INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Dr. Ruben Alejandro, Superintendent of Schools 2012-2014 COURSE CATALOG At wisd, all students count! www.wisd.us I
Board of Trustees Mr. David L. Fuentes, Board President Mr. Ivan F. Perez, Board Vice-President Mr. Orlando Rodriguez, Board Secretary Mr. Oscar Caballero, Board Member Mr. Jeffrey Everitt, Board Member Mr. Erasmo Lopez, Board Member Dr. Robert Sepulveda, Board Member Administration Dr. Ruben Alejandro, Superintendent of Schools Ed Davila, Assistant Superintendent of Administration & Title IX Coordinator Sergio Garcia, Executive Director for Secondary Curriculum and Instruction Xavier Salinas, Executive Director for Elementary Curriculum and Instruction Sandra Rico Avila, Career & Technical Education Director Isidoro Nieto, Weslaco High School, Principal Sue Peterson, Weslaco East High School, Principal J.J. Garcia, South Palm Gardens High School, Principal Neil Garza, Special Education Director and 504 Coordinator Elias Trevino, Bilingual ESL Coordinator Norma Cabrera Brewer, College Readiness Coordinator Message to Students This High School Course Catalog is developed to assist in planning your high school program. Course offerings, including curriculum expectations and graduation requirements for various high school program options, are outlined in the catalog. Graduation requirements as well as your own individual needs should be considered as you select your semester and yearly courses. Select your courses carefully since schedule changes may be limited. The W.I.S.D. Board of Trustees, administrators, counselors and teachers want your high school experience to be rewarding and enjoyable. NOTE: Occasionally changes occur in course requirements due to action by the Texas Legislature and/or the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE). Your counselor will communicate any changes that are required. Otherwise, you will graduate with the course requirements in place when you entered your freshmen year in high school. Also, courses in this catalog may not be available on all campuses or may not be offered in a given year. Weslaco ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. FOR STUDENTS ENTERING THE 9 th GRADE IN 2011-2012 through 2012-2013 IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE STUDENT KEEP THIS CATALOG UNTIL GRADUATION. II
Dr. Ruben Alejandro, Superintendent of Schools Parents and Students, It is truly a pleasure and an honor to serve as your superintendent of schools. I look forward to working with you; parents, assigned teachers, and administrators, as well as our state and national government entities in an effort to provide you with opportunities that will help you follow a successful path to college and career readiness. Weslaco Independent School District is focused on providing excellent educational opportunities to all of our students. Our mission is to prepare all students with 21 st century skills that will help them in their future. As your superintendent, I ask you to put forth your best efforts on a daily basis. Teachers will continue to work hard to provide you with an education that is tailored to meet your individual needs, but it is your responsibility to attend school daily, display appropriate behavior, and reach your fullest potential so that you are well prepared for the future. At WISD, every student will have the necessary support to excel. We are committed to building a supportive structure that assists students in making data-based decisions in order to ensure that their individual needs are met. High school campuses are staffed with experts such as academic counselors, college readiness specialists, and social workers that are available to help students determine educational, personal and career goals. Planning early is critical in your success. Please use this catalog to plan and always be cognizant of what you need for graduation and for the post-secondary institution of your choice. I wish you a very successful educational career. Remember, the world that you will enter when you graduate from high school is very different from the world of generations past. The access to information that technology now provides each of us and the speed at which that information is delivered has transformed our world. As your superintendent, I will ensure that our district provides you with a quality education that builds a strong foundation that will help you succeed and achieve in a globally competitive world. I am confident that the skills you acquire throughout the next four years will prepare you to compete with students from this country as well as with students from around the world. III
INTRODUCTION The Weslaco Independent School District Course Catalog lists the courses that our high schools make available to students. It should be noted, however, that not all of the courses listed are scheduled every year. Since it is not economically feasible to schedule classes in which only a few students enroll, the class may not be offered for the current year or on all campuses. Sufficient number of student request for specific courses then become the determining factor as to whether or not a course is scheduled. The Course Catalog is also available online. The Weslaco ISD Web site for the Course Catalog is as follows: www.wisd.us/ Course Catalog Table of Contents Graduation Requirements...6 Graduation Plans Ranking/Grade Point Average (GPA) Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) Early Graduation (3 year graduate) State of Texas Diploma Special Recognitions..15 Texas Scholars Technical Preparation (Tech Prep Texas Scholar) Automatic Admission to Texas Public Universities Honor Graduates Credit Accrual Opportunities. 17 Extended Day Summer School Distance Learning Credit By Examination College Courses Dual Credit Concurrent Enrollment Tech Prep Advanced Technical Courses Middle School Courses for High School Credit Transcripts...19 Description Transfer Grades Post Secondary Preparation.20 High School Assessments College/University Entrance Exams Financial Aid College Prep Timeline.22 Course Offerings.. 23 Grade Classification Course Selection and Request for Changes Course Designations Regular Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) Advanced Placement (AP) Tech Prep Advanced Technical Courses Dual/Concurrent Enrollment Gifted and Talented (GT) Individual Educational Plan (IEP) Career Technical Education (CTE) Course Descriptions CTE IV
