Aledo High School. Don R. Daniel Ninth Grade Campus Course Description Book

Transcription

1 Aledo High School Don R. Daniel Ninth Grade Campus Course Description Book

2 Table of Contents (Click on page number to jump to that page) GENERAL INFORMATION... 5 STUDENT LOAD... 5 JUNIOR AND SENIOR RELEASE... 6 PRE-ADVANCED/ADVANCED PLACEMENT... 6 WITHDRAWN COURSES... 6 REQUIRED COURSES... 6 ELECTIVE COURSES... 7 DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSES... 7 SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM... 7 ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)... 7 PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES AND P.E. SUBSTITUTIONS... 7 SCHEDULE CHANGES... 8 TRANSFERS STUDENTS TO ALEDO ISD... 8 UIL REQUIREMENTS... 8 STATE TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION... 8 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE)... 9 EXAMINATION FOR ACCELERATION... 9 HONOR SCHOLARS HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND... 9 TEXAS GRANT PROGRAM COLLEGE PREPARATION TIMELINE/CHECKLIST GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ENDORSEMENTS

3 COURSE OFFERINGS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR English Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Studies Language Other Than English (LOTE) Fine Arts - Art Fine Arts - Theatre Fine Arts - Music Computer Science Career Technology Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Technology Architecture and Construction Career Technology Arts, A/V Technology, and Communication Career Technology Business Management & Administration Career Technology Education & Training Career Technology Finance Career Technology Health Science Career Technology Hospitality & Tourism Career Technology Human Services Career Technology Information Technology Career Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security Career Technology Marketing Career Technology STEM Career Technology Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Physical Education/Health/Athletics Miscellaneous

4 Dear Students and Parents: It is a pleasure to present to you the Aledo High School Four-Year Planning Guide for the school year. Aledo High School has structured this guide in order to meet the needs of our students. The curriculum is based on requirements for graduation mandated by the State of Texas and the educational philosophy of Aledo ISD. The courses we are offering have been designed to challenge students intellectually, to engage students in their own learning, and to provide students with the opportunity for concentrated study and personalized education. The primary purpose of this booklet is to serve as a guide for students and parents as they select a program of study. At Aledo High School, we believe planning and course selection should involve the student, the parents, and the staff. Please examine this booklet closely. Careful preparation and thought are needed in this process to ensure that students will have a strong educational foundation that will enable them to meet their future goals. Course offerings are subject to change based on student enrollment and teacher availability. The course book is updated periodically during the school year. Updates are posted on the Aledo High School and Ninth Grade campus websites. Sincerely, The Administration, Faculty and Staff of Aledo High School and Daniel Ninth Grade Campus Aledo High School Dan Peterson, Principal Carolyn Ansley, Assistant Principal Dr. Bill Tommaney, Assistant Principal Tessa Maurer, Assistant Principal Lesley Hamilton, Counselor Stacy Jones, Counselor Annie Walker, Counselor Daniel Ninth Grade Campus Angela Tims, Principal David Durnil, Assistant Principal Carla Turner, Counselor 4

5 GENERAL INFORMATION Aledo High School is a state accredited high school that provides broad academic experiences for all students. Students and parents should read thoroughly the information provided in this guide in order to select the best possible courses according to students needs, abilities, and career plans. REGISTRATION Registration will take place early in the spring semester of each school year. Although students will receive specific instructions during that time from high school personnel, the responsibility for appropriate graduation and career choices rests with students and parents. The counseling staff is available to assist in making decisions related to course selections. The registration of students is one of the most critical functions performed by a school. Based upon registration information, courses are scheduled and teachers are employed for the next year. Therefore, it is important that course selections be given serious consideration. Once pre-registration forms have been submitted, students will be permitted only one change request. After school begins, changes will be made only to correct scheduling errors or to equalize class enrollments. A note about this book: It is the intent of the Course Description Book to provide entering students and their parents with essential information for educational and career planning. This guide is designed to be used to aid the student in preparing for the future. The school and its professional staff are an important support to the student in providing guidance, information, and resources. There are many factors to consider when selecting courses. Students should choose courses based on interest and ability, post-graduation educational plans, and future career goals. The ultimate responsibility for choices and decisions rests with the student and his/her parents. It is the responsibility of the school to assist in providing and interpreting all the appropriate and most recent information available. This information and assistance will enable the student to make the best and wisest decision commensurate with his abilities and interests. Students should read the Course Description Book carefully before making any course selections. School counselors are available to answer any questions concerning the information presented. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from the counseling staff throughout their high school years for help in planning for graduation and beyond. Please feel free to call the Guidance & Counseling Office at Aledo High School at The counselors will be glad to answer your questions. For questions regarding Daniel Ninth Grade Campus, please call Aledo ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs. STUDENT LOAD The required load for students in grade 9 is seven credit-generating courses each semester and for students in grade 10 is seven credit-generating courses each semester. Students in grade 11 are required to take six credit-generating courses and seniors are required to take five credit-generating courses. Local credit courses count as credit-generating courses for the purposes of determining student load. However, local credit courses do not generate credits that count toward graduation. All students must be enrolled a minimum of four hours per day. TEA rules require that all students be enrolled in a minimum of four courses that count toward graduation. 5

