Course Catalog. Selection Guide

Transcription

1 Course Catalog Selection Guide

2 GREEN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Commitment to Excellence Dear Students and Parents/Guardians: We are here to assist you in selecting courses that support and encourage your personal growth as well as challenge you mentally, physically, and artistically. Green Valley High School has been recognized nationally for its academics, athletics, and the arts. We provide our students with courses that will enrich and develop them to become wellrounded individuals. Green Valley High School is one of the few comprehensive high schools in the District that provides students with the International Baccalaureate (IB) program which is arguably the most rigorous academic program offered at a high school level. Our advanced placement/honors courses allow students to pick among dozens of selections ranging from calculus to studio art. At Green Valley High School, we have the class selection that will allow students to reach their goals and prepare them for any institution of higher learning that they choose. Allow us, your teachers, counselors and administrators the opportunity to assist and guide you and your parents/guardians throughout this journey. Green Valley High School is an institution dedicated to Commitment to Excellence. Our past graduates have been admitted to the finest colleges and universities in the country including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Princeton and our military academies to name a few. We prepare you to think, question and reach further than you could ever have imagined. Take your time to select the coursework that best fits your future goals and aspirations. Welcome to Green Valley High School, your future begins now. Sincerely, Kent Roberts, Principal 460 Arroyo Grande Blvd., Henderson, NV Telephone (702)

3 Green Valley High School Philosophy Green Valley High School Goals 1. We will ensure that our students understand their right and responsibility to be educated. 2. We will promote education as a cooperative venture in which students, parents, staff, and community share responsibility for education. 3. We will offer curricula to meet the needs of students at all academic levels, including those with special needs. 4. We will provide a comprehensive school activities program. 5. We will promote student pride in cultural diversity because it enriches the quality of school life. 6. We will promote self-esteem, individual strengths, and creativity for staff and students. 7. We will maintain high student performance expectations to ensure a high level of student achievement. 8. We will provide a broad-based curriculum so that our students can adapt to the job markets of the future. 9. We will strive to achieve student competence in basic skills. 10. We will share responsibility for developing character, ethics, and manners in our students. 11. We will hold our students accountable for the consequences of their behavior. 12. We will provide an environment which is safe, clean, and secure. 13. We will encourage effective staff and student leadership. 14. We will communicate essential information about our programs and activities within the school and community. 15. We will encourage participatory management in which students, staff, and parents have a role in decisionmaking. 16. We will cultivate the concept of life-long learning among students and staff. 17. We will continue to monitor our efforts for school improvement. We believe that the purpose of education is to provide experiences which will encourage and assist students to achieve their potential and to assume their responsibilities as members of society. It is the obligation of the school to instill in students positive attitudes toward growth, learning, leadership, and creativity, as well as to ensure their full intellectual and character development. The community in which we live must provide sufficient educational resources to meet the needs of all students. We are committed to the use of these resources to develop responsible citizens who have the courage and ability to bring about effective change in a democratic society. We believe that every child has an inherent right to an education and that all children are able to learn. The school s curriculum must be broad-based in order to prepare students for college and vocational objectives. We recognize that students have differences in academic abilities, culture, and physical skills. The school s curriculum must be designed to provide successful experiences for all students while accommodating these basic differences. The school must structure programs to meet the changing demands and needs of our world so that students and staff can be prepared to make sound decisions concerning their academic and social needs.

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION 1 GRADUATION.. 13 Required Class Load.. 2 Valedictorian/Salutatorian Prerequisites... 2 International Baccalaureate Status Schedule Requirements.. 2 CCSD Advanced Diploma Course Selection CCSD Advanced Honors Diploma.. 13 Schedule Change Policy 2 Green Valley Scholars Certificate 13 Period Zero Classes Graduation Ceremony Recognition. 13 Repeating a Course 3 POST GRADUATION PLANNING 14 Matriculation of Students... 3 Military Information 14 Class Fees Community College System Information 14 CCSD Athletic Eligibility.. 3 College/University Information Driver Education... 4 College Prep Program.. 14 CCSD Guidance & Counseling Website... 4 College Readiness Assessments Non-Discrimination Language... 4 College Financial Aid.. 15 SPECIAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS... 4 Millenium Scholarship. 15 Honors Classes... 4 NCAA Initial Eligibility Advanced Placement Classes. 4 Future Planning Information 16 International Baccalaureate 5 CODE OF HONOR Suggested Classes for 4-Year IB Program. 5 DEPARTMENT COURSE OFFERINGS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS.. 6 Art 20 21st Century Course of Study... 6 Career & Technical Education Standard Diploma. 7 - Business 22 Advanced Diploma Family & Consumer Sciences Advanced Honors Diploma 9 - Industrial Arts Honors Courses w/bonus Points/Advantages 10 - Information & Media Technologies Four Year Academic Plan.. 10 English. 27 Suggested Program Sequence 10 Foreign Languages Arts/Humanities Requirement 10 Health/PE. 32 Physical Education (P.E. II) Waiver.. 11 Math. 34 Concurrent Credit Options. 11 Performing Arts 36 Individualized Programs 11 Science. 40 CTE College Credit 12 Social Studies Dual Credit Information. 12 Additional Electives. 46 External Credit Options. 12 Special Student Services.. 47 Sample Registration Forms Course Offerings by grade level.. 53 Green Valley High School 460 Arroyo Grande Blvd. Henderson, NV