Industry Certification Business and Finance Design and Engineering Technology and Media Health Sciences Health Sciences and Education (Only WHS) Arts and Education CTE Industry Certification CTE Programs of Study Other Electives. 133 Credit Check. 135 Contact Information.. 136 Graduation Plan. 137 V
WESLACO ISD GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS For students entering 9 th grade in 2011-2012 and thereafter. (RHSP and DAP known as 4X4 plans) DISCIPLINE English Language Arts and Reading * Mathematics * MINIMUM HIGH SCHOOL PLAN 23 credits 4 credits: English I or English I ESOL English II or English II ESOL English III English IV or one of the approved substitute courses: Practical Writing CTE Courses Business English 3 credits: Algebra I Geometry The third credit may be selected from any of the following: -Algebra II -Pre Calculus -Mathematical Models with Applications -Independent Study in Mathematics -AP Statistics -AP Calculus AB -AP Calculus BC -AP Computer Science CTE Courses -Engineering Mathematics -Statistics and Risk Management -Mathematical Applications in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL PLAN 27 credits 4 credits: English I, II, III, and IV. English I and II for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) may be substituted for English I and II only for immigrant students with limited English proficiency. 4 credits: Algebra I Geometry Algebra II 4th course from: - Pre Calculus - Independent Study in Mathematics - AP Calculus AB - AP Calculus BC - AP Statistics - AP Computer Science - Mathematical Models with Applications (can only be taken prior to Algebra II) Note: Algebra I taken in middle school will count for the four needed credits, but the SBOE recommends a math course be taken in the senior year. CTE Courses Engineering Mathematics Statistics and Risk Management Mathematical Applications in Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (can only be taken prior to Algebra II) DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PLAN 27 credits 4 credits: English I, II, III, and IV. English I and II for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) may be substituted for English I and II only for immigrant students with limited English proficiency. 4 credits: Algebra I Geometry Algebra II 4th course for which Algebra II is a prerequisite: - Pre Calculus - Independent Study in Mathematics - AP Calculus AB - AP Calculus BC - AP Statistics - AP Computer Science Note: Algebra I taken in middle school will count for the four needed credits, but the SBOE recommends a math course be taken in the senior year. CTE Courses Statistics and Risk Management Engineering Mathematics 6
WESLACO ISD GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (CONT.) For students entering 9 th grade in 2011-2012 and thereafter. (RHSP and DAP known as 4X4 plans) Science* DISCIPLINE MINIMUM HIGH SCHOOL PLAN 23 credits 3 Credits: Biology Integrated Physics and Chemistry 1 credit from the following courses: - Astronomy - Aquatic Science - Environmental Systems - Earth and Space Science - AP Biology - AP Chemistry - AP Physics B or C - AP Environmental Science CTE Courses: - Scientific Research and Design - Anatomy and Physiology - Medical Microbiology with Pathophysiology - Engineering Design and Problem Solving -Advanced Animal Science - Advanced Biotechnology - Advanced Plant and Soil Science - Food Science - Forensic Science -Biology Dual Enrollment - Chemistry Dual Enrollment - Physics Dual Enrollment If IPC is not taken, then both of the following courses must be taken: Chemistry Physics RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL PLAN 27 credits 4 credits: Biology I or AP Biology Chemistry or AP Chemistry Physics, AP Physics, Dual Enrollment Physics or Principles of Technology choose fourth credit from: - Integrated Physics & Chemistry (cannot be taken senior year and needs to be completed prior to chemistry and physics) - Astronomy - Aquatic Science - Environmental Systems - Earth and Space Science - AP Biology - AP Chemistry - AP Physics B or C - AP Environmental Science CTE Courses: - Scientific Research and Design - Anatomy and Physiology - Medical Microbiology with Pathophysiology - Engineering Design and Problem Solving -Advanced Animal Science - Advanced Biotechnology - Advanced Plant and Soil Science - Food Science - Forensic Science -Biology Dual Enrollment - Chemistry Dual Enrollment - Physics Dual Enrollment DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PLAN 27 credits 4 credits: Biology I or AP Biology Chemistry or AP Chemistry Physics or AP Physics B-Dual Enrollment Physics fourth credit must be lab-based from: - Astronomy - Aquatic Science - Environmental Systems - Earth and Space Science - AP Biology - AP Chemistry - AP Physics B or C - AP Environmental Science CTE Courses: - Scientific Research and Design - Anatomy and Physiology - Medical Microbiology with Pathophysiology - Engineering Design and Problem Solving -Advanced Animal Science - Advanced Biotechnology - Advanced Plant and Soil Science - Food Science - Forensic Science -Biology Dual Enrollment - Chemistry Dual Enrollment - Physics Dual Enrollment 7
WESLACO ISD GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (CONT.) For students entering 9 th grade in 2011-2012 and thereafter. (RHSP and DAP known as 4X4 plans) DISCIPLINE Social Studies * Physical Education MINIMUM HIGH SCHOOL PLAN 23 credits 4 credits: World Geography Studies (1 credit) Special Topics in Social Studies (1 credit) U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction (1 credit) U.S. Government (½ credit) Economics (½ credit) 1 credit: Credit may be selected from any combination of the following ½ credit courses: Personal Fitness, JROTC, Drill Team, Cheerleading, Marching Band, and private or commerciallysponsored physical activity programs conducted off campus. Team and Individual Sports Athletics RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL PLAN 27 credits 4 credits: World Geography Studies (1 credit) World History (1 credit) U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction (1 credit) U.S. Government (½ credit) Economics (½ credit) 1 credit: Credit may be selected from any combination of the following ½ credit courses: Personal Fitness, JROTC, Drill Team, Cheerleading, Marching Band, and private or commerciallysponsored physical activity programs conducted off campus. Team and Individual Sports Athletics DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PLAN 27 credits 4 