6 JUNIOR AND SENIOR RELEASE Students who have earned enough credits to be classified as juniors or seniors and are on track to graduate on time may opt to Arrive Late or take Early Release. Students must leave campus after their last class if they have Early Release. PRE-ADVANCED/ADVANCED PLACEMENT The open enrollment policy for Aledo High School allows any student, who has an interest in a more challenging approach designed to prepare students for college, to enroll in a Pre-AP or AP level course. Students must have successfully completed the proper prerequisite course. Pre-AP courses and AP courses are designed for self-disciplined, highly motivated students. Excellent class attendance and good organizational skills are preferable to predict success. The AP curriculum is outlined by the College Board and reflects the appropriate college-level material required for success on the College Board AP Exams. Opportunities for creative, productive thinking are provided with stress on cognitive concepts and processes. Students must assume responsibility for considerable out-of-class reading/homework assignments and have welldeveloped reading, writing, and/or math skills. Many classes require summer reading on which students are tested when school begins. AP Calculus requires summer mathematics review work prior to the beginning of school in the fall. Advanced level and G/T students are served through Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement classes. Entering and Exiting: Students may change from an advanced class to the regular version AFTER staying in the Pre-AP or AP class for a minimum of two weeks! The process to drop from an advanced class to a regular class will involve a committee process that will include an administrator, a counselor, the teacher of the class the student is wanting to leave, the parent and the student. Students may not go from a regular version to an advanced version after the first three weeks of the school year. Students who move from an advanced class to a regular class may be held responsible for making up all topics covered in the regular class prior to the move if it occurs before the end of the semester. Students not experiencing success in a Pre-AP or AP class will change their schedules at semester to attempt to avoid loss of credit. Pre-AP courses earn a 10% weight of the semester average when calculated into GPA; AP courses earn a 15% weight of the semester average when calculated into GPA. The actual grade appears on the transcript. The weight is figured into the GPA. The following course types are not calculated into GPA: athletics/pe; drill team; cheerleading; credit recovery; credit by examination (with or without prior instruction); local credit courses; courses taken through the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN); distance learning (traditional correspondence courses); and dual credit courses. WITHDRAWN COURSES Students cannot withdraw from a course after the second six weeks of each semester. REQUIRED COURSES These courses are required to fulfill state educational guidelines. A listing of required courses appears on pages of this book. A course may or may not have a prerequisite. A prerequisite is a course that must be taken prior to the course under consideration. 6

7 ELECTIVE COURSES In addition to required state courses, students must choose other courses to complete their schedules. The number of electives varies from year to year. Elective courses or credits may be selected from additional core academic courses or from courses in the other departments. DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSES Aledo High School offers seniors the opportunity to take courses through Weatherford College Distance Education. Students will receive instruction during the school day in college courses via two-way video in the Distance Learning Center or Face-to-Face with Weatherford College instructors. To enroll in these courses, students must meet the state-mandated testing requirements, submit a Weatherford College Early Admission Application, application for admission to Weatherford College, official high school transcript, and pay Weatherford College tuition and fees. Courses offered have included English 1301, English 1302, English 2321, English 2322, Psychology 1301, Speech 1311, Government 2305, and Economics Aledo High School will not grant high school credit to students receiving a grade of D in a Weatherford College course. Announcement of course offerings should be released by May. Due to the complexity of scheduling students into these offerings with Weatherford College and the AHS master schedule, all students that enroll will be expected to utilize the same time slots each semester. For more information, contact the Guidance & Counseling Office at Aledo High School. SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM The special education program provides a comprehensive program for each student between the ages of three and twenty -one who has been identified as a student with a disability. Identified disabilities include vision and hearing impairments, speech impairments, physical, mental, or emotional disabilities, and learning disabilities. Homebound instruction is available for students who have serious medical conditions and are confined to home by a physician for a period of four or more weeks. Specific guidelines and requirements are set by the state to determine a student s eligibility for services. Consideration of a student s need for special education services is initiated by a referral that may be made by the parents, a physician, a community agency, and/or school personnel. An ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) Committee composed of administrators, teachers, parents and others will meet to develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and determine placement. More information may be obtained by contacting the counselor s office. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) All students who enroll in this school district will complete a home language survey. If this survey indicates that a language other than English is spoken in the home or is spoken by the student, the student must be referred to the ESOL teacher for evaluation. Tests will be administered and students who are found to be limited English proficient (LEP) may enroll in ESOL classes. ESOL classes focus on intensive development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. Two terms or credits of ESOL may count as the English I and II credits required for high school graduation. Foreign exchange students are not eligible for ESOL. PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES AND P.E. SUBSTITUTIONS One credit of Physical Education is required for graduation by the State of Texas. Students may satisfy the one credit of P.E. by taking any combination of TEKS-based P.E. courses and/or P.E. substitutions. P.E. substitutions include Athletics, Marching Band (fall only), Color Guard (fall only), Cheerleading (fall only), Drill Team (fall only), and approved Off-Campus P.E. Credit may not be earned for any TEKS-based P.E. course more than once. Only one state credit may be earned through Marching Band and Color Guard, Cheerleading or Drill Team. No more than four credits may be earned through any combination of P.E. courses and allowable substitutions. Band 1, 2, 3, and 4 are Fine Arts Credits. 7

