Course Selection Information for 2015 2016 Hightower High

Course Selection Information for 2015 -2016 Hightower High School Course Selection Where it is always a GREAT day to be a Hurricane!

Welcome! The purpose of this presentation is to assist 9 th grade students in planning for high school. Students and parents are strongly encouraged to: � Refer to the FBISD Course Guide for more detailed information. � Contact building counselors for questions and additional guidance.

Graduation Plans � Foundation + Endorsements 26 credits � Distinguished Level of Achievement 26 credits, must include: 1 endorsement, Algebra 2, and a 4 th science credit. Eligible for “Top 10%” for automatic admission � Foundations only 22 credits PLUS - Scoring Satisfactory on the 5 End of Course Exams (STAAR/EOC): Algebra 1, Biology, English 1, English 2, and US History

Why is 9 th grade important for my future? Grades determine your GPA and Class Rank used for postsecondary opportunities!! ***Every year counts!

High School, Grades, Get Involved, etc. You Tube, Regal. Cosmos, edited http: //youtu. be/Wd 8 ORo. L_Tiw

What is a Credit? Credits are what move students to the next grade towards graduation. A student must earn 6 credits Freshman year to be classified as a Sophomore the following year. �A full year course will earn you 1 credit (1 credit awarded at the end of the year) Ex. English 1, World Geography �A semester course will earn you a ½ credit (½ credit awarded at the end of the semester) Ex. Health, Professional Communications

Required : English – 4 � Math – 4 � Science – 4 � Social Studies – 3* � Health/Speech -. 5 each � Fine Art – 1 � PE or substitutions – 1 � Foreign Language – 2 of the same � Electives – 6 � ◦ Endorsements fall under electives * Note – Per Foundations this is “ 3” for Social Studies HOWEVER, we advise students to continue a 4 x 4 in core areas as college admissions may depend on it.

Post High School Advisement � Counselors will be advising students in alignment with what the 4 year institutions require. � To date, colleges are requiring the 4 x 4 graduation plan. � Please check admissions requirements now.

What is an Endorsement? � An Endorsement is the personal part of a student’s high school experience. They are what are known as “majors” in college – the subjects that students are most interested in and do the best in. These classes give specialized knowledge and skills to prepare students for higher education and careers!

Course Requirements: Endorsements � FBISD students will select their endorsement in Skyward Family Access when they select their courses for next year. � Students will have the opportunity to change their endorsement. � The endorsement, and any changes, must be indicated in writing and signed by the parent.

Endorsements � Business � Public � Arts and Industry Endorsement Service Endorsement and Humanities Endorsement � STEM Endorsement � Multidisciplinary Endorsement

Related Careers in Business and Industry Endorsement � Who: Students interested in agriculture, business, accounting, digital graphics, and architecture. � Related Careers: Accountant, Aircraft Controller, Interior Design, Electrician, Chef, Architect

Endorsement Pathways at Hightower Business and Industry Endorsement Ag, Food & Natural Resources Architecture & Construction Arts, A/V & Communications Business & Finance Academy – Digital Media

Related Careers in Public Service � Who: Students who love helping others and are interested in law enforcement, firefighting, education, the military, and government. � Related Careers: Teacher, Social Worker, Fire Fighter, Private Investigator, Animal Control Worker, Mental Health Counselor.

Endorsement Pathways at Hightower Public Service Endorsement Human Services Cosmetology Pathway JROTC Pathway Academy – Medical Science

Related Careers in Arts and Humanities � Who: Students interested in fine arts, world languages, and social studies. � Related Careers: Actor, Movie Director, Translator, Ambassador, Musician.

Endorsement Pathways at Hightower Arts and Humanities Endorsement Art, Theater, Choir, Dance, Band, Orchestra, World Language, Social Studies

Related Careers in STEM � Who: Students considering a career in engineering or computer science, and those who enjoy and are energized by math, science, design, and problem solving. � Related Careers: Robotics Technician, Computer Programmer. Medical Researcher, Engineer, Biochemist, Microbiologist, Environmentalist.

Endorsement Pathways at Hightower STEM Endorsement Math Pathway Science Pathway Computer Science Engineering

Endorsement Pathways at Hightower Multidisciplinary Endorsement Provides students an opportunity to earn an Endorsement from courses taken from multiple subject areas and/or Endorsements: ◦ 4 AP or Dual Credit Core Subjects ◦ 4 X 4 Core Subjects ◦ Combination of CTE or Tech Apps from different Endorsements

Distinguished Level of Achievement (DLA) A Distinguished Level of Achievement (DLA) may be earned through successful completion of: � � � All requirements for the Foundation High School Program, plus The requirements of at least one endorsement, including Algebra 2 among the four required math credits, and A fourth science credit A student must graduate with a Distinguished Level of Achievement (DLA) to be considered for the Top 10%* and eligibility for automatic admission to a Texas public college or university. *Not all institutions admit Top 10% but may have their own % **

Testing Requirements Students must pass the following assessments in order to graduate: • 5 End-of-Course Tests (EOC) – Algebra I (3500) – Biology (3500) – English I (3750) – English II (3750) – U. S. History (3500)

Online Course Selection � HHS online entry window = Feb. 19 th- Feb. 27 th � 9 th graders: During non-credit classes, will meet in a lab for counselor assistance between Feb. 20 th to Feb. 27 th. � Parents must log into Skyward Family Access to sign their student’s endorsements selection.

Typical Freshman Schedule � English 1 � Algebra 1 or Geometry � World Geography � Biology � Endorsement Pathway course � Health and Speech � PE/Athletics � 9 th Grade Transition (or other non-credit class) � 7 credits / 8 classes

Typical Sophomore Schedule � English 2 � Geometry or Algebra 2 � World History � IPC or Chemistry � Foreign Language � PE/Athletics or other required course/electives � Endorsement – 2 nd year course – if did not select 1 st year course – must do so this year � Elective � 8 credits

Reminders � Review your course choices and enter them in Skyward. Do not forget that if you choose a semester course you will need another one to pair with it. � List alternate elective choices from 1 -3 in order of preference. � Turn in the course selection worksheet with your chosen endorsement. Be sure to have parent signature! � Contact your counselor with any questions or concerns.

GET INVOLVED-Do not wait until your senior year to join activities! Apply for our special programs such as AVID, PALS (11 th and 12 th grade), and the Tech Center (11 th and 12 th grade) !! *Volunteer YES Service Organization at school *Join a club/team at school *Part time jobs

Students, how can you help yourself? � https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=i 1 n. Htq 1 0 HD 4&feature=em-share_video_user

Another Reminder � If students want to make a change after inputting their courses online, they must print their schedule, make the correction, obtain a parent signature and return it to their middle school/high school counselor no later than March 20 th.

Dates to Remember � � � The course selection window for Hightower HS is Feb 19 – 27 th. March 20 th is the last day to request a change to courses requested for 2015 -2016. March 20 th, Enter & Sign off on Endorsement selection in Family Access.

�Thank you!