5 GENERAL INFORMATION INTRODUCTION The courses that will be offered at Green Valley High School for the upcoming school year are courses selected by students during spring pre-registration. Generally, the courses listed in this registration guide will only be offered in the curriculum for the next school year if 25 or more students pre-register for a course. If during final registration too few students actually enroll in a course, it usually will be canceled and those students will be rescheduled into their alternate elective course. No student will receive credit for repeating a semester of a course that has been passed previously. Some courses such as varsity band or varsity chorus may be repeated for credit (see a school counselor for details). Students will be scheduled into classes selected during pre-registration unless those classes are filled or canceled. COURSES THAT STUDENTS SELECT THIS SPRING ARE THE COURSES THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND NEXT YEAR. Choose classes carefully. NO SCHEDULE CHANGE REQUESTS WILL BE GRANT- ED OTHER THAN THOSE GOVERNED BY THE POLICY STATEMENT PRINTED BELOW. In order to effectively register for classes for next year, read and follow these simple guidelines: READ this entire course registration guide and the course descriptions before you register. Be certain that prerequisites for selected courses have been met. DISCUSS your course selection with your parents, teachers, and your counselor before registration. Many courses require a teacher recommendation and signature. CHOOSE courses that will challenge you and give you the best preparation for your future education and employment. COMPLETE the appropriate registration worksheet provided for you in this course registration guide. List your required classes first; then list your electives. List three alternative choices. In the event some of your electives are filled or cancelled, you will be assigned your alternative choice(s) in the order listed. If no choices are listed, you will be placed in whatever class is available. Students planning to attend summer school will be pre-registered based on the next logical course sequence according to their spring schedule. UNDERSTAND you will be expected to remain in year-long courses for the entire school year. Exceptions (graduation requirements, misplacement) will be handled through the regular schedule change procedure. Seniors must apply for a reduced class load (shortened day) during pre-registration by completing the appropriate documents. Reduced class loads will not be approved after the school year begins. 1

6 REQUIRED CLASS LOAD The State of Nevada, NAC , requires all high school students be enrolled in classes as follows: Ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students must be enrolled in six classes or the equivalent of six periods per day. Twelfth grade students must be enrolled in a minimum of four classes or the equivalent of four periods per day. Although Concurrent Courses, Distance Education, Dual Credit, External Courses, and Work Experience are considered equivalent coursework, students must receive prior approval of the counselor and administration. Students on a reduced schedule must provide their own transportation and must leave campus after their last class. Students on a reduced schedule who loiter on campus will be enrolled in a class. All schedules must be contiguous. PREREQUISITES Prerequisites are listed in the Course Catalog to help students and parents make the best educational decisions possible. Students must meet these prerequisites to enroll in a course or request permission to challenge the course. Both semesters of a prerequisite course must be successfully completed. SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS 1. All schedules must be contiguous, beginning with zero or first period. Students on a reduced schedule must provide their own transportation and must leave campus after their last class. Students on a reduced schedule who loiter on campus will be enrolled in a class. 2. Prior to the selection of any electives, students must enroll in required courses in core content areas. COURSE SELECTION Parents and students should be aware of Green Valley High School's commitment to providing a rigorous and challenging curriculum. Students are reminded to choose their classes carefully and should discuss course selections with their parents, teachers and counselors before pre registration. Student placement will be based on several factors: (a) teacher recommendation, (b) student's academic record, (c) interest of the student, and (d) parental guidance. Every effort will be made to appropriately place students in courses which coincide with the student's assessed ability. Students will not be permitted to select courses below their ability. If a student does not meet the prerequisite, he/she may challenge the course by signing a course contract printed on the pre-registration worksheet. PLEASE NOTE THAT A STUDENT WHO CHALLENGES A COURSE MUST REMAIN IN THE CHALLENGED CLASS ALL YEAR. SCHEDULE CHANGE POLICY Since much advanced planning and guidance are provided for each student prior to registration, schedule changes will not be made after registration. Class changes will not be granted to accommodate a change in a student s lunch period, a student s failure in a class, or a request to or from a specific instructor. Due to the State of Nevada Department of Education Guidelines, no student may change a class and receive credit after the third week of the semester. Requests for schedule changes are considered only during the first three weeks of the semester and are granted only for the following specific educational reasons: A. Minimum competency preparation for the Nevada Proficiency Exam B. Graduation requirement fulfillment C. Misplacement in an academic area D. Successful completion of summer school course work The administration may, due to increased/decreased enrollment and staff changes, balance course sections by transferring students from one class and/or teacher to another section. This procedure is known as Leveling. Every effort will be made to ensure a smooth transition for students. PERIOD ZERO CLASSES Students selecting a Period Zero class must remain in the class all semester and maintain their complete schedule. Period Zero classes meet Monday-Friday from 7:04-7:55 a.m. 2

