAT Reasoning Test 2) a rough indicator of how a student will score on the SAT Reasoning Test 3) the qualifying test to be a National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist (for juniors only) 4) as a qualifying test for some employee scholarship programs All sophomores and college-bound juniors are strongly encouraged to take the test. The test is given in October. SAT REASONING TEST This three-hour and 45 minute test is given by the College Board and includes a critical reading, mathematics, and writing section. Critical-reading questions test your ability to understand what you read, to recognize relationships between parts of a sentence and between parts of words, and to use vocabulary. Mathematics questions test your ability to solve problems involving arithmetic, algebra and geometry. Most math questions assume you had a year of algebra, geometry, and some third-year college preparatory math. The writing section asks students to write an extemporaneous essay that requires taking a position on an issue and using reasoning and examples to support the position. The writing section also will include multiple-choice questions on grammar, usage, and word choice. Students should first take the SAT Reasoning Test in the spring of their junior year. The SAT Subject Tests are one-hour, primarily multiple-choice tests in specific subjects. The Subject Tests measure knowledge or skills in a particular subject and your ability to apply that knowledge. Many selective colleges require or recommend one or more of the Subject Tests for admission or placement. Used in combination with other background information (high school record, scores from other tests like the SAT Reasoning Test, teacher recommendations, etc.), Subject Tests provide a dependable measure of your academic achievement and are a good predictor of future performance. Subject Tests scores can help demonstrate academic achievements. Many colleges that do not require Subject Tests will look at these scores to learn more about your academic background. It is advisable to take the Subject Tests soon after completion of your last course in the subject area. For example, after finishing a physics course in which you want to demonstrate competence, you will want to test in May or June. 9

11 ACT Interchangeable at most colleges and universities with the SAT Reasoning Test, the ACT includes tests in English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning. The composite score referred to by colleges is the average of these scores (scores range between 1 and 36). The ACT also includes a writing test. Students should check the requirements of the institutions to which they are applying. Students applying to highly selective colleges/universities should assume the writing test would be required. Students may take the exam as many times as they wish and decide which scores will be reported to colleges. Students should take the ACT in the spring of their junior year and, if needed, in the fall of their senior year. The ACT also is part of the state assessment given to all juniors in Illinois. Students applying to institutions that require the writing test need to register for and take the ACT and writing test on a national Saturday test date SAT PROGRAM TEST DATES (TENTATIVE) October 3, 2015 November 7, 2015 December 5, 2015 January 23, 2016 March 5, 2016 May 7, 2016 June 4, ACT PROGRAM TEST DATES September 12, 2015 October 24, 2015 December 12, 2015 February 6, 2016 April 9, 2016 June 19, 2016 ACT SCHOOL CODES Lanphier HS Springfield HS Southeast HS

12 SUBMITTING SCORES TO COLLEGES OR SCHOLARSHIP SOURCES Test scores can be sent to four colleges or scholarship sources for free each time the test is taken. It is necessary for you to send scores officially, either at the time you register for the test or later through use of the card form and payment of the appropriate fee. Forms for sending additional score reports are available in the Academic Office. Remember to check box to submit to NCAA if you are an athlete. REGISTRATION FORMS Registration blanks for the ACT and SAT are available in the Academic Office at all times. Students must take the responsibility for registering on time, and for reporting to the tests on time with the admissions ticket. Please visit the ACT website at for registration deadlines, as well as other helpful information regarding the ACT. 11

