Course Selection Guide 2015-2016
SCHOOL OF ADVANCEMENT 2015-2016 COURSE SELECTION GUIDE GraduationRequirements•HighSchoolProgramOptions•CourseDescriptions ForHarmonySchoolofAdvancementStudents,Grades9‐12 DearStudentsandParents, Carefulcourseselectioniscriticalforasuccessfulhighschoolexperienceaswellasa thoughtful andeffective approach to the college application andadmission process. Admission counselors willconsiderthecoursesyouhaveselected,aswellasyourgrades,astheyreviewyouracademic record. If you have the appropriate academic background and strong ability in a subject, consider taking an Advanced Placement or Dual Credit courses. Remember that maintaining a balance is the key. Do not risk jeopardizing your achievement in other classes by overloading yourschedulewithtoomanyofthesecourses. Co‐curricular activities are a vital element of your experience at HSAdvancement as well. Try something new, whether in the arts, athletics, student government, or a club. Just as community life is a vital part of your HSAdvancement experience, colleges value students who demonstrate extracurricular commitment and concern for others. Take advantage of opportunities for leadershipinorganizationsorwithinthecommunitythatareavailabletoyouatHarmonySchoolof Advancement. Whilebuildingyourschedule,pleaserememberthatitisimportanttoenjoytherichnessofwhat youarelearningtodayandchallengeyourselftoperformatyourbestineachofyourcourses. The collegeprocesswillbegreatlyenhancedifyouknowyourself,yourstrengths,andyourinterests. Explore and learn as much as you can while challenging yourself with the most appropriate and rigorous courses that are reasonable in light of your abilities. Please consult with your teachers andyourcounselorasyouconsideryourcourseselections. GoodLuck! CounselingDepartment Harmony School of Advancement (College Board CEEB code: 443598) 3171 N. Sam Houston Pkwy W. Houston, TX 77038 Phone: 281‐741‐8899 Fax: 281‐741‐8006 1 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS InorderforastudenttograduateatHarmonySchoolofAdvancement,studentsmustfulfil: 1 HighSchoolCreditRequirement 2 TexasStateAssessment(STAAR) 3 Admissionbya4yearcollege 4 Minimum100communityservicehours 5 CapstoneProjectinSenioryear Course‐by ‐Credit Summar y Beingacollegepreparatoryschool,HarmonySchoolofAdvancementrecommendsthefollowing course‐by‐creditplantoallstudents,regardlessoftheplantheychoosetograduate: Course Credits English Mathematics Science SocialStudies&Economics PhysicalEd. 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 1.0 LanguagesotherthanEnglish FineArts Speech Electives 3.0 1.0 0.5 4.5 LocalCreditCourses TOTAL 4LC* 26credits+4LC *Studentswillbeexemptfrom2localcreditrequirementsiftheymeetaqualifyingscoreonMAP Mathtest. 2 CREDIT REQUIREMENTS Classifications of Students Student classification is determined by the number of credits accumulated by the end of the preceding year. To be a ninth grade student (Freshman) ................... *Completion of Eighth Grade Requirements To be a tenth grade student (Sophomore) .......................................................6 Credits Required To be an eleventh grade student (Junior) .......................................................12 Credits Required To be a twelfth grade student (Senior) ............................................................18 Credits Required Foundation Graduation Plan (available to all students) .................................22 Credits Required To Graduate with an Endorsement ..................................................................26 Credits Required Recommended or Distinguished Plan ( 2016, 2017 graduates) .....................26 Credits Required Attendance Students in grades 9–12 may be promoted to the next grade level if the following conditions have been satisfied: A student may not be given credit for a class unless the student is in attendance for at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered. There will be no make‐up examination for unexcused absences. A student who is in attendance for at least 75 percent, but less than 90 percent, of the days a class is offered may be given credit if the student completes a plan approved by the principal that provides for the student to meet the instructional requirement of the class. In accordance with Texas Education Code § 25.087 excused absences will be counted in determining whether a student is in compliance with the attendance requirements for class credit. How To Earn Credits Students can earn a half credit for each semester course and a whole credit for a yearlong course. Students traditionally earn 8 credits a year when they pass all their courses and are not denied credit for excessive absences. Students should talk to their counselor to plan their credits. The following are ways a student can earn credits: Course is taken as a part of the student’s high school schedule. Dual Credit college course‐ approved by counselor, taken for high school credit and college credit. Must be one of the approved courses listed on the dual credit list. Refer to the Dual Credit Policies page. Credit‐by–Exam (CBE)/Exam for Acceleration (EA) is an approved exam through the UT Austin. Refer to CBE/EA Policy Page. Online courses‐ approved courses through accredited online course providers. Students and parents assume the responsibility for registering for, and completing courses attempted. Students and parents assume the cost of taking courses outside of their regular high school schedule. Students must talk to their counselor for information regarding alternate methods of acquiring credits before signing up for any course. 3 TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION Testing Requirements for Students Graduating under State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) End of Course (EOC) BeginningwiththeClassof2015(ninthgradersenteringhighschoolinfall2011andbeyond), statelawrequiresthatstudentspassfiveSTAAREnd‐of‐Course(EOC)assessmentsinEnglish, Math,Science,andSocialstudies,alongwithmeetingtheircourserequirements,toreceivea diplomafromaTexaspublichighschool.CourseswithanEOCassessmentarelistedinthechart below. English EnglishI EnglishII Mathematics Science AlgebraI Biology SocialStudies USHistory AstudentisnotrequiredtoretakeacourseasaconditionofretakinganEOCassessment. Studentswhoaretakinganyofthesefivehighschoolcoursesinmiddleschoolwillalsotakethe requiredEOCassessment.StudentsmaynotretakeanEOCassessmentthattheyhavepassed.EOC assessmentscoresarenotincludedinstudents’coursegrades. SamplequestionsfortheSTAAREOCtestscanbefoundat www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/STAAR/ 4 Grading scale and gpa GRADING SCALE All classes will follow a standard scale for assigning letter grades for nine‐week periods and semester work. Individual teachers will follow the HPS grading practices/guidelines for their classes, with grades corresponding to the following scale: GRADING SCALE: A ‐ Excellent 90‐100 4.0 B ‐ Above 80 – 89 3.0 C ‐ Average F ‐ Fail 70 ‐ 79 69 ‐ 0 2.0 0.0 GPA CALCULATION GradePointAverageiscalculatedbydividingthetotalamountofgradepointsearnedbythetotal amountofcredithoursattempted.Beginningwiththe2008–2009freshmanclass,allsemester gradesforcoursesattemptedwillcounttowardastudent’sGPA.Coursesareweightedasfollows: TABLE - GPA COMPUTATION DATA Regular AP & Dual Grade & Pre-AP Credit 90-100 4.0 5.0 80-89 3.0 4.0 70-79 2.0 3.0 Below-69 0.0 0.0 WeightedGPAisusedtodetermineclassrank.UnweightedGPAisusedforadmissiontomostcol‐ legesanduniversitiesandforscholarshipsatin‐stateschools. 5 CLASS RANK & AUTOMATIC COLLEGE ADMISSION HarmonySchoolofAdvancementisanon‐rankingschoolandonlyranksstudentson top 10% or if it is for the benefit of the student. Class rank indicates how a student's grades comparewiththoseofotherstudentsinhis/herclass.Semesteraverages(notfullyear averages), beginning with the year student started taking high school courses, are used to compute class rank. All numeric scores for regular and college classes, including distance learning will be recordedandusedtocalculatetheGPA.CreditbyExaminationscoresforwhichthestudentearns credittowardgraduationwillberecordednumericallyandusedtocalculatetheGPA. Estimatedclassrankingsaretobedeterminedattheendofthejunioryear,andthefirst semesterofthesenioryearfortheexpresspurposeofcollegeentrancerequirements.Afinal calculationofGPAandclassrankisdeterminedatthecompletionofthesenioryearandwillbe reflectedonthefinaltranscript. AttentionJuniors:Creditsearnedduringthesummerofthejunioryearhavetobe submittedbeforeAugust1sttotheircounselorstobeenteredtothejunioryearcourselistsand becountedintheoverallGPAandrankingcomputations.AnycreditsreceivedafterAugust1st willbeenteredtotheseniorcourselistandwillnotaffecttherankingsubmittedtocollegesduring theFallsemesterofthesenioryear.Itisstudents’responsibilitytoensuresummercredits submittedontimeandproperlyenteredtotheircourselists. ELIGIBILITY FOR AUTOMATIC COLLEGE ADMISSION Explanation of Eligibility for Automatic College Admission Under the Automatic Admission policy (Texas Education Code §51.803), UndertheAutomaticAdmissionpolicy(TexasEducationCode§51.803),Texasstudentsmaybe eligibleforautomaticadmissiontoastatecollegeoruniversityasanundergraduatestudentif theymeetcertaincriteria.Toqualifyforautomaticadmission,astudentmust: (1) earnagradepointaverageinthetop10percent*ofhis/herhighschoolgraduatingclass, (2) graduatefromaTexaspublicorprivatehighschool(or,ifthestudentisaTexasresident,from ahighschooloperatedbytheU.S.DepartmentofDefense), (3) earntheDistinguishedLevelofAchievementand/oraPerformanceAcknowledgmentfor outstandingperformance(startingfromClassof2018)orsuccessfullycompletetherequirements fortheRecommendedHighSchoolProgram(RHSP)ortheDistinguishedAchievementProgram (DAP)(ortheequivalentifenrolledinprivateschool)orsatisfyACT'sCollegeReadiness BenchmarksontheACTcollegeentranceexamorearnascoreofatleast1,500outof2,400onthe SATcollegeentranceexam,and 6 (4) applyforadmissiontoastatecollegeoruniversitywithinthefirsttwoschoolyearsafter graduationfromhighschool. Studentswhomeetthecriteriaforautomaticadmissionmustsubmitanapplicationbeforethe deadlinesetbythecollegeoruniversitytowhichtheyareapplying.Studentsmustalsoprovidea highschooltranscriptordiplomathatindicateswhethertheyhavesatisfiedorareonscheduleto satisfytherequirementsofthetheDistinguishedLevelofAchievementand/oraPerformance Acknowledgmentforoutstandingperformance, RHSPorDAP. CurriculumRequirements Notlaterthantheendofastudent’sjunioryearinhighschool,hisorherofficialtranscriptshould indicatewhetherthestudenthassatisfiedorisonscheduletosatisfytherequirementsforthe DistinguishedLevelofAchievementand/oraPerformanceAcknowledgmentforoutstanding performance(startingwiththeClassof2018),RHSPorDAP.Studentswhoareunabletosatisfy thecurriculumrequirementsofthegraduationrequirementsbecausethecoursesnecessaryto completetherequirementsareunavailableasaresultofcoursescheduling,lackofenrollment capacity,oranothercausenotwithinthestudent'scontrol,areconsideredtohavesatisfiedthe requirementsoftherelevantprogram.Insuchcases,thestudentmusthavesuccessfully completedtheportionsofthegraduationrequirementcurriculathatwereavailableandthe student’sofficialtranscriptordiplomamustindicatethis. AdmissionandEnrollment StatecollegesanduniversitiesmayadmitastudentacceptedundertheAutomaticAdmission policyforeitherthefallsemesteroftheacademicyearforwhichthestudentappliedorforthe summersessionthatprecedesthatfallsemester.Additionally,theadmittingcollegeoruniversity mayrequirethatapplicantsinneedofadditionalpreparationforcollege‐levelworkenrollin enrichmentcoursesorprogramsduringthesummerimmediatelyafterthestudentisadmitted. Collegesanduniversitiesarerequiredtoadmitanapplicantasanundergraduatestudentifthe applicantisthechildofapublicservantwhowaskilledorfatallyinjuredinthelineofdutyand whomeetstheminimumentrancerequirementssetbythecollegeoruniversity. * TheUniversityofTexasatAustin Beginningwithadmissionsforthe2011‐2012schoolyear,TheUniversityofTexasatAustin(UT) isnolongerrequiredtoautomaticallyadmitapplicantsinexcessof75%ofitsenrollmentcapacity forfirst‐timeresidentundergraduatestudents.TheUniversityhasdeterminedthatitwill automaticallyadmitalleligible2016summer/fallfreshmanapplicantswhorankwithinthetop 8%oftheirhighschoolgraduatingclasses,withremainingspacestobefilledthroughholistic review. 7 Valedictorian/Salutatorian & Cum Laude System Selectionmethodtodeterminethevaledictorianforagraduatingseniorclass: 1. The student who is selected as the highest‐ranking graduate eligible to receive the Honor GraduateCertificateandDeclarationwillalsoserveasvaledictorian. 2. In the event no student meets the criteria to receive the Honor Graduate Certificate, a valedictorianwillbeselectedwhomeetsallofthefollowingcriteria: 3. Thestudentmusthavebeenenrolledwiththeschoolcampusfornolessthanthreecalendar semestersorallsemesterstheschoolhasbeenopenediflessthanthreecalendarsemesters;and 4. BythedateofgraduationthestudentmusthavemetallTexasStateGraduation Requirements applicabletohim/herincludingmeetingallstateassessmentrequirements;and 5. The student with the highest cumulative grade point average graduating under the Recommended or Distinguished Program will be selected as valedictorian, with the second rankingstudentservingassalutatorian.UndernocircumstancewillastudentwithahigherGPA whoisgraduatingundertheMinimumGraduationProgramrankhigherthanastudentgraduating undertheRecommendedorDistinguishedProgram;or 6. InthecasewherenostudentsaregraduatingundereithertheRecommendedor Distinguished Program,thestudentwiththehighestcumulativegradepointaverageoutofallgraduatingseniors willbeselectedvaledictorian,andthestudentwiththenexthighestGPAwillserveassalutatorian Allcalculationsforthishonorwillbeconductedattheendofthespringsemester(before graduation)eachschoolyear.Aneligiblestudentmusthaveattendedatleastoneofthecalendar semestersduringtheschoolyearthatthehonorisgranted.GradePointAveragewillbecalculated inaccordancewiththeexistingpolicyadoptedbytheBoardofDirectors. CumLaudeSystem HarmonyPublicSchoolsrecognizeatgraduationthosestudentswithweightedGPAsatorabove specificbenchmarks.Benchmarksmayrequireoccasionaladjustmentsaschangesincurriculum dictate.Currently,graduatesarerecognizedasfollows: SummaCumLaude Weightedaverage*of GPA=4.0+ exactly128.0orhigher Weightedaverageof exactly GPA=3.8to3.9 MagnaCumLaude 120.0orhigher Weightedaverageof exactly GPA=3.5to3.7 CumLaude 112.0orhigher 8 SCHEDULING & COURSE SELECTIONS HarmonySchoolofAdvancementusesNavianceCoursePlannerforgraduationplansandcourse selections.WithCoursePlanner,studentscanaccesstheschoolcoursecatalog,choosecourses theywanttotakethenextschoolyear,knowwhichcoursesarerecommendedbyteachersandsee iftheircourseplanssatisfyhighschoolgraduationrequirements,aswellascollegeentrance requirementsforschoolsontheircollegeapplicationlists.Plus,theycanidentifyareaswherethey canincreaseacademicrigortoimprovetheircollegeadmissionschances. CourseSelections and Scheduling Steps 1. TeacherRecommendations–newschoolyearcoursecatalogisuploadedandteachers entertheircourserecommendationstoNaviance. 2. GraduationandCourseSelectionProcess–withthehelpoftheircounselors,studentsbuild theirgraduationplansandselectcoursesthroughNavianceCoursePlanner.TheCourse PlannerwillbeopenforeditingandreviewuntilMarch14th,2015.Studentsarehighly encouragedtoconsultwiththeirteachersregardingrecommendedcoursesanddiscuss theirchoiceswiththeirparentsbeforesubmittingcourseplansforapproval.Nocourse selectionswillbeavailableafterMarch14th. 3. CoursePlanApproval–Counselorsandteachersworkcollaborativelytoreviewstudent courseplans.Counselorswillcontactstudents/parentswithanyquestionsorconcerns. 4. DecisionMaking‐Afterallcourseplansreviewedandapproved,decisionsregardingclass cancellations,numberofsections,andstaffingaremade. 5. Masterscheduleisbuilt.Studentsarenotifiedofconflictsandanalternaterequestis considered. 6. Counselorsreviewend‐of‐yeargradesandprovidestudentswithsummerschool/credit recoveryoptions.Ifstudentsdonotearncreditinacourseduringtheschoolyearanddo notattendsummerschool,theschedulewillbereviewedandstudentwillretakefailed coursesin2015‐2016.Thismaychangethestudent’spreviouscourserequest. 7. Finalizedschedulesaregiventostudentsduringtheorientationdayofthenewschoolyear. 