Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics Academic Course Catalog

Transcription

1 Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics Academic Course Catalog

2 Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics Dear Students and Parents, This course catalog for the school year at Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics (ACAA) is a tool to assist you in making the best course choices you can as you complete your years at this school. We want every student to be prepared for the future and that starts by making choices regarding the classes to pursue a post-secondary education. As you put together your class schedule, you are also building the foundation for your success in post-high school training and career opportunities. We encourage every student to map out their educational career with their teachers, administrators, and/or parents. Remember, some academic courses require recommendation (i.e. AP courses) and higher level performing arts electives require an audition (i.e. dance, voice). In closing, the faculty and staff at ACAA are here to support and guide the success of every student. Your involvement in this process is important. Plan and select courses wisely, taking advantage of the expertise of our teachers, in order to make your years at this school rewarding, meaningful and fulfilling. Sincerely, Mr. Christopher Lalley Director/ Elementary Principal Mrs. Holly Foged Secondary Principal Ms. Jelenann Salyers Assistant Principal (K- 12)

3 Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics Educational Philosophy Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics (ACAA) is dedicated to providing students who demonstrate desire, interest, and talent in the arts with the choice to pursue a rigorous and innovative curriculum fostering a balance between fine arts and a dynamic academic program of student centered instruction in a college preparatory setting. The objectives for the educational program include the following vision for each student: shared responsibility of students, parents, school, and community. abilities and learning styles unique to them, and all children can succeed. the best curriculum is a comprehensive curriculum that addresses not only the core courses, but also career and aesthetic needs. technology supports instruction and enhances the educational program. safe, positive environment supports learning. hold students to high standards of achievement and academics, behavior, and attendance if we provide support to help the endeavor. Academic Counseling Academic counseling is available to all students. For academic counseling or class scheduling needs make an appointment at the front office before or after school, during lunch, or passing periods. Course Selection Each year, students meet with their assigned mentor teacher and administrator to choose courses for the following academic year. Course registration forms are sent home each spring to ensure support from parents and for accuracy. The master schedule is created based on student selection of courses. After creation of master schedule, schedules will be produced and may be picked up during Gnome Days. Grade Level/Graduation Planner We encourage all students to reach well beyond the minimum grade level and/or graduation requirements and to make the most of the educational opportunities which ACAA provides. Students, along with their assigned mentor teacher and administrator, begin the discussion of the Arizona Education & Career Action Plan (ECAP) in their Advisory. Students are required to enroll in the Arizona Computer Information Systems (AZCIS) with their parents each year before course selection begins so the long-term curriculum goals are planned and achieved as the student s progress through their school years.

4 Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics AZCIS Junior AZCIS Junior supports reading, writing, decision-making, and critical thinking skills while developing self-awareness, career exploration, research, and planning skills. The reading requirement for this product is fifth-grade level, making it appropriate for special populations. AZCIS High School AZCIS High School provides comprehensive career information for students developing and updating educational plans. Using AZCIS in high school supports lifelong career planning and promotes career self-reliance. AZCIS includes tools that encourage self-assessment, exploration, research, goal setting, and decision-making. Arizona Education & Career Action Plan (ECAP) An ECAP (Education and Career Action Plan) reflects a student s current plan of coursework, career aspirations, and extended learning opportunities in order to develop the student s individual academic and career goals. Mandated by the state of Arizona R ECAP shall at a minimum allow students to enter, track and update the following information using AZCIS: Academic Goals that include identifying and planning the coursework necessary to achieve the high school graduation requirements and pursue postsecondary education and career options; analyzing assessment results to determine progress and identify needs for intervention and advisement; and documenting academic achievement. Career Goals that include identifying career plans, options, interests and skills; exploring entry level opportunities; and evaluating educational requirements. Postsecondary Education Goals that include identifying progress toward meeting admission requirements, completing application forms and creating financial assistance plans. Extracurricular Activity Goals that include documenting participation in clubs, organizations, athletics, fine arts, community service, recreational activities, volunteer activities, work-related activities, leadership opportunities, and other activities. Military Service A career in the Armed Services can be fulfilling and rewarding experience. Site administrators are able to advise students on military careers, military recruiters are also available to help students make decisions, write contracts, determine eligibility, and guarantee job training. Community College Systems Community colleges, sometimes junior colleges, offer two-year programs that lead to an Associate of Arts degree and/or a Certification. In the state of Arizona, the state universities have a program that allows the student to transfer their credits to a four-year university. College/University Preparation Minimum graduation requirements do not necessarily prepare students for college. Site administrators provide information on specific college requirements and recommend that the

