Wylie ISD High School Academic Planning and Course Guide

Transcription

1 Wylie ISD High School Academic Planning and Course Guide David Vinson, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools Last Update: Page 1

2 I. Academic Planning Guide Table of Contents Graduation Requirements Awarding Credit Distinguished Level of Achievement Performance Acknowledgements Class Rank and Grade Points College Courses Correspondence Courses Credit by Exam High School Courses Taken at the Junior High Level Local Credit Courses Transfer Credits from Non-Accredited Schools and Home Schools Grade Point Scale Extracurricular Guidelines Student Classification State Assessment Requirements Timeline for College II. Wylie ISD Programs Athletics English as a Second Language (ESOL) Gifted and Talented Special Education State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Pearl Birmingham Scholarship Program Advanced Placement Program Career and Technical Education III. Course Descriptions English Language Arts Math Science Social Studies Fine Arts Languages Other Than English Career and Technical Education Physical Education Innovative Courses and Non-Core, Non-CTE Electives Page 2

3 WYLIE ISD ACADEMIC PLANNING GUIDE FOR 2018 GRADUATES AND BEYOND The Wylie ISD Academic Planning Guide is intended for use by students graduating in 2018 and beyond. The guide represents the school administration's continuing efforts to provide pertinent information regarding high school graduation. The guide has been assembled utilizing Texas Education Agency publications as they apply to the local district. The Wylie ISD course guide lists the courses available to high school students. Every course will not be offered during each academic school year. A class will be offered only when a minimum number of students request the course. Every effort will be made to offer the requested course. Updates to this guide are made each year as courses are added or deleted. The course guide also offers graduation plans and requirements and academic program information. Students must contact the college or university they are interested in attending so that requirements for entrance are met. Requirements in this academic planning guide are effective for students graduating from Wylie High School, Wylie East High School and Choice Academic High School in 2018 and beyond. In the future changes may be made to this guide in order to comply with new state legislation. WISD Mission Statement The Wylie Independent School District, in partnership with parents and the community, will provide all students a world-class academic education which will prepare them to lead successful and productive lives. District s Jurisdiction The Wylie Independent School District has authority and control over its students during the regular school day and while going to and from school on district transportation. This jurisdiction includes any activity during the school day on school grounds, attendance at any school- related activity, regardless of time and location, and any school-related misconduct, regardless of time and location. Non-Discrimination Statement for Wylie ISD The Wylie Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in providing education services. Dr. David Vinson, Superintendent, has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title IX and of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Page 3

4 ACADEMICS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (2018 and beyond) There is one graduation plan approved by the State of Texas and Wylie Independent School District. The State of Texas Foundation High School Program requires a total of 22 credits. Additionally, upon entering grade 9, each student will select one or more endorsement areas for an additional 4 credits. In Wylie ISD, every student is expected to earn 26 credits and graduate on the Foundation High School Program with an endorsement. Note: Admission to a college or university is not based on the graduation but on the requirements for the particular college or university. College or university admission may also be based on grade point average, class rank, scores on college entrance exams, involvement in school and community activities, and/or other criteria deemed relevant by the university admission policy. WYLIE ISD STATE OF TEXAS FOUNDATION HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM For students entering 9th grade in 2014 and thereafter: English Mathematics Science US History World History Government Economics Languages Other Than English Fine Arts Physical Education Electives TOTAL 4 units 3 units 3 units 1 unit 1 unit.5 units.5 units 2 units 1 unit 1 unit 5 units 22 units ENDORSEMENTS Mathematics Science Electives TOTAL 1 unit 1 unit 2 units 4 units Page 4

5 EARLY GRADUATES With credit requirements for graduation, it is rarely possible for a student to graduate in three years. In extenuating circumstances students wishing to graduate early must request permission from the campus administrator and consult with the counselor. Students who graduate early will follow the graduation plan for the year they entered high school but will be ranked with the graduating class. COURSES THAT FULFILL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Fine Arts Courses that satisfy the fine arts credit requirement include: Art Choir Theatre Technical Theatre Band AP Music Theory Dance Students must complete one full credit of the same fine arts class. Mathematics Students must complete Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. In addition, to earn an endorsement, students must complete a 4 th year of math. Science Students must complete Biology and two other science courses. In addition, to earn an endorsement, students must complete a 4 th year of science. Languages Other Than English Courses that satisfy the LOTE credit requirement include: Spanish I, II, III, IV and V French I, II, III, IV and V Computer Science I and II (pending course creation by TEA) Physical Education Courses that satisfy the PE credit requirement include: Athletics Physical education courses Marching band; ½ P.E. credit per year may be earned by completing the fall semester of marching band Drill Team; ½ P.E. credit per year may be earned by completing the fall semester of drill team Cheerleading ROTC Page 5