9 SCHEDULE CHANGES . ChangesrequestedaftertheCoursePlanhasbeensubmittedwillbemadeonlyforthefollowing reasonspercounselorapproval: Seniorneedstomakeupdeficientgraduationcredits. StudentreceivedanFgradeandneedstorepeattheclassforhighschoolgraduation requirementsortomeetcollegeeligibilityrequirements. Studentisintheincorrectcourselevel. Courserequestedwillnotbeofferedduetobudgetaryrestraintsorlowclasssize. Studentcompletedacoursecreditatsummerschool. Duringthefirst15schooldaysofacademicyear,studentsmayrequestaschedulechange accordingtothefollowingguidelines: Levelchangerequest,basedonavailability Placementrecommendationbasedonacademicperformance Medical/healthissuesrequireadjustmentinschedule Courseneededforgraduationrequirementortomeetcollegeeligibilityrequirement SpringSemesterChanges:Yearlongcourseswillonlybedroppedforextenuating circumstanceswithadministrativeapproval. Afterasemester,astudentinaPre‐APclassmaybetransferredtoon‐levelcourseifthestudent hasanaverageof70orlowerforthefirstsemester,orwithteacher’srecommendation. Schedulechangesbasedonteacherpreferencewillnotbehonored.Theadministrationreserves therightandhastheresponsibilitytoonlymakechangesasnecessarytomeetgraduation requirements,balanceclasssizes,correctadministrativeorclericalerror,reflectchangesinschool personnel,orothereducationallyappropriatereasons. DroppingACourse Astudentwhodropsacourseduringthefirst15schooldaysoftheacademicyearmaydo sowithoutanyentryonhis/herpermanentrecordcard. Coursedroppingorschedulechangerequestswillnotbegrantedafterthefirst15school daysofacademicyear. Note: Students in 9th‐12th grade are required to register for eight periods and remain on the HSAdvancement campus for eight periods. 10 CREDIT BY EXAM (CBE)/ EXAM FOR ACCELERATION (EA) Creditbyexam(CBE)isavailableforstudentswhofailedacourseandcanbetakenonly foranoriginalcredit. 1. AstudenttoGrades6‐12willbegivencreditforanacademicsubjectifthestudentscores 70%oraboveoneachofthecriterion‐referencedexaminationfortheapplicablecourse. 1. Itisnotrecommendedtogaincreditbysuchanexaminationifthecoursegradeisless than60inthecoursefailed.Studentsmaynotattempttoearncreditbyexaminationfora specifichighschoolcoursemorethantwotimes. 2. Ifthestudentscores70%orabove,regularcreditisgivenandtheexaminationscoreis enteredonthestudent’stranscript. 3. StudentswhohavealreadyearnedacreditforspecifichighschoolcoursecannottakeCBE topullupher/hisGPA. Examforacceleration(EA)isavailableforstudentswhowanttoskipineachofthe followingareas:languagearts,mathematics,science,andsocialstudies. 2. Toearnacreditstudentsneedtoscore80oraboveforEA. 3. Studentmaytakeaspecificexaminationonlyonceduringeachwindow.Studentsmaynot attempttoearncreditbyexaminationforaspecifichighschoolcoursemorethantwo times. 4. Ifastudentfailstoearncreditbyexaminationforaspecifichighschoolcoursebeforethe beginningoftheschoolyearinwhichthestudentwouldordinarilyberequiredtoenrollin thatcourseinaccordancewiththeschooldistrict’sprescribedcoursesequence,thestudent mustsatisfactorilycompletethecoursetoreceivecredit. CREDITBYEXAMINATIONWINDOWS CBE August10‐14 CBE Nov.17‐24 CBE March23‐30 CBE May4‐12 Procedure:StudentsarerequiredtoregisterforCBE/EAatleastonemonthpriortofirstdayof testing(orCBE/EAwindow).Parents/Studentsneedacounselor(and/orCampusCBE coordinator)approvaltoorderaCBE.Onceapproved,parents/studentspay$45(onlyforcredit recovery/feesubjecttochange)persemesteratthefrontoffice.ThereisnofeefortakingExam forAcceleration.Ittakesapproximatelyaweekforatesttoarrive,anotherweekortwoto receivethescoresfromUTAustin. 11 CREDIT RECOVERY & CREDIT TRANSFERS Studentsearnone‐halfcreditpersemesterandonecreditperyearforsuccessful completionofacourse.Coursesvaryfromonetotwosemestersinlength. Astudentwhofailsthefirstsemesterofanycorecoursewithagradenolowerthan60,butwho passesthesecondsemesterofthecourse,mayreceivecreditiftheaverageofthetwosemesters resultsinagradeof70orabove. Otherwise,toreceivecreditinacorecourse,thestudentmust utilizecreditrecoverytoobtainapassinggradeforanysemesterfailed. Creditrecoveryoptions: Option1:RetakingtheCourse(online/summerschool),andgainingthepassinggradeabove70for therequiredsemester. Option2:CreditbyExaminationwithPriorInstruction. Studentscantakecreditforanacademic subjectinwhichheorshehashadsomepriorinstructionifthestudentscores70%orhigherona criterion‐referencedtestfortheapplicablecourse. Oncethecourseiscompletedwithapassinggrade,thecreditwillbe addedtothestudent transcriptwiththe“R”coding. CREDITTRANSFERS Creditsearnedbystudentsinaccreditedschooldistricts(includingsummerschoolprogramsand creditbyexam)orthroughcorrespondencecoursesaretransferableandacceptedbytheschool. Creditsearnedthroughhomeschoolingandatunaccreditedprivateschoolsmaynotbe transferrable.Thesestudentsmaybeaskedtoearncreditthroughtakinganexam. StateandLocalCreditCourses Allcourseswhicharetobecountedtowardgraduationmustbestateapprovedcourses.Local creditcoursesarecoursesinwhichastudentmayparticipatewithoutreceivingstatecredit towardsgraduation,unlessthecourseisrequiredbyanARDCommitteeforstudentsreceiving specialeducationservices.Localcreditcoursesare,however,calculatedaspartofastudent’sGPA. 12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PROGRAM ThepurposeoftheAPentranceandexitguidelinesistoprovideinformationtoparentsand students and to facilitate students’ success in academically challenging courses. AP classes in Harmony School of Advancement stimulate and challenge students to perform at an advanced academic level. Therefore, AP coursework requires students to engage in more independent analyticalreadingandwritingassignments,bothinsideandoutsidetheclassroom. EntranceGuidelines AcademicConsiderations AP curriculum is designed two grade levels above traditional curriculum. Instruction isfast‐ paced and much of the work is done outside of class. Therefore, AP students should be independentlearnerswhohavedemonstratedpriorsuccessinthesubjectareaasoutlinedbelow: Previous grades in that discipline: An “A” in a particular subject required to enroll in AP. It indicatesthatthestudenthastheacademicabilitytosucceedattheAPlevelinthatsubject. StandardizedTestScores:SAT‐PSAT‐STAARtestinthatsubjectisagoodpredictorofsuccessin anAPclass,thereforeitisrequired. TeacherRecommendations:StudentswhowanttoenrollinanyoneormoreAPCourses listed intheclassselectionsheetmusthaveteacherrecommendation(s)fromateacherinthesame subjectarea(English,SocialStudies,andScienceetc.) PerformanceConsiderations AP classrooms are fast‐paced and challenging environments, with most lesson preparation done out of the classroom. Therefore, students taking these courses should be self‐motivated learners willing to invest time and energy into their activities and assignments. AP students shouldbeindependentlearnerswhodemonstrate: MotivationandCommitment TimeManagementskills Apositiveattitudetowardchallengingcoursework Astrongworkethic 13 HS-Advancement AP Placement Policy Grade AP Previous AP test Grades* Level Potential* Score Average* 9th grade 10th grade 11th grade 12th grade ReadiStep/PSAT/SAT scores 1 90+ n/a Readistep ‐ 11 2 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 90+ 90+ 90+ 90+ 90+ 90+ 90+ 90+ 90+ 90+ 90+ 90+ 90+ 90+ 90+ 90+ n/a n/a n/a 3+ 3+ n/a n/a 3+ 3+ 3+ n/a n/a 3+ 3+ Readistep ‐ 13 AP Qualifying Exam* n/a n/a Readistep ‐ 11, PSAT ‐ 110 Readistep ‐ 13, PSAT ‐ 130 PSAT‐140 PSAT ‐ 160 PSAT ‐ 120 PSAT ‐ 130 PSAT ‐ 150 PSAT ‐ 170 PSAT‐180 PSAT ‐ 120, SAT ‐ 1200 PSAT ‐ 130, SAT ‐ 1300 PSAT ‐ 150, SAT ‐ 1500 Teacher Recommendation from a teacher in the subject area is required. i.e. For AP US History, recommendation from Social Studies teacher is required Applicable PSAT ‐ 170, SAT ‐ 1700 3+ PSAT ‐ 180, SAT ‐ 1800 3+ PSAT ‐ 190, SAT ‐ 1900 HSAAPCourseEligibilityCriteriaDescriptions APPotential:ApprovedmaximumnumberofAPcourses Grades:GradesintherelatedfieldinwhichAPcourseisrequested PreviousAPTests:IfastudenttookAPtest(s)previously,thescorescouldbeusedas a determinant Standardized Test Scores: Due to the fact that AP's are college level courses, ReadiStep/PSAT/SATscoresareusedasacollegereadinessindextoassessstudentAPpotential APQualifyingExam:DepartmentsmaychoosetoadministerAPQualifyingExamstoassess studentAPreadiness *StudentswithmissingcreditsarenoteligibleforAPcourses. Teacher Recommendation 14 HS-Advancement AP Placement Policy APExamRequirement Enrollment in AP course requires that the student take the AP Exam. If the student named in the contract does not take the AP Exam for the subject class, the credit earned will not be weighted on GPA calculations. Further, if a student does not take the required exam, s/he will pay for the Harmony School of Advancement any and all the fees for each exam ordered and paid for by the Harmony School of Advancement. StudentsWithdrawalGuidelinesfromAPCourse Students may withdraw from AP courses, if withdrawal is requested within first 15 school days after the start of the AP class. Students are expected to complete and turn in the summer assignment during the first week of the school. It is the student’s responsibility to track his/her grades, missing course work and absences and to contact with the AP teacher in regards to these. AdditionalAPGuidelines StudentsareexpectedtomaintaintheirschoolattendanceontheAPtestingdays. Studentsmustattendafterschooland/orSaturdaytutorialsessionsifprovided. In order to receive credit in AP class, students must attend at least 90% of the days the classisoffered.Theseincludebothexcusedandunexcusedabsences. 15 HS-Advancement AP Program ListofAPCoursesOfferedatHarmonySchoolof Advancement AP Courses On Level Equivalent AP Calculus AB/BC AP Statistics AP Chemistry AP Physics I AP Physics II AP Physics C AP Biology AP Environmental Science AP English Language AP English Literature AP Human Geography AP World History AP U.S. History AP Psychology AP European History AP US Government AP Computer Science AP Spanish Language Mathematics Mathematics Science Science Science Science Science Science English Language Arts English Language Arts Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies Computer Sciences Languages Other Than English AP French Language AP Art History Languages Other Than English Fine Arts AP Studio Art Drawing Fine Arts 16 Dual Credit Program Courses offered for dual credit stem from agreements between high schools and community colleges whereby a high school junior or senior enrolls in a college course andsimultaneously earnscollegecreditandhighschoolcreditforthecourse. DualCreditQualificationRequirements Thestudent'shighschoolmusthaveaDualCreditagreementwithLoneStarCollege System(LSCS). ThestudentisenrolledinJuniororSenioryearofhighschool ThestudenthasAppliedtoLoneStar* ThestudentdemonstratedCollegeReadinessthroughapprovedassessments; 1. TSIAssessment:AhighschoolstudentiseligibletoenrollinDualCreditinthe 11thand12thgradeswiththefollowingTSIAssessmentScores: TSITest QualifyingScore Reading 351‐390 Writing 363‐390and4onessayor5+onessay 350‐390 Math 2. AhighschoolstudentisexemptfromtakingTSIAssessmentandeligiblefor 11thor12thgradeDualCreditenrollmentbymeetingonetherequirementsbelow SAT:AstudenthasanSATcompositescoreof1070(achievedbyaddingthe mathandcriticalreadingscorestogether)withascoreof500orhigheronthe mathandcriticalreadingportionsofthetest.Testscoremustbelessthan5 yearsoldandachievedinonesitting. ACT:AstudenthasanACTcompositescoreof23withaminimumof19inboth themathandEnglishportionsofthetest.Scoresmustbelessthan5yearsold andachievedinonesitting. PSAT/NMSQT:A10thgradestudenthasaPSAT/NMSQTcombinedscoreof107 (achievedbyaddingthemathandcriticalreadingscores)withaminimumof50 onthecriticalreadingand/ormathematicstest(s)relevanttothecoursestobe attemptedinthe11thgradeonly. Thestudentmustmeetprerequisitesintheareasthatareapplicabletothecourse includingreading,writingandmath,whereappropriate; PerTexasAdministrativeCode,thestudentshallnotbeenrolledinmorethan2dual creditclassespersemester. Thestudentmustmaintainagradeof"C"orbetterineachclasstoremainintheprogram *RefertoDualCreditEnrollmentchecklistformoredetails 17 Dual Credit Course Matrix ListedbelowareLSCScoursesandtheirequivalentHSAdvancementcoursesavailablefordual credit.Studentsshouldconsultwithacollege/universityadvisorregardingthetransferabilityof courses. LSCS College College Course LSCS Course HSAdvancemen High School Course Title Credit t Course Title Credit Language Arts ENGL 1301 Composition and Rhetoric I Composition and Rhetoric II Survey of World Lit. – Ancient Times to Mid17th Century Survey of World Lit. – Mid017th Century to Present Introduction to Speech 3 0.5 3 English III DC –A/B or English IV DC –A/B English III DC –A/B or English IV DC –A/B English IV DC -A 0.5 3 English IV DC-B 0.5 3 Communication Applications DC 0.5 3 US History DC -A 0.5 HIST 1302 GOVT 2305 GOVT 2306 United States History To 1877 US History Since 1877 Federal Government Texas Government 3 3 3 0.5 0.5 0.5 ECON 2301 Macroeconomics 3 PSYC 2301 General Psychology 3 US History DC- B Government DC Special Topics in Social Studies DC(EL) Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System DC Psychology DC (EL) ENGL 1302 ENGL 2332 ENGL 2333 SPCH 1311 3 0.5 Social Science HIST 1301 Mathematics College Algebra 3 MATH 1316 Trigonometry 3 MATH 1342 MATH 2413 Statistics Calculus 3 3 Fine Arts/Other ARTS 1303 ARTS 1304 ARTS 1311 ACNT 1303 MATH 1314 0.5 Math Independent Study/Precal DC -A Math Independent Study/Precal DC -B Math Independent Study Math Independent Study Art History Survey I Art History Survey II Art Appreciation Introduction to Accounting I 0.5 3 3 3 3 0.5 0.5 0.5 Art III History -A Art III History -B Art I Accounting I 18 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 High School Graduation with College Core Curriculum Withawell‐plannedgraduationpathandhardwork,studentsatHSAdvancementcangraduate withupto60collegecreditsandcompletetheircollegecorecurriculumathighschool. COMMUNICATION - 9 HOURS Aligned high school courses: -English III, A & B, English IV A&B - Communication Applications/Speech □ □ □ ENGL 1301 (3 HRS) – AP English Lang. (3)* -English IV A&B -LOTE Spanish III, LOTE French III - Humanities (elective) Choose ONE of the following: (3hours) □ ENGL 2322, 2323 ‐ AP English Lit. (3)* HUMA 1301, 1302 – only DC FREN 2311 – AP French Lang. (3)* SPAN 2311, 2312 – AP Span Lang. (3)* SPCH 1311 (3 HRS) – only DC option – 3 HOURS Aligned high school courses: -Mathematics 4th credit -Ind. Studies in Math (elective) Aligned high school courses: ENGL 1302 (3 HRS) – AP English Lang. (4)* MATHEMATICS □ HUMANITIES – 3 HOURS MATH 1314, 1316, 1324, 1325, 1342,2412,2413 (3 CREDIT HOURS) – AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics (3)* SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES – 15 HOURS Aligned high school courses: -US History A &B -US Government -0.5 -Ind. Studies in S.S. (elective)-0.5 -Psychology (elective)-0.5 credit -Economics -0.5 credit -Sociology (elective) – 0.5 credit □ □ □ □ □ 19 HIST 1301 (3 HRS) – AP US HIST(3)* HIST 1302 (3 HRS) – AP US HIST (4)* GOVT 2305 (3 HRS) –AP American GOVT (3)* GOVT 2306 (3 HRS) –AP American GOVT (4)* ECON 2301,2302, PSYC 2301, HIST 2311, SOCI 1301 , GEOG 1303 (3 HRS) – AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, AP Psychology, AP European History, AP Human Geography (3)* VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS – 3 HOURS NATURAL SCIENCES – 8 HOURS Aligned high school courses: ‐ Aligned high school courses: ‐ □ Art III History‐0.5/1 credits, Art 1 ‐ 0.5 credits ARTS 1303, 1304, 1311, MUSI 1301 – AP History of Art, AP Studio Arts 4th Science Course □ BIOL 1406/1407 OR 1408/1409 (8HRS) – AP Biology (3)* □ □ CHEM 1405/1411 (8HRS)‐ AP Chemistry (4)* □ PHYS 1401/1402 – AP Physics I&2 (5)*, AP Physics C (4)* ENVR 1401/1402 – AP Env. Science (3)* * AP score applies to University of Houston AP Credit Transfer Policy. To check the policies for other colleges, go to : https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/creditandplacement/search-credit-policies DualCreditCourses(throughLoneStarCollegeSystems)–collegecreditisearnedbypassing courseswith“C”andabove.Thestudentmustmaintainagradeof"C"orbetterineachclassto remainintheprogram.CreditsaretransferrableamongallTexasPublicColleges.Transferof creditstoprivateandoutofstateinstitutionsisnotguaranteed.Formoredetails,refertotheLSCS DualCreditPolicy. APCourses–collegecreditisearnedbypassingAPexamswiththescoreof3andabove.Colleges havedifferentAPscorerequirementstoawardcollegecredits.FormoredetailsregardingAP courses,refertotheHSAdvancementAPPolicy. EverypublicinstitutioninTexashasaCore,whichisdesignedtoprovideasolidfoundation foryourcollegeeducationandtomaketransfersbetweenandamongTexasinstitutionsof highereducationassmoothandseamlessaspossible. Eachinstitution'sCoreCurriculumappliestoallacademicdegrees.Theyrangefrom42to 48credithours,dependingonthecollegeoruniversity.EachCoreCurriculumisdivided into8or9categoriesthatarecommonacrossthestate. WatchOut!Youmaychooseamajorwhichhassomemorerigorousormorespecific requirementsthantheCore.Mostsciencemajors,forinstancehavemoreintensivemath andsciencerequirements.Inthesecases,themajorrequirementshavepriority.So, switchinginstitutionshasbecomeeasier,butchangingmajorsmaystillinvolvetaking someextracourses. 