13 STEPS TO ACHIEVE NCAA ELIGIBILITY FRESHMEN & SOPHOMORES Start planning now! Work hard to get the best grades possible. Take classes that match your high school s list of NCAA Courses. The NCAA Eligibility Center will use only approved core courses to certify your initial eligibility. You can access and print your high school s List of NCAA Courses at Click the NCAA College-Bound Student-Athlete link to enter and then navigate to the Resources tab and select US Students where you will find the link for the list of NCAA Courses. At the beginning of your sophomore year, complete your online registration at If you fall behind, do not take short cuts. Classes you take must be four-year college preparatory and must meet NCAA requirements. JUNIORS Register to take the ACT, SAT or both and use the NCAA Eligibility Center Code 9999 as a score recipient. Doing this sends your official score directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center. Continue to take college preparatory courses. Double check to make sure the courses you have taken match your school s list of NCAA Courses. Ask your high school counselor to send an official transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center after completing your junior year. If you have attended more than one high school, the NCAA Eligibility Center will need official transcripts from all high schools attended. (The NCAA Eligibility Center does NOT accept faxed or ed transcripts/test scores.) The NCAA Eligibility Center does accept transcripts electronically through Docufide/Parchment, Scrip Safe, ConnectEdu, National Transcript Center/Pearson Edustructure, USMO ET and Xap. Before registering for classes for your senior year, check with your high school counselor to determine the number of core courses that you need to complete your senior year. SENIORS Take the ACT/or SAT again, if necessary. The NCAA Eligibility Center will use the best scores from each section of the ACT or SAT to determine your best cumulative score. (Also, see SAT/ACT/GPA Table on page 20 and 21) Continue to take college-preparatory courses. Check the courses you have taken to match your school s list of NCAA Courses. April 1 (for fall enrollees) or October 1 (for spring enrollees) Continue to work hard to get the best grades possible. Graduate on time (in eight academic semesters) After graduation, ask your high school counselor to send your final transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center with proof of graduation. The NCAA Eligibility Center does accept transcripts electronically through Docufide/Parchment, Scrip Safe, ConnectEdu, National Transcript Center/Pearson Edustructure, USMO ET and Xap. 12

14 ELIGIBILITY CENTER REGISTRATION Online Registration The NCAA Eligibility Center has designed a website with you, the student-athlete in mind. This is where you will find the tolls and information you need to begin your college experience as a student-athlete. To register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, go online to and click the link to enter as an NCAA College-Bound Student-Athlete. To create an account, either click on the New Account button at the top right of the screen or the cell phone on the left side of the screen. Note: If you fail to submit all the documents required or if no NCAA school requests your eligibility status, your incomplete file will be discarded after five years, requiring you to pay a new fee if certification is requested after that time. Account Creation You will need to provide a valid address to create an account and begin the registration process. Be sure you provide an address that will be active even after you complete high school, About Me In this section, you just need to pass along some quick facts about you information such as your name, address, date of birth and gender My Coursework You will need to enter the name and location of one high school you currently attend in this section. If you have attended more than one school (including summer school) during grades nine, 10, 11 or 12, you will need to have that information ready as well. List all schools you previously attended. Make sure to include all schools regardless if you received grades or credits. If you attended high school, do not list the ninth-grade school. You must also include information about whether you took any nontraditional courses, including online or credit recovery. My Sport In this section, you will select the sport(s) you plan to participate in at an NCAA Division I or II college or university. The NCAA Eligibility Center will also ask about the high school and/or club teams you have been a part of and events you have participated in during high school career. Payment Your account will be eligible for processing once the registration fee has been paid (or submission of a fee waiver if you have been granted a waiver). You must pay online by debit, credit card or e-check. Note: The registration fee is $70 for U.S. Territories and Canadian Students (U.S. Territories include American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands); and $120 for all other international students. You are eligible for a waiver of the registration fee only if you have already received a waiver of the SAT or ACT fee. (This is not the same as U.S. state voucher.) You must have an authorized high school official submit your fee waiver documentation online after you have completed your registration. If you have not yet been granted a fee waiver by SAT or ACT, you are not yet eligible for a waiver for the NCAA Eligibility Center registration fee. 13

15 ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS DIVISION I If you want to participate in athletics or receive an athletics scholarship during your first year, you must: Graduate from high school; Complete these 16 core courses; 4 years of English 3 years of math (Algebra I or higher) 2 years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab science if offered by your high school); 1 extra year of English, math or natural or physical science; 2 years of social science; and 4 years of extra core courses from any category above or foreign language, comparative religion or philosophy). Note: Courses with similar content may be deemed duplicative by the NCAA eligibility Center. Earn a minimum required grade point average in your core courses; and Earn a combined SAT or ACT sum score that matches your core-course grade-point average and test score sliding scale (for example a 2400 core-course grade-point average needs an 860 SAT score). Time Limitation on Core Courses You must complete the 16 core-course requirements within four consecutive academic years (i.e., eight semesters) from the start of ninth grade. Students graduating early (in less than eight semesters) must still meet core-course requirements. If you graduate on time from high school within four consecutive academic year (i.e., eight semesters) from the start of ninth grade: Prior to full-time collegiate enrollment, you may use one core-course unit completed within one year from the date of on-time graduation You may complete the core course at a location other than the high school from which you graduated. You will be required to provide a transcript with grade and credit from this school. Division I Qualifier Being a qualifier enables you to: Practice or complete for your college or university during your first year of college; Receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college; and Play four seasons in your sport if you maintain your academic eligibility from year-toyear Division I Non-qualifier As a non-qualifier, you will not be able to: Practice or compete for your college or university during your first year of college; or Receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college, although you may receive need-based financial aid. You may be able to play only three seasons in your sport if you maintain your eligibility from year-to-year. To earn a fourth season, you must complete at least 80 percent of your degree requirements before beginning your fifth year of college. 14

