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Graduation Rule for Class of 2012 Registration (Classroom Guidance In February) & A Typical High School Schedule Honors/AP Application Information

Georgia’s New Graduation Rule Overview of Topics Research Content of the New Rule Frequently-Asked Questions Counseling and Support

Why Do We Need to Change? The skills and knowledge required in the workplace are no longer very different from those needed for success in college. (Achieve, Inc., 2004) The quality of courses completed in high school is a greater predictor of college success than test scores, class rank, or grade point average. (Education Trust - Barth, 2003) Students are more likely to pass high- level courses than low-level courses. (Brookings Institution, 2002) Note the data from ACT. Go to the next slide for even more detail on how these students performed. 4

New Graduation Requirements Rule was created by committee: GaDOE, University System of Georgia, Department of Technical and Adult Education, business leaders, system and school educators Rule was discussed throughout the state last spring and summer Rule establishes minimum academic requirements Aligned with state’s revised and improved curriculum, the Georgia Performance Standards The revisions for the high school graduation rule were created by an inter-agency committee. After many months of work, a draft was submitted to Superintendent Cox for approval. Numerous vetting sessions were held around the state and feedback was used to make revisions. The rule will establish the state’s minimum academic requirements for earning a high school diploma. Local systems may enact additional requirements that go above and beyond the requirements in the state rule. 5

New Graduation Requirements Aligned with higher expectations of the American Diploma Project for college and work-ready requirements Addresses the concerns regarding the Special Education Diploma Addresses the need for one diploma and a single set of course requirements, with support and acceleration opportunities All graduates prepared for college-entry courses AND the workplace The requirements in the proposed graduation rule are aligned with the Georgia Performance Standards. The new rule also meets the standards set by the American Diploma Project, a consortium of 29 states that are establishing more rigorous diploma requirements for all students. The new Georgia rule will make it possible for more students with disabilities to earn a regular education diploma, thus enabling them to be employed or go on to postsecondary education. The rule provides multiple opportunities for students to continue taking advanced coursework or academic support classes, depending on the individual’s needs. 6

23 Areas of Study: Units Required English/Language Arts * 4 Mathematics* 4 Science* 4 Social Studies* 3 CTAE and/or Fine Arts and/or Modern Lang. 3 Health and Physical Education* 1 Electives 4 Total Units (Minimum) * Required Courses and/or Core Courses Under the new rule, all students will be required to complete a common set of requirements, as listed here. Tiered diploma options (College Preparatory with Distinction, College Preparatory, Technology Career with Distinction, and Technology Career) will be eliminated. 23 7

This chart compares the current diploma requirements with those in the proposed graduation rule. 8

Current Rule for Graduates Through 2011 Graduation Rule for Class of 2012 1 unit of Health and Physical Education required for all students 1 unit of Computer Technology and/or Fine Arts and/or Technology Career Preparatory and/or Foreign Language required for all students A total of 3 units required from: CTAE and/or Modern Language and/or Fine Arts for all students (Students planning to enter or transfer into a University System of Georgia institution or other post-secondary institution must take two units of the same modern language). 2 units of Foreign Language required for CP and CP+ students 5 – 6 additional elective units depending on tier (CP, CP+, TC, TC+) 4 additional elective units for all students

English Language Arts Changes 4 units of English/Language Arts required, including: 1 unit of 9th Grade Literature and Composition 1 unit of American Literature and Composition 2 additional units ELA requirements have not changed from the current rule. Both the current and the new rules require 4 units for all students. Under the proposed rule, the required courses are 9th Grade Literature and Composition and American Literature and Composition. 10

Math Changes – 4 units required Grade Math Courses 9th Mathematics I: Algebra/Geometry/Statistics* OR Accelerated Mathematics I: Geometry/Algebra II/Statistics *Math support class may be required for students who need additional time during the school day in mathematics. 10th Mathematics II: Geometry/Algebra II/Statistics Accelerated Mathematics II: Advanced Algebra/Geometry/Statistics 11th Mathematics III: Advanced Algebra/ Statistics Accelerated Mathematics III: Pre-Calculus/ Trigonometry/Statistics 12th Mathematics IV: Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry/Statistics AP Calculus AB

Science Changes 4 units of Science required, including: 1 unit of Biology (can be AP/IB) 1 unit of Physical Science or Physics (AP/IB) 1 unit of Chemistry, Earth Systems, Environmental Science, or an AP/IB course 1 unit of a 4th science, including any AP/IB, academic science, or career tech science (ex: Agricultural Science) 4th science unit may be used to meet both the science and elective requirements. All science courses listed are GPS courses. These courses contain rigorous standards. Any AP/IB courses may be substituted for the appropriate courses listed. The fourth science unit may be used to meet both the science and elective requirements. For example, Agricultural Science may be counted as part of a student’s pathway elective and also as the student’s 4th science unit. The student receives one unit of credit, but it meets the requirement for both the pathway and the 4th science. A committee is developing a list of other courses that can be used to meet the elective and 4th science requirements. 12