7 REPEATING A COURSE Students may repeat courses but additional credit will not be granted; the higher grade will be recorded in the course history and the lower grade will be replaced with a repeated course notation. A grade of F will only be removed once. If applicable, all other Fs will remain on a transcript. MATRICULATION OF STUDENTS Grade classification for high school students will be determined by years in school, not on credit earned. Students are classified to the next grade level at the end of each school year. CLASS FEES Elective class fees are charged for select elective classes where students complete special projects to be taken home. These class fees cover the actual cost for these projects. A family's difficulty purchasing all of the desired/necessary items for the student and/or paying these fees will not prevent a student s enrollment in any class. If the times are such that alternatives to immediate payment of fees must be considered, the counselor or the respective elective teacher(s) should be contacted so the school and parent/guardian may work together to resolve the problem. Class fees are subject to change. CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY Initial Eligibility General Requirements 1. Must be enrolled in grades Must reside in the school of enrollment s attendance zone. 3. Must be enrolled in a minimum of two units of credit consisting of at least four classes per semester and regularly attend school. 4. Must have passed a minimum of two units of credit the immediate preceding semester with a minimum grade point average of 2.0. A student may earn a maximum of one unit of external credit (summer school, correspondence, etc.) to improve a previous semester deficiency. 5. Transfer students are automatically presumed ineligible. Rebuttal of presumption of ineligibility guidelines are contained in Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association regulations (NAC ). 6. Secondary Magnet School students who enroll for less than a three year (3) program or enroll in individual classes are ineligible for athletics at the Magnet School for 180 days. Students who drop from the Magnet/CTA will become automatically ineligible for athletics at the Magnet School for 180 days. If a student chooses to return to his/her school of residence, he/she would be ineligible for the remainder of that school year and for 180 days in any sport in which he/she appeared on an NIAA roster during his/her attendance at the Magnet School. 7. Secondary Open Enrollment students who are selected to attend an Open Enrollment school are eligible to participate in athletics. Students who change schools will become automatically ineligible for the remainder of the current school year and for 180 school days in any sport his/her name appeared on an NIAA roster during his/her attendance at the Open Enrollment school. 8. Career Technical Academy/Charter School/Home-Schooled students are eligible to participate in athletics in the school that is located in the attendance zone of the residence of the parent or legal guardian 9. In addition, for students at Green Valley High School, students must have a Green Valley High School athletics packet completed and on file in the Green Valley High School athletic office. Maintenance of Eligibility 1. Must maintain passing grades in all subjects during the current athletic season. 2. Must regularly attend school. Must be in school in order to participate in practice or games on any given day. 3. Must maintain positive citizenship. Students on RPC or suspension are not eligible to participate. Serious and/or chronic behavior infractions may result in suspension of athletic participation for up to one year, at the discretion of the principal. 4. Must remain in the mandatory Random Urine Drug Testing Program while enrolled at Green Valley High School. Additional specific eligibility guidelines are contained in Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association regulations (NAC ) and Clark County School District regulation Note: See Pg. 15 for NCAA Initial Eligibility Requirements 3

8 DRIVER EDUCATION Nevada Revised Statute #483 requires teenagers under the age of 18 to complete a driver education course before obtaining a driver license. The bill requires everyone under age 18 to have 30 hours of classroom instruction and 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience, which can be completed with a parent or guardian. Teenagers must be 15 1/2 years old to obtain a learner's permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles in order to practice driving. Students may get their learner's permit before taking a driver education course but may not receive the actual driver license until both the course and the behind-the-wheel practice are completed. Additionally, SB269 requires every student younger than 18 years old who applies for a Nevada driver s license or learner s permit to submit a DMV-301. The form must be signed by a school official verifying that the student has attended school at least 90 percent of the current semester. Students may have their driver s licenses suspended if they receive three or more unapproved absences in a semester. The first offense will merit a 30-day suspension and the second offense a 60-day suspension. CCSD GUIDANCE & COUNSELING WEBSITE The Guidance and Counseling Website is designed to provide students and parents with information on counseling services provided by the school district. It also serves as a support reference for preparing students for their future educational decisions. Information on diploma requirements, scholarship opportunities and post-secondary opportunities are just a few examples of what is available on the website. For details visit: For information regarding Green Valley High School visit For guidance information click on Academics then click on Counselors Corner. NON DISCRIMINATION LANGUAGE The Clark County School District does not knowingly discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment, or employment, or participation in its programs and activities and provide equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. SPECIAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS HONORS CLASSES Honors classes are classified as accelerated courses designed for students who plan to apply to colleges or universities with admission requirements that are competitive. Each Honors course successfully completed (up to a total of 14 courses or 28 semesters) receives a weighted factor of.025 points added to the semester grade point average. Correspondence work, fifthyear academic work, and special approved programs, such as the Early Studies Program and credit by exam, will not be accepted for Honors credit. The Honors GPA will be based on an accumulation of course work for which the student receives high school credit. ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES (AP) Advanced Placement courses are college-level courses taught as part of the high school curriculum. In the spring of each school year, a cumulative exam is administered for each AP course. AP exams are graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 5 (maximum). The cost for each exam is paid for by the student. University credit is generally granted for test scores of 3 and above. A score of 1 or 2, however, enhances the opportunity for scholarships and university admission. The AP program is administered by the College Board. Advanced Placement Tests are developed by the Educational Testing Service. Students enrolled in AP courses are expected to take the appropriate AP exams. In financial hardship, see counselor for payment options. 4

