Associate Degree in Arts and Sciences General Studies Buckingham County High School

1. Associate Degree in Arts and SciencesGeneral StudiesBuckingham County High School

2. Purpose • To design an Associate Degree Program at Buckingham County High School thereby offering the opportunity for highly motivated students to enhance their educational experience.

3. Background • Natural outgrowth of established dual enrollment classes offered at BCHS. • Changes implemented in the 2010-2011 school year • SVCC partnership. • Need to provide our students with increased academic options necessary for post secondary education and workforce entry. • Resulted from pedagogical discussions between various stakeholders within the county.

4. Committee Members • Administration • Dual Enrollment Instructors • Department Heads • Guidance • Ad Hoc Members

5. Educator Requirements – Academic Courses • Masters degree in the content area. • Masters degree (any area) must have 18 graduate hours in the content area. • Examples of Academic Courses are • History/Government • English/Humanities • Mathematics • Science • Psychology • Business Law • Students must pass both the reading and writing portions of the SVCC placement test.

6. Educator Requirements – Adjunct Courses • These are courses leading to specific certifications • Baccalaureate and appropriate industry certifications and approval from SVCC. • Adjunct Courses are: * Computer Information Systems Courses • Nursing courses • Criminal Justice • Forestry • Welding *This course is part of the general requirements for a General Associates Degree program

7. Current Classes/Teachers General Associates Degree program offerings: • Biology – Mr. Caldwell • English – Ms Wright (Provisional) • English – Mrs. Hinds • Political Science – Mr. Mc Christian • History – Mrs. Bennett • Computer Information System – Mrs Weir, Mrs. Branch Certification Courses: • Adv. Computer Information Systems – Mrs. Weir, Mrs. Branch • Intro to Game Design/Development – Mrs. Weir • Business Management – Mrs Branch • Pre Veterinary – Mr. Senger • Nursing -- Pending

8. The Initial Cohort • 8th grade students were given the initial SVCC placement examination (Spring 11). • Letter sent to parents, voluntary opt out. • Students had to apply and pass the initial tests for reading and writing • Cohort 2015 consists of 30 eighth grade students

9. The Cohort Requirements • Students must pass the SVCC placement test. • Score a 39 on the READING • Score a 41 on the WRITING • Mathematics test during the junior year • Parent/Student contract • SVCC Application

10. Freshman/Sophomore

11. Junior/Senior

12. Students Not In Cohort • Students may take dual enrollment classes even though they are not in the cohort. • Pass the SVCC placement test in writing and reading if taking academic courses and the math test in their junior year. • May take online courses through SVCC in the summer or during school with permission of principal. • Online Advancement Placement courses may also be utilized to meet elective requirements. • SVCC requires a minimum of a “3” to award credit. • Students work with guidance and administration to craft a program of study that meets their needs and encourages advanced study.

13. Costs • Books • Books are currently being provided through the school system.

14. What if we do not have the instructors? • Some additional options are available • SVCC provides the instructor and tuition is charged • Virtual AP courses to fill gaps. • They must score a minimum of 3 to receive credit. • Online Courses • Central Office/High School-work to “home grow” instructors.

15. Visions for the Future • Potential exists to offer Associate of Applied Science. • Various Certificate Programs (Career Studies) such as • Applications Software Specialist • Bookkeeping • Corrections • Cosmetology and Barbering • Gaming Technology