20 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS For Students Entering Grade 9 in 2014‐2015 and after Students enrolled in 2011‐2012, 2012‐2013 or 2013‐2014 may move to the Foundation Plan. 21 GraduationRequirementsForStudentsEnteringGrade9in2014‐2015andAfter Studentsenrolledin2011‐2012,2012‐2013or2013‐2014maymovetotheFoundationPlan IntheSpringof2013the83rdTexasLegislaturepassedHouseBill5,whichmadesubstantial changestothestate’scurriculumandgraduationrequirements,assessmentprogram,and accountabilitysystem.ThenewgraduationplanmandatedbyHouseBill5iscalledThe FoundationHighSchoolProgramwhichisintendedtoprovidestudentswithmoreflexibility. Studentswhoarefreshmenin2014‐15willbethefirstclasstofallunderthegraduation requirementsinHB5. Beginninginthe2014‐2015schoolyear,eachstudent,onenteringninthgrade,mustindicate inwritinganendorsementthatthestudentintendstoearn.Studentsarepermittedatanytime,to earnanendorsementotherthantheendorsementthestudentpreviouslyindicated. Astudentmaygraduateunderthefoundationhighschoolprogramwithoutearningan endorsementif,afterthestudent’ssophomoreyear: (1) )thestudentandthestudent’sparentorpersonstandinginparentalrelationare advisedbyaschoolcounselorofthespecificbenefitsofgraduatingfromhighschoolwithoneor moreendorsements;and (2) )thestudent’sparentorpersonstandinginparentalrelationfileswithaschool counselorwrittenpermissionallowingthestudenttograduateunderthefoundationhighschool programwithoutearninganendorsement HouseBill5requiresstudentstopassfiveStateofTexasAssessmentsofAcademicReadiness (STAAR)end‐of‐courseexamstomeetthenewgraduationrequirements:AlgebraI,EnglishI (combinedreading/writing),EnglishII(combinedreading/writing),BiologyandU.S.History. FoundationHighSchoolProgram(22credits) FoundationHighSchoolProgram(FHSP)includesthefollowingrequirements: ELA–4credits Math–3credits AlgebraIInotrequired SocialStudies–3credits Science–3credits ForeignLanguage–2credits FineArts–1credit PhysicalEducation–1credit 5ElectiveCredits 22 GraduationRequirementsForStudentsEnteringGrade9in2014‐2015andAfter Studentsenrolledin2011‐2012,2012‐2013or2013‐2014maymovetotheFoundationPlan FoundationHighSchoolProgramwithEndorsements(26Credits) FoundationHighSchoolProgram(FHSP)includesthefollowingrequirements:FoundationPlan plusthefollowing 4thMathCourse 4thScienceCourse EndorsementAreaCoursework(seeendorsementssection) DistinguishedLevelofAchievement(26Credits) Astudentmayearnadistinguishedlevelofachievementbysuccessfullycompleting: FoundationPlan Atotaloffourcreditsinmathematics,whichmustincludeAlgebraII Atotaloffourcreditsinscience Theremainingcurriculumrequirements44SECTIONIII:ACADEMICSANDGRADING RevisedinJune2014 Thecurriculumrequirementsforatleastoneendorsement Astudentmustearnthedistinguishedlevelofachievementtobeeligiblefortop10% automaticadmission. 23 GraduationRequirementsForStudentsEnteringGrade9in2014‐2015andAfter Studentsenrolledin2011‐2012,2012‐2013or2013‐2014maymovetotheFoundationPlan HB5GraduationPlaninChart FoundationOnly (canonlybechosenafterthe sophomoreyear) Discipline DistinguishedLevelof Achievement Foundation+Endorsements English I English II EnglishIII AdvancedEnglish (4credits) English I/PreAp English II/PreAP EnglishIII/AP/DC EnglishIV/AP/DC AlgebraI Geometry AdvancedMath Algebra I/PreAp Geometry/PreAP AlgebraII/PreAP ElectiveMath (4credits) Algebra I/PreAp Geometry/PreAP AlgebraII/PreAP ElectiveMath (4credits) Biology /PreAP Chemistry/PreA Physics/AP Elective Science (4credits) Biology /PreAP Chemistry/PreAP Physics/AP Elective Science (4credits)) World Geography/AP WorldHistory/AP USHistory/AP/DC USGOVT/AP/DC Economics/AP/DC (4credits) WorldGeography/AP WorldHistory/AP USHistory/AP/DC USGOVT/AP/DC Economics/AP/DC (4credits) LOTE LOTE (2credits) (2credits) EnglishI/PreAP EnglishII/PreAP EnglishIII/AP/DC EnglishIV/AP/DC (4credits) (3credits) (4credits) Biology AdvancedScience AdvancedScience (3credits) USHistory Government/Economics WorldGeo.orWorldHist. (3credits) LOTE (2credits) PhysicalEducation Physical Education (1credit) (1credit) FineArts FineArts FineArts (1credit) (1credit) (1credit) (1credit) Physical Education (5credits) (6credits) (6credits) 24 GraduationRequirementsForStudentsEnteringGrade9in2014‐2015andAfter Studentsenrolledin2011‐2012,2012‐2013or2013‐2014maymovetotheFoundationPlan Performance Acknowledgements PerformanceAcknowledgementsmaybeearnedinoneormoreofthefollowingcategories: APtestscoreof3orabove; IBtestscoreof4orabove(transferstudentsonly;IBisnotavailableinHPS); QualifyingPSATscorebasedonthe11thgradetest; SATcombinedcriticalreadingandmathscoreof1250orabove; ACTcompositescoreof28orabove; Completionofaminimumof12hoursdualcreditcollegecourseswithfinalgradesof AorB(3.0GPAorabove); Bilingualismandbiliteracy;and Earninganationallyorinternationallyrecognizedbusinessorindustrycertificationor license. Endorsements Studentsentering9thGrademustchoosefromoneofthefollowingendorsements: STEM(Examples:Engineering,ComputerScience) BusinessandIndustry(Examples:Business,Finance,Accounting) ArtsandHumanities(Examples:Literature,Art,Dance,Music) PublicServices(Examples:HotelManagement,Psychology,Teaching,Health) MultidisciplinaryStudies(ExamplesBusiness,Sociology,Art) Studentsmaychangetheirendorsementatanytimepriortograduation. Toqualifyaspartofthetoptenpercentoftheirgraduatingclass,studentsmustsuccessfully completeAlgebraII. AstudentmustcompletetheFoundationHighSchoolProgram(22credits),oneadditionalmath credit,oneadditionalsciencecredit,andtwoadditionalelectivecreditswhilecompletingthe specificrequirementsofhis/herselectedendorsement.Pleasereviewthefollowing Endorsement Chartformore information. 25 GraduationRequirementsForStudentsEnteringGrade9in2014‐2015andAfter Studentsenrolledin2011‐2012,2012‐2013or2013‐2014maymovetotheFoundationPlan Endorsements STEM Science,Technology,Engineering,&Math StudentsmayearnaSTEMendorsementbyselectingandcompletingtherequirementsfromamongthese4 options. Note:AlgebraII,Chemistry,andPhysicsarerequiredfortheSTEMendorsementregardlessoftheoptionthestudent selectsfrombelow Option1:EngineeringPathway (CTE) Studentsearnfour(4)creditsbytakingfollowingcoursesCTEEngineeringPath: ConceptsofEngineering EngineeringDesignandProblemSolving EngineeringDesignandPresentation Adv.EngineeringDesignandPresentation Option2:Math Students take Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II AND two (2) of the following courses for which Algebra IIisaprerequisite. Pre‐Calculus CollegeAlgebraDualCredit CalculusABorBC StatisticsAP StatisticsandRiskManagement Option3:Science StudentstakeBiology,Chemistry,andPhysics,ANDtwo(2)ofthefollowingcourses. Chemistry AP EnvironmentalSystems BiologyAP Anatomy&Physiology APPhysicsII EnvironmentalScience AP APPhysicsI APPhysicsC 26 GraduationRequirementsForStudentsEnteringGrade9in2014‐2015andAfter Studentsenrolledin2011‐2012,2012‐2013or2013‐2014maymovetotheFoundationPlan Business& Industry StudentsmayearnaBusiness&Industryendorsementbyselectingandcompletingtherequirements fromamongthese3 options. Option1:English Studentstakefour(4)Englishelectivecreditsthatincludethreelevelsinoneforthefollowingareas. AdvancedBroadcastJournalismI,II,III AdvancedJournalism:NewspaperI,II,III AdvancedJournalism:YearbookI,II,III DebateI,II,III Option2:InformationTechnology(CTE)andArts,A/VTechnology,andCommunications (CTE) Studentstakefour(4)electivecreditsfromthefollowingcourses. WebTechnologies Digital&InteractiveMedia Audio/VideoProduction AdvancedAudioVideoProduction Public Services StudentsmayearnaPublicServicesendorsementbyselectingandcompletingtherequirements from amongthefollowingoption: Option:HealthScience CTE Studentsearnfour(4)creditsbytakingfollowingcoursesinPLTWBiomedical Science: PrinciplesofBiomedicalScience HumanBodySystems MedicalInterventions BiomedicalInnovation 27 GraduationRequirementsForStudentsEnteringGrade9in2014‐2015andAfter Studentsenrolledin2011‐2012,2012‐2013or2013‐2014maymovetotheFoundationPlan Artsand Humanities StudentsmayearnanArts &Humanitiesendorsementbyselectingandcompletingtherequirements fromamongthese3options. Option1:Social Studies Studentstakefive(5)socialstudiescoursesfor5credits.After4requiredsocialstudiescoursesthe5th creditcanbetakenfromthefollowingcourses: APEuropeanHistory SocialStudiesAdvanceStudies(GOVT2306DualCredit) Psychology APPsychology PsychologyDualCredit Sociology Option2:Foreign Language Studentstakefour(4)levelsofthesameforeignlanguage.ORStudentstaketwo(2)levelsofone foreign languageANDtwo(2)levelsofadifferentforeignlanguage(twolevelsineachoftwodifferentforeign languagesfor4credits). TurkishI SpanishI FrenchI TurkishII SpanishII FrenchII TurkishIII SpanishIII FrenchIII TurkishIV APSpanishLang. APFrench Option3:FineArts Studentstakefour(4)coursesinthesamefineartsareafor4credits.ORStudentstaketwo(2) coursesinonefineartsareaANDtwo(2)coursesinadifferentfineartsarea(twocoursesineachof twodifferentfineartsareasfor4credits). MusicI:Orchestra MusicI:Choir ArtI MusicII:Orchestra MusicII:Choir ArtII:Drawing MusicIII:Orchestra MusicIII:Choir ArtIII:Drawing MusicIV:Orchestra MusicIV:Choir APStudioArts 28 GraduationRequirementsForStudentsEnteringGrade9in2014‐2015andAfter Studentsenrolledin2011‐2012,2012‐2013or2013‐2014maymovetotheFoundationPlan Multidisciplinary Studies StudentsmayearnaMultidisciplinaryStudiesendorsementbyselectingandcompletingtherequirements fromamongthese3options. Option1:FourbyFour(4X4) Studentstakefour(4)coursesineachofthefourcorecontentareas. ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Four(4)EnglishcreditsincludingEnglishIV Four(4)mathcredit Four(4)sciencecreditsincludingbiologyandchemistryand/orphysics Four(4)socialstudiescredits Withaleastone(1)advanced(3rdyearorhighercourseinthesequence). Option2:APorDual Studentstakefour(4)AdvancedPlacement(AP)coursesforfour(4)creditsinEnglish,math, science, socialstudies,foreignlanguage,orfine arts. OR Studentstakefour(4)Dualcreditcoursesforfour(4)creditsinEnglish,math,science,socialstudies,foreign language,orfinearts. Option3:CTE Students take four advanced courses for four (4) credits that prepare them to enter the workforce or postsecondaryeducationwithoutremediationfromwithinoneendorsementareaoramongendorsementareas notinacoherentsequence 29 STEM Business & Industry Public Services Arts & Humanities Multidisciplinary Studies Students may earn a STEM endorsement by selecting and completing the requirements from among these 4 options. Note: Algebra II, Chemistry, and Physics are required for the STEM endorsement regardless of the option the student selects from below. Students may earn a Business & Industry endorsement by selecting and completing the requirements from among these 3 options. Students may earn a Public Services endorsement by selecting and completing the requirements from among these 1 option. Students may earn an Arts & Humanities endorsement by selecting and completing the requirements from among these 3 options. Students may earn a Multidisciplinary Studies endorsement by selecting and completing the requirements from among these 3 options. Option 1: English Students take four (4) English elective credits that include three levels in one for the following areas Option 1: Foreign Language Students take four (4) levels of the same foreign language. Option 1 EngineeringPathway(CTE) AdvancedBroadcast JournalismI,II, III AdvancedJournalism: NewspaperI,II,III Option 1: CTE Students earn four (4) credits of the following area Biomedical Sciences (PLTW) Human Body Systems Medical Intervention Biomedical Innovation Option 1: Four by Four (4 X 4) Students take four (4) courses in each of the four core content areas. Four (4) English credits including English IV Four (4) math credit Four (4) science credits including biology and chemistry and/or physics Four (4) social studies credits Studentsearnfour(4)creditsbytaking followingcoursesCTEEngineering Path: ConceptsofEngineering EngineeringDesignand ProblemSolving EngineeringDesignand Presentation Adv.EngineeringDesignand Presentation Option 2: Math Students take Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II AND two (2) of the following courses for which Algebra II is a prerequisite. Pre‐Calculus Calculus AB or BC Statistics/AP College Algebra I/Dual Credit Option 3: Science Students take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, AND two (2) of the following courses. Chemistry AP Biology AP Anatomy & Physiology Environmental Science AP AP Physics I AP Physics C Environmental Systems AP Physics II AdvancedJournalism: YearbookI,II,III DebateI,II,III Option 2: Technology Students take four (4) technology credits selected from of the following courses. Web Technologies Digital Art and Animation Audio/Video Production Adv. Audio/Video Production OR Students take two (2) levels of one foreign language AND two (2) levels of a different foreign language (two levels in each of two different foreign languages for 4 credits). Option 2: Fine Arts Students take four (4) courses in the same fine arts area for 4 credits OR Students take two (2) courses in one fine arts area AND two (2) courses in a different fine arts area (two courses in each of two different fine arts areas for 4 credits). Option 3 : Socail Studies Students take (5) social studies courses for 5 credits. After 4 required th S.S. courses the 5 credit can be taken from the following AP European History Psychology/AP/Dual Credit Sociology S.S. Advance Studies –Dual Credit Option 2: AP or Dual Students take four (4) Advanced Placement (AP) courses for four (4) credits in English, math, science, social studies, foreign language, or fine arts. OR Students take four (4) Dual credit courses for four (4) credits in English, math, science, social studies, foreign language, or fine arts. Option 3: CTE Students take four advanced courses for four (4) credits that prepare them to enter the workforce or postsecondary education without remediation from within one endorsement area or among endorsement areas not in a coherent sequence. T GU g ALGEBR ALGEBR D V for T 1 MATH OR CTE MATH 1 SCIENCE OR CTE SCIENCE 2 ELECTIVES BUSINESS & INDUSTRY 1 MATH OR CTE MATH 1 SCIENCE OR CTE SCIENCE 2 ELECTIVES T ma c A m ALGEBR E DORSEMENT‐ STEM O ALGEBR ALGEBR PUBLIC SERVICES MULTI‐ DISCIPLINARY STUDIES 1 MATH OR CTE MATH 1 SCIENCE OR CTE 2 ELECTIVES CREDITS ARTS & HUMANITIES 1 MATH OR CTE MATH 1 SCIENCE OR CTE SCIENCE 2 ELECTIVES 1 MATH OR CTE MATH 1 SCIENCE OR CTE SCIENCE 2 ELECTIVES FOUNDATION – 22 CREDITS 4 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA I, II, III, & IV) 3 MATHEMATICS (Algebra I, Geometry & Algebra II) 3 SOCIAL STUDIES (World Geography or World History or combined course, US History, & Government/Economics) 3 SCIENCE (Biology and two additional advanced sciences) 2 FOREIGN LANGUAGES 1 FINE ARTS 1 PHYSICAL EDUCATION 5 ELECTIVES GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS For Students Entering Grade 9 In 2012‐2013 and 2013‐2014 30 GraduationRequirementsforStudentsEnteringGrade9in2012‐2013and2013‐2014 To graduate from high school, students entering the 9th grade in the 2012‐2013 and 2013‐2014 school year shall enroll in thecourses necessary to complete the curriculum requirements of the Recommended High School Program (“RHSP”) or the Distinguished Achievement Program (“DAP”). In certain circumstances, a student, the student’s parent, and a school counselor or administratormayagreeinwritingthatthestudentshouldbepermittedtotakecoursesunderthe MinimumHighSchoolProgram (“MHSP”). DISCIPLINE English Mathematics RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM (RHSP) Four Credits must consist of: DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (DAP) · English I or English I for Speakers of Other Languages · English II or English II for Speakers of Other Languages · English III or AP English Language and Composition · English IV or AP English Literature and Composition · English I or English I for Speakers of Other Languages · English II