credits: World Geography Studies (1 credit) World History (1 credit) U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction (1 credit) U.S. Government (½ credit) Economics (½ credit) 1 credit: Credit may be selected from any combination of the following ½ credit courses: Personal Fitness, JROTC, Drill Team, Cheerleading, Marching Band, and private or commerciallysponsored physical activity programs conducted off campus. Team and Individual Sports Athletics Health Education ½ credit: Health I (½ credit) ½ credit: Health I (½ credit) ½ credit: Health I (½ credit) Languages Other Than English * NONE 2 credits: the credits must consist of any two levels in the same language Fine Arts * 1 credit: may choose from art, dance, music, and theatre arts courses 1 credit: may choose from art, dance, music, and theatre arts courses 3 credits: the credits must consist of any three levels in the same language 1 credit: may choose from art, dance, music, and theatre arts courses CTE Course Principles and Elements of Floral Design CTE Course Principles and Elements of Floral Design CTE Course Principles and Elements of Floral Design Speech ½ credit: Communication Applications or CTE Course Professional Communications ½ credit: Communication Applications or CTE Course Professional Communications ½ credit: Communication Applications or CTE Course Professional Communications Additional WISD elective 1 credit: 1 elective credit: choose from courses available grades 9-12, including locally developed courses 1 credit: 1 elective credit: choose from courses available grades 9-12, including locally developed courses 1 credit: 1 elective credit: choose from courses available grades 9-12, including locally developed courses 8
WESLACO ISD GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (CONT.) For students entering 9 th grade in 2011-2012 and thereafter. (RHSP and DAP known as 4X4 plans) RECOMMENDED HIGH MINIMUM HIGH DISCIPLINE SCHOOL PLAN SCHOOL PLAN 23 credits 27 credits Technology Applications 1 credit: choose one from: Computer Science I or II AP Computer Science I or II Desktop Publishing Digital Graphics/Animation Multimedia Video Technology Web Mastering Independent Study in Technology Applications 1 credit: choose one from: Computer Science I or II AP Computer Science I or II Desktop Publishing Digital Graphics/Animation Multimedia Video Technology Web Mastering Independent Study in Technology Applications DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PLAN 27 credits 1 credit: choose one from: Computer Science I or II AP Computer Science I or II Desktop Publishing Digital Graphics/Animation Multimedia Video Technology Web Mastering Independent Study in Technology Applications CTE Courses Business Image Management I or II Business Management with Tech Applications Digital and Interactive Media Telecommunications and Networking Principles of Information and Technology Printing and Imaging Technology Computer Programming or CTE Courses Business Image Management I or II Business Management with Tech Applications Digital and Interactive Media Telecommunications and Networking Principles of Information and Technology Printing and Imaging Technology Computer Programming or CTE Courses Business Image Management I or II Business Management with Tech Applications Digital and Interactive Media Telecommunications and Networking Principles of Information and Technology Printing and Imaging Technology Computer Programming or Additional electives The completion of three credits (for students participating in a coherent sequence of career and technology courses or who are enrolled in a Tech Prep high school plan of study) consisting of two or more state-approved career and technology courses in 19 TAC Chapters 119-125 and 127. Electives 4.0 credits The completion of three credits (for students participating in a coherent sequence of career and technology courses or who are enrolled in a Tech Prep high school plan of study) consisting of two or more state-approved career and technology courses in 19 TAC Chapters 119-125 and 127. Electives (4.0 credits): choose from the following: courses approved by the **SBOE for grades 9 12 state-approved innovative courses JROTC (1 to 4 credits) Driver Education (1/2 credit) The **SBOE recommends that students study each of the four foundation areas (English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies) every year in high school. The completion of three credits (for students participating in a coherent sequence of career and technology courses or who are enrolled in a Tech Prep high school plan of study) consisting of two or more state-approved career and technology courses in 19 TAC Chapters 119-125 and 127. Electives (3.0 credits): choose from the following: courses approved by the **SBOE for grades 9 12 state-approved innovative courses JROTC (1 to 4 credits) Driver Education (1/2 credit) The **SBOE recommends that students study each of the four foundation areas (English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies) every year in high school. Notes: College Board advanced placement courses may be substituted for requirements in appropriate areas. Spanish I, Keyboarding and Algebra I may be available at the middle school level for high school state graduation credit. Students who entered grade 9 in prior years may complete graduation programs approved in subsequent years and may earn the appropriate seals on their transcripts. A student entering 9 th grade in 2010-2011 and thereafter shall enroll in the courses necessary to complete the curriculum requirements for the Recommended High School Program and the Distinguished Achievement High School Program unless the student, the student s parent or other persons 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 Graduation Plan. For Minimum Graduation Plan students must be 16 years of age, have completed 2 credits required for graduation in each subject of the foundation curriculum or have failed to be promoted to the 10 th grade one or more times as determined by the school district. Students must earn the required score all 8 STAAR End of Course Exams required on the minimum plan 9