5 Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics parent or student contact the admissions office of the school of the student s choice. Refer to the graduation requirements that prepare a student to attend a four-year university. College Readiness Assessments All ACAA students will take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) at no cost (pending final budget allocations) during the sophomore and junior year to provide data that will assist in determining the student s potential success. Taking the PSAT also prepares the student for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and/ or American College Test (ACT). The PSAT taken as a junior is used to identify National Merit Scholarships Semi-finalists. Students planning on attending college may prepare for the ACT entrance exam by taking the PLAN test during his/her sophomore year. The final stage of pre-college testing involves taking the SAT and/or ACT in the spring of the student s junior year, as most four-year colleges/universities require either test for admission. In addition, some colleges/universities require a minimum score on the SAT and/or ACT to determine placement in freshmen English and math courses. Finally, some universities determine scholarship eligibility on SAT and/or ACT results. School Day Schedule The school day at ACAA Elementary School extends from 8:05 AM 3:50 PM and ACAA Middle/High School extends from 8:00 AM to 3:56 PM. Students are expected to be in attendance during these hours. In grades kindergarten through third students are self-contained with one academic teacher with an option of electives. In grades four through five students are placed in a semi-block schedule (math & science, language arts & social studies) with an option of two electives. In grades six through twelve there are seven 56 minute periods in each school day with an option of two or more electives. Alternate schedules are followed periodically throughout the school year to allow various activities and meetings. Student Course Load Every student must be enrolled in the following each semester: Kindergarten all day (half day optional) Grades one through eight all day Grades nine through twelve all day; seniors at least a minimum of four credit hours; as long as the graduation requirements will be met. Course Availability All courses listed in this course catalog require a sufficient number of student requests to run in a given year. If there is not sufficient interest in a particular course, it will not be provided during the upcoming school year. Electives courses are assigned in order of sequence received. Once electives have reached capacity, students will be placed in the next ranking order elective.

6 Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics Graduation/Promotion Requirements Elementary (K-5) Promotion The new Arizona law (A.R.S ) requires that all K-3 parents be made aware of the potential for retention at third grade, the first class to be impacted by this change are the kindergarten students who will be in third grade during the school year It remains critically important that all of Arizona s young students are reading proficiently by the end of third grade. Academic success in the ensuing grades demands it. Informing parents of our commitment to this task is the first step in engaging them in the important process of teaching their child to read. In addition, students in other grades potentially may be retained. The following factors qualify your child for retention: Below grade level in math and reading Low Benchmark and/or AIMS scores Failing grades Teacher recommendation support with documentation All students below grade level in both Math and Reading will not be promoted to the next grade level. Arizona Instrument to Measurement Standards (AIMS) Requirement The Arizona Instrument to Measurement Standards (AIMS) is required for promotion in grades 3 and 8 and high school graduation. By law, all students sit for this exam during grades 3 through 8, and their Sophomore year. Middle School (7-8) Promotion Course Requirements Minimum Credits 7 th Grade Minimum Credits 8 th Grade Promotion to 9 th Grade Credit Requirements Language Arts Mathematics Lab Sciences Social Studies Advisory Electives Total Credits Students must earn a minimum of 6.0 credits (4 of the 6 credits must include 1 credit of each of the following: math, science, social studies, and English) by the end of their 7 h grade year. A seventh grade student not meeting the credit requirements may be retained in the seventh grade for the following school year. A retained seventh grade student may not be placed in 8 th grade mid-year. Students must earn a minimum of 12 credits (8 of the 12 credits must include 2 credits of each of the following: math, science, social studies, and English) by the end of their 8 th grade year to receive a Completion Certificate. An eighth grade student not meeting criteria for the completion certificate may be retained in the eighth grade for the following school year. A retained eight grade student may not be placed in 9 th grade mid-year.