6 Outdoor Education Dance (may count as PE or Fine Arts credit but not both concurrently) An approved, off-campus P.E. program Only ½ credit of P.E. may be awarded each semester. The State of Texas does not allow more than four credits of P.E. to be awarded. All physical education credits beyond these four credits will receive local credit only. These local credits do not count toward state graduation requirements. AWARDING CREDIT Beginning in the Fall of 2009 for all students: 1. Students will receive credit at the end of each semester for each course regardless if the course is a semester course or a full year course (comprised of two semesters.) For full year courses, the two semester course averages can be averaged together to earn the full credit (1.0) under the following procedures: a. The two semesters are averaged together AND b. The average of the two semester courses is 70% or greater. Sample One: Fall semester - English I (a) grade earned - 67% Spring semester English I (b) grade earned - 75% Student will earn a 1.0 credit for English 1 2. A student may attend summer school immediately following the academic year and re-take a semester of the full year course with permission of the principal and his/her designee. If the semester grade for the summer school class and the corresponding course grade for the semester taken during the school year is 70% when averaged, the student will receive the full credit for both semesters. Sample Two: Fall semester English I (a) grade earned - 67% Spring semester 2010 English I (b) grade earned - 66% Student takes English I (b) in summer school in summer 2010, and earns a 78%. Student will earn a 1.0 credit for English 1. (average of English I (a) grade earned - 67% and English I (b) 78% from summer school for an average of 72.5%) 3. Students who take semester one in a Pre-Advanced Placement or Advanced Placement course and the second semester of the same course in regular setting will earn the credit and the appropriate GPA ranking points, if applicable, per each semester. Sample Three: Fall Semester Pre Advanced Placement Biology I - Advanced grade points earned to correspond with the student s grade Spring Semester Biology I Regular grade points earned to correspond with the student s grade Page 6

7 DISTINGUISHED LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT* Students may earn a distinguished level of achievement by successfully completing the curriculum requirements for the Foundation High School Program and the curriculum requirements for at least one endorsement required by the Texas Education Code (TEC), (b-15), including four credits in science and four credit is mathematics to include Algebra II. *Distinguished level of achievement is necessary to be eligible for the top 10% automatic college admission outlined in TEC PERFORMANCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Students may earn performance acknowledgements on their diploma and transcript for outstanding performance in dual credit courses, in bilingualism and biliteracy, on a College Board Advanced Placement test or International Baccalaureate examination, on the PSAT, the ACT-PLAN, the SAT, the ACT, or for earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certification or license. Please consult your counselor for more information about the required coursework and scores necessary to receive a performance acknowledgement. CLASS RANK AND GRADE POINTS For students entering grade 9 in the fall of 2014 class ranking shall be determined by awarding grade points to all semester grades earned in the thirteen courses used to satisfy the following requirements of the Foundation High School Program: 4 credits in English Language Arts o English I o English II o English III o English IV 2 credits in mathematics (excluding Algebra I) o Geometry o Algebra II (Students electing Career Experiences that allow a substitute for Algebra II will use the substituted course as their second math GPA credit) 3 credits in science (students may take 3 of 4 credits ONLY) o Biology o IPC (Students electing Career Experiences that allow IPC as a substitute for Chemistry or Physics will use the substituted IPC as one of their science GPA credits) o Chemistry o Physics 3 credits in social studies o World History o US History o Government and Economics 1 credit in languages other than English (excluding any Level One credit; students qualifying for a LOTE exemption will use the substituted credits to calculate GPA) Page 7

8 Final class rank will be determined at the end of the third nine-weeks grading period of the senior year. The grade point average shall be rounded to the nearest thousandth. In calculating a students grade point average (GPA) for the purpose of determining class rank and any honor in which class rank is used as a qualifier, courses used in the calculation that are designated at AP, pre-ap, gifted/talented, and dual credit shall receive weighted grade points according to the attached grade point scale. For students entering grade 9 in the fall of 2015 and beyond class ranking shall be determined by awarding grade points to all semester grades earned in the fifteen courses used to satisfy the following requirements of the Foundation High School Program: 4 credits in English Language Arts o English I o English II o English III o English IV 3 credits in mathematics o Algebra I o Geometry o Algebra II (Students electing Career Experiences that allow a substitute for Algebra II will use the substituted course as their second math GPA credit) 3 credits in science (students may take 3 or 4 credits ONLY) o Biology o IPC (Students electing Career Experiences that allow IPC as a substitute for Chemistry or Physics will use the substituted IPC as one of their science GPA credits) o Chemistry o Physics 3 credits in social studies o World History o US History o Government and Economics 2 credits* taken in languages other than English (students qualifying for a LOTE exemption will use the substituted credits to calculate GPA) *The 2 LOTE credits must be a level I course and a level II course of in the same language. In the event that a student earns more than one level I LOTE credit, grade points will only be awarded for the one in which the level II credit is also earned. Any course that is used in the calculation of ranking GPA taken in 8 th grade and above will receive grade points. Courses use in the calculation of ranking GPA taken in 7 th grade or lower will not receive grade points. Final class rank will be determined at the end of the third nine-weeks grading period of the senior year. The grade point average shall be rounded to the nearest thousandth. In calculating a students grade point average (GPA) for the purpose of determining class rank and any honor in which class rank is used as a qualifier, courses used in the calculation that are designated at AP, pre-ap, gifted/talented, and dual credit shall receive weighted grade points Page 8

