PLANNING FOR HIGH SCHOOL Curriculum Strands Guide Grades 9-12
CREATE A SOLID ACADEMIC PORTFOLIO Your course schedule may seem like a random selection of classes to you, but college admissions officers see it as the blueprint of your high school education. They re looking for a solid foundation of learning that you can build on in college. The following subjects and classes are standard fare for success in high school and beyond, whether you plan to attend a four-year, two-year, or technical school. English (Language Arts) Take English every year. Traditional courses such as American and English literature help you improve your writing skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary. Literature Writing/composition and/or speech Math To succeed on college entrance exams, in college math classes, and in most careers, you need algebra and geometry. Take them early on, and you ll be able to enroll in advanced science and math in high school and you ll show colleges you re ready for higher-level work. Algebra l Geometry Algebra ll Pre-calculus Science Science teaches you to think analytically and to apply theories to observations of the natural world. Laboratory classes let you test what you ve learned through hands-on work. Six semesters are recommended. Social Studies Understand local and world events that are happening now by studying the culture and history that has shaped them. Social sciences round out your core curriculum. One year of world history and geography Two semesters of U.S. history One semester of U.S. government One semester of economics World Languages Solid world language study shows colleges you re willing to stretch beyond the basics. Most colleges require at least two years of world language study, and many prefer more. Fine Arts Research indicates that students who participate in the arts often do better in school and on standardized tests. The arts help you recognize patterns, discern differences and similarities, and exercise your mind in unique ways, often outside of a traditional classroom setting. Technology All college courses and jobs require at least a basic knowledge of computers. Computer skills also can help you do research and schoolwork better and faster. Biology Chemistry and physics Environmental science, advanced biology, advanced chemistry or physics 2
CISD CURRICULUM STRANDS The Curriculum Strands are suggestions of ways to organize classes when our students complete their graduation plans. Please know that these are not academies and there are no requirements or applications to complete. Additionally, the suggestions of ways to organize classes are completely flexible and fluid. It is entirely appropriate for a student to begin his/her freshman year with one focus (i.e., STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and discover during the year that he/she really is interested in other classes. We meet with our students during January/February of each school year to update/edit their graduation plans. During these annual meetings, students and parents can review the classes they have taken and can make any adjustments/changes they wish. Please note that all core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies) are required each school year. The State of Texas refers to this model as the 4x4. Additionally, students must complete one year of Physical Education credit, one year of Fine Arts credit, one year of Technology credit, 2 years of World Language (we strongly encourage taking more than two years), Health, and Professional Communications. Within the Curriculum Strands, the required courses are listed during recommended school years. Students may change when they enroll in non-core classes to the school year that best meets their needs. All other classes are suggestions. There are many differences for each individual student s needs. If a student, for instance, chooses to enroll in marching band, the fall semesters of this class substitute for the physical education requirement. Therefore, that student would not need to take one year of physical education. Although only one year of Physical Education is listed for all of the Curriculum Strands except the Kinesiology/Athletics Curriculum Strand, many students will choose to enroll in Athletics each year of their high school careers, although they may focus upon a different curriculum strand or curriculum focus. And, many students will not organize their graduation plans with any of the Curriculum Strands. This is very appropriate. 3
STEM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS STRAND) Grade 7/8: Algebra I, Pre-AP Geometry Pre-AP Biology Pre-AP, Pre-AP/GT World Geography (any level) World Language: American Sign Language I French I Computer Science Pre-AP Algebra II Pre-AP Chemistry Pre-AP, Pre-AP/GT Computer Science II AP Fine Arts (any course) Pre-Calculus Pre-AP Physics Pre-AP Computer Science III Honors Calculus AB AP Physics B AP, AP/GT Computer Science IV Honors (Robotics) Performing Arts Strand Please note that CISD requires the following 4
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES STRAND English I Pre-AP, Pre-AP/GT World Language: French I Business Law/Principles of Business, Marketing & Finance English II Pre-AP, Pre-AP/GT World History AP English III AP, AP/GT United States History AP European History AP Sociology/Psychology AP English IV AP, AP/GT Environmental Science AP Art History AP 5
PERFORMING ARTS STRAND World Geography (any level) or World Language: French I * Any of the following for each year of high school: Band I, II, III, IV Choir I, II, III, IV Color Guard/Winter Guard I, II, III, IV Drill Team I, II, III, IV Drill Team Prep I, Drill Team I, II, III Theater Arts I, II, III, IV Technical Theater I, II, III, IV Year III of Performing Arts class (see Grade 9) Environmental Science AP (or any 4 th year science) Microeconomics AP or Macroeconomics AP/Government Art History AP Year IV of Performing Arts class (see Grade 9) Year II of Performing Arts class (see Grade 9) 6