8 SCHEDULE CHANGES A student may add or drop courses WHICH ARE NOT Pre-AP or AP courses during the first four school days of the fall semester. For changes to Pre-AP or AP courses, see section regarding Pre-AP /AP. Spring schedules are delivered to the students before the end of the first semester, and a brief window of 2 days is given for any adjustments before the start of the second term. A student will be permitted one schedule change request. A Schedule Change Request form must be obtained from the Guidance & Counseling Office, completed, and returned to the counselor. All schedule changes require administrative approval. TRANSFERS STUDENTS TO ALEDO ISD Out-of-state or out-of-country transfer students (including foreign exchange students) and transfer students from Texas nonpublic schools are eligible to receive a Texas diploma but shall complete all high school graduation requirements according to Aledo ISD Board Policy in addition to requirements under 19 TAC 74.11, 74.12, or 74.71, as applicable, to satisfy state graduation requirements. Any course credits required for graduation that are not completed prior to enrolling in the District may be satisfied by credit by examination, correspondence courses, or completing the course. Transfer of weighted course credits are covered in Aledo ISD Board Policy EIC (Local). Weighted credits may be transferred in from out-of-state, nonpublic, or other public schools in Texas, however the District shall assign weight to those grades based on the categories and grade weight system used by the District if similar or equivalent courses are offered to the same class of students in the District. Transfer courses will be considered eligible for weighting if they appear in this book. UIL REQUIREMENTS Eligibility for all extracurricular participants after the first six weeks of the school year. A student who receives, at the end of any grading period (after the first six weeks of the school year), a grade below 70 in any academic class (other than an identified AP class), or a student with disabilities who fails to meet the standards in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three school weeks. An ineligible student may practice or rehearse, however. The student regains eligibility when the principal and teachers determine that he or she has: (1) earned a passing grade (70 or above) in all academic classes other than those that are AP, and (2) completed the three school weeks of ineligibility. For more information, consult STATE TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION As a prerequisite to a high school diploma, students in Texas public high schools must demonstrate satisfactory performance on statewide assessments. STUDENTS ENTERING GRADE 9 IN OR AFTER SCHOOL YEAR must meet state requirements on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness End-of-Course (STAAR EOC) exams to be eligible to receive a diploma from a Texas public high school. Current legislation requires that End-of-Course exams be taken in English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, and US History. Performance standards for these exams are set to measure in-depth instruction, broad and deep ideas, and college and career readiness. 8

9 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) Aledo High School is proud to offer a wide variety of Career and Technical Education courses. Many of the CTE courses available have the opportunity to take a certification test at the conclusion of the course that would enable the student to become certified in a related field. Certification could be beneficial in future employment opportunities, prospective college degree plans or both. Such course descriptions state that Certification tests are available at the conclusion of this course. For more information on the Aledo ISD Career and Technical Education program, please click here. EXAMINATION FOR ACCELERATION A student will be permitted to take an examination to earn credit for an academic course for which the student has no prior instruction. AISD will provide Credit by Examination without prior instruction on dates to be determined and released at the beginning of the school year. A student planning to take an examination for acceleration (or the student s parent) must register with the counselor. Scores on these exams are not included in the Grade Point Average used for class ranking. The District may not honor a request by a parent to administer, on some other date, a test purchased by the parent from a State Board-approved university. A score of 80 is necessary to receive credit by exam without prior instruction. HONOR SCHOLARS HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND The Honors Scholars initiative focuses students on education and career planning during middle and high school and prepares them for the transition to life after high school. Students completing the Honors Scholars program are awarded an Honors Scholars medallion to be worn at graduation. To receive recognition as an Honors Scholar, students will be required to: Graduate from high school having completed the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement program OR the Foundation Program requirements plus the curriculum requirements for at least one endorsement, and Complete at least two courses while in high school eligible for college credit. The college course credit requirement is to encourage students to begin post-secondary work while still in high school. Some examples of courses eligible for college credit are: Advanced Placement (AP) courses, CTE courses leading to a postsecondary certification, and dual credit/concurrent enrollment courses. Through a joint effort between the Aledo Independent School District and the Business Development Group of Aledo, students and parents will be given the opportunity to learn more about this program and the steps required to take advantage of its rewards. 9

