High School Scheduling Endorsements, Choice Sheets, & 4 Year Plans…OH MY!

Graduation Plans Foundation with Endorsement Distinguished Level of Achievement

Foundation with Endorsement ALL students will graduate with a Foundation + Endorsement Foundation Credits Endorsement Credits English 4 Math 3 Science Social Studies (includes Govt. & Economics) Foreign Language 2 Fine Arts 1 Physical Education Electives (includes Health & Speech) 5 Foundation Total 22 4th Math 1 4th Science Endorsement Electives 2 Endorsement Total 4 Foundation Credits (22) + Endorsement Total (4) = 26 Credits

Distinguished Level of Achievement Students must complete all the requirements of the Foundation High School Program and the requirements of 1 Endorsement AND take Algebra II as one of the 4 Math credits. Foundation (22 credits) + Endorsement (4 credits) = 26 total credits Students who graduate with the Distinguished Level of Achievement and are in the top 10% of their graduating class are eligible for automatic admissions to Texas public universities. We plan and schedule with this as the goal for all of our students.

TISD offers 5 endorsements and more than 30 pathways.

The 2018-2019 TISD Pathway Selection guide is located on the CTC homepage and also on the Moore Counselor’s Corner. This guide gives pathway specifications and lists the certifications currently offered by TISD.

High School Choice Sheets High school choice sheets are given out based on the home address on file and the attendance zone for that address. Please fill out, sign, and return the choice sheet even if plan to move. Information about transfers can be found on the district’s homepage under the “Students & Families” tab.

Filling out the choice sheet Select courses for 8 credits. Four and a half credits will be in the core subjects and the other 3.5 will come from elective sections e.g. “Fine Arts,” “Foreign Language” etc. All freshmen, except those enrolled in AVID, should take Research & Technical Writing. High school counselors suggest this class be paired with Health. Athletes will be enrolled in Leadership and Excellence and Research & Technical Writing.

To Pre- AP or not to Pre-AP High school Pre-AP differs in the rigor and the amount of homework required from middle school. Only students who are motivated, want to be challenged, currently have good grades, and strong study habits should take all 4 core Pre-AP classes. Pre-AP courses will not be dropped before the 1st 6 weeks or because summer work was not completed We encourage our students to get teacher recommendations from their current science and math teachers for high school Pre-AP math and science. For students wanting to attempt their first Pre-AP class, high school counselors recommend World Geography.

Extra Curricular Athletics- MUST have participated on an organized team within the last year in the sport they are trying out for and must have a coach’s approval. Football & volleyball have summer practice. Please check your school’s website for more information. Athletes will also be enrolled in Leadership and Excellence unless they are also in AVID or Band, Choir, or Orchestra. Band- MUST have previously participated in band. If a student is in 2 years of marching band he or she may count that as the PE elective. Band requires summer practice as well.

Extra Curricular Dance- Please check your school’s website for information on Drill Team REL ONLY: Students can be in BOTH PE POM and Dance. This counts as a Fine Art and a PE Credit. Students who want in Drill Team should be in both. JT students may be enrolled in EITHER PE Dance or Dance1 but not both. Students who want to be in Drill Team should chose Pep Squad 1. Cheerleading- More information can be found on your school’s website about tryouts, expectations, and requirements.

Recommendations from High School Counselors PE credit should be earned next year if possible. CTE principles classes are highly recommended. Principles of Health Science is REQUIRED for the health science pathway. If students do not struggle in ELAR, sign up for a foreign language. Theater Arts 1 is a performance/participation class. Theater Arts Appreciation is NOT a performance class. Changes to the schedule will be made due to poor or failing STAAR scores. Students MUST choose alternate courses in the event one of their choices do not make.

Typical 9th grade schedules* *not in order by period 

Early College High School & AVID ECHS & AVID both require applications ECHS is a non-tradition high school ECHS students will graduate with a high school diploma with an endorsement and up to 60 college hours or an Associate Degree from TJC ECHS do not participate in team sports, but may participate in individual Olympic sports ECHS students will participate in AVID AVID is a college readiness program offered at JT & REL AVID requires that students be enrolled in at least 1 Pre AP course

Four Year Plans We will be meeting with your student to help him/her plan for the next four years. We will send home these plans for your signature.

How can you help? Talk to your student about his or her academic strengths and weaknesses. Some of our students find four year plans overwhelming. Remind your student that this is only a plan. Be realistic with your student. Students are going to have to make choices about participating in extra curricular activities. It is very difficult for students to be involved in everything they want.

Questions???