1. Welcome to the classes of 2020 and 2021! EMSISD Chart your Course education university degrees courses careers

2. The purpose of this presentation is to assist students and parents in planning a course of study tailored to the individual student needs, interests, and aspirations. Start thinking! Where am I? Where do I want to go? How do I get there?

3. Where to begin – first review the state graduation requirements on page 10 of your course guide. Begin thinking about post-secondary education plans and career interests. Think about which college or other post-high school programs you might attend. Review the core course and elective offerings. Complete the course selection process.

4. “Knowledge is Power” Things you need to know before charting your course- Get an early start - beginning in 8 th grade there are several high school credit courses offered. Take challenging courses – Pre Advanced Placement leads to Advanced Placement in high school – possible college credit. Academic Eligibility Rules/UIL – not just athletics AVID – Advancement Via Individual Determination prepares students for college readiness and success. Course is offered beginning in 7 th grade through graduation.

5. Advanced Academics GT students are served through PreAP courses and are clustered together in their core classes. Pre-Advanced Placement Courses – Require additional studies outside of the classroom as well as good time management skills. Emphasis is given to the skills and strategies students need to succeed in AP courses.

6. Pre-AP Mathematics Middle school Pre-AP math courses are compacted and cover four years of curriculum in three years. See map on pages 4 and 5 in course guide. Recommended criteria for Pre-AP math – 85 average in current math class Advanced level on math STAAR 80+ on placement test Strong work ethic and study skills Students will only be allowed to exit PreAP Algebra I prior to the end of the first semester.

7. I’m going into 7 th grade – What has this got to do with me? The types of classes you take How well you do in your classes How well you do on your STAAR tests What are my interests All help determine your 8 th courses!

8. What do I have to take in 7 th grade? English Language Arts – Regular, PreAP Literature – Regular, PreAP Math – Regular, PreAP Science – Regular or PreAP Texas History PE or Athletics Advisory Elective – your choice

9. I am going into the 8 th grade, what’s new? Choosing an Endorsement! What is an Endorsement? – Similar to a college major Endorsement pathways are typically a sequence of courses for 4 or more credits Can focus on Academics, Fine Arts, JROTC, or Career and Technical Education

10. How do I learn about choosing an Endorsement? You will take a half credit course called MAPS. In this class you will explore your interests, what an endorsement is, how you get an endorsement and the courses I need to take for my endorsement. You will create a 4 year Personal Education Plan in Career Cruising.

11. Endorsements con’t Specific course requirements vary by Endorsement Specific graduation requirements for each Endorsement Available pathways This time next year you will have Charted your Course !

12. 8 th Grade Courses English Language Arts and Reading – Regular or PreAP Math – Math, PreAP Math, PreAP Algebra I Science – Regular, PreAP US History – Regular, PreAP MAPS – 1 semester Advisory Electives – pages 24-28 in course guide