9 AP/IB courses receive a weighted factor of.050. Based upon a student s AP test scores, he/she may earn as many as 18 semester hours of college/university credit. This represents a significant financial savings to the parents/guardians of the student. Areas in which AP courses are offered at Green Valley High School are listed below: Art French Psychology Biology Human Geography Spanish Calculus Macroeconomics Statistics Chemistry Microeconomics U.S. Government Computer Science Music U.S. History English Language/Literature/Composition Physics World History THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM (IB) The International Baccalaureate Program, recognized worldwide as a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum, enables highlycapable, highly-motivated students to receive rigorous pre-university training. IB courses on a student s transcript are evaluated by universities as the most demanding pre-college curriculum that can appear on any transcript. The IB Diploma Program is a two-year, pre-university course of study, leading to six examinations in six different disciplines. The program officially begins in the student's junior year with a six-course requirement and continues with a minimum four-course requirement in the senior year. The students may take none, one, or two of their standard level exams at the end of the junior year. The remainder, or all six, are taken at the end of the senior year. Please visit for more. Candidate Requirements: 1 Take six IB tests three to four at the higher level and two to three at the standard level. The test areas include the following subjects: English History Science Foreign Language Math Elective 2 Complete 150 hours in the Theory of Knowledge class. 3 Complete 150 hours in Creativity, Activity, Services (CAS) activities over an 18 month period. 4 Complete and submit an extended essay of approximately 4,000 words over an 18 month period - this is an analytical research work. SUGGESTED CLASSES FOR 4 YEAR INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM Ninth and tenth-grade students interested in enrolling in the IB program should enroll in as many Pre-IB and/or Honors courses as possible. Ninth Grade AP Human Geography English 9 Honors Biology Honors Geometry Honors Foreign Language 1 or 2 Honors (II if language taken in 8th grade) PE/Elective Tenth Grade English 10 Honors/Pre-AP Chemistry I Honors, Geoscience Honors, or Physics I Honors Algebra 2 Honors AP World History Foreign Language 2 or 3 Honors PE/Elective Eleventh Grade AP Language and Composition U.S. History IB Science Honors and/or IB Foreign Language 3 Honors or 4 IB Precalculus H/or Math SL IB Optional IB 6th course Advanced Study-Science Lab IB/Theory of Knowledge Twelfth Grade Language A: Language and Literature IB American Government IB Science IB (if needed) Math SL IB/AP Calculus AB/BC Foreign Language 4 IB or 5 (if needed) Optional IB 6th Course Advanced Study - Science Lab IB/Theory of Knowledge 5

10 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 6 21 st Century Course of Study The Clark County School District expects all students to meet the requirements of the 21st Century Course of Study. In addition to the three years of mathematics and two years of science necessary to graduate with a high school standard diploma, students will be scheduled into a fourth year of mathematics, which will include Algebra 2, and a third year of science, which will include Biology. Although the graduation requirements for a standard diploma will not change, the school district expects its students to be competitive in higher education and the workforce, and to be prepared to take full advantage of what the world has to offer beyond high school. The Clark County School District believes that all students must be prepared for the following post-secondary opportunities: - University/Four-Year College - Community/Two-Year College - Trade/Technical School - Workforce Areas of Study Units English 4 Mathematics (includes Algebra 2) 4 Science (includes Biology) 3 World History or Geography (class of 2011) 1 U.S. History 1 U.S. Government 1 Health Education ½ Physical Education 2 Use of Computers ½ Electives ** 5½ TOTAL 22½ *Green Valley HS strongly encourages students taking AP Human Geography in their freshman year to continue the upper division 4-year Social Studies sequence by taking World History in their sophomore year. **includes one Arts and Humanity or Career and Technical Education credit. The 21st Century Course of Study will provide the following for students: Opens doors to Post-Secondary Education and Workforce Opportunities Meets Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) University Admissions Preparation Grade Point Average (GPA) and Core Curriculum Requirements are: 3.00 GPA (weighted or weighted with Bonus Points) in the core curriculum Approved NSHE Core Curriculum (4 English, 3 Math including Algebra II or higher, 3 Natural Science, 3 Social Science & History = 13 units) Prepares students for the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship GPA and Core Curriculum Requirements are: 3.25 cumulative GPA (weighted or weighted with Bonus Points), 21 ACT Composite score, or 990 combined (reading and math) SATand the core curriculum Approved NSHE Core Curriculum (4 English, 4 Math including Algebra 2, 3 Natural Science, 3 Social Science & history = 14 units) Students may not take coursework after graduation to meet Millennium Eligibility