WESLACO ISD GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (CONT.) For students entering 9 th grade in 2011-2012 and thereafter. (RHSP and DAP known as 4X4 plans) RECOMMENDED HIGH MINIMUM HIGH DISCIPLINE SCHOOL PLAN SCHOOL PLAN 23 credits 27 credits DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PLAN 27 credits Advanced Measures None None 4 Advanced Measures: A student must achieve any combination of four of the following advanced measures: Original research project may not be used for more than two of the four advanced measures. The measures must focus on demonstrated student performance a the college or professional level. Student performance on advanced measures must be assessed through an external review process. The student may choose one of the following options Original research/project: judged by a panel of profession in the field that is the focus of t project; or conducted under the direction of mentor(s) and reported to an appropriate audience; and related to the required curriculum (TEKS) Test data: a score of 3 or above on a College Board Advanced Placement examination; may count up to 4 AP scores 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 may count as only one advanced measure regardless of the number of honors received by the student. Total Credits 23 Credits 27 Credits 27 Credits WESLACO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Notes:College Board advanced placement courses may be substituted for requirements in appropriate areas. Spanish I, Keyboarding and Algebra I may be available at the middle school level for high school state graduation credit. Students who entered grade 9 in prior years may complete graduation programs approved in subsequent years and may earn the appropriate seals on their transcripts HB3.The student must achieve Level III advanced academic performance in English III and Algebra II to graduate on the DAP HB3 The student must achieve Level II satisfactory academic performance in English III and Algebra II to graduate on the Recommended Plan 10
WEIGHTED COURSES FOR GRADE POINT AVERAGE (G.P.A.) (for students entering grade 9 in 2008-2009 and thereafter) College - level COURSE LEVEL Advanced Placement (AP) (students take exam and may receive college credit) Dual Enrollment Credit (DE) (students receive both high schools credit and college credit) COURSES COUNTED IN G.P.A. Such as: AP Biology AP Spanish Language AP English Literature & Composition AP/CC Calculus* AP Spanish Language CC* Such as: U.S. History DE Pre-Calculus DE Accounting DE Instructional Practices in Education and Training DE Business Information Management II (BIM) DE Collision and Repair and Refinishing DE WEIGHT 1.25 weight 1.15 weight Pre Advanced Placement (PRE AP) courses Tech Prep Articulations: Advanced Technical Credit/Local Such as: English 11 PAP Algebra 11 PAP World Geography PAP Chemistry PAP Art PAP Such as: Equine Science ATC Advanced Audio/Video Production ATC Computer Maintenance ATC Health Science ATC 1.10 weight 1.05 weight Regular and Developmental courses Such as: English 1 Algebra 11 Algebra 1 S French 1 Student Leadership Functional Academics Math 1.0 (non-weighted) * combined Advanced Placement / Concurrent classes will receive the higher weight FORMULA TO DETERMINE THE WEIGHTED GPA: Multiply each semester grade by the assigned weight, add the weighted semester grades, then divide the sum by the number of semester grades used 11
Courses For Grade Point Average Calculation (for students entering grade 9 in 2010-2011 and thereafter) COURSES NOT COUNTED IN GPA COURSES COUNTED IN GPA All courses for categories in left column Enrichment courses taken in middle school for high school credit (such as Spanish I, and Keyboarding) Foundation courses taken in middle school for high school credit (such as Algebra I) Locally developed non-iep courses (such as Office Practice, Rodeo, and TAAS Math with Service ID# starting with 8) Locally developed IEP courses (with Service ID# starting with 9) Pass/Fail transfer grades Non-dual credit concurrent courses and online courses Transfer grades with alpha or numerical conversions according to policy guidelines All courses that are part of the DEEA, DECSA and DEMSA program including summer school courses. Correspondence courses and online courses Summer school courses taken for remediation, credit recovery or advancement Self-paced modular courses (Such as PLATO, A PLUS) Summer school courses do not count except for courses taken for initial credit that are part of the required program for DEEA, DECSA, and DEMSA effective for students enrolling in the Spring 2010 and thereafter Transfer grades shall be honored according to the criteria above. The principal shall make a final determination if there is a question of category or weight. Afterschool dual concurrent courses are excluded from ranking. 12
TESTING GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS- STATE of TEXAS ASSESSMENT for ACADEMIC READINESS (STAAR) Testing Requirements for High School Graduation The State Assessment for Academic Readiness (STAAR) is the new statewide assessment for students who entered high school from 2011-2012 or later. Students will take the STAAR beginning in the spring of their 9th grade year and are required to pass the 12 assessments if they are graduating under the Recommended and Distinguished High School Plans or 8 assessments if they are graduating under the Minimum High School program. SUBJECT English I English II English III Algebra I Geometry Algebra II World Geography US History World History Biology Chemistry Physics MINIMUM PLAN 8 EOCs REQUIRED X X X X X X X X RECOMMENDED PLAN 12 EOCs REQUIRED X X X X X X X X X X X X DISTINGUISHED PLAN 12 EOCs REQUIRED X X X X X X X X X X X X STAAR END OF COURSE INFORMATION House Bill 3-Mandatory 15% By law, a district must count an initial EOC assessment score as 15 percent of a student s final course grade on the student s transcript. Weslaco ISD will offer remediation during summer school and the school year for students who are unsuccessful on an end-of-course assessment. A student must be allowed to retake an end-of-course assessment for any reason at any of the scheduled testing administrations to meet their graduation requirements. The law gives districts the option of whether to count retake scores in the calculation of the final course grade. If a student retakes an EOC assessment, Weslaco ISD will not include the retake score in the final grade calculation to avoid issues related to grade point average and class rank. Only initial endof-course assessment scores will count for and affect grade point average and class rank. As recommended by TASB and allowed by law, a special education student s ARD committee will determine the type of end-of-course assessment to be administered and how the score on the EOC assessment shall be used for final course grades, credit decisions, and graduation requirements. 13