10 TEXAS GRANT PROGRAM The Texas Legislature established the TEXAS (Toward Excellence, Access, and Success) Grant to make sure that wellprepared high school graduates with financial need could go to college. An eligible Aledo High School graduate is one who: is a Texas resident; has not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving a controlled substance; shows financial need; has an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of no more than $4000; registers for the Selective Service or are exempt from this requirement; completes the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program or Foundation Program; enrolls in a non-profit public college or university in Texas within 16 months of graduation. Students who continue in college and who meet program academic standards can receive awards for up to 150 semester credit hours, until they receive a bachelor s degree, or for five years if enrolled in a 4-year degree plan or six years if enrolled in a 5-year degree plan, whichever occurs first. Applicants apply for the TEXAS Grant when they complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Funding is limited, so applications should be submitted as soon as possible after January 1 of the senior year. The financial aid office at each college and university will determine if TEXAS Grant is part of the aid package that is offered to students. For more information, visit the TEXAS Grant Program web site at collegeforalltexans.com. COLLEGE PREPARATION TIMELINE/CHECKLIST Grade 8 1. Attend the parent high school orientation session with your parent(s). 2. Meet with your counselor or high school advisor to plan course selections for the high school years. 3. Thoroughly read the course selection book and carefully choose courses for high school. Complete a four-year high school academic plan using Family Connection. Freshman Year 1. Re-evaluate goals and objectives that were chosen in the eighth grade. 2. Review your four-year graduation plan. 3. Choose courses that will best prepare you for your future. 4. Utilize Family Connection to gauge your potential career interests. 5. Pursue your interests in extracurricular activities. Promote community service it can make a difference in scholarship consideration later. 6. Consider summer opportunities which can help broaden your horizons: camps, summer study, travel, work, community service. 7. Begin keeping a portfolio that includes report cards, test scores, honors, school activities, community activities, and work experience. 8. You may also want to keep samples of your major school projects, papers, etc. 9. Use Family Connection to search for colleges that match your interests. 10. Study to make your grades reflective of your ability. Remember that all four years of high school are evaluated for college admission. 1 0

11 1. Review and update the four-year graduation plan. 2. Take courses that are challenging. Sophomore Year 3. Review college catalogs and publications which give college profiles. 4. Update your Family Connection profile 5. Take the PSAT in October as practice for the PSAT/NMSQT that juniors take for scholarship consideration. Analyze the PSAT results and establish personal goals in January. 6. Attend the AHS College Fair and talk to college representatives. 7. Continue to review college publications. 8. Ask older friends and family members about their college experiences to help you determine which schools you might explore. 9. Continue to explore college options and good matches for you in Family Connection. Begin to visit colleges in the summer, especially if you are interested in a highly selective college. 10. Begin to review financial resources and possible sources for financial aid. 11. Continue adding to your portfolio. 12. Study to make your grades representative of your abilities. Junior Year 1. Review your graduation plan and narrow college choices. 2. Search for colleges using Family Connection and learn college admission requirements. 3. Confer with parent(s) and the counselor to decide on courses for the senior year and to discuss post-graduation plans. 4. Take challenging courses. 5. Attend the AHS College Fair and talk to college representatives. 6. Attend both AHS Rising Senior Night and Financial Aid Workshop with your parents. 7. Attend Junior Meeting with your counselor to learn all features of Family Connection. 8. Be aware of daily announcements for important scholarship, service, financial aid and test preparation information available to juniors. 9. Take the PSAT in October to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and to practice for the SAT. Apply for any scholarships that your parents employers may provide and any scholarships that are available to junior competition. 10. Continue to research personal career choices using Family Connection. 11. Take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring. 12. Contact admission offices to schedule campus visits in the spring or summer. 13. Send for college information and applications. 14. Continue adding to your portfolio. 10

12 Senior Year 1. Confer with your counselor in early fall about post-graduation plans. 2. Update your information in Family Connection on a regular basis. 3. Check the Counseling Office for information about the college(s) you may be interested in. 4. Attend the AHS College Fair and talk to college representatives. 5. Contact admission offices to schedule campus visits in the fall. Finalize college choices and send letters/applications to the colleges of your choice. 6. Send regular decision applications in the fall semester. 7. Become familiar with for Admission to Texas Public Universities available online. 8. Send in housing applications in early fall, especially to colleges that are highly competitive for dorm space. 9. Apply for any scholarships for which you may qualify. 10. Apply for university scholarships in the fall. 11. Fill out a Transcript Request through Family Connection requesting that your official transcript be sent with college and/or scholarship applications. 12. Take the SAT and/or ACT in September, October or November. 13. Take the assessment instrument (THEA, COMPASS, ASSET or ACCUPLACER) required by the college of your choice no later than spring. Check with your counselor to see if you are exempt. 14. Analyze SAT and ACT test results in December. 15. Send the Financial Aid (FAFSA) applications in late January. 16. Apply for local scholarships in March or April. 17. Be aware of daily announcements for important scholarship, service, financial aid, and college investigation opportunities available to seniors. 18. Stay aware of pertinent college information by referring to the marquee, message boards, AHS website, and scholarship files and reference materials in the Counseling Office. 19. Use your computer to search for the latest college information and scholarships. 20. Continue adding to your portfolio. 21. Take challenging classes and make your grades representative of your ability. The senior year is often considered in scholarship applications and college admission reviews. 22. Complete Graduation Survey in Family Connection prior to graduation. 11

