Gear Up for High School

1. Gear Up for High School Your choices determine your future

2. To go to high school you must • Pass 8th grade Math • Pass 8th grade English • Pass 8th grade Social Studies • Pass 8th grade Science • Have an overall average of 70% in all other classes

3. STAAR Tests for 8th Grade: • Reading • Math • Science • Social Studies

4. To get your high school diploma. . . • You must pass the End of Course Exams for the following courses: • English I and II – includes reading and writing • Algebra I • U.S. History • Biology

5. Each semester stands alone rather than having a yearly average. If you fail any semester of a required course in high school, you have to take that course again for that semester You will not get credit for the first semester course by passing the second semester course The grade you’re in is determined by how many credits you have earned. Example: to be a 10th grader, you must have earned 6 credits Two big differences between Junior High & High School

6. To gear up for high school, you must make wise course selections.

7. The most important thing you can do to prepare for the future is to sign up for the rightcourses and to work hard to pass them.

8. Gearing up for the future means Making an informed decision concerning the selection of a high school graduation plan Foundation High School Plan

9. Foundation High School Plan English (4 credits) - I, II, III, English IV or other 4th year English Mathematics (3 credits) includingAlgebra I, Geometry, and an Advanced Math Science (3 credits) including Biology, IPC or an advanced science course, and any advanced science course Social Studies (3 credits)World Geography or World History, U.S. History (11th), U.S. Government (.5 credit), Economics (.5 credit) Language Other than English(2 credits of same language) Fine Arts (1 credit) Physical Education (1 credit) Electives (5 credits) TOTAL 22 Credits

10. A student may earn an endorsement by successfully completing: • Curriculum requirements for the endorsement • 4 credits in mathematics • 4 credits in science • 2 additional elective credits Endorsements

11. There are 5 Endorsement Pathways: • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) • Business and Industry • Public Services • Arts and Humanities • Multidisciplinary Studies (not an option for incoming 9th graders – can be used starting the 11th grade year) 5 Endorsements

12. The following are endorsements in STEM: • Engineering • Computer Science • Science • Mathematics STEM Endorsement

13. The following are endorsements in Business and Industry: • Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources • Architecture and Construction • Arts, Audio/Video Tech and Communication • Business Management and Administration • Finance • Hospitality and Tourism • Information Technology • Manufacturing • Marketing • Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics • English • Advanced Broadcast Journalism • Newspaper • Public Speaking • Debate Business and Industry Endorsements

14. The following are endorsements in Public Service: • Education and Training • Government and Public Administration • Health Science Clinical • Biomedical Science • Human Services • Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security • ROTC Public Service Endorsements

15. The following are endorsements in Arts and Humanities: • Social Studies • Language Other Than English • Same Language • Two Languages • American Sign Language • Fine Arts • Art • Dance • Music • Theatre Arts and Humanities Endorsements

16. To receive Distinguished Level of Achievement, a student must do the following: • Four credits in science • Four credits in math, including credit in Algebra II • Curriculum requirements for at least one endorsement • To be eligible for automatic admission at a 4-year university, students must be in the top 10% and graduate with the Distinguished Level of Achievement Distinguished Level of Achievement

17. For outstanding performance: • In a dual credit course – 12 hours of dual credit • In bilingualism and biliteracy • On an AP test or IB exam • On the PSAT, ACT-Plan, SAT, ACT • For earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certification or license Performance Acknowledgement

18. STEM Endorsement All course choices should support your future career goals. Communication skills and technology skills are a foundation for success in the modern business world. Please select all courses with your career goals in mind.

19. STEM Endorsement

20. Business and Industry Endorsements All course choices should support your future career goals. Communication skills and technology skills are a foundation for success in the modern business world. Please select all courses with your career goals in mind.

21. Business and Industry Endorsements

22. Public Service Endorsements All course choices should support your future career goals. Communication skills and technology skills are a foundation for success in the modern business world. Please select all courses with your career goals in mind.

23. Public Service Endorsements

24. Arts and Humanities Endorsements All course choices should support your future career goals. Communication skills and technology skills are a foundation for success in the modern business world. Please select all courses with your career goals in mind.