or English II for Speakers of Other Languages · English III or AP English Language and Composition · English IV or AP English Literature and Composition Four Credits must consist of: Four Credits must consist of: · Algebra I · Geometry · Algebra II · The additional credit may be selected from either of the following and must be successfully completed prior to Algebra II: · Mathematical Models with Applications · Mathematical Applications in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CTE) · The fourth credit may be selected from the following after successful completion of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II: · Pre-calculus or AP Statistics or AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC or AP Computer · Algebra I · Geometry · Algebra II · An additional course for which Algebra II is prerequisite such as Precalculus or AP Statistics or AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC or AP Computer Science or Independent Study or Engineering Mathematics (CTE) 31 Four Credits must consist of: Science Four Credits must consist of: Four Credits must consist of: · A biology credit (Biology or AP Biology) · A chemistry credit (Chemistry or AP Chemistry) · A physics credit (Physics or AP Physics (B or C) or Principles of Technology I ) · The fourth credit must be selected from the following · Astronomy, Aquatic Science, Environmental Science, Earth and Space Science, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics B or C, and AP Environmental Science · A biology credit (Biology or AP Biology) · A chemistry credit (Chemistry or AP Chemistry) · A physics credit (Physics or AP Physics (B or C)) · After successful completion of a biology, a chemistry, and a physics course, the fourth credit may be selected from the following: · Astronomy, Aquatic Science, Environmental Science, Earth and Space Science, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics B or C, and AP Environmental Science The additional credit may be IPC and must be successfullycompleted prior to chemistry and physics. IPC may not be taken to fulfill any of the four credits of science requirements. Social Studies Three-and one-half credits must consist of: Three-and one-half credits must consist of: · World Geography or AP Human Geography (one credit) · World History or AP World History (one credit) · US History or AP US History (one credit) · US Government or AP US Government (one-half credit) · World Geography or AP Human Geography (one credit) · World History or AP World History (one credit) · US History or AP US History (one credit) · US Government or AP US Government (one-half credit) Economics One-half credit must consist of: One-half credit must consist of: · Economics or AP Macroeconomics or AP Microeconomics · Economics or AP Macroeconomics or AP Microeconomics Physical Education One credit must consist of: One credit must consist of: · Foundations of Personal Fitness · Adventure/Outdoor Education · Aerobic Activities · Team or Individual Sports · Foundations of Personal Fitness · Adventure/Outdoor Education · Aerobic Activities · Team or Individual Sports Languages Other Than English Two Credits must consist of any two levels in the same language. An AP course can also be substituted for each level (must also be the same language). Three Credits must consist of any three levels in the same language. An AP course can also be substituted for each level (must also be the same language). Speech One-half credit: One-half credit: · Communication Applications · Communication Applications 32 One credit choose one from the followings: One credit choose one from the followings: · Art (I,II,III) · Dance (I,II,III) · Music (I,II,III) · Theatre (I,II,III) · AP Music Theory · AP Studio Arts · AP Art History · Art (I,II,III) · Dance (I,II,III) · Music (I,II,III) · Theatre (I,II,III) · AP Music Theory · AP Studio Arts · AP Art History Elective Courses Five and one-half credits of elective courses offered by HSAdvancement. Four and one-half credits of elective courses offered by HSAdvancement. Advanced Measures None A student must receive any combination of four advanced measures. Community Service Senior Capstone Project College Admission 100 hours 100 hours Successful completion of the Senior Capstone Project within the English IV curriculum Proof of admission by a 4-year college is required Successful completion of the Senior Capstone Project within the English IV curriculum. Fine Arts State Testing . Proof of admission by a 4 year college is required All students must satisfactorily pass the required state mandated tests for the graduation Course‐by‐Credit Summary Discipline RHSP Credits DAP Credits English Language Arts 4.0 4.0 Mathematics 4.0 4.0 Science 4.0 4.0 Social Studies 3.5 3.5 Economics/Free Enterprise 0.5 0.5 Physical Education 1.0 1.0 Languages Other Than English 2.0 3.0 Fine Arts 1.0 1.0 Speech 0.5 0.5 Elective Courses 5.5 4.5 TOTAL 26 26 33 GraduationRequirementsforStudentsEnteringGrade9in2012‐2013and2013‐2014 Advanced Measures for the Distinguished Achievement Program The DAP recognizes students who demonstrate levels of performance equivalent to college students.Asacollegepreparatorysystem,HarmonyPublicSchoolsstronglyencouragesstudents tofollowtheDAP.InordertograduatewithadvancedmeasuresundertheDAP,astudent must completeanycombinationoffourofthefollowingadvancedmeasures: 1. Originalresearch/projectthatis: ‐Judgedbyapanelofprofessionalsinthefieldthatisthefocusoftheproject;or ‐Conductedunderthedirectionofmentor(s)andreportedtoanappropriateaudience;and ‐Related to the required curriculum relating to EssentialKnowledgeandSkills; 2. Testdatawhereastudentreceives: 3. AscoreofthreeoraboveontheCollegeBoardadvancedplacementexamination; 4. AscoreoffouroraboveonanInternationalBaccalaureateexamination; or 5. A scoreon the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test(PSAT) that qualifies the student for recognition as a commended scholar or higher by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation,aspartoftheNationalHispanicScholarProgramoftheCollegeBoardor as partoftheNationalAchievementScholarshipProgramforOutstandingNegroStudents of theNationalMeritScholarshipCorporation.ThePSATscoreshallcountasonlyone advanced measureregardlessofthenumberofhonorsreceivedbythestudent;or 6. Collegeacademiccourses,advancedtechnicalcreditcourses,anddualcreditcourseswitha gradeof3.0orhigher. No substitutions are allowed in the Distinguished AchievementHighSchoolProgram,exceptas specifiedbystateTitle19,Chapter74,TexasAdministrativeCode. 34 GraduationOptionsforStudentswithDisabilities Students with disabilities are provided an individualized educational program with various opportunitiestosucceed.Annualmeetingsareheldwithstudentswithdisabilitiesandtheirparents in which an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is developed and appropriate educational plan is determined. Students receiving special education services follow the curriculum and credit requirements required of all students as determined by their prospective Graduation Plan. Students with identified special needs will be provided appropriate accommodations in regular classes. Should studentsneedmodificationofthestatestandards,theymaybeservedinspecializedclassesaccording to theirIndividualEducationPlan(IEP).ARDCommitteereferralisrequiredforplacementinanymodified course. The general considerations for graduation options are listed here: Optionsthatarethesameforallotherstudents(forstudentsenteringgrade9in2013‐ 14ormaybenefitfromFoundationProgram) FoundationProgram EndorsementProgram DistinguishedAchievementProgram Optionsthatarethesameforallotherstudents(forstudentsenteringgrade9in2011‐ 12Academicperformancelevelsorcumulativescoresonstateassessmentscan determinegraduationplanoptions) DistinguishedAchievementProgram RecommendedProgram MinimumHighSchoolProgram Optionsthatarethesameforallotherstudents,exceptARDdecisionprocess regardingTAKSProficiencyforAllLevelsofAssessment(StudentsenteringGrade9in 2007‐08through2010‐11schoolyear) DistinguishedAchievementProgram‐withExemption RecommendedProgram‐withExemption MinimumHighSchoolProgram‐WithExemption 35 GraduationOptionsforStudentswithDisabilities Thereareadditionalgraduationoptionsforstudentswhoreceivespecialeducationservices whosedisabilitiesinterferewithsuccessfulcompletionofthe3plansmentionedabove.Each specialeducationstudent'sARDcommitteewillworktogethertodeterminewhichplanlisted aboveisappropriateorwhetheramodifiedoralternateplanisneeded undat g am mplet n IE publ ucat n mplet n IE maintain mpl mplet n IE elp kills mplet n IE andac t mpl ment, andha fullti nt andha m mpl andha ea age at twit mast 36 p ucat n ut t el ‐ elp killsto mpl yab l t an elf‐ Community Hours Tracking System –x2VOL InordertograduatefromHarmonySchoolofAdvancementstudentsareexpectedtocompletea totalof100volunteerhours.Volunteerhoursaresubmittedandtrackedthroughx2VOL,a simple,fast,paperlesswaytofindopportunities,trackhoursandgeneratereports. Thefollowingvolunteerprojectsareeligibleforcommunityservicerecognition: • Volunteeringatanon‐profitorganization • Aservice‐learningprojectinoneofyourclasses • Avolunteerprojectrequiredforaclass(i.e.LifeSkillsvolunteerhours) • Communityorganizingincludingvoterregistrationandpoliticalcampaigns. • Servicelearningprojectsoutsideofclassincludingthetrainingandpreparationtime.(Training timemustbedirectlyrelatedandcannotbegreaterthan50%ofthenumberofdirectservice hours.) • Timeservedwithafaith‐basedinstitutionthatdoesNOTincludeteachingorpromotingone faith.(Examples:servingfood,fundraisers,banquets,volunteeringatthefacility.) ThefollowingvolunteerprojectsareNOTeligibleforcommunityservicerecognition: • Hoursspentteachingreligioninachurch,synagogue,mosque,orfaith‐basedinstitutionwill NOTberecognizedbecauseHARMONYschoolsarepublic,nonsectarianinstitutions.Therefore, hoursspentatreligiouspre‐schoolsanddaycampsaswellashoursservedduringreligious ceremonies(includingchoirs,bands,etc.)mayNOTbeclaimed. RecordKeeping It is the responsibility of the student to make sure that the hours are properly logged and verifiedbytheserviceproviderinx2VOL.Communityservicehourscannotbeverifiedbya family memberorrelative. How to Register to x2VOL 1. Log on to your database account and click on the Naviance logo. 2. When you are in Naviance click on the x2VOL link located under the resource tab on the far left side of the webpage. 3. This will lead you to Registration page of x2VOL with your personal information already inserted. You will only have to fill in your email then click proceed. 4. This will lead you to a page that allows you to pick your interest for specific volunteer opportunities. If you have any preferences select them here. 5. Then you will be instructed to make your own password. 6. After you form your password it will lead you to your x2VOL main page. 37 Extracurricular Activities Studentsaregivenwonderfulopportunitiestoexploretheirintereststhroughourschool’s extracurricularactivities.ClubsareformeduponstudentinitiativeandHSAdvancement encouragesstudentstoproposeandleadnewclubseveryyear.Belowaretheextracurricular activitiesofferedin2014‐2015schoolyear.Thelistissubjecttochangedependingonteacher availabilityanddemand. ClubName 1. Computer Science Club Students will develop leadership skills through service to the school and surrounding community. Key Club is a student led leadership organization that will meet weekly to discuss fundraising and service projects as orchestrated by Kiwanis International local/district charters. Students government (students must be elected to the Council by their peers) 2. Key Club 3. Student Council Mrs. Bassett, Mr. Ermek Ms. Wadsworth Mrs. Zhou Students who love to run or just want to get in shape, this club is for you. You be running “cross country” afterschool. 7. Cosplay/Stagecraft* Students study and prepare for advanced science competitions. Students meet weekly or bi-weekly to discuss, study, and practice for different competition events in the fields of: science, engineering, medicine, and technologies. 6. Running Club Ms. Williams 5. Science Olympiad Students learn the skills necessary to compete successfully in local, state, national, & international competitions. *Note: students in debate may chose only 1 other club to participate in due to the time requirements of debate. 4. Debate Description/Purpose Sponsors The aim of the club is to teach student about new, Ms. Clark interesting topics about computer science and to develop skills through programming. Students will also prepare for and participate in in an online programming competition, USA Computing Olympiad. Coach Ngo Students study how to design and sew costumes. The student can learn about period clothing from any era and culture. The student will understand basic stage craft, as well as the arts used to create props and costumes used in theater and cosplay. 38 Mrs. Taylor 8. Books For Harmony 9. Art Club 10. FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) Student service organization dedicated to supporting and expanding Harmony libraries around Houston. Students will hold book drives and fundraisers to acquire books for Harmony libraries. The Art Club consists of students who love the Arts and cannot seem to get enough of them through school classes. We also promote school events in various ways, such as face painting, window & banner painting, and helping with school spirit. Thousands of students across the nation are joining FBLA! FBLA teaches students skills that are needed in everyday life. Students have the opportunity to be recognized at the local, state, & national levels. FBLA 11. Robotics Engineering Club Students will refine their skills and build the robots Mrs. O’Brien Mrs. Taylor TBA Mr. Arykchiev needed to compete in various competitions. 12. French Club 13. AADE Student Section 14. National Garden Club Bonjour! If you enjoy trying new foods, discovering great movies and music, practicing your French and leaning about other cultures, you will love French Club. Members will have unique opportunities for American Association of Drilling Engineers, student section, will work closely with the company as AADE is a major sponsor of the robotics program. Student should be a part of the robotics team/class to participate. Students will work on projects and The Club’s mission is to stimulate knowledge and love of gardening and to protect the quality of the environment through programs and action in the fields of education, conservation and civic improvement. Mrs. Fogelsong- Richters Mr. Arykchiev Ms. Zajaczkowski 15. Odyssey of the Mind Team members use their creativity to solve problems by creating skits, costumes, etc. and compete at the regional and state levels. Ms. Clark 16. Skills USA This is a competition based organization. Students will compete in a variety of areas including: technology, STEM, public speaking, robotics, and many others. Ms. Clark 17. Turkish Club Students will prepare for the Turkish Olympiad and Speech Contest. Students will learn about culture and the Turkish language. Mr. Onel 39 Students will study and solve problems to prepare for 18. Mu Alpha Theta Harmony Math Olympiad competitions. Chapter 19. Texas French Symposium 20. Physics Club 21. Health Professions Club 22. Hawks Educational Leadership Program (H.E.L.P.) 23. D20 24. Tennis Club 25. Flag Football 26. Hawks Serving Houston 27. National Honors Society NHS Student will prepare their memorized pieces, practice for tests, etc. for state competition. Addition practices will be held as the competition approaches. Students will prepare to participate in 2 nationwide competitions: Bridge Contest, Rocket Contest. Students will build their entries for each competition. The Health Professions Club (HPC) will provide an opportunity for student to be informed about the process of preparing for college and entering a career in the health care fields, such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, & veterinary science. Also, HPC will Students in this program are selected by the Administration to represent HSA, the students, and community in a wide variety of events. Students will plan and execute character wellness programs such as No Place For Hate, BOV, the Bully Project The D20group is a female anime/manga/video game, non-profit organization, which promotes volunteering in these areas of inspiration. The purpose is to make a comfortable environment for girls who enjoy these genres and to help build a skill set. The Texas State Learn to play tennis and stay in shape at the same time. Students will play at a local racquet club, off campus. See Mr. Tran for more information. This is the HSA football team. It is a no-contact sport similar to American Football. Tryouts are very soon. See Coach Hall or Coach Ngo for more details! Mr. Yucel Mrs. Fogelsong- Richters Mr. Sengez Ms. Arauz Ms. Millspaugh, Ms. Fuerte, Mrs. Henderson, Ms. Mrs. Ragno Coach Tran Coach Hall, Coach Ngo Ms. Williams Students will organize events and volunteer in the community to give back to Houston. See Jeremy H. for more information. The National Honor Society is a prestigious Ms. Maldar organization that stands for hard work, dedication, and high academic status. The four characteristics that are the criteria for qualification include scholarship, leadership, service and character. Studentsmayjoinuptothree(3)clubsonthislist.Ifstudentsareamemberofdebate,theymay selectonlyone(1)additionalclub,duetotherigoroustimeconstraintsofdebate. 