Social Studies Changes 3 units of Social Studies required, including: 1 unit of World History 1 unit of United States History ½ unit of American Government/Civics ½ unit of Economics The number of units required in the new rule is the same as the old rule – 3. The change is in the courses required. The new rule specifies the courses a student must take to meet the graduation requirements. 13

Health/Physical Education All students must complete 1 unit 3 units of ROTC may substitute for the Health/PE requirement under the following conditions: JROTC courses include Comprehensive Health and PE Rule requirements Local BOE must approve the use of ROTC courses to satisfy the one required unit in health and PE. Our district has not made this decision as of yet. JROTC is available at EPHS, HHS, and PCHS. The Health/PE requirement remains the same as in the current rule. JROTC can be used to meet the requirement, if the local board approves. 14

Electives Three units required: CTAE and/or Modern Language and/or Fine Arts Students are encouraged to select courses in a focused area of interest and to build upon the career interest inventories that they have completed this school year with the counselors and graduation coaches. Foreign Language. The title “Foreign Language” will change to “Modern Languages and Latin” to reflect the wording used in the rule for the List of K-8 Subjects and 9-12 Courses. A Sub-Committee is studying the feasibility of implementing a foreign language requirement for all students in the future. American Sign Language may be taken to fulfill the foreign language requirements, starting in 2007-2008 (new Georgia law). Although foreign language is not a requirement for all students, it is required for admission to the University System of Georgia institutions, as well as many out-of-state institutions. The Georgia Dept of Technical and Adult Education does not require two years of a foreign language for admission to their institutions, but it would be required if students transferred from a DTAE school to a USG institution. Good counseling will be needed at the school level to ensure that students are aware of these requirements and make appropriate decisions early in high school. Pathways. An early version of the graduation rule recommendations included a requirement that all students complete 3 units in a focused area of interest. That recommendation was removed from the draft, based on concerns that small systems would have difficulty providing sufficient courses for students to meet that requirement and that we can promote pathways without making them a requirement. The pathways requirement was taken out of the draft, but it has not been removed as an initiative. Pathways opportunities will be expanded and will continue to be promoted as a valuable opportunity for all students. 15

CTAE (Career Technical and Agriculture Education) Pathways Students may earn three units of credit in a sequence of CTAE courses through a self-selected pathway leading to college readiness and a career readiness certificate endorsed by related industries. 16

Career Technical and Agriculture Education) Pathways in PCSD Agriscience Career Pathway Transportation Logistical Support Career Pathway Small Business Development Career Pathway Therapeutic Services Career Pathway Marketing & Management Career Pathway

Modern Languages/Latin and Fine Arts Students are encouraged to earn 2 credits in the same language (2 units of credit required for entry into the University System of Georgia). Electives may be selected from courses in fine arts and/or CTAE. DTAE (Technical College System of Georgia) does not require foreign language for admissions. American Sign Language may be taken to fulfill the modern language requirements. 18

Electives 4 additional units of electives required Student advisement is key and your student will have advisement/registration this spring as well as during the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade years. These advisement opportunities are critical and involve parent’s/guardian’s participation. 19

Changes for Students With Disabilities Students with disabilities who take and pass Math 1 with a support class, and Math 2 with a support class upon determination through the IEP process, may meet diploma requirements by completing Math 3 for a total of 3 units. Completion of 3 units of math may not meet math admission requirements for entrance into a University System of Georgia institution or other post secondary options. SOME students with disabilities who take and pass Math 1 with a support class and Math 2 with a support class may meet diploma requirements by completing one additional math course for a total of 3 math units. Not all SWD need this option – those who are successful in Math 1 and Math 2 should be encouraged to go on. If the student has struggled to complete those courses, they may complete their math graduation requirement by taking only one additional unit of mathematics. Students should be advised that 3 units may not be enough for admission to some colleges and universities, including the University System of Georgia. 20

Students With Severe Cognitive Disabilities May graduate and receive a regular high school diploma when the student’s IEP team determines that the student has: Completed an integrated curriculum based on the GPS that includes instruction in Math, ELA, Science and Social Studies as well as career preparation, self-determination, independent living and personal care to equal a minimum of 23 units of instruction, and Participated in the GAA in middle school and high school and earned a proficient score on the high school GAA, and Reached the 22nd birthday OR transitioned to employment/training in which the supports needed are provided by an entity other than the local school system The Special Ed diploma is still an option in the proposed rule, since it is part of Georgia law. The intention of this new requirement for students with significant cognitive disabilities is to provide an opportunity for them to earn a regular diploma. 21

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are we moving to just one type of diploma? Under the current graduation rule, students complete different requirements depending on which diploma option they select Skills needed for college and the workplace are no longer different (American Diploma Project) All students need to complete rigorous coursework requirements no matter what their postsecondary plans.