VISUAL ARTS STRAND World Geography (any level) or World Language: American Sign Language I French I Art I or Art I PAP Art II (variety of courses) Art III (variety of courses) (may be an additional art course) Environmental Science AP (or any 4 th year science) Art IV (variety of courses) Art History AP 7
KINESIOLOGY/ATHLETICS STRAND World Geography (any level) or World Language: American Sign Language I French I Athletics I (any sport or combination of sports) Athletics II (any sport or combination of sports) Fine Arts (any course) Athletics III (any sport or combination of sports) Anatomy & Physiology (any level) Sports Medicine/Sports & Entertainment Marketing Athletics IV (any sport or combination of sports) 8
LEADERSHIP STRAND World Geography (any level) or World Language: American Sign Language I French I Teen Leadership I/Teen Leadership II PE/Athletics Student Leadership I Fine Arts (any course) Student Leadership II (no credit awarded) Environmental Science AP (or any 4 th year science) Psychology/Sociology PALS 9
COMMUNICATIONS/JOURNALISM STRAND English I Pre-AP, Pre-AP/GT World Language: French I Debate I or Journalism I English II Pre-AP, Pre-AP/GT World History AP Debate II (or) Journalism II: Broadcast (or) Newspaper (or) Yearbook English III AP United States History AP European History AP Debate III or Journalism III English IV AP Environmental Science AP(or any 4 th year science) Microeconomics AP or Macroeconomics AP/ Government AP Art History AP (or other Fine Arts) Debate IV or Journalism IV 10
SCIENCE STRAND Algebra I Pre-AP Biology AP World Geography (any level) or World Language: American Sign Language I French I Geometry Pre-AP Chemistry Pre-AP Anatomy & Physiology Honors Fine Arts (any course) Algebra II Pre-AP Physics Pre-AP AP Environmental Science or Pre-Calculus Pre-AP Chemistry AP or Environmental Science AP Forensics Science 11
TECHNOLOGY/DIGITAL GRAPHICS STRAND World Geography (any level) or World Language: American Sign Language I French I Principles of Information Technology Fine Arts (any course) Digital and Interactive Media Digital Graphics and Animation Environmental Science AP (or any 4 th year science), any level Research in IT Solutions Honors Webdesign 12
EDUCATION/HUMAN SERVICES STRAND World Geography (any level) or World Language: American Sign Language I French I Teen Leadership I/Teen Leadership II Principles of Human Services World Language: 3rd year, any level Fine Arts (any course) Interpersonal Studies/Personal Finance Environmental Science AP (or any 4 th year science) Sociology/Psychology AP Child Development/Lifetime Nutrition and Wellness 13
FINANCE/BUSINESS/MARKETING STRAND World Geography (any level) or World Language: American Sign Language I French I Principles of Information Technology Principles of Business, Marketing & Finance /Personal Finance Career Preparation I Sports and Entertainment Marketing/Business Law Environmental Science AP (or any 4 th year science) Sociology/Psychology AP Child Development/Lifetime Nutrition and Wellness 14
GOVERNMENT/PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION STRAND World Geography (any level) World Language: American Sign Language I French I Teen Leadership I/Teen Leadership II Fine Arts (any course) Principles of Business, Marketing & Finance/ Business Law Criminal Law/Criminal Investigation Environmental Science AP (or any 4 th year science) Sociology/Psychology AP European History AP 15
CARROLL MEDICAL ACADEMY The Carroll Medical Academy is an advanced high school academic program for students who are interested in pursuing careers within the medical field. CMA is designed for students in grades 9-12 who have met specific program criteria via a district selection process. Carroll Medical Academy offers a math and science intensive curriculum that encourages students to maximize the number of Advanced Placement (AP) science and math courses taken during their high school years. The rigor of the courses offered in the CMA program allows students to experience courses which better prepare them for their post-secondary experience. In addition to the challenging curriculum, students are provided opportunities for specialized training such as CPR and first aid certification. Medical professionals are invited as guest lecturers and students interact with the professionals individually during the annual Career Day. Students also visit medical facilities and apply for unique summer medical internship opportunities. Senior CMA students enroll in an internship course in which they shadow mentors in a variety of medical practices within our area. Carroll Independent School District believes the opportunities made available to students through the Carroll Medical Academy will continue to enrich and encourage participants as they work toward their goals in the medical field of science. Course of Study for the Carroll Medical Academy* 9 TH Grade 11 th Grade English I, English I Pre-AP, or English I Pre-AP/GT English III, English III AP, or English III AP/GT Geometry Pre-AP or Algebra II Pre-AP Pre-Cal Pre-AP or Calculus AB AP Biology AP Chemistry AP World Geo., World Geo. Pre-AP, or Human US History or US History AP Geography AP World Language (Spanish, Latin, French, or Mandarin World Language Chinese) Scientific Research/Design/Prof. Comm. Physical Education or Athletics or Band 10 th Grade 12 th Grade English II, English II Pre-AP, or Eng. II Pre-AP/GT English IV, English IV AP, English IV AP/GT or Dual Credit English IV Algebra II Pre-AP or Pre-Cal Pre-AP Calculus AB AP, Calculus AP BC, or Statistics AP Chemistry Pre-AP Physics B or C AP Anatomy & Physiology, Honors US Govt., US Govt. AP, or Dual Credit Government/ Economics, Macroeconomics AP, Microeconomics AP, or Dual Credit Economics World History or AP World History Advanced Biotechnology, Honors World Language World Language Fine Arts *It is required that a student have completed Algebra I by the end of 8 th grade in order to be considered for the Carroll Medical Academy. 16
