1. Welcome Prosper High School Class of 2017!
Incoming 9th Grade Students
High School
Graduation Requirements

2. PHS Counselors
Mrs. Wiseman (A-E)
Mrs. Roach (F-L)
Ms. Moore (M-Sa)
Mrs. Sullivan (Sc-Z)
Coach Vinson – Testing Coordinator

3. Graduation Programs Recommended Graduation Program: 26 Credits
Distinguished Achievement Program:
26 Credits to include three years of the same
world language and four advanced measures

4. What is a credit?
When a student successfully completes a course with a grade of 70 or higher, he receives .5 credit for each semester
Many middle school students enter high
school with credits from classes completed in 8th
grade, including Algebra I, World Languages, Health, and/or Communication Applications
Credits are recorded on a transcript at the end of each
semester

5. Recommended Graduation Program 26 Credits
English – 4 credits
Math – 4 credits
Science – 4 credits
Social Studies – 4 credits
World Languages – 2 credits of the same language
Fine Arts – 1 credit
Physical Education – 1 credit
Communication Applications - .5 credit
Electives – 5.5 credits

6. Distinguished Achievement Graduation Program-26 Credits
English – 4 credits
Math – 4 credits
Science – 4 credits
Social Studies – 4 credits
World Languages – 3 credits of the same language
Fine Arts – 1 credit
Physical Education – 1 credit
Communication Applications - .5 credit
Electives – 4.5 credits
Four Advanced Measures

7. PreAP or Advanced Placement
What is the PreAP/AP program?
Allows students to participate in college preparatory courses and possibly receive college credit while still in high school
Who can enroll in a PreAP/AP course?
Any student can automatically enroll if you have a 90 or above in an on- level prerequisite course or an 80 or above in a PreAP course.
If you do not have these prerequisites, you may fill out an online waiver acknowledging expectations of the PreAP/AP course, and you will be enrolled in the course by your Counselor.
Level changes will be allowed at the end of the third week of school and at the end of the first semester.

8. Pre-AP and AP Courses More complex and faster pace
Pre-AP courses prepare students for AP courses
AP courses may earn college credit with a score of 3 or higher on the AP exam at the of the year
Current 8th grade teachers may be good resources to help students determine if Pre-AP courses are appropriate for 9th grade
Level changes are only made at the end of the first three weeks and semester

9. Course Catalog
All course offerings are subject to change. Funding levels and student interest may affect whether or not a course is available.
The complete Course Catalog is on-line at under the Course Selection tab. It will be updated if changes are made to course listings.

10. World Languages - 2 or 3 credits
World Languages Options:
Spanish
French

11. Fine Arts – 1 credit Fine Arts Options (1 credit each): Band Choir Art
Theater
Technical Theater
Theater Production
Principles and Elements of Floral Design
Digital Art & Animation
Dance/Drill Team (years 2-4)
Color Guard/Winter Guard

12. Physical Education – 1 credit
Physical Education Options (.5 credit per semester):
Physical Education
Athletics
Marching Band (fall semester only)
Cheerleading
Drill Team (1st year)
Dance (1st year)

13. Athletic Try-Outs
All students are free to sign up for any athletic class they wish, but they must make the team in order to stay in the class.
Cuts are typically made the first two weeks of school, for some sports. Others may be later in the year.
Those not making the team will be moved to PE or to an elective class that is STILL OPEN.

14. Communication Applications .5 credit
Ways to get this credit:
Professional Communications course for one semester (.5)
CTE courses with Professional Communications credit embedded into the course. Examples: Principles of Agriculture, Principles of AV Tech, Principles of Business, Marketing and Finance

15. Course Pathways to Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Arts, AV Technology, & Communication
Business Management & Administration
Education & Training
Health Science
Hospitality and Tourism
Marketing
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

16. GPA and Level 1, Level 2, & Level 3 Courses
Level 1 courses are grade-level classes worth a maximum of 4.0 grade points
Level 2 courses are Pre-AP/Honors courses worth a maximum of 4.5 grade points
Level 3 courses are Advanced Placement (AP)/Advanced Honors & Dual Credit (DC) courses worth a maximum of 5.0 grade points

17. G.P.A. = Grade Point Average
The following Chart will be used for the Class of 2013 and beyond.

18. How to Determine Credit and GPA Weighting for Each Course Selected.
Match the levels on the course description and GPA Chart.

19. What Counts Most in College Admissions?
Grades in challenging classes
SAT/ACT scores
GPA/Rank
Grades in all subjects

20. Schedule Changes
No course selection changes will be made after the last school day of the school year.
Please choose your classes carefully!

21. STAAR Testing Graduation Requirements
What is STAAR?
STAAR is a more rigorous standardized testing program that will replace the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) for elementary, middle, and high school students. The new STAAR program will emphasize “readiness” standards, which are the knowledge and skills that are considered most important for success in the grade or subject that follows and for college and career.

22. Standardized Assessment
4 Core areas- 3 EOC exams per core
English I, II, III (writing exams, too)
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II
Biology, Chemistry, Physics
W Geography, W History, US History

23. Student Activities & Electives EXPO
Please make plans to attend this event on
Wednesday, February 20
6:00-7:00 p.m. – Incoming 9th grade parent information meeting in the PHS auditorium
7:00-8:30 p.m.- EXPO in cafeteria
Get information about courses, clubs & activities!

24. Important Dates: February 20 – PHS EXPO
March 8 – Course Selection due Online through Career Cruising
May 23 – 8th grade Fish Camp at PHS
May 31 – Last day to submit course selection changes