11 STANDARD DIPLOMA The following subjects are needed to meet graduation requirements: Required/Elective Areas of Study Units English* 4 Mathematics* * 3 Science 2 World History or Geography 1 U.S. History 1 U.S. Government 1 Health Education ½ Physical Education*** 2 Use of Computers**** ½ Electives 7½ TOTAL 22½ *English course units for the Class of 2017 and the Class of 2018 must include English 9 or English 1( 1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2) and English 10 or English 2 ( 1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2). **Mathematics course units for the following cohort years: Class of 2017 and Class of must include Algebra I or Principles of Algebra (1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2), and Geometry or Principles of Geometry, (1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2). Class of 2019 and beyond- must include Algebra I or higher. *** A maximum of ONE credit may be earned for a P.E. 2 Waiver by participating in a school approved activity/ athletic. ****Satisfactory completion of a semester of a computer literacy course offered in grades 6, 7, or 8 will meet the requirement for the use of computers. To receive a diploma from a Nevada high school, students in the Classes of 2017 and 2018 must participate in each of the End of Course Exams and pass the aligned courses, take the College and Career Readiness Assessment- ACT with Writing, in addition to meeting course requirements. Students in the Class of 2019 must receive a passing score on each of the End of Course Exams, take the College and Career Readiness Assessment- ACT with Writing and meet course requirements. Passing scores for the End of Course Exams will be determined by the Nevada State Board of Education. AB288 in the 2013 Legislature eliminated the Certificate of Attendance. Students must meet all of the graduation requirements to receive a diploma and participate in graduation ceremonies. Students receiving an adjusted diploma as prescribed by IEP requirements can also participate in graduation ceremonies. 7

12 ADVANCED DIPLOMA The following subjects are needed to meet the Advanced Diploma graduation requirements: Required/Elective Areas of Study Units English* 4 Mathematics** 4 Science 3 World History or Geography 1 U. S. History 1 U. S. Government 1 Health Education ½ Physical Education*** 2 Use of Computers**** ½ Arts/Humanities or Career and Tech Ed Elective 1 Electives 6 TOTAL (3.25 GPA without Bonus Pts.) 24 *English course units for the Class of 2017 and the Class of 2018 must include English 9 or English 1( 1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2) and English 10 or English 2 ( 1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2). **Mathematics course units for the following cohort years: Class of 2017 and Class of must include Algebra I or Principles of Algebra (1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2), and Geometry or Principles of Geometry, (1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2). Class of 2019 and beyond- must include Algebra I or higher. *** A maximum of ONE credit may be earned for a P.E. 2 Waiver by participating in a school approved activity/ athletic. ****Satisfactory completion of a semester of a computer literacy course offered in grades 6, 7, or 8 will meet the requirement for the use of computers. To receive a diploma from a Nevada high school, students in the Classes of 2017 and 2018 must participate in each of the End of Course Exams and pass the aligned courses, take the College and Career Readiness Assessment- ACT with Writing, in addition to meeting course requirements. Students in the Class of 2019 must receive a passing score on each of the End of Course Exams, take the College and Career Readiness Assessment- ACT with Writing and meet course requirements. Passing scores for the End of Course Exams will be determined by the Nevada State Board of Education. AB288 in the 2013 Legislature eliminated the Certificate of Attendance. Students must meet all of the graduation requirements to receive a diploma and participate in graduation ceremonies. Students receiving an adjusted diploma as prescribed by IEP requirements can also participate in graduation ceremonies. 8

13 ADVANCED HONORS DIPLOMA Students planning to apply to universities with competitive admission requirements may pursue the CCSD Advanced Honors Diploma. The Advanced Honors Diploma requires additional rigorous coursework beyond those required for the Advanced Diploma. Students will be required to fulfill the 24.0 credit Advanced Diploma requirements (including 4-years of mathematics, 3-years of science and an additional Arts/Humanities or Career and Technical Education course) and must complete the Honors, International Baccalaureate (IB), or Advanced Placement (AP) courses required of the Honors Course Program. Students must achieve a minimum of a 3.25 without Bonus Points GPA and 3.85 GPA with Bonus Points. GPA calculations are exact and not rounded to meet diploma requirements. The following subjects are needed to meet the Advanced Honors Diploma requirements: Required/Elective Areas of Study Advanced Diploma Units English* 4 3 Mathematics** 4 2 Science 3 2 Social Studies (must earn all three credits) World History or Geography U.S. History U.S. Government Honors/AP/IB Units 3 2 Physical Education*** 2 Health ½ Use of Computers**** ½ Arts/Humanities or Career Tech Ed Elective 1 Electives+ 6 3* TOTAL (3.25 GPA w/out Bonus Points, and 3.85 GPA with Bonus Points.) Must include one Honors Foreign Language Course. First year foreign language classes will not receive Honors credit. Student must achieve a minimum 3.25 GPA without Bonus Points and a minimum 3.85 GPA with Bonus Points. *English course units for the Class of 2017 and the Class of 2018 must include English 9 or English 1( 1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2) and English 10 or English 2 ( 1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2). **Mathematics course units for the following cohort years: Class of 2017 and Class of must include Algebra I or Principles of Algebra (1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2), and Geometry or Principles of Geometry, (1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2). Class of 2019 and beyond- must include Algebra I or higher. *** A maximum of ONE credit may be earned for a P.E. 2 Waiver by participating in a school approved activity/athletic. ****Satisfactory completion of a semester of a computer literacy course offered in grades 6, 7, or 8 will meet the requirement for the use of computers. To receive a diploma from a Nevada high school, students in the Classes of 2017 and 2018 must participate in each of the End of Course Exams and pass the aligned courses, take the College and Career Readiness Assessment- ACT with Writing, in addition to meeting course requirements. Students in the Class of 2019 must receive a passing score on each of the End of Course Exams, take the College and Career Readiness Assessment- ACT with Writing and meet course requirements. Passing scores for the End of Course Exams will be determined by the Nevada State Board of Education. AB288 in the 2013 Legislature eliminated the Certificate of Attendance. Students must meet all of the graduation requirements to receive a diploma and participate in graduation ceremonies. Students receiving an adjusted diploma as prescribed by IEP requirements can also participate in graduation ceremonies. 9 See next page for Honors with Bonus Points information.