9 according to the attached grade point scale. Once a student s grade point average has been determined by the above method, the students will be ranked with the student with the highest GPA ranked number 1, the student with the second high GPA ranked number 2, and so forth. In case of a tie after the GPA has been rounded to the nearest ten-thousandth point, a tie will be declared for the particular rank where the tie occurred. The only exception will be in the case of determining Valedictorian and Salutatorian, in which case there cannot be a tie. VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN The valedictorian and salutatorian shall be the eligible students with the highest and second highest ranking as determined by the District s class ranking procedure described above who complete the curriculum requirements for the Foundation High School Program, the curriculum requirements for at least one endorsement, and the curriculum requirements for the distinguished level of achievement. To be eligible, a student must also have been continuously enrolled for the four semesters preceding graduation in the high school from which the student is graduating. Should a tie occur for valedictorian, the student who has taken the most weighted (AP, pre-ap, gifted/talented, dual credit) courses shall be named valedictorian. In the event a tie still exists, the final tiebreaker shall be the highest grade point average of the four semesters preceding the class rank calculation. To qualify to be the valedictorian or salutatorian, a student shall not have engaged in any serious misconduct violation of the Student Code of Conduct, resulting in removal to a DAEP or expulsion during his or her last two semesters. TRANSFER GRADES All transfer grades earned in the courses specified above under the GRADE POINTS AND CLASS RANK heading, taken in grades 8-, shall be accepted for class rankings; however, additional grade weight shall be awarded to grades transferred for only those comparable courses that were offered in the District at the same time the transferring student earned the advanced credit. Transferred letter grades shall be converted to numerical grades and then to grade points before averages are computed in determining class ranking. Transfer letter grades shall be converted to numerical grades according to the following scale: A+ = 98 B+ = 88 C+ = 79 D+ = 74 A = 95 B = 85 C = 77 D = 72 A- = 92 B- = 82 C- = 75 D- = 70 P(pass)=80 F(fail)=60 Page 9

10 BASIC COURSES For purposes of determining class rank, courses that have been modified by a student s ARD committee as to the required Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and reflected in that student s IEP shall be classified and weighted as a Basic Course. Courses for which only methodology has been modified for a student, however, shall be classified according to the regular grade weight system. HONOR GRADUATES Students earning a grade point average of 4.25 or higher, and graduating on the Foundation High School Program, earning at least one endorsement, and satisfying the requirements for Distinguished Level of Achievement, shall be designated as honor graduates. Page 10 COLLEGE COURSES Dual credit courses are offered through an agreement between Collin College and Wylie ISD. Only the courses identified in this agreement will earn both college and high school credit, weighted grade points are awarded for dual credit courses that are used in the calculation of ranking GPA. Students must meet admission requirements for the college in order to complete the dual credit course. Course curriculum materials and resources are solely determined by Collin College. Dual credit course sections must be taken in the correct sequence. Students may not drop AP U. S. History to enroll in college U.S. History at the second semester. Technical Dual Credit courses that may also satisfy a core course credit will not be included in the local weighted GPA. CORRESPONDENCE COURSES With approval of the school counselor or administrator, correspondence course credits may be earned from either Texas Tech University or The University of Texas. Correspondence courses are not recommended for core course completion and are generally only an option in extenuating circumstances. Students must have prior administrative approval before enrolling in a correspondence course. A grade of 70 or higher on an approved correspondence course will earn high school credit and be awarded grade points if it is one of the courses used to calculate GPA. No correspondence course will be awarded weighted grade points. Students will pay the cost of all correspondence courses. CREDIT BY EXAMINATION In certain situations credit by examination may be used to earn credit in an academic course at the secondary level. Prior approval of the campus counselor or administrator is required. Credit by examination shall not be used to gain eligibility for participation in extracurricular activities. The minimum passing standard for a student who has had prior formal instruction in the specific course from an accredited institution is a 70. The minimum passing standard for a student who has not had prior formal instruction is an 80. The principal or his/her designee makes the final determination regarding whether or not a student has received prior instruction from an accredited institution. Exams will be administered four times each year at no cost; additional opportunities for credit by exam shall be paid for by the student and arranged with the counselor. A student may not attempt to earn

