Hightower High School

Course SelectionWhere it is always a GREAT day to be a Hurricane!

Course Selection Information for 2015-2016

The purpose of this presentation is to assist 9th 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.

Welcome!

Foundation + Endorsements 26 credits

Distinguished Level of Achievement 26 credits, must include:1endorsement, Algebra 2, and a 4th

science credit.Eligible for “Top 10%” for automatic admission

Foundations only 22 credits

PLUS - Scoring Satisfactory on the5 End of Course Exams (STAAR/EOC):

Algebra 1, Biology, English 1, English 2, and US History

Graduation Plans

Why is 9th grade important for my

future?Grades determine your GPA and Class Rank used for post-

secondary opportunities!!

***Every year counts!

High School, Grades, Get Involved, etc.

You Tube, RegalCosmos, editedhttp://youtu.be/Wd8ORoL_Tiw

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 semester)

Ex. Health, Professional Communications

What is a Credit?

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.

Required :

Counselors will be advising students in alignment with what the 4 year institutions require.

To date, colleges are requiring the 4x4 graduation plan.

Please check admissions requirements now.

Post High School Advisement

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!

What is an Endorsement?

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.

Course Requirements: Endorsements

Business and Industry Endorsement

Public Service Endorsement

Arts and Humanities Endorsement

STEM Endorsement

Multidisciplinary Endorsement

Endorsements

Who: Students interested in agriculture, business, accounting, digital graphics, and architecture.

Related Careers: Accountant, Aircraft Controller, Interior Design, Electrician, Chef, Architect

Related Careers in Business and Industry Endorsement

Business and Industry Endorsement

Ag, Food & Natural ResourcesArchitecture & ConstructionArts, A/V & CommunicationsBusiness & FinanceAcademy – Digital Media

Endorsement Pathways at Hightower

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.

Related Careers in Public Service

Public Service Endorsement

Human ServicesCosmetology PathwayJROTC PathwayAcademy – Medical Science

Endorsement Pathways at Hightower

Who: Students interested in fine arts, world languages, and social studies.

Related Careers: Actor, Movie Director, Translator, Ambassador, Musician.

Related Careers in Arts and Humanities

Arts and Humanities Endorsement

Art, Theater, Choir, Dance, Band, Orchestra, World Language, Social Studies

Endorsement Pathways at Hightower

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.

Related Careers in STEM

STEM Endorsement

Math PathwayScience PathwayComputer ScienceEngineering

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

Endorsement Pathways at Hightower

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 % **

Distinguished Level of Achievement (DLA)

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)

Testing Requirements

HHS online entry window = Feb. 19th- Feb.27th

9th graders: During non-credit classes, will meet in a lab for counselor assistance between Feb. 20th to Feb. 27th.

Parents must log into Skyward Family Access to sign their student’s endorsements selection.

Online Course Selection

English 1 Algebra 1 or Geometry World Geography Biology Endorsement Pathway course Health and Speech PE/Athletics 9th Grade Transition (or other non-credit class)

7 credits / 8 classes

Typical Freshman Schedule

English 2 Geometry or Algebra 2 World History IPC or Chemistry Foreign Language PE/Athletics or other required course/electives Endorsement – 2nd year course – if did not select

1st year course – must do so this year Elective

8 credits

Typical Sophomore Schedule

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.

Reminders

Apply for our special programs such as AVID, PALS (11th and 12th grade), and the Tech Center (11th and 12th grade) !!

*VolunteerYES Service Organization at school

*Join a club/team at school

*Part time jobs

GET INVOLVED-Do not wait until your senior year to join activities!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1nHtq10HD4&feature=em-share_video_user

Students, how can you help yourself?

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 20th .

Another Reminder

The course selection window for Hightower HS is Feb 19 – 27th.

March 20th is the last day to request a change to courses requested for 2015-2016.

March 20th, Enter & Sign off on Endorsement selection in Family Access.

Dates to Remember

Thank you!