14 HONORS COURSES WITH BONUS POINTS Students will earn Bonus Points for successful completion of Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses will be added as follows: Honors.025 Advanced Placement (AP).050 International Baccalaureate (IB).050 The GPA cap with Bonus Points for the honors program for students will be added as follows: The GPA cap with Bonus Points for the Honors Program is no more than twenty-eight semesters (14 classes) of Honors/AP/IB courses. Students will receive Bonus Points of.050 for four semesters (2 classes) of AP and/or IB courses and will also receive Bonus Points of.025 for twenty-four semesters (12 classes) of Honors courses. Students who choose to enroll in only Honors level courses will receive Bonus Points of.025 points for twenty-eight semesters (14 classes) of Honors courses. The highest possible GPA under this system is Advantages of the Honors Course Offerings Most competitive colleges and universities consider not only students grades, but also their academic background evidenced by courses listed on the transcript, letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors, and SAT I or ACT scores. Enrollment in the Honors Program will assist students in their preparation for college entrance exams. The GPA with Bonus Points is used when determining ranking in class. Any student who meets the course pre requisite may enroll in Honors, AP, or IB courses. FOUR YEAR COURSE PLAN A four year Academic Plan will be created by all 9th grade students and updated each year thereafter in Infinite Campus. This plan sets forth specific educational goals that students intend to achieve before graduation. The Course Plan, which includes a four year high school Academic Program, will be used as a guide to mange the student s educational development and course selection in alignment with an identified Academic Program. Revising the Course Plan annually will assist students in preparation for graduation and postsecondary goals. The plan includes students and parents: Working in consultation with a school counselor to develop the course plan Parent review and approval Reviewing the plan yearly and revising as needed SUGGESTED PROGRAM SEQUENCE TO MEET MINIMUM GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS. THIS IS NOT A COLLEGE PREPARATORY PROGRAM SEQUENCE: Ninth Grade Tenth Grade Eleventh Grade Twelfth Grade 1. English 1. English 1. English 1. English 2. PE 2. PE 2. U.S. History 2. U.S. Govt. 3. Math 3. Math 3. Math 3. Math 4. Science 4. Science 4. Science 4. Elective 5. Elective 5. World History 5. Elective 5. Elective 6. Elective 6. Elective 6. Elective 6. Elective ARTS/HUMANITIES REQUIREMENT World History taken in the Clark County School District will fulfill the Arts/Humanities graduation requirement for a Standard Diploma. However, this class does not meet the Arts/Humanities requirement for some universities. 10