11 credit by examination for a specific high school course more than two times. Students must register with the counselor according to the published calendar. The test shall be administered according to procedures and calendar approved by the superintendent or designee. In preparation for graduation, when there is a credit deficit and additional credits are required, the superintendent or designee may allow additional credits to be earned through credit by exam. A grade that meets the requirements (70 with prior instruction; 80 without prior instruction) on a credit by exam will earn high school credit and be awarded grade points if it is one of the courses used to calculate GPA. No credit by exam grade will be awarded weighted grade points. Texas Virtual Schools Network (TxVSN) The Texas Virtual School Network ( is a cooperative network of school districts, schools, and education service centers that provide online distance learning courses to each other, thereby increasing the educational opportunities and scheduling flexibility for Texas students. Wylie ISD offers students the opportunity to take courses through the TxVSN when a student s graduation plan determines: The need for a course not offered on campus and or which a substantially similar course is not available The students needs to manipulate the daily schedule in order to take courses only offered at certain times (band, for example) In order to take classes through the TxVSN, a student must have a completed Graduation Plan that has been reviewed and approved by the student's counselor. A student may take up to three (3) courses each regular school year semester (3 in the fall and 3 in the spring) if the courses are taken during the seven (7) period day. TxVSN courses are NOT self-paced. When students are enrolled in TxVSN through the above criteria, the course cost will be covered by Wylie ISD. Students electing to take courses for any other reason, as those listed above through TxVSN will be required to pay a $50 registration fee as well as cover the cost of the course. The cost of high school courses range from $250-$400. TxVSN courses outside of the school day or in the summer are self-funded. Needs of students with disabilities wishing to take a course through the TxVSN shall be addressed by the student's admission, review, and dismissal committee in a manner consistent with state and federal law, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of Drop Guidelines Courses dropped on or by the allowable drop date receive no grade or credit. Self-funded courses dropped on or by the allowable drop date receive a tuition refund but no application fee is refunded. Page 11 Courses dropped after the allowable drop date receive a grade of F. Self-funded courses dropped after the allowable drop date receive no refund. HIGH SCHOOL COURSES TAKEN AT THE JUNIOR HIGH LEVEL Students may take selected, pre-approved courses at the junior high level to receive high school credit. Any high school course credit that is earned prior to 9 th grade will appear on the high school transcript. Any course that is used in the calculation of ranking GPA taken in 8 th grade and above will

12 receive grade points. Courses use in the calculation of ranking GPA taken in 7 th grade or lower will not receive grade points. Courses taken face-to-face in junior high will qualify for weighted grade points if those courses are designated as Pre-AP. Courses taken online in junior high will not be designated as Pre-AP and thus will not earn weighted grade points. LOCAL CREDIT COURSES Local credit courses are courses approved by the Wylie ISD Board of Trustees for local credit only. These courses do not count toward state graduation requirements, cannot be used to fulfill the minimum number of credits on any graduation plan, will not be used in course calculation for promotion, and will not receive grade points. TRANSFER CREDITS FROM NON-ACCREDITED SCHOOLS OR HOME SCHOOLS Transfer students from non-accredited public, non-accredited private, non-accredited parochial, or home schools have three options to received high school credits. The student may enroll in credit by exam, enroll in an approved correspondence course, or take the course at Wylie High School, Wylie East High School or Choice Academic High School. If the student chooses to take credit by exam to earn course credits, officially documented accredited home school or high school courses will be considered as prior instruction. Wylie High School, Wylie East High School, or Choice Academic High School administrative staff will make the final determinations as to prior instruction. In accordance with the credit by exam procedures outlined above, if the student earns a 70 or higher on the credit by exam and has had prior instruction, the student will be awarded the credit. If the student has had no prior instruction, the student must earn an 80 or higher in order to receive the course credit. Page

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14 GRADE POINT SCALE FOR RANKING GPA GRADE Tier I-AP(pre)/Dual Tier II-Regular Tier III-Basic < No Grade Points No Grade Points 1.0 No Grade Points Page 14