RESOLUTION ON 15% (2011-2012 School Year Only) Under district policies approved by the Weslaco ISD Board of Trustees, a student s score on State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) end-of-course exams taken during spring 2012 will have no effect on that student s grades or class rank. Acting on the recommendation proposed by the WISD administration, the Board deferred the implementation of the requirement under state law that 15 percent of a student s course grade be determined by the student s performance on the corresponding end-of-course exam. On Feb. 17, the Commissioner of Education announced the state will allow school districts to delay the implementation of the new requirement until the 2012-13 school year. Taking advantage of the flexibility offered by the state, the Board acted to defer the requirement for the 2011.2012 school year only. STUDENT SUCCESS INITIATIVE (SSI) Our current policy states students in grades 5 and 8 must meet the passing standard on state reading and math assessments in order to be promoted to the next grade. STAAR assessment passing standards for grades 3 through 8 will not be established until fall 2012, which is several months after students take the spring 2012 STAAR assessments. Because of this timeline, the Student Success Initiative (SSI) promotion requirements will not include use of the STAAR results in the 2011 2012 school year only. The law continues to require the use of other academic information in promotion decisions, such as teacher recommendations and student grades. TASB Policy Service suggests that the Board adopt a resolution to suspend the local policy provision requiring students to pass the grade 5 and 8 assessments for the 2011 2012 school year. Otherwise, we would need to revise board policy twice -- once to remove the provision and a second time to add back the requirement before the 2012 2013 school year. WISD approved this resolution will waive the state testing requirement for promotion for the 2011-2012 school year only. THREE YEAR GRADUATES Students who would like to finish high school in three years need to contact their counselor to develop a plan to meet all the graduation requirements mandated by the State of Texas. STATE OF TEXAS DIPLOMA After the completion of all graduation requirements students receive a high school diploma. All students receive the same diploma. Differences in graduation plans are reflected in the student transcript. 14
SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS... TEXAS SCHOLARS Texas Scholars High School and Beyond program focuses students on education and career planning during middle and high school. To receive recognition as a TBEC Texas Scholar, students are now required to: Graduate from high school having completed the Recommended High School Program (RHSP) or Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP), and complete at least two courses while in high school eligible for college credit. The college course credit requirements were added 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 (must pass AP exam) CTE courses leading to a post-secondary certification (must earn a grade of 80 or better) Dual credit /concurrent enrollment courses (must pass course with a minimum of a 70) At graduation, Texas Scholars receive special recognition for their academic achievements: a medallion and a notation on the transcript. In addition, Texas Scholars who can prove financial need are eligible for the Texas Grant, which pays for some tuition and fees at public and private colleges and universities as well as some special technical schools. 15
Tech Prep Texas Scholar What must I do to be a Tech Prep Texas Scholar? To be a Tech Prep Texas Scholar, a student must do all four of these things: 1. Complete all courses required by the Recommended High School Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program. 2. Complete the high school portion of a six- or eight-year plan of study that includes, in high school, a coherent sequence of two or more career and technical education courses for 3 or more credits. 3. Complete at least two college-level Tech Prep courses as part of your high school graduation plan. Each college-level Tech Prep course must meet all of the following requirements: must be a career and technical education course taken in high school must be either an articulated course for which you have earned a grade of 80 or better or a dual/concurrent-enrollment course for which you have earned a passing grade must be a course that is included in a Tech Prep program of study plan at one of the following local colleges: South Texas College, Texas State Technical College Harlingen, Texas Southmost College, Coastal Bend College, or another college that offers programs not available in the Valley When you take college-level Tech Prep courses, you are creating a scholarship for yourself. Students who take these courses may earn between 3 and 15 or more! college credit hours without being charged tuition at the college. The number of courses you take will depend on the requirements of the Tech Prep program that interests you. 4. Complete a declaration of intent to be a Tech Prep Texas Scholar Graduation Honors: Tech Prep Texas Scholars will receive a special Tech Prep Honor Cord and a Tech Prep Texas Scholars certificate. Scholarship Competition: Tech Prep Texas Scholars are eligible to compete for one of the Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Tech Prep Scholarships thousands of dollars for college!! Distinguished Achievement Plan: College-level Tech Prep courses can satisfy requirements for the Distinguished Achievement Program. Honor Graduates Students who graduate under the Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program with a weighted GPA of 90 or above will be recognized as honor graduates. 16
