Regular vs. Honors. What are the key differences and how do I know which one(s) my child should sign up for? Class of 2022

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1 vs. What are the key differences and how do I know which one(s) my child should sign up for? Class of 2022

2 HONORS COURSES The number of honors courses a student is recommended for may be different than the number of honors courses a student should take. When selecting how many honors courses to enroll in, consider all time commitments, sports and band practice each evening and activities outside of school. At the high school, students are not allowed to try a course and then change to a lower level course Please consider that the 9 th graders who take all honors in core areas Freshman year are usually the same kids who take five or more AP courses Senior year.

3 REGULAR VS. HONORS Slower Pacing Less Homework More Teacher Support Faster Pacing More Independent Work Tougher Assessments More Teacher as Coach More Student in Control of Own Learning Greater Work Ethic Needed For a Student Who Wants to be Challenged in This Subject

4 WEIGHTED GRADE COURSES What does weighted grade mean? The course is of considerable difficulty and will greatly challenge students who may have easily succeeded in MS Challenge Courses. EARNING an A is difficult but will result in a 5.0 GPA for that course on a 4.0 scale. EARNING a B will result in earning a 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Note: Many colleges ask students to submit their unweighted GPA. Not all honors courses are weighted grade courses. Weighted Grade: ALAR/P I (Language Arts), Geometry and History are currently the only CORE WG courses for 9 th graders. Biology & Language Arts 9, though both rigorous courses that will prepare your child well, are not weighted grade.

5 REGULAR VS. HONORS (Math) Slower Pacing Less Homework More Teacher Support Faster Pacing More Independent Work Tougher Assessments - No extra time More Teacher as Coach More Student in Control of Own Learning Greater Work Ethic Needed For a Student Who Wants to be Challenged in This Subject

6 REGULAR VS. HONORS (Social Studies) Slower Pacing Less Daily Homework, Less Writing No worksheets or study guides More analysis, application on assessments Responsible to read text, complete note cards on own Greater independence, individual motivation Strength in writing, ELA Preparing for AP next year

7 REGULAR VS. HONORS (Science) Slower pacing More Homework More Teacher Support Expectations Student chooses their success or failure Take initiative in one s own learning Studying at home, even when no homework assigned Limited scaffolding in class Fast pace, more in depth Benefits Preparation for AP courses & college Learning with motivated peers Deeper investigations into science topics Increased inquiry science labs and activities Leads to weighted courses and college credit

8 REGULAR VS. HONORS (Language Arts) Slower Pacing Less Homework More Teacher Support Faster Pacing pages/week More Independent Work Tougher Assessments More Teacher as Coach More Student in Control of Own Learning Greater Work Ethic Needed For a Student Who Wants to be Challenged in This Subject

9 HONORS VS. ALARP Similarities Advanced Language Arts Research and Presentation Rigorous Classes That Presume Students Have Above Average Reading and Writing Abilities as Foundations Read the Core Works of the 9th Curriculum Teach Reading, Writing, Language Study, Research, and Speaking Fast Pacing More Nightly Homework More Teacher Directed/ Whole Class Work ALARP (Application Required) Faster Pacing Less Nightly Homework, But More Independent Work with Preset Check-Ins/Due Dates STRONG Emphasis on Research & Public Speaking

WINSTON CHURCHILL HIGH SCHOOL. 9 th Grade Registration Information

WINSTON CHURCHILL HIGH SCHOOL. 9 th Grade Registration Information WINSTON CHURCHILL HIGH SCHOOL 9 th Grade Registration Information 2017-2018 CHURCHILL HELP HINTS Communication Resources - NEISD.net - Parent Portal - Email Blasts - Follow @ilovemychargers (Twitter account)