Why are we increasing math and science requirements to four years? Georgia students must be prepared to work in a competitive global economy Scientific inquiry and mathematical thinking are critical skills all students need With appropriate third and fourth year options, more students will be prepared to succeed in occupations that require math and science Support classes help them meet requirements

Are we eliminating Fine Arts? Fine Arts options are not being eliminated. The current rule does not require Fine Arts. The new rule requires ALL students to take at least THREE CREDITS in CTAE and/or Modern Language/Latin and/or Fine Arts New rule allows greater flexibility and choice regarding electives, including Fine Arts courses

Why change the requirements for Special Education students? All students need access to a regular education diploma to provide postsecondary opportunities With appropriate support, many students with disabilities can earn a regular diploma Parents/guardians will see the transition and planning process during the 8th grade year to earn a regular high school diploma.

How do these changes affect the advanced students? Advanced courses will continue to be available Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), dual enrollment, joint enrollment, industry certification Courses will continue to be offered More students prepared for advanced coursework and thus, competitive with their peers as they enter the next level of their career Transcripts show the level of rigor – “enriched”

Are we cutting Career, Technical & Agricultural Education programs? CTAE courses and programs are not being cut Pathway options will be expanded to include not only CTAE courses, but also Fine Arts, Humanities and other academic concentrations Pathways are aligned to industry certifications Dual enrollment opportunities and post-secondary credit will be available

What additional support will be provided to implement the rule? Support for students and their parents/guardians comes from counselors and graduation coaches. Additional online, dual enrollment, and joint enrollment course opportunity information as students move through high school Testing information Parent information including parent nights and advisement opportunities

Graduation Rule Information http://www.gadoe.org/ Questions Please contact counselors and/or graduation coaches. 30

Registration at the Middle Schools by High School Counselors and Coaches A Typical Schedule

CORE Academics 9th Grade English Regular Honors

CORE Academics Continued Mathematics Math I Accelerated Math I If your student struggles in math, he/she will likely need a math support class.

CORE Academics Continued Science Biology Honors Biology*

Academics Continued Social Studies 2 electives are offered in social studies: World Geography AP Human Geography, where offered.

Health / Personal Fitness Both are required for graduation. One semester each is taken by 9th grade students.

AN Elective Some of the possibilities: Academic Elective in Social Studies JROTC (EPHS, HHS, & PCHS) Computer Applications

More Elective Possibilities Band Chorus Dance (Color Guard) Drama Visual Arts

And More Possibilities Family Consumer Science (EPHS, HHS, PCHS) Agricultural Leadership (PCHS) Introduction to Technology (HHS)

And More Still Spanish I Spanish II French I Latin I (EPHS)

Instructional Focus Each high school has a 25 minute Instructional Focus session built into the school day. This time is spent on enrichment and tutorial activities. Most high schools have the High School 101 curriculum for 9th grade students.

The Advisement/Registration Form Let us review the advisement/registration form that is completed during classroom guidance in February of 2008 at the middle schools. Course verification lists will be available on March 31st at 7:00 p.m. Parent/Student Night at all High Schools

High School Honors Classes 2008

Why should I take Honors classes? The U.S. Department of Education released a study that shows that by the time students enter college, the type of courses they took in high school is more important than test scores, class rank, or grade averages. Michael Adams, President of UGA, says that rigor of curriculum is a factor above all others that determines success in the college admissions process.

What 9th grade Honors classes are available? Honors World Geography/ AP Human Geography (selected locations) Honors Biology Honors Literature/Composition Accelerated Math I

What do I need to do to get into Honors classes? There is one application for all 9th grade Honors courses. Complete the section for each 9th grade honors course you would like to be considered for in the 2008-2009 school year.

How are Honors classes beneficial to my GPA? Honors courses are weighted. Successful completion of the course, an average of 70 or above BEFORE weights are added, earns a student five (5) points onto the final course average. For example: Student earns an 80 in Honors Lit/Comp – the report card and transcript will reflect an 85 as the weighted points are added to the final average.

Application Deadline- January 29, 2007 How and when do I apply? January 14-18, 2007 Distribution of Applications Application Deadline- January 29, 2007

Graduation is the key to your student’s future. We are here to provide support!