15 PHYSICAL EDUCATION (P.E. II) WAIVER CREDIT A maximum of ONE Physical Education II waiver credit may be earned toward graduation. Students may earn a PE II waiver if they participate in and complete one of the school-sponsored activities listed below: BASEBALL (V/JV) BASKETBALL (V/JV/B) BOWLING (V/B) CHEERLEADERING (V/JV/B) CROSS COUNTRY (V) FLAG FOOTBALL (V/JV/B) FOOTBALL (V/JV/B) GOLF (V) MARCHING BAND/FLAGS/MASCOTS SOCCER (V/JV/B) SOFTBALL (V/JV) SWIMMING (V) TENNIS (V) TRACK (V) VOLLEYBALL (V/JV/B) WRESTLING (V/JV) Team Managers are not eligible to receive this waiver; however, they may be eligible for Community Service credit. Students may also earn P.E. Waiver credit by completing 120 hours of external course work under the direct supervision of a qualified instructor or coach who is a credentialed and/or licensed professional outside the school district. Use of external credit for the P.E. Waiver credit requires completion of the CCF-850: External Credit Application. The activity must be geared toward competition or performance-based and it is expected that the student will compete/perform in the activity. Membership in a gym does not meet the criterion. CONCURRENT CREDIT OPTIONS Students may earn credits beyond the regular school day by enrolling in any of the approved concurrent programs. There is no limit to the number of concurrent credits a student may earn. See your counselor for more information on the following concurrent programs: Adult Education - For specific information on this program, call x317 or visit for more information. Sunset High Schools/Programs - Call for more information or visit Nevada Learning Academy For specific information, including fees, call (702) or visit nvlearningacademy.net/ Summer School - Students may earn credit during the summer. Classes are offered at various high schools during the summer. A fee is required, and students must provide their own transportation. Applications are available in the counseling office in the spring. Additional information is available at SPECIAL STUDENT SERVICES/INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMS The goal of Green Valley High School is to follow Public Law (IDEA-Individual Disability Education Act) by placing students in the least restrictive environment. An Individual Education Program Team, with parent involvement, works together to establish and maintain the most appropriate Individual Education Program (IEP) for each student. The student s schedule is developed from the student s area of need through the IEP process. The Clark County School District and Green Valley High School offer two diploma options for special education students. The IEP Team, with parent involvement, selects the appropriate course of study leading to program completion, which will result in one of the following diploma options: Option #1 Regular high school diploma a. Upon completion of a minimum of twenty-two and a half (22 ½) units including the required areas of study. b. Upon successful completion of the Nevada Proficiency Examination with modifications in administration as needed. Option #2 An adjusted high school diploma (available to students in Special Education) a. Upon completion of a minimum of twenty-two and a half (22 ½) units in special programs and/or regular courses. The Individual Education Program Team may elect to exempt the required areas of study and prescribe an appropriate curriculum. b. Student will be involved in taking all standardized testing which may include alternative assessments, Nevada Alternate Assessment (NAA). However, graduation will not be based upon passing the standardized tests. It will be based upon the requirements stated in the IEP. 11

16 CTE COLLEGE CREDIT CTE College Credit provides an opportunity for secondary students who complete state-approved programs in career and technical education (CTE) to earn postsecondary credit at no cost to the student. CTE College Credit is articulated credit, the high school coursework aligns to postsecondary courses and the teacher of record is a high school CTE teacher. To qualify for the CTE College Credit, students must: Earn a 3.0 grade point average in their CTE course sequence; Pass the state end-of-program technical content assessment; Pass the state Workplace Readiness assessment for employability skills. Students who complete a CTE program of study according to the criteria are eligible to earn the CTE College Credit within three years of graduating from high school and upon admission to the postsecondary institution. The amount of credit is dependent upon the state standards for each high school CTE program and how the standards align to the college courses for a certificate or degree in a related career pathway. DUAL CREDIT INFORMATION Dual credit can be earned for college or university courses that are not currently offered at the student s school of enrollment or during Clark County School District summer school. These courses may count for required or elective high school credit. A three (3) credit university course equals one-half (½) unit of Clark County School District credit. The process by which dual credit may be received is as follows: Complete the External Credit application (CCF-850; available at the Counselors Office) for each ½ credit and have it signed by the student, parent, counselor, and administrative designee. During the student/counselor pre-approval meeting, a determination is made of which high school course will be assigned the dual credit for the college level course. The appropriate CSN application (see page 17) must be completed, and fee payments must be made. Upon completion of the course, the student must arrange for a copy of the transcript to be sent or delivered to the counselor who will attach it to the CCF-850 form. The registrar will enter the grade and credit on the transcript. EXTERNAL CREDIT OPTIONS Students currently enrolled in a Clark County high school may earn a maximum of six external credits toward graduation. External credits are earned beyond the regular school day. No external credit will be granted without prior approval and completion of the appropriate application. See your counselor for prior approval and applications for the following External Credit options: Community Service Credit - A maximum of one credit may be earned for students who complete 120 hours of volunteer service with an approved community agency. One-half credit may be earned for 60 hours of service; court-mandated hours do not count for Community Service credit. Educational Travel Credit - A maximum of one credit may be granted to students who keep a journal while traveling for 42 consecutive days or ½ credit for 21 consecutive days. Students must submit their completed journals for evaluation to determine credit. Online Courses - Credits may be earned for courses completed online from approved institutions. The cost of courses vary. Students must conform to the procedures set by the credit granting institution. Enrichment Program Credit - Students may receive credit for academically accelerated courses taken at accredited institutions. Dual Credit - High school credit can be earned for approved college or university courses not offered at the student s school of enrollment. A three credit college/university course equals one-half unit of high school credit. Music Equivalent Credit - A maximum of one credit may be granted to students participating in a music program not offered by the Clark County School District. Credit granting is monitored by the CCSD Department of Fine Arts. Specific application forms must be submitted along with a fee. Call for more information. Credit By Exam - Students may earn credit by earning a score of 70% or better on an examination for a course they have not taken previously or are not enrolled in currently. For a complete list of credit by exam course offerings and fees, see the AISHS website at Credit by Exam cannot count toward Honors credit. 12