CREDIT ACCRUAL OPPORTUNITIES... In addition to regular enrollment in classes at the high schools, the following credit accrual opportunities are available: Extended Day Several high school courses are offered through self-paced programs such as A- Plus and API. Courses are offered to make up credits in English, Math, Social Studies, and Science. Summer School Courses are offered each summer for 6 weeks to make up credit in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Technology Applications. Limited courses for advancement may be available. Distance Learning Students may earn high school credit for approved courses taken by correspondence from various colleges and universities. Students need counselor approval. When available, students may enroll in approved distance learning courses through the internet or interactive video. Credit by Examination Students may earn credit for courses in which no prior instruction has been received through an examination given at designated times during the year. A score of 90 or better is required. Students may earn credit for courses in which prior instruction has been received by taking an exam and scoring a 70 or better. The student must have made at least a 60 in order to take a credit by exam with prior instruction. College Courses Students enrolled in college courses at a high school or college campus while still enrolled in high school may, with prior approval, receive college credit in addition to high school credit for the course. Students must either be THEA exempt or pass the THEA. See your counselor for details. Dual Enrollment Students taking these courses receive both college and high school credit. Tech Prep Advanced Technical Credit Courses (Career and Technology Education) Students can earn college credits in escrow for several elective high school Career & Technology Education courses known as Advanced Technical Credit courses. In order to claim the college credit(s) that could be granted for ATC high school courses, students must meet the following criteria: score a final grade of 80 or better on the high school course meet all the entrance requirements to enroll at the postsecondary institution that offers the program of study that includes the course for which credit could be granted enroll at the postsecondary institution within fifteen months of graduating complete at least 6 college hours with a grade of 70 or better in the program of study that articulated courses pertain to, as well as meet other criteria respective of that postsecondary institution (Students must meet with postsecondary program advisor of the postsecondary institution that can grant the college credit hours prior to high school graduation to ensure proper application of their credit). 17
Advanced Technical Credit courses are part of a coherent sequence of career and technology education courses that students include in their graduation plans. These courses may also apply toward technical degrees or technical certificates at either local community or community colleges across the state. Each course taken for these purposes should be carefully selected to count toward the degree or certificate that fits the student s area of interest. In addition, students graduating under the Distinguished Achievement Plan, who score a final grade point average of 3.0 (or 80) or better in articulated courses, can fulfill an advanced measure provided that all other criteria be met. High school counselors can provide the information on the criteria. Middle School Courses or High School Credit Students taking Spanish I, or Keyboarding and Career Portal while in middle school will receive high school credit only. The grade will be excluded from G.P.A. and ranking calculations. Algebra 1 and Geometry grades will be included in G.P.A. and ranking calculations. 18
TRANSCRIPTS Description A transcript is the official record of your high school courses. It includes grades and testing activity such as ACT, SAT, STAAR, AP, etc. Sources of those grades include: all courses and grades obtained at a high school campus in Weslaco transfer grades for any other in school in the United States bi-national transfer grades from another country for recent immigrants or foreign exchange students. The transcript will show a seal of the plan under which the student graduated (Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program). This seal will be placed on the transcript once requirements have been met and the student has graduated. Students may request official or unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts will be sent directly to another school, college, university, or employer and marked with the school seal. Unofficial transcripts will be issued to the student. Transfer Grades Grades brought from other school districts will be reviewed and granted credit for courses that are comparable to state courses. The counselor will review courses and grades before determining the credit assignments. The principal will have the final approval in granting credit. Courses will be posted to the transcripts along with completed grade. 19
POST SECONDARY PREPARATION College University Testing Students are encouraged to take practice tests that are directly related to college entrance exams. Practice tests allow the student to become familiar with the test format and procedures. Students should be aware of the following practice tests: Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT): The Preliminary SAT is the practice test for the SAT I. This test may be taken during the fall of the student s 10th grade to allow him or her to become more comfortable with taking standardized tests. Students are encouraged to take the PSAT again during their 11th grade year to allow them an opportunity to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and the National Hispanic Scholar Recognition Program. The PSAT includes a writing skills section, verbal reasoning and mathematics reasoning. Visit www.collegebaord.org for more information. Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB): The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a multi-aptitude battery of tests that assist the student in better understanding how they compare to a nationally representative group of comparable individuals on skills important to their future training and job performance. This test is recommended for students interested in a military career and should be taken during the 11th or 12th grade year. Most colleges require that the student take a specific college admissions test. Students should research the college of their choice when selecting the specific college entrance exam. Students should be aware of the following college admission exams: Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA): Students must take The Texas Higher Education Assessment Program Test or an alternative test, such as Accuplacer, before beginning classes at a public community college, technical college or university in Texas. Students who want to enroll in dual credit