40 Athletics HarmonySchoolofAdvancementhasawidevarietyofathleticoptions,offeringsix sportsduringthreeseasons.HSAdvancementisaffiliatedwiththeTexasAssociationofCharter Schools.TAPPSalsooffersadistrictschedulewithaplayoffformatsimilarinnaturetoUILpublic institutions. SportsinCompetition Fall Sports (Girls): Volleyball Winter Sports (Girls): Basketball Fall Sports (Boys): Flag Football Spring Sports (Girls): Soccer Spring Sports (Boys): Soccer Winter Sports (Boys): Basketball All sports conduct practices various times a week in preparation for completions, matches, or meets. Practices are primarily after school, and most are one and a half to two hours in length. Winter Season teams practice during Christmas break. Mandatory Participation Forms Bring the following completed forms to your tryout: 1. 2. 3. 4. Permission slip Transportation form Athletic Policy Texas Charter and UIL Student Acknowledgement of Rules form All forms must have parent signatures to be accepted 41 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 2015-2016 ACADEMIC SCHOOL YEAR Course offerings may vary based on enrollment. Lone Star Dual Credit course classifications are determined by LSCS standards. 42 English I Grade: 9 Prerequisite: 8th Grade English Credit: 1.0 In English I, students begin developing college level skills in the use and interpretation of language to better understand themselves and their world. Students read and analyze a wide variety of World Literature, including novels, short stories, plays, essays, and poems. Reading instruction centers not on mere comprehension, but focuses on building higher level thinking skills to evaluate the literary techniques of the author and interpret the themes of the work. Students learn literary forms and terms associated with selections being read and apply these in analysis. Students refine their listening skills to better participate in lecture, classroom discussion, and cooperative group activities English II Grade: 10 Prerequisite: English I Credit: 1.0 In English II, students continue developing college level skills in the use and interpretation of language to better understand themselves and their world. Reading instruction centers not on mere comprehension, but focuses on building higher level thinking skills to evaluate the literary techniques of the author and interpret the themes of the work. Students learn literary forms and terms associated with selections being read and apply these in analysis. Pre‐AP English I and II Grade: 9‐10 Prerequisite: Counselor Approval, Grade above 80 in on level course Credit: 1.0 In 9th and 10th grade, students may take Pre‐AP English Language Arts. Pre‐AP prepares students for high school AP courses in language and literature by further emphasizing students’ skills in using and analyzing language. In addition to the goals of on‐level language arts courses, students read from more advanced texts and seek to offer more in‐depth interpretations. Students compose more advanced analytical papers using a college level rubric with appropriate formatting and documentation. English III Grade: 11 Prerequisite: English II Credit: 1.0 Students compose college level analytical papers using appropriate formatting and documentation. Students find the tools to express their ideas through vertically aligned vocabulary development stressing mastery of Greek and Latin roots. Students learn to view art and other visual representations as a compliment to the written word and determine an image’s connection with the themes of the text. Students develop speaking skills to express their ideas clearly and effectively. Students refine their listening skills to better participate in lecture, classroom discussion, and cooperative group activities. English IV Grade: 12 Prerequisite: English III Credit: 1.0 In English IV, students master college level skills in the use and interpretation of language to better understand themselves and their world. Students read and analyze a wide variety of British literature, including novels, short stories, plays, essays, and poems, as well as literature from other cultures. AP English Language and Composition Grade: 11 Prerequisite: English II, Counselor Approval Credit: 1.0 Teachers create a course audit approved by College Board for accreditation. The goals of an AP English Language and Composition course are diverse because the college composition course is one of the most varied in the curriculum. The overarching objective in most first‐year writing courses is to enable students to write effectively and confidently in their college courses across the curriculum and in their professional and personal lives. 43 English Language Arts AP English Literature and Composition Grade: 12 Prerequisite: English III, Counselor Approval Credit: 1.0 This course includes the in‐depth reading of texts drawn from multiple genres, periods, and cultures. In their AP course, students should also read works from several genres and periods ‐from the sixteenth to the twenty‐first century but, more importantly, they should get to know a few works well. They should read deliberately and thoroughly, taking time to understand a work's complexity, to absorb its richness of meaning, and to analyze how that meaning is embodied in literary form. In addition to considering a work's literary artistry, students should consider the social and historical values it reflects and embodies. Careful attention to both textual detail and historical context should provide a foundation for interpretation, whatever critical perspectives are brought to bear on the literary works studied. Journalism Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: NA Credit: 1.0 In this class, students will learn the history of Journalism, the techniques used by journalists, the skills needed to be an effective member of a journalism staff and basic elements of design. Students will be expected to complete all reading, writing, editing, and designing assignments. Students must complete this class before they will be given the opportunity to be a part of either production staffs. Adv. Journalism Newspaper I ,II, III Grade: 10‐12 Prerequisite: Journalism Credit: 1.0 This is a workshop course in which students produce the school Newsmagazine, The Ha wk’s Herald . The Hawk’s Hera ld is a print news magazine created monthly by students for students. Students learn every aspect of news reporting, writing, editing, publishing and advertising. Students will apply for positions within the staff and will be led by their Editor In Chief(s) and their Page Editors. The Newsmagazine Staff will learn journalism concepts and terminology through hands‐on work with each phase of news magazine production. Students learn how to use computer software for desktop publishing, specifically InDesign and Microsoft Word. All journalism students are required to master this software in order to perform the writing, editing, and layout phases of news magazine publishing. All students interested in being on the Newsmagazine Staff must complete an application before they will be considered. Adv. Journalism Yearbook I, II, III Grade: 10‐12 Prerequisite: Journalism Credit: 1.0 This is a workshop course in which students produce the school yearbook. The school yearbook captures and preserves all aspects of the academic year. All aspects of yearbook production will be taught. As a team, the students will combine their skills of layout and design techniques, photojournalism, copywriting, and fitting, advertising graphics, marketing and ad sales to make the yearbook staff function as an efficient business. The students will learn to work and plan toward deadlines and to work with each other in the publication of a good yearbook. All students interested in being on the Yearbook staff must complete an application before they will be considered. Debate I,II,III Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 Students will learn the fundamentals of public speaking and speech/argument writing as well as become familiar with and participate in competitive speech and debate in and around the Houston area. Students are required to research and present information on current even and will participate in group work as well as give speeches on a regular basis. Students will leave the class with a detailed knowledge of domestic and world politics, philosophy, and legal policy. Debate II and III offers an increased opportunity for students to make the most of their high school experience through travel opportunities, scholarships, and leadership skills. 44 Creative Writing Grade: 9 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 In this workshop‐based course, students will imagine structure, develop, revise, and polish original literary contributions to multiple writing genres, which may include poetry, prose, narrative fiction, drama, or teleplay. Lessons will show students specific features of exemplary works of art and literature which students will emulate in their own writing. Students will present, share, and submit their work according to established deadlines, possibly leading up to publication. Practical Writing Grade: 10 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 The study of writing allows high school students to earn one‐half to one credit while developing skills necessary for practical writing. This course emphasizes skill in the use of conventions and mechanics of written English, the appropriate and effective application of English grammar, the reading comprehension of informational text, and the effective use of vocabulary. Students are expected to understand the recursive nature of reading and writing. Evaluation of students' own writing as well as the writing of others ensures that students completing this course are able to analyze and evaluate their writing. Advanced Broadcast Journalism I,II,III Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: Journalism Credit: 1.0 This is a year‐long course available to students who have already taken Audio Video Production. This course may be taken multiple times at higher level proficiency for higher course credit. This class will provide the opportunity for students to delve deeper into specific aspects of video production. The students will focus on creating live shows for broadcast on NEWSCAST and coordinating with electives, extracurricular, athletics, and especially newspaper and yearbook students create content for the school website. Advanced Students will also assist in the training and mentoring students in Audio Video Production on use of the studio and equipment. Student work will be highly independent and result driven. Overall, this class will provide enormous potential for self‐directed student work and creativity. Writing for Academia Grade: 12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 (Local Credit) WritingforAcademiaisacollegepreparationcourseinwhichstudentswillworkontheircollegeapplications,college essays,andCapstoneproject.Forthefirstsemester,studentswillbegivenassistanceincompletingtheircollege applicationsandtheircollegeessays.Essaywritingbasicswillbereviewed,andtheinstructorwillworkcloselywith thecounselortoensurecollegeapplicationcompletion.Inthesecondsemester,studentswillbegiventheinstructions fortheirCapstoneproject.TheCapstoneprojectwillbebrokenupintosmallerportionsforeasiercompletion throughoutthesemester. 45 Algebra I Grade: 9 Prerequisite: 8th Grade Math Credit: 1.0 In this two‐semester course, students use algebraic methods to explore, model and describe patterns, relationships and functions. There is a strong emphasis on writing, graphing, and solving linear equations. Students will use data collection and analysis; statistics and probability to make inferences, decisions, and arguments as they solve a variety of practical problems. The depth and breadth of the course will develop a strong foundation for the more theoretical and rigorous experience, students will encounter at the Advanced Placement level. Algebra I provide a formal development of the algebraic skills and concepts necessary for students who will take other advanced college‐preparatory courses. In particular, the instructional program in this course provides for the use of algebraic skills in a wide range of problem‐solving situations. The concept of function is emphasized throughout the course. Pre‐ AP Algebra I Grade: 9 Prerequisite: 8th Grade Math with the average of 80 and above Credit: 1.0 This course is an advanced version of Algebra I. Pre‐AP Algebra I address the same material, but differ in pace, depth, and complexity, and are intended to prepare students for AP level courses. Geometry Grade: 9‐10 Prerequisite: Algebra I Credit: 1.0 In this course, students use geometric methods, properties and relationships as a means to recognize, draw, describe, connect, and analyze shapes and representations in the physical world. Students will also apply algebraic models and probabilities to physical applications. Students develop powers of spatial visualization while building their understanding of geometric figures. Students develop an understanding of the deductive reasoning method. Through applications and measurements, students use and strengthen their algebra skills. Geometry offers students, many opportunities to explore geometric situations, develop conjectures and prove conjectures using a variety of methods. Geometry students examine the properties of two‐and three‐dimensional objects. Proof and logic, as well as investigative strategies in drawing conclusions, are stressed. Pre‐ AP Geometry Grade: 9‐10 Prerequisite: Algebra I with the average of 80 and above Credit: 1.0 This course is an advanced version of Geometry. Pre‐AP Geometry address the same material, but differ in pace, depth, and complexity, and are intended to prepare students for AP level courses. Algebra II Grade: 10‐12 Prerequisite: Geometry Credit: 1.0 This course reviews and builds on those concepts learned in Algebra I and Geometry. It places more emphasis on applying the basic concepts of Algebra to rational numbers and irrational numbers. The course expands techniques in analytical geometry and trigonometry learned in Geometry as a preview of the next two courses offered. Algebra II is a course which extends the content of Algebra I and provides further development of the concept of a function. 