16 Students enrolling on or after August 1, 2016 (Also, see SAT/ACT/GPA Table on page 20) The initial-eligibility standards for NCAA Division I college-bound student athletes are changing. Note: College-bound student athletes first entering a Division I college or university on or after August 1, 2016, will need to meet academic rules in order to receive athletics and (scholarship), practice or compete during the first year. First, here are three terms you need to know: Qualifier: May receive athletics aid (scholarship), practice and compete in the first year of enrollment at the Division I college or university. Academic Redshirt: May receive athletics aid (scholarship) in the first year of enrollment and may practice in the first regular academic term (semester or quarter) but may not compete in the first year of enrollment. The student-athlete must successfully complete nine semester hours or eight-quarter hours in the initial term at his/her college or university to continue to practice in the next term. Non-qualifier: Cannot receive athletics aid (scholarship), cannot practice and cannot compete in the first year of enrollment. Here are the new requirements: For college-bound student-athletes first entering a Division I college or university on or after August 1, Full Qualifier must: Complete 16 core courses (same distribution as in the past); Ten of the 16 core courses must be completed before the seventh semester (senior year) of high school. Seven of the 10 core courses must be English, math or natural/physical science. Have a minimum core-course grade-point average of 2.300; Grades earned in the 10 courses required before the senior year are locked in for purposes of grade-point average calculation. A repeat of any of the locked in courses will not be used to improve the grade-point average if taken after the seventh semester begins. Meet the competition sliding scale requirement of grade-point average and ACT/SAT score (this is a new scale with increased grade-point average/test score requirements); and Graduate from high school Academic Redshirt must: Complete 16 core courses (same distribution as in the past); Have a minimum core-course grade-point average of 2.000; Meet the academic redshirt sliding scale requirement of grade-point average and ACT/SAT score; Graduate from high school. Non-qualifier: Fails to meet the standards for a qualifier or for an academic redshirt. 15

17 DIVISION II Any core courses used towards your initial eligibility must be completed prior to full-time collegiate enrollment. If you enroll full time in a Division II college on or after August 1, 2013, and want to participate in athletics or receive an athletics scholarship during your first year, you must: Graduate from high school; Complete these 16 core courses; 3 years of English; 2 years of math (Algebra I or higher); 2 years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab science if offered by your high school); 3 additional year of English, math or natural or physical science; 2 years of social science; and 4 years of extra core courses from any category above or foreign language, comparative religion or philosophy. Earn a combined SAT score of 820 or an ACT sum score of 68. For individuals enrolling at a college or university in Puerto Rico earn a combined Prueba de Aptitud Academica score of 730. Beginning August 1, 2018, Division II will us a sliding scale to match test scores and core-course grade-point averages (GPA). The sliding scale for those requirements is shown on Page 21. The SAT score used for NCAA purposes includes only the critical reading and math sections. The writing section of the SAT is not used. The ACT score used for NCAA purposes is a sum of the following four sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Division II Qualifier Being a qualifier enables you to: Practice or compete for your college or university during your first year of college; Receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college; and Play four seasons in your sport if you maintain your academic eligibility from year-toyear. Division II Partial Qualifier You will be considered a partial qualifier if you do not meet all of the academic requirements listed above, but you have graduated from high school and meet one of the following: The combined SAT score of 820 or ACT sum score of 68; or Completion of the 16 core courses with a core-course grade-point average. As a partial qualifier, you: Can practice with your team at its home facility during your first year of college; Can receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college; Cannot compete during your first year of college; and Can play four seasons in your sport if you maintain your academic eligibility from year to year 16