7 Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics High School Graduation **The following table is for students with graduating cohort year of 2013 & beyond** Course Requirements Minimum AZ State ASU Entry* Requirements ACAA General Diploma ACAA Conservatory Arts Major Language Arts Mathematics Lab Sciences Social Studies Foreign Language Electives Total Credits Course Retake Practice All courses attempted and completed will be on the students' transcript. Students who retake a course due to failure can have the course excluded from GPA but not from transcript. Students may retake a class that they passed to receive a higher grade but they will not receive credit for the class toward their graduation requirements. Students wishing to retake a course in the summer at a different school need to consult with their appropriate site administrator prior to registering to begin the approval process. Credit Retrieval (Middle and High School Students only) Credit retrieval is defined as having to make-up credits from failing a class. It is at the administration discretion to enroll a student in the appropriate classes to maintain their on-time graduation requirements. Students who do not pass a class are required to make up the credit(s) by replacing an arts class with an online class during the school year. If a student is placed in 3 or more online classes with Sequoia Choice, they will automatically be withdrawn from ACAA and the parent is required to enroll their child full-time with Sequoia Choice. External Credits All external credits must come from standard-based programs approved by the site administrator (e.g. summer school at another school, online schools, college, or university). Upon completion of the course, the student will produce an official transcript mailed directly from the program to the registrar s office at ACAA. Early Graduation Students desiring to graduate early should meet with their appropriate site administrator to determine eligibility. Once it is determined that the student can meet graduation requirements earlier that the scheduled semester of graduation, the student, with parent approval, must complete an Intent to Graduate Early form.

8 Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics Concurrent Credits Students may earn credits beyond the regular school day by enrolling in any approved Arizona standard-based program (i.e. summer school, online school). No credit will be granted without prior approval. Students may not enroll to take a class outside of school if the class is offered and scheduling will allow the student to take the course during the school day. See your appropriate site administrator for prior approval for the following credit options: Community Service Credit: A maximum of one credit may be earned for students that complete 120 hours of volunteer service with an approved community agency. One-half credit may be earned for 60 hours of service; court mandated hours do not count for Community Service credit. Distant Learning Courses: Credits may be earned for courses completed by mail or online from approved institutions. Fees (at the cost of the student) vary from $100 to $200 per half credit plus books. Student must conform to the procedures set by the credit granting institutions. Credit by Exam: Students may earn credit by earning a score of 85% or better on an examination for a course they have not taken previously or are not enrolled in currently. A fee of $50 is required for a semester credit (.5), and the exam must be taken within 1 month of application. Seniors must complete exams by the end of third quarter. Dual Credit: High school credit can be earned for approved college or university courses (at the cost of the student) not offered at the student s school of enrollment. College/University credits are converted to high school credits using the following: A three credit college/university course equals one-half unit of high school credit (.5). A four credit college/university course equals.67 of high school credit. A five credit college/university course equals.83 of high school credit. Educational Travel Credit: A maximum of one credit may be granted who keep a journal while traveling for 42 consecutive days or half-credit for 21 consecutive days. Students must submit their completed journals for evaluation to determine credit and supply travel documentation. Performing Arts Credit: A maximum of one credit may be granted to students participating in a performing arts program not offered at ACAA. Credit granting is monitored by the site administrator. Specific application form must be submitted along with a $50 fee. Work Study Credit: A maximum of one credit may be earned for students that complete 400 hours of Work Study with an approved workplace agency. One-half credit may be earned for 200 hours of Work Study. Level Placement Level placement is used in English and mathematics. The underlying goals and purposes are provided below. Students are assigned to the levels based on a combination of the following criteria: Benchmark examinations and AIMS Past academic performance Teacher recommendations Student interest