46 Pre‐ AP Algebra II Grade: 10‐11 Prerequisite: Geometry with the grade average 80 and above Credit: 1.0 This course is an advanced version of Algebra II. Pre‐AP Algebra II address the same material, but differ in pace, depth, and complexity, and are intended to prepare students for AP level courses Pre‐Calculus Grade: 11‐12 Prerequisite: Algebra II Credit: 1.0 In Pre‐Calculus, students use symbolic reasoning and analytical methods to represent mathematical situations, to express generalizations, and to study mathematical concepts and the relationships among them. Students use functions, equations, and limits as useful tools for expressing generalizations and as means for analyzing and understanding a broad variety of mathematical relationships. Students also use functions as well as symbolic reasoning to represent and connect ideas in geometry, probability, statistics, trigonometry, and calculus and to model physical situations. Pre AP Pre‐Calculus Grade: 11‐12 Prerequisite: Algebra II with the grade average 80 and above Credit: 1.0 This course is an advanced version of Pre‐Calculus. Pre‐AP Precalculus address the same material, but differ in pace, depth, and complexity, and are intended to prepare students for AP level courses Statistics and Risk Management Grade: 11‐12 Prerequisite: Algebra II Credit: 1.0 Students are introduced to major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students collect, organize, analyze, interpret, and report data using statistical formulas and processes. Students distinguish between random sampling and biased sampling. Students use statistical measures to analyze real‐ world phenomena. AP Statistics Grade: 11‐12 Prerequisite: Algebra II Credit: 1.0 Students are introduced to major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students collect, organize, analyze, interpret, and report data using statistical formulas and processes. Students distinguish between random sampling and biased sampling. Students use statistical measures to analyze real‐ world phenomena. Upon completion of this course, students are well prepared and expected to take the Advanced Placement Statistics which can result in one semester of college credit. AP Calculus AB Grade: 11‐12 Prerequisite: Pre‐ Calculus, Counselor and Teacher Approval Credit: 1.0 AP Calculus AB is roughly equivalent to a first semester college calculus course devoted to topics in differential and integral calculus. The AP course covers topics in these areas, including concepts and skills of limits, derivatives, definite integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The course teaches students to approach calculus concepts and problems when they are represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections amongst these representations. Students learn how to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions. 47 AP Calculus BC Grade: 11‐12 Prerequisite: Pre‐ Calculus, Counselor and Teacher Approval Credit: 1.0 AP Calculus BC is roughly equivalent to both first and second semester college calculus courses and extends the content learned in AB to different types of equations and introduces the topic of sequences and series. The AP course covers topics in differential and integral calculus, including concepts and skills of limits, derivatives, definite integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and series. The course teaches students to approach calculus concepts and problems when they are represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections amongst these representations. Students learn how to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions. SAT Prep Grade: 11 Prerequisite: NA Credit: 1.0 (Local Credit) This course is designed to prepare students for SAT exams. The course will familiarize students with the format of the SAT, and teach testing techniques and strategies. The classes will consist of timed practice tests, followed by discussions of any questions the students have about problems they could not successfully work. Math Enrichment I, II Grade: 9‐10 Prerequisite: NA Credit: 1.0 (Local Credit) This course is an intensive review of material covered in previous math courses for freshman and sophomores. These courses are designed to help students maximize their potential through individual approach on ALEX program. Particular focus on how to answer the open response questions in a well‐organized, detailed manner is also emphasized. Students can be exempt from taking the courses if a satisfying score on MAP Math testing is achieved. Biology Grade: 9 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 Biology is designed to acquaint students with basic concepts in science process skills, laboratory skills, and the study of cells, DNA, genetics, the living kingdoms of our earth and how they interact. A study of the fundamental concepts, including the origin and development of life, the similarity of living organisms, the classification, characteristics, structure, reproduction and function of plants and animals, as well as the interrelationships of plants, animals and the physical environment. Pre‐AP Biology Grade: 9 Prerequisite: 8th grade Science with grade average 80 and above , Counselor Approval Credit: 1.0 Pre‐AP Biology is designed to acquaint students with basic concepts in science process skills, laboratory skills, and the living kingdoms of our earth and how they interact. A study of the fundamental concepts, including the origin and development of life, the similarity of living organisms, the classification, characteristics, structure, reproduction and function of plants and animals, as well as the interrelationships of plants, animals and the physical environment. The first semester’s study includes the study of cells, DNA, genetics. The class can be considered college preparatory, suggested for the average to above average student. 48 Chemistry Grade: 10 Prerequisite: Biology Credit: 1.0 Chemistry provides a broad survey of basic chemistry. The first semester examines chemical and physical properties, the qualitative nature of chemical reactions, chemical periodicity, and bonding. The second semester continues with the quantitative nature of chemical reactions, states of matter, gaseous behavior, solutions, equilibrium, and acid‐base chemistry. Throughout the year, the course makes use of laboratory investigations to develop the relationships between experiment and theory. Pre‐AP Chemistry Grade: 10‐11 Prerequisite: Biology, Algebra I, Counselor Approval Credit: 1.0 Pre‐AP Chemistry covers many of the same topics as Chemistry in greater depth. Special emphasis is placed on a rigorous mathematical examination of chemical principles. The first semester focuses on basic concepts of chemistry, including the qualitative nature of chemical reactions, atomic structure, chemical bonding and molecular geometry. The second semester opens with stoichiometry and the quantitative nature of chemical equations. These concepts are then applied to various topics such as the kinetic theory of gases, condensed phases of matter, reaction kinetics, equilibrium, acid‐base chemistry and oxidation‐reduction chemistry. Physics Grade: 11 Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry Credit: 1.0 Physics as the most basic of all sciences, introduces the nature of basic things around us such as matter, energy, heat, motion, forces, light and sound. This course has been designed to teach the laws of nature in their simplicity, and problem solving skills corresponding to both in ideal and real world situations. The course of physics is integrated with very basic mathematical rules includes mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, waves and optics, electricity and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics. A set of experiments will allow students to implement the theory in the real world and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Environmental Systems Grade: 12 Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Credit: 1.0 Environmental Science is designed to provide students the environmental aspects, explore Earth’s natural systems, and impacts of human activity on the environment. The topics covered in this course are introduction to ecology, the atmosphere of the Earth, food on Earth, water, and energy. The theory is supported by lab and field investigations, and discussions in cooperative learning groups on environmental issues enable students to improve their critical thinking, and problem solving skills. Students are expected to become more sensitive to environmental issues. AP Physics I Grade: 9 ‐ 1 2 Prerequisite: Algebra II,PSAT 180 Credit: 1.0 AP Physics 1 is an algebra‐based, introductory college‐level physics course that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Through inquiry‐based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands‐on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry‐based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the scientific practices. 49 AP Physics II Grade: 11 a nd 12 P r e r e q u i s i t e : AP Physics I, Counselor and Teacher Approval Credit: 1.00 AP Physics 2 is an algebra‐based, introductory college‐level physics course that explores topics such as fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetic; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Through inquiry‐ based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands‐on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry‐based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the scientific practices. AP Physics C Grade: 12 Prerequisite: AP Physics I and AP Physics II or an equivalent course and concurrently taking Pre‐Calculus Counselor Approval Credit: 1.00 There are two AP Physics C courses — Physics C: Mechanics and Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, each correspond to one semester of an introductory, calculus‐based college course. Physics C: Mechanics are taught prior to Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. Both courses are taught over the course of a year, approximately equal time is given to each. Both courses utilize guided inquiry and student centered learning to foster the development of critical thinking skills and use introductory differential and integral calculus throughout the course. Physics C: Mechanics provides instruction in each of the following six content areas: kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation. Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism provide instruction in each of the following five content areas: electrostatics; conductors, capacitors and dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; and electromagnetism. AP Chemistry Grade: 10‐12 Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, Algebra II and parallel with PreCal, Counselor Approval Credit: 1.0 The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. Students in this course should attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. The curriculum prepares students to take the AP chemistry exam for AP credit. Five general areas are intensively studied: the Structure of Matter, Chemical Bonding, States of Matter, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Reactions. Advanced laboratory work is done in each topic area. Students are expected to take the AP Examination given by the Educational Testing Service in May. AP Biology Grade: 11‐12 Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, Algebra I, Counselor and Teacher Approval Credit: 1.0 AP Biology is an introductory college‐level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry‐ based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes — energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. This course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands‐on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry‐based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices. For more information, visit https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap‐ biology AP Environmental Science Grade: 11 ‐ 12 Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, Algebra II, Counselor and Teacher Approval Credit: 1.0 The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human‐made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Yet there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science. 50 Principles of BioMedical Sciences (PLTW) Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: strong interest in health science Credit: 1.0 In the introductory course of the PLTW Biomedical Science program, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, students examine autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve problems. Anatomy & Physiology Grade: 10‐12 Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry Credit: 1.0 This course is designed as a preparatory program for students who are interested in pursuing careers in the Allied Health fields, physical education, art, psychology, and anthropology. The course is designed for students who want a more detailed explanation of the structure sand functions of the human body beyond those already covered in biology or health classes. The topics to be studied during Anatomy & Physiology are: Human Body Overview and Terminology, Biochemistry, Tissue Structure and Function, The Integumentary System, The Skeletal System, The Muscular System, and The Nervous System. World Geography Grade: 9 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 World Geography Studies, students examine people, places, and environments at local, regional, national, and international scales from the spatial and ecological perspectives of geography. Students describe the influence of geography on events of the past and present. Students compare how components of culture shape the characteristics of regions and analyze the impact of technology and human modifications on the physical environment. Students use problem‐solving and decision‐ making skills to ask and answer geographic questions. AP Human Geography Grade: 9 Prerequisite: Counselor Approval and Pre‐Geography Exam Credit: 1.0 The AP Human Geography course emphasizes the importance of geography as a field of inquiry. The course introduces students to the importance of spatial organization — the location of places, people, and events; environmental relationships; and interconnections between places and across landscapes — in the understanding of human life on Earth. World History Grade: 10 Prerequisite: World Geography Credit: 1.0 World History Studies is the only course offering students an overview of the entire history of humankind. The major emphasis is on the study of significant people, events, and issues from the earliest times to the present. Students evaluate the causes and effects of political and economic imperialism and of major political revolutions since the 17th century. Students analyze the connections between major developments in science and technology and the growth of industrial economies, and they use the process of historical inquiry to research, interpret, and use multiple sources of evidence. 51 AP World History Grade: 10 Prerequisite: Counselor and Teacher Approval Credit: 1.0 The AP World History course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in world history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses. Students learn to access historical materials and scholarship and evaluate their reliability and importance. This course develops the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format. United States History since Reconstruction Grade: 11 Prerequisite: World History Credit: 1.0 In this course, which is the second part of a two‐year study of U.S. history that begins in Grade 8, students study the history of the United States since Reconstruction to the present. Historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies of the Cold War and post‐Cold War eras, and reform movements including civil rights. AP US History Grade: 11 Prerequisite: B and above in AP World History/A in regular W. History, A in English II and approval Credit: 1.0 AP United States History is the equivalent of a college level introductory survey course. The AP U.S. History Exam presumes at least one year of college‐level preparation as offered in this course. The course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in U.S. history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full‐year introductory college courses. Students should learn to assess historical materials and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. An AP U.S. History course should thus develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format. AP European History Grade: 11 ‐ 12 Prerequisite: Counselor and Teacher Approval Credit: 1.0 The AP European History course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in European history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses. Students learn to access historical materials and scholarship and evaluate their reliability and importance. This course develops the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format. AP U.S. Government Political Sciences and AP Comparative Government Grade: 12 Prerequisite: Economics Credit: 1.0 The AP US Government course provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. political reality. While there is no single approach that an AP Government & Politics: United States course must follow, certain topics are generally covered in college courses. The Advanced Placement Comparative Government and Politics course is intended to provide students with an opportunity to critically examine different political and governmental realities in various regions of the world. In the twenty‐first century, globalization has become a central theme in our daily lives as we are impacted by events far removed from our neighborhood, state, and nation. It is vital for students to develop an understanding of the diverse political structures and practices at work in the world today. With this in mind, the course focuses on six core countries and the realms in which they operate: Great Britain, Russia, China, Iran, Mexico and Nigeria. As each country is examined, we analyze and evaluate the topical areas of methodology, power, institutional structures, civil society, political and economic change and public policy. 