13 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS BEGINNING 9 TH GRADE IN SCHOOL YEAR AND EARLIER These requirements are set forth by the Texas Legislature, State Board of Education, and Aledo ISD. RECOMMENDED 12 DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT Credit Courses Credit Courses 1 English I 1 English I 1 English II 1 English II 1 English III 1 English III 1 English IV 1 English IV 1 Algebra I 1 Algebra I 1 Geometry 1 Geometry 1 Algebra II 1 Algebra II 1 4 th Math course from the following: Math Models 1 4 th Math Course from the following: PAP Precalcu- (must be taken prior to Algebra II), PAP Precalculus, lus, Advanced Quantitative Reasoning, AP Statis- Advance Quantitative Reasoning, AP Statistics, AP tics, AP Computer Science Computer Science 1 Biology 1 Biology 1 Chemistry 1 Chemistry 1 Physics 1 Physics 1 4 th Science course from the following: IPC (must be 1 4 th Science course (after successful completion of taken prior to Chemistry & Physics), Earth & Space Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) from the follow- Science, Astronomy, Anatomy & Physiology, AP ing: Earth & Space Science, Astronomy, Anatomy & Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Environmen- Physiology, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, tal Science AP Environmental Science 1 World Geography 1 World Geography 1 World History 1 World History 1 US History 1 US History 0.5 Government 0.5 Government 0.5 Economics 0.5 Economics 2 required in same language 3 required in same language 1 I Spanish, Latin 1 I Spanish, Latin 1 II Spanish, Latin 1 II Spanish, Latin 1 III Spanish, Latin 1 P.E. or P.E. substitution 1 P.E. or P.E. substitution 0.5 Professional Communications (Speech) 0.5 Professional Communications (Speech) 0.5 Health 0.5 Health 1 Technology 1 Technology 1 Fine Art 1 Fine Art 4 Elective Courses (state-approved) 3 Elective Courses (state-approved) Students must complete 4 of any combination of the following Advanced Measures: AP exam with a score of 3 or higher, a grade of 3.0 or higher on college courses or in career & technology articulated college courses, PSAT scholar award, an Original Research Project. Total 26 Total 26 Students who complete the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program and complete at least two courses while in high school that are eligible for college credit are recognized at Honors Scholars. Students shall enroll in the courses necessary to complete the curriculum requirements for the Recommended High School Program or the Distinguished Achievement High School Program unless the student, the student s parent or other person standing in parental relation to the student, and a school counselor or school administrator agree that the student should be permitted to take courses under the Minimum High School Program.

14 Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) Purpose: The Distinguished Achievement Program recognizes students who demonstrate levels of performance at the college or professional level. Requirements: (1) Complete the requirements of the Recommended Program. (2) Include three credits in foreign language consisting of Level I, Level II, and Level III of the same language. (3) Achieve any combination of four of the following advanced measures. The measures must focus on demonstrated student performance at the college or professional level. Student performance on advanced measures must be assessed through an external review process. Original research/projects may not be used for more than two of the four advanced measures. Original Research/Project that is judged by a panel of professionals in the field that is the focus of the project; or is conducted under the direction of mentor(s) and reported to an appropriate audience; and related to the required curriculum based on essential knowledge and skills. Test Data where a student receives: a score of three or above on a College Board Advanced Placement examination. (Because AP scores are not received by the high school until late July, only AP exams from the junior year may be included in the total number.) a score on the PSAT that qualifies a student for recognition as a commended scholar or higher by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation; as part of the National Hispanic Scholar Program of the College Board; or as part of the National Achievement Scholarship Program for Outstanding Negro Students of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The PSAT score shall count as only one advanced measure regardless of the number of honors received by the student. College Courses a grade of 3.0 (B) or higher in courses that count for college academic credit. a grade of 3.0 (B) or higher in tech-prep articulated college courses within a coherent sequence. Examples of the Distinguished Achievement Program (1) Student completed course requirements and: Four AP exams with grades of 3 or higher (2) Student completed course requirements and: Two AP exams with grades of 3 or higher One college course with a grade of 3.0 or higher National Merit Commended Scholar (3) Student completed course requirements and: Credit in one tech-prep articulated course with a grade of B or higher Three college courses with a grade of 3.0 or higher (4) Student completed course requirements and: National Merit Hispanic Scholar Completion of an approved original research project Two AP exams with grades of 3 or higher 13

15 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS BEGINNING 9 TH GRADE IN SCHOOL YEAR AND LATER These requirements are set forth by the Texas Legislature, State Board of Education, and Aledo ISD. FOUNDATION DISTINGUISHED LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT Credit Courses Credit Courses 1 English I 1 English I 1 English II 1 English II 1 English III 1 English III 1 Advanced English Course 1 Advanced English Course 1 Algebra I 1 Algebra I 1 Geometry 1 Geometry 1 Advanced Mathematics Course 1 Algebra II 1 Advanced Mathematics Course 1 Biology 1 Biology 1 IPC or Advanced Science Course 1 IPC or Advanced Science Course 1 Advanced Science Course 1 Advanced Science Course 1 Advanced Science Course 1 World History 1 World History 1 US History 1 US History 0.5 Government 0.5 Government 0.5 Economics 0.5 Economics 2 required in same language 2 required in same language 1 I Spanish, Latin 1 I Spanish, Latin 1 II Spanish, Latin 1 II Spanish, Latin 1 P.E. or P.E. substitution 1 P.E. or P.E. substitution 0.5 Professional Communications (Speech) 0.5 Professional Communications (Speech) 0.5 Health 0.5 Health 1 Technology or CTE 1 Technology or CTE 1 Fine Art 1 Fine Art 3 Elective Courses (state-approved) 5 Elective Courses (state-approved) Students must also complete the requirements for at least one endorsement to be eligible for the Distinguished Level of Achievement; endorsement options and requirements are included on the following page. To be eligible for automatic admission to colleges and universities in TX under the TOP TEN % rule, students MUST graduate at the Distinguished Level of Achievement. Total 22 Total 26 To earn an endorsement a student must: Complete all curriculum requirements for the Foundation High School Program Earn at least 26 credits Earn a 4th credit in math Earn a 4th credit in science Earn 2 additional elective credits Complete all curriculum requirements for an endorsement 14