15 EXTRA-CURRICULAR GUIDELINES A student cannot be absent for extra-curricular participation from class in any course more than ten times during the school year and seven times in a semester. A student may participate in extra-curricular activities on or off campus at the beginning of the school year only if the student has earned the cumulative number of credits in state approved courses. The following are minimum requirements: Grade 9 - Promoted from previous grade Grade 10 - Five accumulated credits Grade 11 - Ten accumulated credits Grade - Fifteen accumulated credits of five credits during the previous twelve months All credits must count toward state graduation requirements. At the conclusion of the sixth week of school and at the conclusion of each nine-week grading period, a student must not have recorded a grade lower than 70 in any course. A student with a failing grade is suspended from participation in any extra-curricular activity, starting seven (7) calendar days after the end of the first six weeks or the end of the nine-week grading period in which the failing grade was received. During that suspension period, a student may practice or rehearse with other students for an extra-curricular activity but may not participate in a competition or a performance. Three weeks following each nine-week grading period, grades are checked for all students who failed one or more courses during the preceding nine-weeks. If a student is passing all courses at the end of the three-week period, he/she may regain eligibility seven calendar days after the end of the three-week evaluation period. If the student is still failing one or more courses at the three-week period, he/she remains ineligible. Six weeks following each nine-week grading period grades are again checked for all students who remain ineligible. If a student is passing all courses at the end of the six-week period, he/she may regain eligibility seven calendar days after the end of the six-week evaluation period. If the student is still failing one or more courses at the six-week period, he/she remains ineligible until the end of the nine-week grading period. Students receiving an Incomplete in any course at the end of a nine-week grading period will remain ineligible or become ineligible seven calendar days after the end of the grading period. Once the Incomplete has been officially updated and if the grade is passing, the student will regain immediate eligibility. Students are limited to eight (8) hours per school week of practice per activity outside the school day. (School week is defined as :01am on the first instructional day of a calendar week and ending at the close of instruction on the last instructional day of the calendar week.) Students may participate in no more than one contest or performance per week for each activity. Ineligible students may not transfer projects or activities to an eligible student for the purpose of school related shows, sales, or activities. Extra-curricular Eligibility Course Waiver All Pre-Advanced Placement core courses (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Economics, or Languages other than English) will be considered honors courses for Page 15

16 eligibility purposes. Any student who receives a grade of less than 70 in a regular class or less than a 60 in an Advanced Placement, Concurrent Enrollment, Pre-Advanced Placement core class, or precalculus in ineligible to participate in any UIL or Extra-Curricular activity. STUDENT CLASSIFICATION Students will be classified according to the number of credits earned: Freshmen: 0 to 5.5 credits earned Sophomore: 6.0 to 11.5 credits earned Junior:.0 to 17.5 credits earned Senior: 18.0 or more credits earned STUDENT COURSE LOAD Requirements for course enrollment are: 9th Grade - All students must be on campus seven academic periods per day in addition to the required tutorial period 10th Grade - All students must be on campus seven academic periods per day in addition to the required tutorial period 11th Grade - All students must be on campus at least seven academic periods per day in addition to the required tutorial period th Grade - All students must be on campus at least seven academic periods per day in addition to the required tutorial period STATE ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS STATE OF TEXAS ASSESSMENT OF ACADEMIC READINESS (STAAR) Beginning with students who first enroll in ninth grade in the school year, the State of Texas will replace the TAKS testing requirement with State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness End of Course (STAAR EOC) testing. Five STAAR EOC assessments will be administered: Algebra I Biology English I English II US History Page 16

17 SUGGESTED CAREER/COLLEGE PREPARATION TIMELINE GRADE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 9 Visit high school career/tech facilities to learn about course content. Reevaluate career goals and objectives. Review educational four-year plan. Review college catalogs and publications which give college profiles. Begin college visitations. Take STAAR end-of-course test(s) if necessary for graduation requirement. 10 Review academic plan. Re-evaluate goals and objectives. Confer with parent(s) and high school counselor to decide on courses for the 11th grade. Review high school graduation requirements and make sure you have scheduled time in 11th and th grade to take any requirements lacking for graduation. Take PSAT in October. Review college catalogs and college profiles of colleges in the Career Center you are interested in attending and make sure you are taking the required courses for admission to these. Take STAAR end-of-course test(s) if necessary for graduation requirement. 11 Review educational plan and narrow college choices. Review the high school graduation requirements and make sure you will complete any credits needed for graduation. Confer with parent(s) and high school counselor to decide on courses for your senior year and to discuss plans after graduation. Attend college night and financial aid night. Take PSAT in October (National Merit Qualifying Test). Take SAT and/or ACT in the late spring. Send early decision applications in June and July. Visit colleges in the summer. Take STAAR end-of course test(s) depending on requirements for graduation. Prospective college athletes apply for certification from NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse. Obtain forms from athletic director or coun-selor. Finalize college choices. Meet with your counselor and make sure you are taking any courses lacking for graduation. Attend college night and financial aid night. Take SAT and/or ACT in fall semester. Retake any portions of TAKS Test or STAAR end-of-course test(s) not previously mastered for graduation requirement. Send in college applications and get any recommendation letters you need from counselor. Send in housing applications for college in early fall. Send financial aid applications in January (FAFSA). Apply for local scholarships. Graduate!!! Page 17