52 Psychology Grade: 10‐11 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 0.5 In Psychology, an elective course, students consider the development of the individual and the personality. The study of psychology is based on an historical framework and relies on effective collection and analysis of data. Students study topics such as theories of human development, personality, motivation, and learning. Sociology Grade: 10‐11 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 0.5 Students explore the concepts and theories necessary to systematic understanding of our social worlds. Topics may include considering sociology as science, the nature of large‐ and small‐scale groups, social stratification, historical eras and social change, and race, ethnic and gender relations. AP Psychology Grade: 10‐ 12 Prerequisite: Student Interest, Counselor and Teacher approval Credit: 0.5 This course extends the study of psychology to include an in‐depth approach to both human and animal behavior through experimental, correlational, and clinical research. Students have opportunities to apply statistical methods for the interpretation of data, while preparing students to perform successfully on the AP Examination. This course may be used to meet only elective course requirements for state graduation. AP Art History Grade: 11‐12 Prerequisite: 1 Art Course, at least B or above in World History Credit: 1.0 The AP Art History course prepares students for the AP Art History Exam. The course covers art from the Paleolithic period through postmodernism and is designed to provide students with the same material covered in an introductory college course in art history. Students gain knowledge of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within diverse historical and cultural contexts. Students examine and critically analyze major forms of artistic expression from the past and present and from a variety of European and non‐European cultures. In this course students engage in both visual and historical studies about art and its contexts. Students develop an understanding of artworks in their context, considering issues of patronage, gender, politics, religion, and ethnicity. Attention is given to the interpretation of a work of art based upon its intended use, audience, and the role of both the artist and work of art in a particular society. Throughout the study of AP Art History, students examine how and why the work looks the way it does, what it means within its particular context, and how and why it has this meaning. US Government Grade: 11‐12 Prerequisite: US History Credit: 1.0 In Government, the focus is on the principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded and on the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. This course is the culmination of the civic and governmental content and concepts studied from Kindergarten through required secondary courses. Students learn major political ideas and forms of government in history. Economics Grade: 11‐12 Prerequisite: Algebra I Credit: 1.0 The general objective of a high school economics course is for students to master fundamental economic concepts, appreciate how the principal concepts of economics relate to each other and understand the structure of economic systems. Students will use economic concepts in a reasoned, careful manner in dealing with personal, community, national and global economic issues. 53 Spanish I Grade: 9 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 This class serves as an introduction to the basics of the Spanish language. The basics of speaking, reading, listening, writing and comprehension are taught, as are aspects of the culture in countries where Spanish is spoken. An emphasis is placed on speaking and comprehension of Spanish. Class participation is required, as is daily study and practice time (outside of the classroom) to ensure the student’s success in the course. Spanish II Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: Spanish I Credit: 1.0 This class serves to further develop the student’s ability to use the Spanish language. Speaking, reading, listening, writing and comprehension of Spanish are taught, as is the culture of the countries where the language is spoken. An emphasis is placed on speaking and comprehension of Spanish. Class participation is required as is daily study and practice time (outside of the classroom) to ensure the student’s success in the course. Spanish III Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: Spanish II Credit: 1.0 This class serves to further develop the student’s ability to use the Spanish language. More emphasis is placed on the culture of Spanish—speaking countries than in previous levels, as well as a higher emphasis on the utilization of Spanish in conversation, presentations, etc. Texts, films and other cultural resources are studied in the target language. Class participation is required as is daily study and practice time (outside of the classroom) to ensure the student’s success in the course. AP Spanish Language Grade: 10‐12 Prerequisite: Counselor Approval Credit: 1.0 The AP course in Spanish Language covers the equivalent of a third‐year college course in advanced Spanish composition and conversation. It stresses oral skills, composition, and grammar. Course content might best reflect intellectual interests shared by the students and the teacher (the arts, history, current events, literature, culture, etc.). Materials include recordings, films, newspapers and magazines. The course seeks to develop language skills that are useful in themselves and those students can apply to various activities and disciplines rather than to the mastery of any specific subject matter. Turkish I Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 Introduction to Turkish Language is an introductory course which aims to have its attendants to grasp the logic of Turkish Language, that is, the logic of its pronunciation, and the logic of its grammar, including word and sentence structure. Our objective is to get familiar with the Turkish sounding and obtain the necessary vocabulary for higher levels. Turkish II Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: Turkish I Credit: 1.0 Turkish ‐II is an introductory class which aims to have its attendants grasp the logic of Turkish Language, that is, the logic of its pronunciation, and the logic of its grammar, including word and sentence structure. Our objective is to be able to make three‐word sentences and to be able to understand pre‐ intermediate level of conversations by the end of the term. 54 Turkish III Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: Turkish II Credit: 1.0 The goal of this course is to have its students to gain a command of the Turkish language by which they are going to be able to communicate with native speakers of this language on simple daily settings. For this purpose, this year’s curriculum includes all basic tenses and sentence structures in grammar‐ like the present, future and past tenses, must, need to, etc.; basic conversation examples in speaking and listening‐ like “at the bus station”, “in the restaurant”, etc.; related words in vocabulary; basic information about Turkish Culture; and improving writing skills in dictation. Last year in Turkish‐II, we underscored grammar and we tried to grasp the logic of the language. This year we continue with the application of the skills we got, namely, we are going to build conversation skills. French I Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 This course is designed for students who wish to take French for the first time, as well as for students who have taken French at other schools and wish to strengthen their oral‐comprehension skills. Students will develop competencies in speaking, listening to, reading and writing French. French II Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: French I Credit: 1.0 This course begins, after a brief review of French I, with an in‐depth study of the passé compose verb tense. Then the course continues its study of the French verb with the reflexive verbs, in both present and passé compose followed by the conditional, the future and the subjunctive tenses. The course includes a study of French pronouns, the uses and positions of adverbs and adjectives, and numerous complex sentences with only one dependent clause, usually introduced by well‐known simple conjunctions. Teachers direct conversation to ensure correct grammatical habits. French III Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: French II Credit: 1.0 This course helps each student achieve proficiency in more complex listening, reading, speaking, and writing of French. Combined with daily practice at home, this course will give each student a well‐rounded understanding of French and the cultures of its speakers throughout the world. We will learn how to communicate in more detail about families, food, health, school, sports, travel, work, among other subjects. AP French Language Grade: 11‐12 Prerequisite: French III, Counselor Approval Credit: 1.0 The AP French Language and Culture course emphasize communication (understanding and being understood by others) by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills In real‐life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. The AP French Language and Culture course strive not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught almost exclusively in French. The AP French Language and Culture course engage students in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. The course develops students’ awareness and appreciation of cultural products (e.g., tools, books, music, laws, conventions, institutions); practices (patterns of social interactions within a culture); and perspectives (values, attitudes, and assumptions). Cultural Studies Grade: 11‐12 Prerequisite: NA Credit: 1.0 The course is designed for students who are interested in learning about other cultures. The ultimate goal of the course is that students will gain awareness and appreciation of and insight into the other world cultures. By the end of this course, the students will be familiar with the general, social, psychological and political underpinnings of different cultures existed. 55 Art I Grade: 9‐10 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 This course will help students use observational skills to express their perception of the world. Students will experience basic drawing and painting techniques through a variety of media. They will also use elements of art (line, shape/form, space, texture, and value) in illustrations as they study concepts of proportion, scale, and perspective. Students will participate in self‐evaluation and critique, keep a sketchbook of their ideas, and add to a portfolio of their work. Most of the main art history movements will be covered: Renaissance, Impressionism, Cubism, Pointillism, Modernism, Contemporary, and Pop Art. Students will produce works using the techniques and styles found in each of the art history movements. The students will come away from the class as better artists and with knowledge of basic art history. Music Orchestra I‐IV Grade: 10‐12 Prerequisite: NA Credit: 1.0 This course gives students who have successfully completed one year or more of string study experience in performing music of various styles and periods as they continue to develop skills in fingering and bowing. Musical interpretation and ensemble playing are stressed, and opportunities for public performance are provided. Students continue to develop good tone, intonation, articulation, and style of playing by studying solo, ensemble, and orchestra literature. Orchestra members participate in school concerts and local performance opportunities. In addition to the regular class period, Chamber Orchestra students will have Orchestra Club one day per week after school. Music Theory Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 In this course, students will gain basic knowledge of music theory and practice—note identification, note and rest durations, time signatures, intervals, key signatures, and the circle of fifths—through composition, analysis, musicianship, and other applications. Daily class activities will include practical music theory exercises from the textbooks, score analysis, and sight‐singing and dictation examples. Sight‐singing examples will cover both rhythmic and melodic exercises. Choir I‐IV Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: Teacher Approval Credit: 1.0 This course is designed to provide the student with a basic knowledge of choral music. This course will include foundational studies in vocal techniques, sight singing, music theory concepts, and music history. The rehearsing and performing of choral music with an emphasis in classical works and folk music will achieve the application of these principles. Students in t h e choir are required to perform in a concert each semester and may be required to perform at other times throughout the year. The choir is open by audition to all students with an interest in singing choral music. Art II: Drawing Grade: 10‐12 Prerequisite: Art I Credit: 1.0 This course will help students use observational skills to express their perception of the world. The focus will be on individual development of style and painting skills as students communicate effectively to an audience. Students will experience drawing techniques through a variety of media. They will also use elements of art (line, shape/form, space, texture, and value) in illustrations as they study concepts of proportion, scale, and perspective. Students will participate in self‐evaluation and critique, keep a sketchbook of their ideas, and add to a portfolio of their work. Students will produce many drawings based on the following art movements and techniques: Realistic, nonobjective, Abstract, Baroque, Impressionism, Surrealism and Pop Art. 56 Art II: Painting Grade: 10‐12 Prerequisite: Art I Credit: 1.0 This course will help students use observational skills to express their perception of the world. The focus will be on individual development of style and painting skills as students communicate effectively to an audience. Students will experience drawing and painting techniques through a variety of media. They will also use elements of art (line, shape/form, space, texture, and value) in illustrations as they study concepts of proportion, scale, and perspective. Students will participate in self‐evaluation and critique, keep a sketchbook of their ideas, and add to a portfolio of their work. Students will learn the basics of water color and acrylic. They will study impressionism, post impressionism, renaissance, abstract and realism Art II: Ceramics Grade: 10‐12 Prerequisite: Art I Credit: 1.0 Sculpture is an intermediate course for students who enjoy working with clay, plaster, wood, wire, and mixed media. The course concentrates on developing technical skills and artistic appreciation of successful three‐ dimensional artwork. Studio projects will be tied to discussion of art historical topics and/or uses of art in modern societies. Lessons will include studio work and class discussions in which students are required to participate. Students should bring with them some understanding of the elements and principles of art and other concepts fundamental to art making, which will be further developed. Students will use a variety of methods, including assemblage, carving, modelling subtractive and additive. Students will study sculpture from across cultures and history. AP Studio Arts Grade: 11‐12 Prerequisite: 2 Art Credits I Credit: 1.0 The only AP Art offered at this time is the Drawing portfolio. This course is reserved for students who wish to further their artistic skills and create professional quality work. The student acknowledges by taking this course that they are committed to creating professional quality artwork. The student will work all year developing their own artistic voice and their mastery of composition, techniques, and execution of various art media for their portfolio. There are three sections for the portfolio: Breadth, Concentration and Quality. The student will explore light, line quality, volumetric rendering, composition, illusion of depth and more during this course. The student is also required to submit their portfolio for review by the College Board for AP testing. It is a submission of at least 24 original works of art via a slide show and 5 of the student’s original artworks. Theatre Arts I Grade: 10‐12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 This course is an introduction to theatre and basic acting. Principles of improvisation, theatre history and theatre as an art form are covered the first semester. Stage blocking, monologues, ensemble acting, short dramas, basic makeup and basic stage craft are covered in the second semester. The course is a performance class. Students are expected to work diligently toward an excellent product. Reading, writing, rehearsing and memorizing is vital to success in Theatre Arts. The class is interactive and energetic. Play attendance and critique are required each quarter. Beginning Guitar Class Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 This is an elective course for beginning guitarists with little or no experience on the instrument. Students will learn open chords, power chords, moveable chords, single note (melody) playing, accompaniment techniques, and a variety of playing techniques and styles, including both pick style and finger style approaches to the guitar. The course also includes music fundamentals, theory, songs, and performances, listening, improvising, and learning to read standard music notation as well as tablature. In addition, students will be encouraged to attend performances, as well as perform or compete themselves. Students will need to furnish their own instrument. 