25. Arts and Humanities Endorsements

26. Block Schedule • “A” Day • Period 1 • Period 2 • Period 3 • Period 4 • “B” Day • Period 5 • Period 6 • Period 7 • Period 8

27. CTHEI Class helps you DISCOVER this! It’s easier to plan your high school courses if you already know the career pathway you are interested in.

28. What Career Pathways Will Be Offered as My Choices? • Agricultural Science • (Florist, Fish & Game Warden, Landscape Architect, Farm Worker, Food Production, Veterinarian, etc.) • Architecture and Construction • (Interior Design Specialist, Construction Worker, etc.) • Arts, A/V Technology and Communication • (Newscaster, Photographer, Singer, Actor, Fashion Designer, etc.) • Business, Management and Administration • (Retail Sales, Stock Broker, Marketing Director, Administrative Assistant, etc.)

29. What Career Pathways Will Be Offered as My Choices? (Cont.) • Education and Training • (Teacher, Childcare Provider, Teaching Assistant, Counselor, etc.) • Finance • (Accounting, Bank Teller, Economist, etc.) • Health Science • (Nurse, Dentist, Physical Therapist, Physician, Pharmacist, Dietitian, X-Ray Technician, etc.) • Hospitality and Tourism • (Hotel Manager, Travel Agent, Chef, Tour Director , etc.)

30. What Career Pathways Will Be Offered as My Choices? (Cont.) • Human Services • (Cosmetologist, Social Worker, Childcare Provider, etc.) • Information Technology • (Network Specialist, Computer Technician, Web Designer, Video Game Developer, etc.) • Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security • (Fire Fighter, Police Chief, Lawyer, Security Specialist, etc.)

31. What Career Pathways Will Be Offered as My Choices? (Cont.) • Manufacturing • (Welder, General Contractor, Electrician, etc.) • Marketing • (Wholesale and Retail Sales, Customer Relations Specialist, Advertising, etc.) • STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics • (Engineer, Chemist, Meterologist, etc.)

32. Foundation plan Endorsement Credit/Unit Diploma Graduation plans Prerequisite Required courses Elective courses Semester Coherent sequence Program of study Career readiness College readiness Post secondary Technical schools 2-year college 4-year college Dual credit Some terms you need to know

33. How to read a high school course description MA1245 – GEOMETRY This course includes a study of measurements, constructions and terminology essential to geometry. It is designed to develop deductive thinking, and emphasizes problem solving by means of logical proofs and definitions while integrating algebraic concepts. Relations, properties, and measurements of surfaces, lines and angles in one, two and three-dimensional figures are investigated. Grade Placement: 10-12 1 unit Prerequisite: Algebra I

34. What is a GPA? • Grade Point Average • Calculated from your final semester grade • Some classes are worth more grade points than others • Colleges look at your GPA to compare you with other students

35. How do they calculate your GPA? Regular Grade Points 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 0 Numerical Grade 97-100 93-96 90-92 87-89 83-86 80-82 77-79 73-76 70-72 0-69 Letter Grade A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- F Honors Grade Points 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 0

36. 9th Grade Course Worksheet • Each AISD high school has a slightly different course worksheet • Some ask you to state your career goal & post secondary plans • All students will begin on the Foundation High School Plan with an endorsement graduation plan • Students will enter course selections in Career Cruising

37. Career Cruising • Use the assessments in Career Cruising to help you plan your selection of electives according to your likes and dislikes • Work with your teachers and parents to begin the selection of your courses for 9th grade through Career Cruising’s Course Planner module.

38. Can you afford college? • The state of Texas has several programs to help students pay for public college tuition and/or fees!

39. Ways to finance college: • Grants and Scholarships • Parental Assistance • Student Loans • Student Employment

40. Remember the choices you make now will help you prepare for the real world and the future.

41. Prepare today for success tomorrow

42. Future Success Does Not Happen By Chance! G et a vision of your future E nlist the help of your school counselor A ccept responsibility for your learning R egister for challenging courses U sementors and resources to maximize yourpotential P repare now to succeed later!