18 Wylie ISD Programs Athletics The Wylie ISD offers a wide range of University Interscholastic League competitive sports. Most activities will require that a student tryout for selection to the team. Completion of medical history, physical examination, and parent permission forms is required prior to participation. Students must meet state mandated academic and attendance requirements to be eligible for participation in extracurricular activities. The following sports may be offered at Wylie East High School and/or Wylie High School: Baseball (boys) Basketball (boys and girls) Football (boys) Golf (boys and girls) Softball (girls) Soccer (boys and girls) Wrestling (boys) Track (boys and girls) Cross Country (boys and girls) Tennis (boys and girls) Volleyball (girls) Power-lifting (girls) English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Upon enrollment, each student will complete a home language survey as required by state guidelines. If the information on the home language survey indicates that a language other than English is spoken in the home, or most often spoken by the student, an oral language proficiency assessment will be administered. A Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) will review the results of the assessment and determine if the student meets criteria for classification as a Limited English Proficient (LEP) student. LEP identified students are offered support services through the campus ESL program. Gifted and Talented The high school gifted student is served through the 9th and 10th grade Humanities I and II courses. Only students identified as gifted and talented may enroll in the Humanities courses. During the 11th and th grade year, advanced placement courses, fine arts electives, and the Texas Performance Standards Project course provide challenge and enrichment to students identified as gifted. Special Education Placement in the Special Education program is based on data gathered by the RESULTS team, results of formal assessments, and the development of an Individual Education Program (IEP) by the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee. The student, parent, and representatives from the school staff make up the ARD committee and develop the IEP together. Wylie ISD offers a continuum of Special Education services which includes: inclusion support, direct instruction in core content and self-contained placements. Services are provided in the least Page 18

19 restrictive environment as determined by the students Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) committee and the students Individual Education Program (IEP). PEARL BIRMINGHAM SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The Miss Pearl Birmingham Scholarship Fund was established in 1947 by T. F. Birmingham of Tulsa, Oklahoma, to comply with a request by his sister, Pearl Birmingham, who died in In her will, Pearl Birmingham left 1,000 shares of common stock in the Standard Oil Company of Ohio to support the scholarship fund. Each Wylie ISD high school will award an equal number of scholarships. The annual scholarship awards will be as follows: 3 - $15,000 scholarships at each high school 5 - $2,500 scholarships at each high school NOTE: If the market value of the Pearl Birmingham Scholarship Fund drops below $2 million for the months of April, May, and June, the scholarships will all be reduced 20% for the upcoming year. (i.e., 3 - $,000 and 5 - $2,000 scholarships at each campus) The Wylie ISD Board of Trustees annually reviews the amount of the scholarship fund to determine amounts awarded. The following guidelines will be used in determining a student s eligibility to apply for the scholarship. a. The student must be ranked in the top 10% of his/her class. b. The student must be of good moral character. c. The student must be a graduate of Wylie High School or Wylie East High School. d. The student must have completed four years of high school in a Wylie ISD school. e. The student must take both the ACT and SAT. Scores must be received by March of the senior year. f. The number of students eligible to apply for the scholarships will be limited to the top eight academically ranked students from each high school who meet the guidelines stated in a-e above. The academic ranking which will be used for the Birmingham Scholarship eligibility will be calculated at the end of the third nine weeks prior to the student s graduation. Selection of scholarship winners will be based on the following: a. The student s academic ranking b. The student s SAT and ACT scores c. Submission of an autobiography by the student Page 19

20 d. A personal interview with school superintendents who represent a school district in each of the following counties: Collin, Dallas, and Rockwall. e. Weighted value: GPA 35% Test Scores 35% Autobiography 10% Interview 20% ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES Overview The Advanced Placement Program, administered by The College Board, allows students to participate in college-level courses while in high school and possibly earn college credit while still in high school. Students who complete Advanced Placement courses are expected to take the AP exam in May. Based on the results of the AP exam, colleges and universities may grant college credit to students with satisfactory Advanced Placement test scores. Students and parents must check with the particular college or university to insure that the college accepts advanced placement exams for credits. The AP Courses that are offered each year may vary based on student requests and enrollment. Rigor AP classes are more challenging and stimulating, therefore they take more time and require more work. AP classes require energetic, involved, and motivated students. Pre-AP classes and AP classes receive higher grade points. Pre-AP and AP Courses Pre-AP courses are excellent preparation for enrollment in AP courses. There is a wider range and greater depth of subject matter than that of the regular course and an emphasis placed on higher level and critical thinking skills, on creative, productive thinking, and on independent guided research. Pre-AP and AP classes must be started at the beginning of a full-year course and may not be entered the second semester of a full year course. Exams The advanced placement examinations are structured to measure three areas - depth of knowledge, completeness of thought, and synthesis of ideas. Approximately 00 institutions award credit based on the student s AP examination scores. Exams are graded on a five-point scale with credit usually Page 20