16 ENDORSEMENTS Endorsement areas and curriculum requirements: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math): Requires Alg. 2, Chemistry, Physics Also requires: o Elective courses be taken in STEM CTE cluster; OR o 4 courses in Computer Science; OR o 2 math courses beyond Alg. 2; OR o 2 science courses beyond Physics Business & Industry Requires elective courses be taken in either Agriculture, Business Management and Administration, Finance, or Transportation Distribution and Logistics CTE cluster; OR Four English elective credits to include at least 3 credits in Newspaper or Yearbook or Debate Public Services Requires elective courses be taken in either Health Science, Education & Training, Law & Public Safety, or Cosmetology CTE cluster Arts and Humanities Requires students to complete either: o 5 credits in social studies; OR o 4 levels in the same Language Other Than English (LOTE); OR o 2 levels of the same Language Other Than English (LOTE) and 2 levels of another Language Other Than English (LOTE); OR o A coherent sequence of 4 courses in fine arts in one or two fine art categories Multidisciplinary Studies Requires: o 4 credits in each of the Foundation Subjects to include English 4 and Chemistry and/or Physics; OR o 4 AP courses or dual credit courses selected from English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Economics, Languages Other Than English, or Fine Arts; OR o 4 advanced courses that prepare a student to enter the workforce successfully or postsecondary education without remediation from within one endorsement area or multiple endorsement areas 15

17 Arts and Humanities Endorsement Pathways in Aledo ISD Pathways 9th 10th 11th 12th Alternate Pathway Courses Fine Arts Choir Choir I (1) Choir II (1) Choir III (1) Choir IV (1) AP Music Theory (1), OR 2 Credits from this Fine Arts Pathway & 2 credits from another Fine Arts Pathway Band Band I (1) Band II (1) Band III (1) Band IV (1) AP Music Theory (1), Jazz Band (1 ), OR 2 credits from this Fine Arts Pathway & 2 credits from another Fine Arts Pathway Color Guard Color Guard I (1) Color Guard II (1) Color Guard III (1) Color Guard IV (1) AP Music Theory (1), OR 2 Credits from this Fine Arts Pathway & 2 credits from another Fine Arts Pathway Theatre Theatre I (1) Theatre II (1) Theatre III (1) Theatre IV (1) Theatre Production I (1) Theatre Production II (1) Theatre Production III (1) Theatre Production IV (1) Technical Theatre I (1) Technical Theatre II (1) Technical Theatre III (1) Technical Theatre IV (1) Art II Sculpture (1) Art III Sculpture (1) Art IV Sculpture (1) Musical Theatre; 2 credits from this Fine Arts Pathway & 2 credits from another Fine Arts Pathway Visual Arts Art I (1) Art II Drawing (1) Art III Drawing OR Art IV Drawing (1) Advanced Art 1, Art 2, Art and Media Pre-AP Art Drawing III (1) Communications, AP Art 2-D Design Art II Electronic Media / Digital Photography (1) Art III Electronic Media / Digital Photography (1) Art IV Electronic Media / Digital Photography (1) Portfolio, AP Art 3-D Design Portfolio, AP Art Drawing Portfolio, OR 2 credits from this Art II Painting (1) Art III Painting (1) Art IV Painting (1) Fine Arts Pathway & 2 credits from another Fine Arts Pathway LOTE Social Studies Foundation Language I (1) (Spanish I can be taken at the 8th grade level for HS credit) World Geography Pre- AP (1) OR World History (1) Foundation Language II (1) World History (1) OR World History AP (1) OR Human Geography AP (1) World Languages Spanish III OR Pre-AP Spanish III (1) AP Spanish (1) Latin III (1) AP Latin (1) Foundation Language I (1) Social Studies U.S. History or U.S. History AP (1) Foundation Language II (1) Reg. or AP Economics (.5) Reg. or AP Government (.5) World War II Origins (.5) Cold War Origins (.5) 4 Credits of the same language, OR 2 credits from 2 Foundation Languages Hebrew Scriptures (.5) Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament (.5)