57 Web Technologies Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 The World Wide Web (www) is the fastest growing part of the Internet. The popularity of the WWW is due largely to the ease with which users can not only access and navigate the web but also create pages of information to share with others Students will learn how to design, create, and maintain web pages. Projects will incorporate tools such as HTML, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Flash, Fireworks, digital cameras, and scanners. Digital and Interactive Media Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 DGA is an introductory course in design, typography, and imaging techniques. The course includes topics such as digital composition, color, imaging, editing, and animation. The student will use the computer's set of tools, common to bit mapped and object‐oriented software programs, to produce and edit digital designs as well as to incorporate design principles when capturing digital images with the scanner and camera. Animation, both 2‐D and 3‐D, will be introduced in this course. Students enrolled in this course will be computer literate and have experience with the basic electronic productivity and telecommunication tools. Audio Video Production Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 Video production is probably the most universally known of all visual media and is an integral component of many technology applications. The process of editing creates a special mood, tempo, and pace to enhance the subject matter. Video production is not only instructional and analytical, but also artistic. Students will learn video basics as well as participate in pre‐production, production, and post production stages of video creation, distribution, and evaluation of the product. Students enrolled in this course will be computer literate and have experience with the basic electronic productivity tools. Computer Science I Grade: 9‐10 Prerequisite: Algebra I, Counselor Approval Credit: 1.0 This course is intended as a first course for those students just beginning the study of computer science. Students will learn about the computing tools that are used every day. Students will foster their creativity and innovation through opportunities to design, implement, and present solutions to real‐world problems. Students will collaborate and use computer science concepts to access, analyze, and evaluate information needed to solve problems. Students will learn the problem‐solving and reasoning skills that are the foundation of computer science. By using computer science knowledge and skills that support the work of individuals and groups in solving problems, students will select the technology appropriate for the task, synthesize knowledge, create solutions, and evaluate the results. 58 AP Computer Science Grade: 11‐12 Prerequisite: Computer Science I Credit: 1.0 AP Computer Science is equivalent to a first‐semester, college level course in computer science. The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. The course emphasizes both object‐oriented and imperative problem solving and design using Java language. These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems. Add the end of the course, students are expected to take the AP exam, for which they may receive college credit. Concepts of Engineering and Technology Grade: 9‐10 Prerequisite: Teacher/Project Approval Credit: 1.0 This course is designed for students who want to pursue engineering as a career. Students use 3D solid modelling, design software to help them design solutions proposed to solve problems. Students will learn how to document their work and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community. The major focus is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation. Students explore concepts related to basic industrial wiring, serial and parallel electrical circuits. They will also learn about designing and etching solid state electronic projects. Engineering Design and Problem Solving Grade: 10‐11 Prerequisite: Concepts of Engineering and Technology Credit: 1.0 Engineering design is the creative process of solving problems by identifying needs and then devising solutions. This solution may be a product, technique, structure, process, or many other things depending on the problem. Science aims to understand the natural world, while engineering seeks to shape this world to meet human needs and wants. Engineering design takes into consideration limiting factors or "design under constraint." Various engineering disciplines address a broad spectrum of design problems using specific concepts from the sciences and mathematics to derive a solution. The design process and problem solving are inherent to all engineering disciplines. Engineering Design and Presentation Grade: 10‐11 Prerequisite: Engineering Design and Problem Solving Credit: 1.0 Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills of the process of design as it applies to engineering fields using multiple software applications and tools necessary to produce and present working drawings, solid model renderings, and prototypes. Students will use a variety of computer hardware and software applications to complete assignments and projects. Through implementation of the design process, students will transfer, advanced academic skills to component designs. Additionally, students explore career opportunities in engineering, technology, and drafting and what is required to gain and maintain employment in these areas. Advanced Engineering Design and Presentation Grade: 11‐12 Prerequisite: Engineering Design and Presentation Credit: 1.0 This course explores concepts related to basic residential wiring, serial and parallel electrical circuits, and wiring connections. The students will also learn about designing and etching a solid state electronic project. Projects will allow students to design and build computer interface boards, learn basic computer programming, and master the control of simple robot functions. Other skills covered include soldering, metering, and working with L.E.D.’s, resistors. 59 Communication Application/Oral Interpretation Grade: 11‐12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 0.5 The student will learn how to demonstrate knowledge of various communication processes in professional and social contexts and use appropriate interpersonal communication strategies in professional and social contexts and make formal and informal professional presentations. The student communicates effectively in groups in professional and social context. Foundations of Personal Fitness Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 In Physical Education, students acquire the knowledge and skills for movement that provide the foundation for enjoyment, continued social development through physical activity, and access to a physically‐active lifestyle. The student exhibits a physically‐active lifestyle and understands the relationship between physical activity and health throughout the lifespan. PE Substitution Athletics I‐IV Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 These activities are for students interested in specific sports. Athletic opportunities are offered in the following sports: basketball, soccer, volleyball and weight training. PE Substitution Academic Elective ‐ Kickboxing Grade: 9‐12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 Students will build the foundation of a healthy lifestyle built upon knowledge of sound nutrition and its impact on fitness, biomechanically sound functional movement, and cardiovascular training. Students will begin class with conditioning used by boxers and martial artists, and then practice proper kicking and punching techniques fro the back half of the class period with the use of punch mitts and hand‐held kick bags. 60 Timeline for College and Career Planning Every Year‐ 9th ‐12th grade Fall Spring Summer Review your high school courses. Take the most challenging courses that you can. Colleges and scholarship committees want to see challenging coursework and good grades. To be ready for college, you need to take courses that not only count for graduation, but also prepare you for college coursework. Often check your School Database and Naviance accounts ‐ These resources help students and parents watch for problems and keep up with attendance, assignments and grades. Develop good work habits. Use planners, calendars, folders or other methods to keep you organized. Do all assignments on time, get make up work when absent, and get help from teachers in tutorials. Keep up your grades, and watch your attendance so that you receive all your credits for this year. Creditslost will have to be retaken. Fill out the application for the federal lunch program each year. If you qualify for free or reduced lunch, you can receive fee waivers for PSAT/SAT/ ACT tests and college application fees. Get involved in extracurricular activities. Colleges and scholarship committees look for students that participate in academic and non‐academic activities like clubs, sports, student organizations etc. Including outside of school activities like sports, community groups, or church youth groups. Take Career and Personality tests on Naviance. Do some career exploration. Research careers. Talk to people who are working in a field you are interested in. Collect career information in a small binder or folder. Do well on your state assessments. The STAAR/EOC tests count for graduation and the scores are reported on your transcript. Be aware of your GPA. GPA is your grade point average of each semester grade. Look at your semester report card and average your grades. Plan your courses for the next school year. Take challenging courses and courses that prepare you for college and careers. Review your Graduation Plan on Naviance Make college list on Naviance and research college admission requirements. Investigate summer enrichment programs such as science or math camps. Check out the offerings at our local college for summer enrichment. Talk to your parents or guardians about your plans to attend college. Have open conversations about careers, college degrees, colleges, living arrangements, money and financial planning. Take Dual Credit courses, study for your AP Summer packages and get ready for the next academic year. Keep in touch with your AP teachers, ask question and read more literature related to your next year courses. Volunteer. Summer is a great time to volunteer for community service projects. Colleges and scholarship committees both like to see a student volunteers. Give back. Local food banks, churches, city and civic organizations are good places to look for opportunities to volunteer. 61 Dual Credit Student Checklist HS Advancement Dual Credit Counselor: Mavluda Oripova [email protected] Lone Star Dual Credit Advisor: Jennie Do [email protected] Step 1: Visit with your high school Counselor to determine Dual Credit Eligibility. Complete the LSC application. Go to: lonestar.edu/admissions Meningitis Vaccination: Required for all Dual Credit students taking a course held on a LSC campus. Students taking Dual Credit classes ONLY at their high school are exempt. For more info. visit: lonestar.edu/meningitis. NOTE! - Hold must be removed before student is allowed to register for classes! My To-Do List: Step 2: If placement testing is required, your Dual Credit Counselor will notify you of TSI TESTING DATE at UP CAMPUS. For your high school date is: Mondays, from 3:45PM -5:30 (Room:304). You may also ask your Counselor for the “Test Prep” flyer to help prepare you for the placement test. - http://www.lonestar.edu/departments/libraries/UniversityParkLibrary%5CTSI_prep.pdf My To-Do List: _ Step 3: After you have tested, visit with your Dual Credit Counselor to determine eligibility and if approved select course(s). Your counselor will give you an Exceptional Admission forms which needs to be signed by Counselor, YOU AND YOUR PARENT even if you are 16 and over. UP Advisors will visit your campus to pick up the Exceptional Admission form. IMPORTANT!: ALL SIGNATURES ARE REQUIRED before form can be accepted. For your high school, Exceptional Admission Forms have to be submitted to Mrs. Oripova (Room 305) Step 4: UP Staff member will add the Dual Credit Tuition Waiver (unless otherwise indicated) at time of registration. If you are taking class as DUAL CREDIT, LSC pays tuition, student pays all fees (unless otherwise indicated). TO PAY ONLINE: Go to: lonestar.edu and click on myLoneStar and login using your User ID and password. Or visit the Bursar’s/Cashier Office at LSC-University Park and pay in person. Be aware of PAYMENT DEADLINES below! If you do not pay on time, you risk being DROPPED! My To-Do List: If you find you need to DROP your dual credit class, you MUST talk with your high school DC counselor, obtain a DROP form and submit form, in person, to LSC-University Park DC advisor. Calendar 2015 Spring, Summer, Fall Important Dates March 4th March 9-15 April 3-5 April 8th May 12th May 15th Summer Registration Begins College Closed College Closed Fall Registration Begins Spring Semester Grades Due Full Payment due for pre-registered summer classes College Closed May 23-25 Summer I Summer I term begins Last day to drop and receive a W 1st June June 23rd July 2nd July 7th College Closed Summer I ends Summer II Summer II begins Last day to drop and receive a W for Summer II Summer II ends 9th July August 4th August 16th August Fall 2015 Begins Fall classes begins 24th LSC-University Park 20515 SH 249 (SH 249 and Louetta Road) Houston, TX 77070 Important Contacts at LSC-University Park: General Information Admissions Advising (Jennie Do) Assessment Center (Testing) Bursar/Cashier Office Counseling/Disability Services Library Tutoring Services MyLoneStar Help Desk 281-290-2600 281-290-2770 281-401-5370 281-401-5314 281-401-5303 281-401-5311 281-401-5390 281-401-5386 1-832-813-6600 or [email protected]
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