21 given for scores of three (3) or higher. College credit is generally awarded upon a student s enrollment, although some institutions award sophomore standing only after a student has completed satisfactory work on campus. The score requirement and number of college credit hours awarded or placement credit awarded varies among universities and colleges. Drop Policy Through the first three weeks of school students may drop or add a Pre-AP or AP class with teacher and parent acknowledgement. Students are not able to add or drop a Pre-AP or AP class after the first three weeks except with approval from the AP Steering Committee. For more information about requesting an appointment with the AP Steering Committee, please contact the counselor. Pre-AP and AP courses may be not dropped after the first nine weeks ends. Page 21

22 Course Descriptions English Language Arts Course Key Course Name Credit Grade 01000A/B English I 1 9 Prerequisite: Completion of eighth grade English English I is designed for students exhibiting average reading and language arts skills. Reading, vocabulary, writing, speaking, and listening skills are taught through reviewing grammar principles, writing compositions, and analyzing literature. The literature for this course includes poetry, short stories, novels, plays, and nonfiction A/B English I Pre-Advanced Placement Prerequisite: Completion of eighth grade English English I Pre-Advanced Placement is designed for students exhibiting better than average language arts skills in reading, vocabulary, writing, speaking, and listening. The emphasis on literary analysis, analytical writing, and independent study skills will help to prepare the student for taking English II Pre-Advanced Placement. This literary analysis includes studies of poetry, short stories, novels, drama, and nonfiction. Summer reading is required for this course. 0100GA/B English I/Humanities Prerequisite: Identified as gifted and talented This humanities class is designated for the identified gifted and talented students (W. I. N. G. S.) in the 9th grade. Humanities is an interdisciplinary course in which students recognize writing as an art form. Students read widely to understand how various authors craft compositions for specific purposes. Students will use written composition to show an in-depth understanding of creative achievements in the arts and literature, and how these various art forms are a reflection of history. Students receive English I Pre-AP credit. Humanities is a rigorous course of study that covers major historical and cultural movements and their relationship to literature and the other fine arts. All students are expected to participate in classroom discussions and presentations that lead to an understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of critical, creative achievements throughout history. Overall, an engaged learning environment is emphasized. Summer reading is required for this course A/B English II Prerequisite: Completion of English I English II is designed for students exhibiting average reading and language arts skills. Reading, vocabulary, writing, speaking, and reading skills are taught through studying vocabulary, a review of grammar principles, writing compositions, and analyzing literature. The literature for this course includes poetry, short stories, novels, plays, and nonfiction A/B English II Pre-Advanced Placement Prerequisite: Completion of English I English II Pre-Advanced Placement is designed for students exhibiting better than average reading and language arts skills. The emphasis on literary and language analysis, vocabulary, and independent study skills will help to prepare the student for taking English III Advanced Placement. This literary analysis includes studies of poetry, short stories, novels, drama, and nonfiction. Summer reading is required for this course. 0201GA/B English II/Humanities Prerequisite: Identified as gifted and talented, completion of English I This humanities class is designated for the identified gifted and talented students (W. I. N. G. S.) in the 10th grade. Humanities is an interdisciplinary course in which students recognize writing as an art form. Students read widely to understand how various authors craft compositions for specific purposes. Students will use written composition to show an in-depth understanding of creative achievements in the arts and literature, and how these Page 22