18 Division II Non-qualifier You will be considered a non-qualifier if you did not graduate from high school, or if you graduated and are missing both the core-course grade-point average or minimum number of core courses and the required ACT or SAT scores. As a non-qualifier you: Cannot practice or compete for your college or university during your first year of college; Cannot receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of college, although you may receive need-based financial aid; and Can play four seasons in your sport if you maintain your academic eligibility from yearto-year Remember, meeting the NCAA academic requirements does not guarantee your admission into a college. You must apply for college admission. DIVISION III Division III colleges and universities develop student-athlete potential through a holistic educational approach that includes rigorous academics, competitive athletics and opportunities to pursue many interests and passions. Student-athletes are responsible for their own paths and are provided with many opportunities to develop within a comprehensive educational experience. Division III minimizes the conflicts between athletics and academics through shorter playing and practicing seasons, a slower number of contests, no redshirting or out-of-season organized activities, and a focus on regional in-season and conference play. Division III college-bound student-athletes are not certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center because Division III colleges and universities each set their own admissions standards and there are no initial-eligibility requirements in the division. College-bound student-athletes should contact their Division III College or university regarding policies on admission, financial aid and athletics eligibility. Are You Prepared? 17

19 WHAT IS A CORE COURSE? A core course must: Be an academic course in one or a combination of these areas: English, mathematics, natural/physical science, social science, foreign language, comparative religion or philosophy; Be four-year college preparatory; and Be taught at or above your high school s regular academic level (no remedial courses, those taught at a slower pace or those that cover less content). Algebra I or higher in the mathematics area; and Taught by a qualified instructor. Not all classes you take to meet high school graduation requirements maybe used as core courses. Also, courses completed through credit-by-exam will not be used. Check your high school s list of NCAA Courses located on the Resource page of the NCAA Eligibility Center website at or ask your high school counselor. How your Core-Course Grade-Point average is calculated The NCAA Eligibility Center will calculate the grade-point average of your core courses on a scale. The best grades from classes taken on your school s list of NCAA courses will be used. Grades from additional core courses you took will be used only if they improve grade-point average. To determine your quality points earned for each course, multiply the quality points for the grade by the amount of credit earned. Use the following scale: A 4 points B 3 points C 2 points D 1 point Remember: The NCAA Eligibility Center does not use plus or minus grades when figuring your pre-course grade-point average. For example, grades B+, B and B- will be worth 3 quality points. Examples of total quality point calculation: An A grade (4 points) for a trimester course (0.34 units): 4 points x 0.34 units = 1.36 total quality points An A grade (4 points) for a semester course (0.50 units): 4 points x 0.50 units = 2.00 total quality points An A grade (4 points) for a full-year course (1.00 units): 4 points x 1.00 units = 4.00 quality points Calculate Your Core-Course Grade-Point Average To calculate your estimated core-course grade-point average, divide the total number of quality points for all of your core-courses by the total number of core-course units you have completed. NOTE: Weighted grades that are used only for class rank and do not factor into a student s overall grade-point average cannot be used by the NCAA Eligibility Center. 18

20 The current Division II core GPA requirement is a minimum of Division II core GPA required to be eligible for competition on or after August 1, 2018 is (corresponding testscore requirements are listed on the Sliding Scale on Page 21. The minimum Division II core GPA required to receive athletics aid and practice as a partial qualifier on or after August 1, 2018 is (corresponding test-score requirements are listed on the Sliding Scale on Page 21. Remember, the NCAA core GPA is calculated using NCAA core courses only. SAT and ACT requirements You must achieve the required score on the SAT or ACT before your full-time collegiate enrollment. You must do this whether you re a citizen of the United States or of an international country. Also, state-administered ACT exams will be accepted by the NCAA Eligibility Center. Remember All SAT and ACT scores must be reported to the NCAA Eligibility Center directly from the testing agency. Test scores will not be accepted if reported on a high school transcript. When registering for the SAT or ACT, input the NCAA Eligibility Center code of 9999 to make sure the score is reported directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center. Taking Tests More Than Once You may take the ACT or the SAT more than one time. If you take either test more than once, you may use your best sub score from different tests to meet the minimum test-score requirements. Notice All information regarding the NCAA Academic-Eligibility Requirements found in this Springfield Public Schools High School Course Handbook has been reproduced with permission from the NCAA Eligibility Center. Please refer to the NCAA Eligibility Centers Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete for more information. The information contained in this publication is provided as a service to college-bound student athletes and does not constitute binding advice on compliance with NCAA rules and bylaws. The NCAA Eligibility Center tries to provide quality information, but because this document is provided in an updated electronic forms online that is subject to change as needed, the NCAA Eligibility Center makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in this publication. For more information, see eligibilitycenter.org. (NCAA) This indicates that a course has been NCAA approved. It is still recommended that you check the NCAA website for the most current information. 19

