1. High School Scheduling

2. 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)
Foundation Total 22
4th Math 1
4th Science
Endorsement Electives 2
Endorsement Total 4
Foundation Credits (22) + Endorsement Total (4) = 26 Credits

3. 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.
We plan and schedule with this as the goal for all of our students.

4. High School Courses
The TISD course selection guide & TISD Pathway Selection guide are located at under the student and families tab and also on the Moore Counselor’s Corner. The course guide has useful information for students and parents about the policies and procedures at the high school level along with a description of the course and any required prerequisites. The pathway selection guide shows pathway specifications and lists the certifications currently offered by TISD.
Please look through these selection guides when planning for next year’s classes.

5. Endorsements are broad areas of study
Endorsements are broad areas of study. Pathways are more focused areas of study under an endorsement.

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

7. 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 students, except those in AVID, should take Research & Tech. Writing, but have a semester long alternative in the event changes are made at their home campus. High school counselors suggest this class be paired with Health. You WILL NOT have a check under each heading on the choice sheet!
By completing this form and signing below I understand and agree that: 1. I am selecting my courses for the school year and am expected to keep and successfully complete each of the courses I have chosen, 2. I have reviewed the TISD HS Course Guide and TISD Pathway Selection Guide and understand the requirements for the courses selected on this form, 3. PAP and AP courses are more rigorous and may require academic work to be completed in the summer prior to the start of classes, and 4. I cannot change my course choices after Thursday, April 18, 2019.
____________________________________________ ____________________
Student Signature Date
Parent Signature Date

8. CORE SUBJECTS
For each subject you will decide if you should take Pre AP or on level
AVID students WLL NOT chose research and technical writing or Leadership
Current Algebra I students should choose Geometry or Geometry PAP (consult with your Algebra teacher)
Current Geometry students should write in Alg II

9. 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.
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.
Summer work will be posted on line at the beginning of summer. Pre-AP courses cannot be dropped because summer reading/work is not done.

10. Foreign Language Health AVID students need to take a foreign language
Students who are currently making B’s and above should take a foreign language
Native Spanish speakers may take Spanish 1 SS if they can also read and write Spanish. This class is like taking 2 years of Spanish in 1.
Health MUST be taken at TISD
Health is .5 credit
There will be a summer school option to take health that some may be interested in

11. Fine Arts Must have one credit in fine arts before graduating
Some fine arts have fees associated with the class
Theater Arts 1 is a performance/participation class. Theater Arts Appreciation is NOT a performance class.
Theater Arts 1 is a prerequisite for Technical Theater
Band- MUST have previously participated in band. Band requires summer practice

12. Fine Arts
Dance-
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.
Information about Southern Bells and Brigadettes can be found online at REL or JT or by contacting the director of those programs!

13. Athletics & PE
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.
If you plan to do more than one sport, choose the sport that occurs first in the school year.
Golf and Swimming students will need to provide their own transportation
***Students who participate in marching band for 2 years can earn a PE credit.
Cheerleading- More information can be found on your school’s website about tryouts, expectations, and requirements. Cheer coaches will inform the high school counselors who should be in cheer class.

14. Career & Technical Education
CTE principle classes are recommended.
Principles of Health Science is REQUIRED for students in the health science pathway.
Principle classes are a great way to determine if you are really interested in a particular pathway or career.

15. Other recommendations from High School Counselors
PE credit should be earned next year if possible.
If students do not struggle in ELAR, sign up for a foreign language
Changes to the schedule will be made due to poor or failing STAAR scores.
All students who are not in AVID will need to sign up for Research and Technical Writing.
Students who are NOT enrolled in professional communications in 8th grade MUST choose this course for 9th grade.

16. 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

17. Steps for choosing classes for next year’s schedule
1. Look at the course selection guide online and decide along with your parents which core classes you should take (Pre AP vs on level).
2. Look at the pathway guide online and choose a pathway that interests you.
3. Fill out your choice sheet and select 8 credits along with 3 alternative choices.
4. Complete the handwritten plan in your College and Career Readiness class.
5. Your counselor will enter and print your four year plan. This will also ensure that your choices are in the computer for next year.
6. Have your parent sign the plan and bring the plan back.

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

19. Four Year Plans
We will be meeting with your student to help him/her plan for the next four years. We will send home 4 year plans that include their choices for 9th grade for your signature.

20. 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.

21. Questions???