Please note that the sequence of coursework listed above will always have differences for each student in terms of electives that students select. For example, a student may choose to participate in band all four years of high school. Another student may choose to participate in Debate all four years of high school. Other elective sequences include Journalism, Athletics, Performing Fine Arts, Visual Fine Arts, Computer Science, and Business, among others that are listed in the Academic Planning Guide. The courses listed above are required for the CMA Program. It is recommended that a student take World Language all four years of high school, although three are required. After a student applies and is admitted into the CMA, a high school counselor meets with the student to plan his/her high school graduation plan. 17
COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE: GRADES 9-12 Freshman Year Choose courses that are enriching and challenging for you. Sophomore Year Get involved in extracurricular activities in which you have a genuine interest. Make a four-year schedule of classes that increases your eligibility to attend the college of your choice. Start developing a resume by keeping a scrapbook of your accomplishments including articles about yourself, awards that you have won, and activities in which you have participated. Build relationships with your teachers and counselor. Look into volunteer opportunities that will expand your passion, experience, and skills. Monitor grades and attend tutorials when needed. Attend College Fair, College Workshop, and Financial Aid Seminar. Take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) for practice in October. Re-evaluate your high school course selection to make sure it meets college requirements. Use Naviance to take interest inventories and to discover possible career possibilities and to research universities. Update your high school resume. Meet with your counselor to discuss college and your goals for the future. Attend College Fair, College Workshop and Financial Aid Seminar. Visit college campuses. Junior Year Take Official PSAT in October to determine eligibility for National Merit Scholarship and to prepare for the SAT. Continue taking courses that are challenging/monitor your grades. Attend Campus Chats with college representatives who visit CSH during lunch. Research college information on-line and be aware of admission requirements. Schedule campus visits. Meet with your counselor to learn about the college application process (Junior Conference). Take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring. If you plan to play sports in college, register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse the summer after you complete your junior year. Begin college applications for universities with early deadlines. Attend College Fair, College Workshop, and Financial Aid Seminar Visit college campuses. Senior Year Review list of colleges to which you are applying with your parents and counselor. Choose to apply to universities that fit your personality, career goals, and grade/test score requirements. Note test dates, fees, college application due dates, CSH s policy on turning in requests for letters of recommendation and transcripts. Write application essays and ask teachers, counselors, or family members to help edit/revise. Complete financial aid information such as FAFSA. Apply for scholarships. 18
FAQS ABOUT THE ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM (AP) More than 90 percent of four-year colleges and universities in the United States award placement or credit or both for a qualifying grade on an AP Exam. What s the difference between credit and placement? Some colleges award credit for qualifying AP Exam grades. This means that you actually earn points toward your college degree. Others award advanced placement. This means that when you re in college, you can skip introductory courses, enter higher-level classes and/or fulfill general education requirements. Can I earn college credit or placement just by taking the AP Course? Colleges and universities give credit or placement only for qualifying AP Exam grades, not AP course grades. Without a corresponding AP Exam grade, they can t verify that the AP courses you take are true college-level courses. What can I do with college credit or placement? College credit or placement can allow you to move into upper-level courses sooner, pursue a double major or a combined bachelor s/master s degree program, gain time to study and travel abroad, and complete your undergraduate degree in fewer than four years. You can receive credit for equivalent courses worth thousands of dollars at colleges and universities. Why should I take the AP Exam if I m not looking to earn credit or placement? The AP Exams provide colleges and universities with additional information about your ability to succeed in college-level study. Some scholarship awards consider AP Exam grades Many colleges use AP Exam grades to place students into honors classes. The AP Exams give you a clear understanding of what you need to succeed on a college exam. 19