23 various art forms are a reflection of history. Students receive an English 2 Pre-AP credit. Humanities is a rigorous course of study that covers major historical and cultural movements and their relationship to literature and the other fine arts. All students are expected to participate in classroom discussions and presentations that lead to an understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of critical, creative achievements throughout history. Overall, an engaged learning environment is emphasized. Summer reading is required for this course A/B English III Prerequisite: Completion of English II English III is designed for students exhibiting average reading and language arts skills. Reading, vocabulary, writing, speaking, and listening skills are taught through studying vocabulary, reviewing grammar principles, writing compositions and analyzing American literature. The American literature for this course includes poetry, short stories, novels, plays, and nonfiction A/B English III Advanced Placement 1 11 A Prerequisite: Completion of English II English III Advanced Placement is designed for students exhibiting above average language arts skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The emphasis on literary and language analysis includes studies of American literature: its poetry, short stories, novels, drama, and nonfiction. This class covers the study of logic, vocabulary, and language and prepares students to take the AP Language and Composition Exam. Upon completion of course, the students will be expected to take this College Board Advanced Placement Exam(s) for college credit. Summer reading is required for this course A/B English III Dual Credit Prerequisite: Pass TSI, pay own fees and tuition, accepted to Collin College Collin College course enrollment: ENGL1301 & ENGL1302 English III Dual Credit is designed for students exhibiting above average reading and language arts skills. ENGL 1301 and 1302 are introductory college writing courses focused on expository and persuasive texts. Students will be required to pay Collin College tuition of approximately $5 per semester. Students must be enrolled in this course for the entire year and will not be allowed to enter at the semester. Students will need to register for ENGL1301 and ENGL1302 at Collin College (6 credit hours) A/B English IV Prerequisite: Completion of English III English IV is a survey of British literature beginning with Beowulf in the Anglo-Saxon Period and concluding with works from twentieth-century British authors. Selected works from the major authors of each time period will be read and discussed, including poetry, novels, short stories, and dramas. Background material concerning each time period and its culture will be presented to aid in the understanding of the literature. Students will write themes based on the literature as well as take both short-answer and essay-type examinations. Writing for this course includes a literary analysis paper with proper documentation and a research paper. Proofreading, revising, and studying vocabulary and sentence structure are included to aid students in being precise and clear in their writing A/B English IV Advanced Placement 1 A Prerequisite: Completion of English III English IV Advanced Placement is designed to give college-level studies to the superior student in English. Students will be expected to explicate literary selections in class and independently. Timed, critical essays will be written, and emphasis will be placed on clear, analytical writing. Course study includes works from American, British, and World Literature. Students must be willing to read critically, not casually, and prepare to initiate class discussions based on personal annotations from outside reading. This course prepares the student to take the AP Literature Advanced Placement exam. Upon completion of the course, the student will be expected to take the College Board Advanced Placement Exam. Summer reading and annotation is required. Page 23

24 04004A/B English IV Dual Credit Collin College course required: ENGL1301 & ENGL1302 (first ENGL dual credit course) OR ENGL2327 & ENGL2328 (after completing ENGL1301 & ENGL1302) Prerequisite: Pass TSI, pay own fees and tuition, accepted to Collin College English IV Dual Credit is designed for the above average reading and language arts student. Writing for this course includes a literary analysis paper with proper documentation and a research paper. Proofreading, revising, and studying vocabulary and sentence structure are included to aid students in being precise and clear in their writing. Students will be required to pay Collin College tuition of approximately $5 per semester. Students must be enrolled in this course for the entire year and will not be allowed to enter at the semester. Students will need to register for ENG1301 and ENG1302 or ENG2322 and ENG2323 at Collin College (6 credit hours) A/B Journalism This is an introductory course designed to explore written forms for a variety of audiences and purposes. Students will learn journalistic traditions, research selected topics, and learn principles of publishing. Journalism is a preparatory course for application to yearbook or newspaper C Photojournalism Students enrolled in Photojournalism communicate in a variety of forms for a variety of audiences and purposes. High school students are expected to plan, interpret, and critique visual representation, carefully examining their product for publication. Students will become analytical consumers of media and technology to enhance their communication skills. High school students will study the laws and ethical considerations that impact photography. Technology, visual, and electronic media are used as tools for learning as students create, clarify, critique, and produce effective visual representations. Students enrolled in this course will refine and enhance their journalistic skills, plan, prepare, and produce photographs for a journalistic publication A/B Advanced Journalism/Newspaper I Prerequisite: Journalism, application, instructor approval This newspaper course is designed to explore all facets of producing a newspaper. Photography, layouts, story writing, proofing, and editing will be studied. Students must be able to participate during after school hours. This course is specifically designed for the dedicated and responsible student A/B Advanced Journalism/Newspaper II Prerequisite: Newspaper I, application, instructor approval This newspaper course is designed to explore all facets of producing a newspaper. Photography, layouts, story writing, proofing, and editing will be studied. Students must be able to participate during after school hours. This course is specifically designed for the dedicated and responsible student A/B Advanced Journalism/Newspaper III Prerequisite: Newspaper II, application, instructor approval This newspaper course is designed to explore all facets of producing a newspaper. Photography, layouts, story writing, proofing, and editing will be studied. Students must be able to participate during after school hours. This course is specifically designed for the dedicated and responsible student A/B Advanced Journalism/Yearbook I Prerequisite: Journalism recommended, application, instructor approval This course is designed to explore all facets of producing a yearbook. Photography, layouts, story writing, proofing, editing, and overall thematic design will be studied. Students must be able to participate during after school hours. Page 24