9 Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics The Principal considers each of these factors prior to determining a student s placement in a particular level or course. College Prep Courses provide students with the traditional college preparatory program. These courses are designed to prepare the student for entrance into college and for academic success in the college classroom. Students have the opportunity to pursue English, mathematics, science, social studies, and foreign languages (7-12 only). Honors Courses enable students to prepare for and pursue college-level studies while still in high school. Students who complete honor level courses will assist them in being placed in Advanced Placement courses in their Junior and Senior years. Advanced Placement Students have the opportunity to complete Advanced Placement (AP) courses in selective subject areas. The content of these college level courses is determined by the College Board (collegeboard.org). Students who score well on the exams may be awarded college credit in most of the nation s colleges and universities. In assessing a student s application, many colleges also look favorably upon courses designated as AP since these courses represent more rigorous content than the standard high school curriculum. Students are encouraged to investigate the AP policy of the college of their choice. In preparation for some AP courses at ACAA, students must complete summer work. Summer assignments are available in late spring. Schedule Changes Each year, a new master schedule is created to accommodate students course selections. Students may modify their course requests at designated times during the summer months. At times, students may modify their course requests in the fall and spring to fulfill graduation/promotions requirements. All schedule changes are at the discretion of the site administrators. Students receive a copy of their final schedule in July of each school year. Upon receipt of the final schedule, students have a designated time period before school begins to make modifications to their schedule. Once the semester has begun, schedule change requests must adhere to the following guidelines: Adding a Course Students may add a course within the first eight days of the semester if space is available in the course. Students must consult with the teacher regarding make-up requirements for any missed content. Dropping a Course Students may withdraw from a course the first eight days of the semester if space is available in the course. Please note that in a full-year course students will only have the first eight days of the second semester to drop. Students who drop a class after this time will receive a grade of Withdraw Fail (WF) and have a failing grade included in their grade point average.

10 Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics Level Changes On occasion, students may need to change the level of the class in which they are enrolled. In order to do so, students must: Initiate a level change discussion with their teacher Demonstrate that they have completed all assignments and sought additional help from the teacher. Request their teacher complete the schedule change request form After the teacher contacts the student, the request will be forward to the appropriate site administrator for approval. Students must remain in class until the class change is approved by the appropriate site administrator and student has received notification of the schedule change. Grading and Ranking Mark Meaning % Equivalent Standard GPA Honors/AP GPA A Excellent % B Good 80-89% C Average 70-79% D Below-Average 65-69% F Fail 64% and below 0 0 I Incomplete Make up work NA NA WF Withdraw Fail NA NA NA WP Withdraw Pass NA NA NA Grading Periods Each semester is divided into eight grading periods of approximately four weeks each. At the end of each grading period, students will be assigned a grade reflecting achievement solely for that grading period. The grade earned for the semester grading period does not carry over into the next. Parents may view student progress at any time by accessing PowerSchool and using the log in and password assigned by ACAA. Parents are responsible for accessing their student s progress on-line prior to requesting a parentteacher conference. Progress reports are issued and mailed to parents half-way through each quarter to allow all parties to monitor progress. Report cards are issued and mailed to parents at the end of each quarter. The quarters are broken into 2 semesters: Quarter 1 + Quarter 2 = Semester 1 Quarter 3 + Quarter 4 = Semester 2 Transcripts