courses are required to take the THEA test or an approved alternative test and pass the portion of the test (reading, writing, and/or math) in the subject area in which the student plans to take the dual credit course. Students may be exempt from taking the THEA test if they have met one of the following criteria: o an ACT composite score of 23, with a minimum of 19, on both the English and math tests o a SAT combined verbal and math score of 1070, with a minimum of 500, both on the verbal and math tests o TAKS 2200 on math 2200 on ELA with a minimum of 3 on the essay. Visit www.thea.nesinc.com/index.asp for more information. American College Testing (ACT): The ACT is a test designed to assess high school students general educational development and their ability to complete college level work. The test covers four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning. Students are encouraged to take the test during the spring of their 11th grade year or the fall of their 12th grade year. Visit www.act.org for more information. 20
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): The SAT is a test that measures developed verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities as they relate to successful performance in college. Students are encouraged to take this test in the spring of their 11th grade year or in the fall of their 12th grade year. Students should be aware of specific college test requirements when deciding which tests is necessary. Visit www.collegeboard.com for more information. Students may access test information, registration materials and deadlines by: visiting with their counselor picking up a registration packet at the Career Center; or visiting the website for each test. On-line registration for the SAT and the ACT is recommended. Financial Aid Financial Aid for post-secondary education is available for students who qualify. Students must fill out the Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) in January of their senior year. Students graduating on the Recommended Plan or Distinguished Achievement Plan and showing financial need may qualify for the TEXAS Grant 21
COLLEGE PREPARATION TIMELINE Grades Grades 6-7 Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Goals and Objectives Begin to establish career goals and objectives. Plan four-year high school academic program. Each student attends an academic conference with parents and a school counselor during which course selections are chosen for the high school years. Review college catalogs, publications and Web sites, which give college profiles and entrance requirements. Re-evaluate career goals and objectives. Review academic four-year plan. Review academic plan. Re-evaluate goals and objectives. Confer with parent(s) and the high school counselor to decide on courses for the 11th grade. Take a practice PSAT in October. Review college catalogs, publications, and Web sites which give college profiles. Review academic plans and narrow college choices. Confer with parent(s) and the high school counselor to decide on courses for the senior year and to discuss post graduation plans. Attend College Night in September. Take PSAT in October (National Merit Qualifying Test). Take SAT or ACT in the late spring. Explore scholarship opportunities. Finalize college choices. Confer with counselor in early fall. Attend college night in September. Take SAT and/or ACT in October or November. Send regular decision applications early in the fall semester. Send housing application in the early fall. Discuss financial aid programs in November or December. Send federal financial aid applications in January. Send local scholarship applications in spring. University Ready is designed to aid Weslaco students and parents as they prepare for all aspects of postsecondary experience. Be sure to take time to investigate Weslaco ISD University Ready at www.wisd.us as a resource tool during your college preparation years. 22
23 DESCRIPTION OF HIGH SCHOOL COUSES OFFERED TO WISD STUDENTS
COURSE OFFERINGS GRADE CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS Grade Criteria 9th 0.0 6.5 10th 7.0 13.5 11th 14.0 20.5 12th 21 + Course Selection and Request for Changes Students will select courses for the next school year during the spring semester. Factors to be considered in selecting courses are the following: requirements for graduation significance to the student s overall program and education/career goals purpose of the course possible prerequisite for other courses Programs of study After pre-registration, requests for changes should be made to student s current counselor before the last day of enrollment. Changes after the first day of school must be approved by campus principal. No schedule changes will be allowed after the third week of school. Course Designations Regular: All regular courses taken follow 100% of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skill (TEKS) as required in the state curriculum. Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP or PAP): Courses with this designation are aligned to the requirements of the Advanced Placement courses within the subject area. They are more rigorous, intense, and provide in-depth study of the content. Advanced Placement (AP): Advanced Placement Courses are college-level courses taken in high school in which a student earns high school credit, and in which the student may earn college credit hours based on the scores received on the College Board Advanced Placement exams taken in May. These courses are more rigorous, intense, and provide in-depth study of the content. Tech Prep Advanced Technical Courses: These are Career and Technical Education Courses taken in high school which are articulated (correlated) to college level courses. W.I.S.D. maintains agreements with various community colleges so that students may receive college credit as per post-secondary institutional requirements. Dual/Concurrent Credit: College courses taken while in high school that earn both college credit hours and high school graduation credits. 24