17 GRADUATION VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN Valedictorian status is awarded to the student(s) earning the highest grade point average (with Bonus Points) in the graduating class. Salutatorian status is awarded to the student(s) earning the second highest grade point average (with Bonus Points) in the class. Candidates for the valedictorian/salutatorian designations will be identified at the end of the fall semester of their senior year. The final ranking will be based on any and all completed high school credit granting courses completed by the end of eight semesters, including those courses which receive Bonus Points. INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE STATUS All IB candidates are required to complete studies in English, foreign language, social science, science, math, and an IB elective in the final two years of their high school career. They must successfully take six IB tests - three at the higher level and three at the standard level. They must write an extended essay, complete a class in the Theory of Knowledge, and engage in community service activities. Students interested in enrolling in the IB program should enroll in as many Honors/Pre-AP classes as possible in their ninth and tenth grade years. CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ADVANCED DIPLOMA The Advanced Diploma requires additional credits beyond the Standard Diploma options. Students who elect to earn an Advanced Diploma will be required to earn one additional science credit, one additional math credit, and one additional social studies, or arts and humanities credit in the 24 required credits and have achieved a minimum unweighted cumulative grade point average of For students pursuing the Advanced Diploma, World History will satisfy either the student s third social studies credit or the student s arts and humanities credit, but not both. Please contact your child s counselor with questions regarding graduation requirements and/or diploma options. CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ADVANCED HONORS DIPLOMA Students may earn an Advanced Honors Diploma by satisfying Advanced Diploma requirements (including 4-years of mathematics, 3-years of science and an additional Arts/Humanities or Career and Technical Education course) and must complete the Honors, International Baccalaureate (IB), or Advance Placement (AP) courses required of the Honors Course Program. Students must achieve a minimum of a 3.25 unweighted GPA and 3.85 weighted GPA. GREEN VALLEY SCHOLARS CERTIFICATE This special certificate is awarded by Green Valley High School to students who meet the following criteria: 1. Satisfy high school graduation requirements. 2. Complete a minimum eight credits of Honors, Pre-IB, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate classes. 3. Maintain a 3.25 weighted grade point average through the third quarter of their senior year. GRADUATION CEREMONY RECOGNITION Graduation attire Female graduates will wear green gowns; male graduates will wear blue gowns. All graduates receiving a Clark County School District Advanced Honors Diploma will wear white gowns. All graduates receiving International Baccalaureate Recognition will wear black gowns. Special Recognition Green Valley High School High Honors (3.8 or above GPA w/bonus Points) graduates will wear a gold cord. Green Valley High School Honors ( GPA w/bonus Points) graduates will wear a white cord. International Baccalaureate, Clark County School District Advanced Diploma, and Advanced Honors Diploma recipients will wear special medallions and be seated in front of the graduating class. Valedictorian/Salutatorians will receive special Honors Medallions. 13 Continued on next page

18 POST GRADUATION PLANNING MILITARY INFORMATION Counselors can advise students on military careers and scholarship availability; military recruiters are also available to help students make decisions, write contracts, determine eligibility, and guarantee job training. ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is available for interested students. This test helps define abilities and aptitude for future careers. APPRENTICESHIP/INTERNSHIP Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and related instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation. The Department of Labor provides a list of contacts to help you locate apprenticeship opportunities in your area. Visit for more information. COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM INFORMATION Community colleges, sometimes called junior colleges, offer two-year programs which lead to an Associate of Arts degree and/or a Certificate of Achievement. A high school diploma or its equivalent is recommended for admission. COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY INFORMATION Minimum graduation requirements may not necessarily qualify students for admission to the college of their choice. For information concerning specific admission requirements, students may consult school counselors, reference materials located in the library, and college and university directories and/or college catalogs located in the Green Valley High School College and Career Center. COLLEGE PREP PROGRAM The Green Valley High School counseling staff strongly recommends the following as a minimum college preparatory program: 4 credits in English to include English 9, English 10, English 11, English 12; or higher level courses 4 credits in math to include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra 2 3 credits of lab science to include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics 3 credits in social studies to include World History, U.S. History, and U.S. Government 2 to 3 credits in the same foreign language Computer Literacy COLLEGE READINESS ASSESSMENTS All Clark County School District students will take the PSAT at no cost (pending final budget allocations) during the sophomore year to provide data that will assist in determining the student s potential success in Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Taking the PSAT in the sophomore year also prepares the student for the SAT. The PSAT taken as a junior (at the cost of the student) is used to identify National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalists. All Juniors will take the ACT with Writing exam in the Spring. The College and Career Readiness Assessment (ACT) is a requirement for gradation for the Class of 2015 and beyond. Juniors will take the ACT in spring of their junior year at no cost. Students planning to attend college may also prepare for the ACT entrance exam by taking the PLAN test during his/her sophomore year. It is recommended that students take the ACT and/or SAT in the spring of their junior year, as most four-year colleges/universities require either test for admission. In addition, some colleges/universities require a minimum score on the SAT and/or ACT to determine placement in freshman English and math courses. Finally, some universities determine scholarship eligibility on the ACT and/or SAT results. Note: It may be necessary to retake the ACT and/or SAT to increase the student s score. This may enable a student to avoid placement in a remedial math and/or English college course. Remedial courses at Nevada State colleges/universities provide no college credit and are not paid for by the Millennium Scholarship program. 14