18 Business & Industry Endorsement Pathways in Aledo ISD Pathways 9th 10th 11th 12th Alternate Pathway Courses Accounting Finance Veterinary Science Principles of Business Marketing & Finance (.5) Money Matters (.5) Principles of Business Marketing & Finance (.5) Money Matters (.5) Principles of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (1) Business Information Management (BIM) I (1) Banking & Finance Service (.5) & Professional Communications (.5) Agribusiness Management & Marketing (1) Accounting Accounting I (1) Accounting I (1) Accounting II (1)* Accounting II (1)* Professional Communications (.5) Business Law (.5) Business Information Management (BIM) II (1) Banking & Finance Services (.5) Web Technologies (1) Entrepreneurship (1) Business Professional Management Communications (1) (.5) Business Law (.5) Business Information Management (BIM) II (1) Web Technologies (1) Business Management (1) Animal Systems & AG Business Management Veterinary Medical Applications (1)* Practicum of AG, Food, Nat. Resources (1)* Professional Communications (.5) Small Animal (.5) Equine Science (.5) Wildlife, Fisheries & Ecology (.5) AG Business Mgmt Animation Principles of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (1) Principles of Information Technology (.5) Professional Communications (.5) Business Information Management (BIM) I (1) Art 1 (1) Livestock Production (1) or Small Animal (.5) and Equine Science (.5) Animation Digital Inactive Media (1) Agribusiness Management & Marketing (1) Professional Communications (.5) Small Animal (.5) Equine Science (.5) Wildlife, Fisheries & Ecology (.5) Animation (1)* Web Technologies (1)

19 Business & Industry Endorsement Pathways in Aledo ISD Business Management General Business Principles of Business Marketing & Finance (.5) Professional Communications (.5) Principles of Business Marketing & Finance Business Information Management (BIM) I (1) Business Law (.5) and Business Information Management (BIM) II (1) Accounting I (1) Business Management (1)* Business Information Business Law (.5) Web Technologies (1) Business Management (1) Entrepreneurship (1) Banking & Finance (.5) Money Matters (.5) Web Technologies (1) Business Management (1) Debate Debate I (1) Debate II (1) Oral Interpretation (1) Debate III (1) Professional Communications (.5) Creative Writing (1) Newspaper Journalism (1) Newspaper I (1) Newspaper II (1) Newspaper III (1) Professional Communications (.5) Creative Writing (1) Yearbook Journalism (1) Yearbook I (1) Yearbook II (1) Yearbook III (1) Professional Communications (.5) Creative Writing (1) Manufacturing Engineering Welding Professional Communications (.5) Principles of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (1) Agricultural Facilities Design & Fabrication (1) Agricultural Mechanics & Metal Technologies (1) Business Communications Manufacturing Welding (1) Welding (1) Manufacturing Engineering (2)* Advanced Welding* (2) Power Structure Technical Systems Agricultural Mechanics & Metal Technologies (1) PATHWAY IS NEW! Principles of Agriculture, Food & Nat. Resources (1) Power Systems (Tools & Hydraulics) Principles of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (1) Agriculture Mechanics & Metal Technologies (1) Agricultural Power Systems (1) Practicum of AG, Food, Nat. Resources (1)* Professional Communications (.5) PATHWAY IS NEW! Transportation Distribution & Logistics Automotive Technology (must attend classes at Weatherford High school) Automotive WISD (2) Automotive WISD (2)* Small Engine (2) Ag Power Systems (1)

20 Public Services Endorsement Pathways in Aledo ISD Pathways 9th 10th 11th 12th Pathway Alternate Courses Cosmetology (must travel to Weatherford High School for class) Child Guidance Education & Training Law & Public Safety, Corrections, & Security Health Science Fire Science Principles of Human Services (.5) Principles of Human Services (.5) Professional Communications (.5) Principles of Education & Training (.5) Prof. Communications (.5) Principles of Law & Public Safety (.5) Professional Communications (.5) Principles of Health Science (1) Principles of Health Science (1) Child Development (.5) & Interpersonal Studies (.5) Child Development (.5) or Counseling & Mental Health (1) Medical Terminology (.5) Medical Terminology (.5) and Principles of Law and Public Safety (.5) Human Services Cosmetology I WHS Instructional Practices in Education & Training (1) Law 1 (1) Health Science (1) Clinical Rotations Fire Science Dual Credit Classes - Weatherford College (2)* Cosmetology II WHS Child Guidance (2)* (can be taken in 11th or 12th grade) Practicum of Education & Training (2)* Law 2 - Police Officer (2) * or Court Systems - Attorney (2)* Practicum of Health Science (2) (Options may include Certified Nursing Assistant or Pharmacy Technician) Fire Science Dual Credit Classes - Weatherford College (2)* Interpersonal Relationships (.5) Money Matters (.5) Business Law (1) Business Information Management (BIM) (1) Accounting (1) Business Management (1) Entrepreneurs hi p (1) Family & Community Services (.5) Money Matters (.5) Entrepreneurship (1) Counseling & Mental Health (1) Family & Community Services (.5) Interpersonal Studies (.5) NEW Pathway! Forensic Science (1) -can be taken as a 4th year science NEW Pathway! Anatomy & Physiology (1) -can be taken as 4th year science NEW Pathway! Anatomy & Physiology or Forensic Science (1) -can be taken as 4th year science NEW Pathway!

