8 th grade Transition to High School

Endorsement Areas  ARTS AND HUMANITIES Political science, literature, world languages, cultural studies, history and fine arts.  BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Information technology, database management, marketing, accounting, finance, graphic design, architecture, construction, welding, automotive technology, agriculture, vet science, culinary arts and hospitality.  MULTIDISCIPLINARY This endorsement provides students the opportunity to take a variety of courses from each of the other four endorsement areas.  PUBLIC SERVICE Health science occupations, education, law enforcement, cosmetology, and JROTC  STEM Science, Technology-including computer science, Engineering, and advanced Math.

FOUNDATION GRADUATION PLAN WITH ENDORSEMENT

FOUNDATION PLAN COURSES Revised January * Students wishing eligibility for automatic admission to TX public institutions and TEXAS grant must graduate with the Distinguished Requirements

Students Entering 9 th Grade Each student selects (in writing) an endorsement area and creates a Four Year Plan with their 8 th grade counselor.

FOUR YEAR PLAN Revised February 3, 2014

Typical Freshman Schedule English 1 Algebra 1 (or Geometry if Algebra 1 taken in 8 th grade) Biology World Geography Elective (PE recommended) Elective (Fine Art recommended) Elective

Pre-AP/AP Rigorous coursework & more homework “Extra” grade points Be better prepared for college AP Used for Performance Acknowledgment Earn college credit

PreAP Frequently Asked Questions Who can take PreAP classes? They are open enrollment, but student, parent & counselor input is imperative. Can be a very difficult decision. What if a student is struggling in a PreAP class? A student may choose to exit a PreAP course (regardless of student performance) 1 st 6 weeks, preferably when the six weeks grade is available or At the end of the semester or Exit decision approved by parent, teacher & appeal committee Is there any limit to the number of PreAP courses one can take? No, but should consider the student’s needs & overall course load.

Options for meeting PE requirement 1 year of PE or Equivalent – PE – Dance – Athletics – Cheerleading (S1 only) – ROTC (substitution) – Drill Team (substitution) – Marching Band (S1 only, sub.) Students can earn up to 4 PE/Equivalent credits

Options to meet other Required Coursework 2 years of the same Foreign Language *Spanish *French *German *Latin 1 year of Fine Arts *Art *Band *Choir *Dance *Orchestra *Theatre Arts (Performing or Production) * Principles and Elements of Floral Design (Grades 10-12)

9 th Grade Elective Options--CTE Full year Principles of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (Business & Industry) Business Information Management 1(Business & Industry) Concepts of Engineering & Architecture (STEM) ROTC (Public Service) Principles of Hospitality Services

9 th Grade Elective Options--CTE Semester Touch System Data Entry (Business & Industry) Principles of Business, Marketing, & Finance (Business & Industry) Money Matters (Business & Industry) Principles of Human Services (Public Service) Retailing & E-tailing (Business & Industry) Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security (Public Service) Professional Communications (Business & Industry)

9 th Grade Elective Options—Technology (STEM) ♦ Computer Science 1 (regular or Pre-AP)  Recommended Prerequisite is Alg. 1 with a B Average ♦ Game Program Design (Semester, grades 9-12) ♦ Mobile Application Development (Semester, grades 9-12) ♦ Robotics Program Design (Semester, grades 9-12)

Requirements to Graduate Earn the 26 required State Credits Complete one of the Endorsement Plans Pass all 5 EOC tests

Required 5 EOC Tests Algebra 1 English 1 English 2 Biology US History

9 th grade course selection sheet

9 th grade course selection sheet p.2

Sample High School Report Card Total of 3.5 credits earned for this report card.

Semester Grades Are Based on : Three Six Weeks Grades & the Semester Exam FirstSix Weeks= 28% SecondSix Weeks= 28% ThirdSix Weeks= 28% SemesterExam= 16% Each semester stands ALONE! The first and second semesters are not averaged together for a passing grade.

Your High School Transcript It is your scorecard! Starts with 9 th grade It is how colleges will evaluate you. It is the official record of: student effort/grades.

Classification Requirements for Current 9 th graders to be 10 th graders Minimum of 6 credits AND 2 nd year in High School

Plan For The Future Grade 9 *Attend Freshman Orientation * Strive for good grades * GPA begins with 9 th grade * Develop a student resume/portfolio (keep Guidance Handbook in this file) * Become involved - make an impact

Course selection forms and four year plans are due to your child’s English teacher by Wednesday, January 27 th. Don’t overload 9th grade schedule! Consider extracurricular activities when selecting classes Schedule change deadlines will be honored! No schedule changes after 3:00 p.m., June 09, 2016 No schedule changes after 3:00 p.m., June 09, 2016

Begin with the End in Mind What is your career interest? What Programs of Study and/or specialized schools of choice will prepare you for your postsecondary education and/or career training? Which Endorsement will you earn? Plan NOW!

Schools of Choice International Baccalaureate (Klein Oak) International Business Academy (Klein Forest) ** Application process required.