11 Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics Semester grades are the only grades posted to the transcripts. Students may request transcripts by contacting the registrar in the front office. AIMS scores are included on the transcripts and college admission test scores are included as long as the school has received the appropriate scores in a timely manner. Diplomas Diplomas will be issued to all students who qualify during or after, but not before, the regular commencement exercises as scheduled by ACAA. Class Rank Class rank is determined at the end of each school year by cohort. Class rank is determined by a calculation of student cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). Standard GPA In order to determine a student's rank in class, GPA is used: each A = 4 points, each B = 3 points, each C = 2 points, each D = 1 point, and each F = 0 points. The points are totaled and then divided by the number of credits attempted. The GPA is a cumulative total. Honors/AP Grade Point Average In order to determine a student's rank in class, a GPA is used: each A = 5 points, each B = 4 points, each C = 3 points, each D = 2 points, and each F = 0 points. The points are totaled and then divided by the number of credits attempted. The GPA is a cumulative total. Head of Class Valedictorian status is awarded to the high school student(s) earning the highest GPA in the graduating class. Salutatorian status is awarded to the high school student(s) earning the second highest GPA in the class. Candidates for the valedictorian/salutatorian designations will be determined upon completion of all high school credit course work through the eighth semester. In addition, to qualify for ACAA valedictorian/salutatorian, the student must be enrolled with ACAA consecutively semester 5-8. This ranking will be based on any and all completed high school credit granting courses. Head of the class is awarded to the eighth grade student(s) earning the highest GPA in the graduation class. Transfer Students The records of transfer students will be evaluated individually with each course grade being assigned the weight of its closest counterpart in the ACAA curriculum. The Principal will make the final determination in the evaluation of the records of the transfer student. Middle and high school students must enroll within the first ten days of each quarter to receive credit. Records will be evaluated to determine the continuous flow of credits (i.e. students enrolled in English 1-2 converts to English 9). Homework Policy/Make-up Exam Policy

12 Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics Homework is an essential part of the curriculum. Some courses, mathematics for example, may require daily assignments to be worked on outside the allotted class time. No credit will be given on make-up work to any student who has an unexcused absence (refer to description of unexcused absences in the attendance policy section). For an excused absence students are given full make up privileges. Student will have the amount of time absent to make up the work. Any make-up assignments not due to an absence are at the teacher s discretion. No make-up work will be accepted after the last day of each quarter. Students that choose not to complete their homework assignments can be be required to attend an intervention session at the teacher s discretion to make up assignments not turned in. Students are required to make-up exams by the end of the appropriate grading period. When students are absent, please follow these suggestions: Review assignment sheet, if available Review class website, if available teacher Arrange a study buddy in each class Attend Friday tutoring session Make arrangements to make-up work and/or exams Academic Recognition Through hard work and perseverance, a student may be recognized for one or more of the following rewards based on the criteria stated: Principal's Honor Roll GPA Principal s Merit Roll GPA National Junior Honor Society (Grades 6-9)/ National Honor Society (Grades 10-12) The National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are the nation's premier organizations established to recognize outstanding high school and middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NHS and NJHS serve to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character (and Citizenship for NJHS). These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since their beginnings in 1921 and STARS Program (Grades 3-8 only) Students Taking an Active Role in their Success (STARS) is a program established to foster improved academic performance for students: Students come to class with all necessary school materials: notebook, paper, pen or pencil, agenda, binder, and any additional materials explained by the teacher. Students bring completed homework to class. Students write assignments in their daily agenda. Students are on time to class each day. Students have parents sign their agenda on Thursday (after school). Teachers will check for parent signature on Monday.