21 Sliding Scale A Use for Division I prior to August 1, 2016 NCAA DIVISION I SLIDING SCALE Core GPA SAT ACT Sum Verbal and Math ONLY & above Sliding Scale B Use for Division I beginning August 1, 2016 NCAA DIVISION I SLIDING SCALE Core GPA SAT Verbal and Math ONLY ACT Sum For more information, visit or [Type text] 20

22 DIVISION II COMPETITION SLIDING SCALE Use for Division II beginning August 1, 2018 Core GPA SAT ACT Sum Verbal and Math ONLY & above & above 70 & above DIVISION II PARTIAL QUALIFIER SLIDING SCALE Use for Division II beginning August 1, 2018 Core GPA SAT Verbal and Math ONLY ACT Sum & above & above 68 & above For more information, visit the NCAA Eligibility Center website at 21

23 Springfield Public Schools: Graduation Requirements State law requires that in order to graduate, a student must pass a test on the U.S. and Illinois Constitution. A senior must be a full time student and attend at least one full semester in order to receive a high school diploma from Springfield Public Schools. The Consumer Education graduation requirement is fulfilled by successfully completing Consumer Ed 194 or it may be fulfilled through ICE, SWT or Business Tech 134, depending on scheduling and administrative approval. Students must earn 26 credits to graduate: Subject Required credits English 4 Mathematics 3 Science 3 U.S. History 1 American Government.5 Social Studies 1.5 Consumer Education.25 Health.5 Drivers Education.25 Physical Education 2 Fine Arts/Career/Foreign Language 2 Public Speaking.5 Electives 7.5 Total 26 CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS A student needs: 6 credits to become a sophomore 12 credits to become a junior 19 credits to become a senior CLASS RANK & GRADE POINT AVERAGE Class Rank in District 186 High Schools is determined by computing a weighted grade-point average. The weighted GPA is determined by multiplying the Weight (W) of the course and the numerical Value (V) of the student s earned grade (A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, F=0) and dividing the SUM of the products by the total number of semester courses taken or semester classes Attempted (A). The resulting number (GPA) is divided by 5 to attain the Weighted Grade Point Average (WGPA). SUM (W x V) / 5 = WGPA (Weighted 4 point scale) A 22

24 COURSE NUMBERING SYSTEM & WEIGHTED CLASSES The first digit of each course s three-number code refers to either: The first year the course is available, or The grade level of the majority of students taking the course 1 Mostly Freshmen or first year available 2 Mostly Sophomores or second year available 3 Mostly Juniors or third year available 4 Mostly Seniors or fourth year available The second digit indicates the length of the course and, in some cases, which course is offered if it is a semester course: 0 A semester course offered either semester 1 A semester course offered first semester 2 A semester course offered second semester 3 A full year course 9 A nine-week course The last number in the three-digit code designates the grade weight of the course as an indication of the difficulty level of the course and may reflect the amount of work required. 0 Non-weighted course 2 Self-contained special education 4 At grade level 5 Advanced 6 Honors 7 Advanced Placement 23

25 SUBJECT & COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 24

26 ENGLISH All students are required to take a core course in English during their freshman, sophomore, junior and senior year. All students are also required to take Speech-Communication during their sophomore, junior, or senior year. Dual Credit Honors Speech fulfills this requirement. The chart below conveys the sequence of required course offerings in the English Department for the school year. 9th Grade 10 th Grade 11 th Grade 12 th Grade 437 AP Lit Comp Honors Lit and Comp Honors American Lit Honors British Lit Honors World Lit Adv Lit and Comp Adv Lit and Comp Adv American Lit Adv British Lit Lit and Comp Lit and Comp American Lit Lit and Comp 204/205 Speech- 306 Honors Speech Communication or Dual Credit 25