Gifted and Talented (GT) The gifted and talented population at the secondary level is served through the pre-ap and AP classes. Instruction is differentiated to accommodate the needs of gifted and talented students. COURSE DESCRIPTIONS ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS AND READING WESLACO ISD Course No. Subject Grade Credits 03220100 EN0130 ENGLISH I 1 03220200 EN0230 ENGLISH II 1 03220300 EN0330 ENGLISH III 1 03220400 EN0430 ENGLISH IV 1 N1280003 RR0120 ENGLISH FOR NEWCOMERS A.5-1 N1280004 RR0220 ENGLISH FOR NEWCOMERS B.5-1 03221800/810/820 ES0185/6 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ENGLISH I, II, III.5-1 A3220100 EN0390 (11)EN1490(12) AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION 1 A3220200 EN1490 AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION 1 03270700/800/900 ER0130, ER0230, R0330 READING I, II, III 1 03270100 ER3036 RDG APPLICATION/STUDY SKILLS.5 03221200 EW6035/6 CREATIVE & IMAGINATIVE WRITING.5-1 03221300 EW1030 PRACTICAL WRITING SKILLS.5-1 03221100 EW5035/36 RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL WRITING.5-1 03221700 VA1030 ANALYSIS OF VISUAL MEDIA.5 03241400 VS1035/6 COMMUNICATION APPLICATIONS.5 03240200/300/400 VI0130 - VI0430 ORAL INTERPRETATION I, II, III, IV 1 03240600/700 VD0130 - VD0230 DEBATE I, II 1 03230100 VJ0130 JOURNALISM 10-12 1 02321000/11/22 VJ5080 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN JOURNALISM 12 1 03231900/901/902 ADVANCED BROADCAST JOURNALISM I,II,III 10-12 1 03230800 VJ1030 PHOTOJOURNALISM 10-12 1 03230110-190 VJ0230 - VJ0430 ADVANCED JOURNALISM I, II, III 10-12 1 (NEWSPAPER, YEARBOOK, LITERARY MAG.) 03221600 HH1071 HUMANITITES 1 ENGLISH I EN0130 03220100 CREDIT (1) PREREQUISITE: NONE Students enrolled in English I continue to increase and refine their communication skills. High school students are expected to plan, draft, and complete written compositions on a regular basis. In English I, students practice all forms of writing. An emphasis is placed on organizing logical arguments with clearly expressed related definitions, theses, and evidence. Students write to persuade and to report and describe. English I students read extensively in multiple genres from world literature such as reading selected stories, dramas, novels, and poetry originally written in English or translated to English from oriental, classical Greek, European, African, South American, and North American cultures. * Pre-AP ENGLISH II EN0230 03220200 CREDIT (1) PREREQUISITE: NONE Students enrolled in English II continue to increase and refine their communication skills. High school students are expected to plan, draft, and complete written compositions on a regular basis. In English II, students practice all forms of writing. An emphasis is placed on persuasive forms of writing such as logical arguments, expressions of opinion, and personal forms of writing. These personal forms of writing may include a response to literature, a reflective essay, or an autobiographical narrative. English II students read extensively in multiple genres from world literature such as reading selected stories, dramas, novels, and poetry originally written in English or translated to English from oriental, classical Greek, European, African, South American, and North American cultures. * Pre-AP 25
ENGLISH III EN0330 03220300 CREDIT (1) PREREQUISITE: NONE Students enrolled in English III continue to increase and refine their communication skills. High school students are expected to plan, draft, and complete written compositions on a regular basis. In English III, students practice all forms of writing. An emphasis is placed on business forms of writing such as the report, the business memo, the narrative of a procedure, the summary or abstract, and the résumé. English III students read extensively in multiple genres from American literature and other world literature. Periods from American literature may include the precolonial period, colonial and revolutionary periods, romanticism and idealism, realism and naturalism, early 20th century, and late 20th century. * Pre-AP, AP Lang/Composition ENGLISH IV EN0430 03220400 CREDIT (1) PREREQUISITE: NONE Students enrolled in English IV continue to increase and refine their communication skills. High school students are expected to plan, draft, and complete written compositions on a regular basis. In English IV, students are expected to write in a variety of forms, including business, personal, literary, and persuasive texts. English IV students read extensively in multiple genres from British literature and other world literature. Periods from British literature may include the old English period, medieval period, English renaissance, 17th century, 18th century, romantic period, Victorian period, and modern and post-modern period. * AP Lang/ Composition, AP Lit/Composition ENGLISH FOR NEWCOMERS A RR0120 N1280003 CREDIT (.5-1) PREREQUISITE: Placement test score This is an intensive reading and writing course for recent immigrants whose native language is not English, and takes students from a beginning to an intermediate level of English proficiency. It is built on high-interest thematic content while reinforcing both vocabulary development and grammatical structures. ENGLISH FOR NEWCOMERS B RR0220 N1280004 CREDIT (.5-1) PREREQUISITE: Placement test score This is an intensive reading and writing course for recent immigrants whose native language is not English, and takes students from an intermediate to an advanced level of English proficiency. It is built on high-interest thematic content while reinforcing both vocabulary development and grammatical structures. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ENGLISH I, II, III ES0185/6 03221800/810/820 CREDIT (.5-1) Independent Study in English students are expected to write in a variety of forms including business, personal, literary, and persuasive texts for a variety of audiences and purposes. Writing is used as a tool for learning as students create, clarify, critique, and express appreciation for others ideas and responses. Students continue to read extensively in increasingly difficult texts selected in multiple genres for a variety of purposes. Students may produce an original product with or without a mentor as required by the Distinguished Achievement graduation plan. AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION EN0390 (11) EN1490 (12) A3220100 CREDIT (1) PREREQUISITE: Contract This is a College Board Advanced Placement course which may be taken in the junior year in place of English III or in the senior year in place of English IV. Students fulfill all TEKS requirements for those courses as well as complete more rigorous coursework which prepares them for the College Board examination in May. This is considered a college level course, and students may obtain college credit depending on their AP exam score and university requirements. 26