21 MultiDisciplinary Endorsement Pathways in Aledo ISD Pathways 9th 10th 11th 12th Possible Pathway Courses Available AP Exams 4 Advanced Courses - one course from each endorsement (4) Multi-Disciplinary Accounting II, Veterinary Medical Applications, Animation, Business Management, Business Law, Debate III, Newspaper III, Yearbook III, Manufacturing Engineering, Advanced Welding, Agricultural Power Systems, Automotive II, Cosmetology II, Child Guidance II, Practicum in Education & Training, Law 2, Court Systems, Practicum in Health Science, Any Fine Art Level IV, AP Spanish IV, AP Spanish V, AP Latin IV, Robotics and Automation, Practicum in STEM, Computer Science Independent Study 4 Credits in Dual Credit or AP courses (selected from Core, LOTE, or Fine Arts) (4) 4 Credits in each Core to include English IV, Chemistry and/or Physics (4) Dual Credit English III, Dual Credit English IV, Dual Credit Psycholgy, Dual Credit Speech, Dual Credit Government, Dual Credit Economics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics I, AP Physics II, AP Environmental Science, AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP Human Geography, AP World History, AP US History, AP Government, AP Economics, AP Spanish IV, AP Latin IV, AP Art Drawing Portfolio, AP Art 2-D Design Portfolio, AP Art 3-D Design Portfolio AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics I, AP Physics II, AP Environmental Science, AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP Human Geography, AP World History, AP US History, AP Government, AP Economics, AP Spanish IV, AP Latin IV, AP Art Drawing Portfolio, AP Art 2-D Design Portfolio, AP Art 3-D Design Portfolio

22 STEM Endorsement Pathways in Aledo ISD Pathways 9th 10th 11th 12th Endorsement Electives Science Biology (1) Chemistry (1) Physics (1) Plus 2 additional Science courses (2) Engineering Concepts of Engineering (.5) Engineering Design & Presentation (1) Science Engineering Robotics and Automation (1) Practicum in STEM* (1) Science Course Options: AP Biology (1) AP Chemistry (1) AP Physics I (1) AP Physics II (1) Principles of Architecture (.5) Math Algebra I (1) Geometry (1) Algebra II (1) Plus 2 Math Credits for which Algebra II is a pre-requisite (2) Computer Science Computer Science PAP (1) Computer Science PAP (1) Math Computer Science Computer Science AP* (1) Plus + Robotics (1) Independent Study Computer Science PAP (1) NEW PATHWAY! Math Course Options: Advanced Quantitative Reasoning (AQR) (1) Pre-AP Pre-Calculus (1) AP Calculus (1) AP Statistics (1) Advanced Math Classes Web Technologies- (HTML coding)

23 COURSE OFFERINGS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR If a course is not required for graduation or does not meet minimum enrollment requirements, the course may be cancelled. Therefore, alternate courses must be listed on the Course Selection form. If you are failing or have failed a required class, the class must be repeated or taken in summer school. In many cases, you cannot advance to the next level until the current level is passed. (For example, Geometry cannot be taken until all of Algebra 1 is completed.) If you are failing or have failed a required class, the class must be repeated or taken in summer school. A student may add or drop courses during the first four school days of the fall semester, and first two school days of the spring semester. Only one request per student will be honored. Students wishing to drop Pre-AP or AP courses must stay in the upper-level course for a minimum of two weeks prior to being considered for dropping to a lower level. Moving out of a Pre-AP or AP level course will require the student and parent to participate in a committee meeting that will include an administrator, counselor, teacher (of the class they are trying to drop), parent and student. GT identified students must take either a Pre-AP or AP course, be furloughed, or exited from the GT Program. While the Aledo faculty and staff monitor the continuous progress of students and make numerous checks of credits, the ultimate responsibility of meeting graduation requirements rests with individual students. Students should plan carefully in the selection of courses to assure appropriate and sufficient credits. Course No. Course Title Grade Level Credits Page # English Language Arts (Business and Industry endorsement) 3000 English I Pre-AP English I English II Pre-AP English II English III AP English Language & Composition Dual Credit English 3 Weatherford College ENGL 1301/ English IV AP English Literature & Composition Dual Credit English 4 Weatherford College ENGL 2321/ ELA Bridge (fall) administrative assignment only ½ local ELA Bridge (spring) administrative assignment only ½ local Professional Communications (AISD required speech course) 9-12 ½ Dual Credit Speech Weatherford College SPCH ½ 35 22

24 Course No. Course Title Grade Level Credits Page # 9924 Reading 1 (approved placement) 9-12 ½ per semester Reading 2 (approved placement) 9-12 ½ per semester Reading 3 (approved placement) ½ per semester Journalism I 9-12 ½ Newspaper I 9-12 ½ to Newspaper II ½ to Newspaper III ½ to Yearbook Yearbook Yearbook Debate I Debate II ESOL I (approved placement) ESOL II (approved placement) Math (STEM endorsement) 1002 Algebra I Geometry Pre-AP Geometry Math Models Statistics (non-ap) Algebra II Pre-AP Algebra II Advanced Quantitative Reasoning (AQR) Precalculus PAP Precalculus AP Calculus AB AP Statistics Math Bridge (fall) administrative assignment only ½ local Math Bridge (spring) administrative assignment only ½ local 40 23