27 ENGLISH 134 LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (NCAA) Open to: Freshmen This course is a survey course with a comprehensive collection of short stories, nonfiction, epic/myth The Odyssey, drama The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, poetry, novels, and connected, relevant nonfiction. Reading and writing skills are the focus. Grammar including the parts of speech and parts of the sentence will be reviewed, while sentence structure and the clause will be stressed. Usage and punctuation will be taught in conjunction with syntax, but a general review of punctuation will be included. The composition program will emphasize information, argument, and narrative writing. Students will write complete sentences developing and supporting their ideas in paragraph form and work to develop multiple paragraph essays. 135 ADVANCED LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (NCAA) Open To: Freshmen Credit 1 This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to continue advanced English coursework. It contains a comprehensive collection of short stories, poetry, epic/myth The Odyssey, drama The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, novels, and connected, relevant nonfiction. Throughout the program, there is an integration of reading skill instruction in literary analysis, literary elements, reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. Students will be able to develop and refine their reading comprehension, writing, and oral communication skills. The composition program will emphasize information, argument, and narrative writing. Grammar will be reviewed as needed, and usage will be taught in conjunction with syntax. 136 HONORS LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (NCAA) Open To: Freshmen This is the first course of an honors study sequence culminating in AP English Literature and Composition senior year. Students can expect a demanding and rigorous course in reading, writing, and thinking. Students will improve vocabulary by deciphering contextual clues increasing their understanding and application of literacy vocabulary. Students will learn how to formulate insightful higher-level questions and answers. Collaborative projects and writing will advance their knowledge of the subject matter. Writing and speech experiences will emphasize critical thinking skills along with genre writing and grammar. 26

28 234 LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (NCAA) Prerequisite: 134 Lit and Comp Open To: Sophomores This course provides grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary review with an emphasis on their relation to composition. The composition program will emphasize information, argument, and narrative writing. The course contains a comprehensive collection of short stories, nonfiction, poetry, and novels. A portion of literary emphasis will include studying cultural experiences reflected in literature from outside the United States. Throughout the program, there is strong, integrated instruction in literary analysis, literary elements, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary. 235 ADVANCED LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (NCAA) Prerequisite: Lit and Comp 134 or 135 Open To: Sophomores This course is designed for students planning future advanced placement work during their junior and senior years. Its purpose is to develop reading, writing, and critical thinking skills through thematic units that will include a variety of short stories, poetry, nonfiction and novels. A portion of the literary emphasis will include studying cultural experiences reflected in literature from outside the United States. Writing is integrated with reading, including an emphasis on literary analysis and argument. A research project is required. 236 HONORS AMERICAN LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (NCAA) Prerequisite: Lit and Comp 135 or 136 Open To: Sophomores This is the second course of an honors study sequence culminating in taking AP English Literature and Composition. The attention of this course is a broad context of American culture with a sophisticated reflection on literature. The study of the course materials will be intensive and in-depth. Students will improve vocabulary by deciphering contextual clues, word formations, and increase their understanding and application of literary vocabulary. Students will learn how to formulate insightful higher-level questions/answers as they read challenging selections. Students will participate in collaborative discussions and projects in order to advance their knowledge of the subject matter. Writing and speech experiences will emphasize critical thinking skills along with genre writing and grammar. After completion of this course, students who do not enroll in 336 Honors British Literature must enroll in 435 Advanced British Literature and Composition. 27

29 334 AMERICAN LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (NCAA) Prerequisite: Lit & Comp 134 and 234 Open To: Juniors This course provides review as needed in grammar and punctuation; vocabulary development will also be stressed. Writing styles and techniques will be enhanced and developed through the preparation of a research paper and varied writing projects. The literary selections are organized chronologically into seven units spanning early American History to the present. A research paper is required. 335 ADVANCED AMERICAN LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (NCAA) Prerequisite: Lit & Comp 135 and 235 This course is designed to prepare students for Advanced British Literature their senior year. Its purpose is the development of skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking skills through the study of American literature. The literary selections are organized chronologically into seven units spanning from early American history to the present. Writing will be emphasized, including argument and literary analysis. A research project is required. 336 HONORS BRITISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (NCAA) Prerequisite: Lit & Comp 135 or 136 and Honors American Lit & Comp 236 Open To: Juniors This is the third course of the honors study sequence culminating in taking AP English Literature and Composition senior year. Students will have the opportunity to read and analyze writings, and to write in-class themes based on readings. A research paper is required. This course will introduce students to British literature through seven units from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present. Each unit provides a bridge from the selection to the greater concepts that drove the historical period in which they were written. 434 LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (NCAA) Prerequisite: Literature and Composition 134, 234, 334 Open To: Seniors This course is designed to teach composition, grammar, research, and literary analysis to seniors who need to develop additional knowledge and skills in these areas. This course will introduce students to British literature as well as contemporary novels and nonfiction. 28