13 Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics Academic Success Expectations Students will achieve a passing grade for each quarter. Academic Intervention Program Students that do not meet the academic success expectations will be placed in an academic intervention program (AIP). Students placed on AIP will be assisted to improve their grades by being placed on an academic contract. This contract will guide the student's needs to create goals to improve academic success. This contract will help students take responsibility for their past choices and learn better self-management skills for future success. ACAA reserves the right to coincide with any other school's disciplinary actions, such as long term suspension or expulsion. AIP will be automatically assigned for those incoming students, who have behavioral or academic issues from their previous schools. Students will be placed on AIP should they receive a failing grade in one or more core subject area on consecutive progress reports. Friday Intervention Program The Friday Intervention program is available for all students needing extra support in the appropriate content area. Students placed in an AIP are required to participate in the Friday Intervention program. Students must attend all classes regardless of maintaining passing grades. Many times students that are failing one class put forth effort in the appropriate class and other classes suffer. The AIP is established to allow the student to demonstrate consistency in all classes. Students that are required and/or want to attend the Friday Intervention program must attend and follow the schedule below: Middle School 6th Grade 7 th Grade 8 th Grade 8:00 8:35 Math Math Science 8:40 9:15 Social Studies Social Studies English 9:20 9:55 Intervention/Title 1 Intervention/Title 1/Career Exp/ Computers Math 10:00 10:35 Science English Health/Title 1 10:40 11:15 English Science Social Studies 11:20 12:00 Arts Arts Arts

14 Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics High School 8:00 8:45 U.S. History/ World History Biology Algebra II & Applied Algebra II Business Explorations I & II 8:50-9:35 Env. Science Geometry French Online Lab/ Pre-Calculus (Pre- Calc by appt. only) 9:40-10:25 Algebra I English 10 AP Government Chemistry 10:30-11:15 Spanish I & II English 9 (Eng. 9 by appt. only) Government English 11/12 & AP English 11/12 Financial Literacy 11:20-12:00 Arts Classes Arts Classes Art Classes Arts Classes Academic Eligibility Students on AIP will not be able to participate in extra-curricular activities and performances that are not a passing grade for a class. Code of Honor There is a clear expectation that all students will perform academic tasks with honor and integrity, with the support of parents, staff, faculty, administration, and the community. The learning process requires students to think, process, organize, and create their own ideas. Throughout this process, students gain knowledge, self-respect, and ownership in the work that they do. These qualities provide a solid foundation for life skills, impacting people positively throughout their lives. Cheating and plagiarism violate the fundamental learning process and compromise personal integrity and one's honor. Students demonstrate academic honesty and integrity by not cheating, plagiarizing or using information unethically in any way. What is cheating? Cheating or academic dishonesty can take many forms, but always involves the improper taking of information from and/or giving of information to another student, individual, or other source. Examples, of cheating can include, but are not limited to: Taking or copying answers on an examination or any other assignment from another student or other source. Giving answers on an examination or any other assignment to another student (including homework). Copying assignments that are turned in as original work. Collaborating on exams, assignments, paper, and/or projects without specific teacher permission. Allowing others to do the research or writing for an assigned paper. Using unauthorized electronic devices. Falsifying data or lab results, including changing grades electronically (considered forgery).

15 Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics What is plagiarism? Plagiarism is a common form of cheating or academic dishonesty in the school setting. It is representing another person's works or ideas as your own with giving credit to the proper source and submitting it for any purpose. Examples, of plagiarism can include, but are not limited to: Submitting work that is not yours, such as published sources in part or whole, as your own without giving credit to the source. Turning in purchased papers or papers from the Internet written by someone else. Representing another person's artistic or scholarly works such as musical compositions. Computer programs, photographs, drawings, or paintings as your own. Helping others plagiarize by giving them your work. All stakeholders have a responsibility in maintaining academic honesty. Educators must provide the tools and teach the concepts that afford students the knowledge to understand the characteristics of cheating and plagiarism. Parents must support their child in making good decisions relative to completing coursework assignments and taking exams. Students must produce work that is theirs alone, recognizing the importance of thinking for themselves and learning independently, when that is the nature of the assignment. Adhering to the Code of Honor for the purposes of academic honesty promotes an essential skill that goes beyond the school environment. Honesty and integrity are useful and valuable traits impacting one's life.