Scheduling for Success – High School and Beyond First Flight High School March 3, 2015

Considerations National Statistic: 19/100 students who enter 9 th grade, graduate from college within six years of graduating from high school Students need to choose their college carefully – “right fit” Rigorous course of study through senior year

Program of Studies – Online at FFHS website Graduation Requirements Assessments by Grade/Course Attendance Policy NC, AVID, Global and STEM Scholars Grade Point Average Calculation Minimum Admissions Requirements – UNC System Athletic and Driving Eligibility Registration/Early Graduation Schedule Changes

Program of Studies Advanced Placement (AP) NC Virtual Public School Career and College Promise Articulation of Credit with NC Community Colleges

Opportunities Global and STEM Scholars Minimum 3.5 weighted GPA Graduation Project on Global or STEM topic (senior year) + at least six courses/experiences from a prescribed list

Registration Process March 6-12– students will receive registration forms and information in 5 th period classes March 20 – forms are due back to 5 th period teachers – signed Student Portal will be open in Power School March for student registration – teacher recommendations will be there Students will register online and on paper

Registration Process March 25 – begin taking registration appointments – courses are confirmed during meeting with counselors, students, and parents Counselors will go over teacher recommendations during appointments Students will register for NC VPS and COA classes with counselor – not online

What Is An AP Course? College-level course offered in high school Taught by an AP-trained high school teacher who are audited annually Have strict standards set by the College Board Requires an AP Test in May

Why Take an AP Course? In-depth study of a subject at college level College credit depending on AP Test Score and college Predicts college readiness and success

More Reasons... Improve writing skills Sharpen problem- solving skills Develop study habits Emphasize your commitment to academic excellence Assume the responsibility of reasoning, analyzing and understanding for yourself

How Do I Know Which and How Many AP Courses To Take? Consider interests and strengths Consider other commitments – to sports, clubs, family, etc. Look at what the colleges you are interested in expect Evaluate your work ethic

Consider the DATA Teacher recommendations 10 th graders – PLAN results 11 th graders – PSAT results

What Do AP Courses Require? Excellent organizational skills Strong study habits Ability to think independently High level of interest and commitment Substantial amount of time outside of class preparing assignments, reading and writing papers Summer assignments in many courses

US Dept. of Education Study Success in AP is one of the most reliable predictors of success in college 85% of high school students who took AP courses continued their education after high school and contributed to their ability to complete degree requirements

Final Words on AP Courses AP courses are more demanding with most being comparable to first-year college courses Expect to work much harder to maintain the grades you are used to having Contracts are signed indicating your commitment to rigor and attendance AP teachers will hold info sessions during Empower Time

What Is Distance Learning? Courses delivered via the Internet FFHS offers NC Virtual Public School courses

Dare County Parameters Subject to availability by providers and to computer and facilitator capability Available to 10 th, 11 th and 12 th graders; waiting list will be maintained Students must qualify – determine with counselor

Characteristics of Successful Distance Learners Willing to learn Motivated to study Independent learner Willing to take “learning risks” Honest and ethical Respectful of other learners Takes pride in doing excellent work Manages time well Has good study habits Can learn without physical presence of instructor Able to use PC technology Patient with technology Excellent attendance Able to work without letting others distract them and without distracting others

NC Virtual Public School Partnership with NC Public Schools Online courses taught by teachers certified in content area Provides courses not available in home school Scheduled onsite unless student is taking an “8 th ” course All AP Courses are year long Separate registration form – counselors will have lists of courses

NC VPS Courses AP European History AP World History AP Government AP Psychology Latin I, II, III German I, II, III Russian I, II, III Mandarin Chinese I, II Japanese I, II Arabic I, II

Career & College Promise Presenters: Derek Meredith, Coordinator of Secondary Education, COA Tim Sweeney, Dean COA, Dare County Campus

Announcements Registration Forms and online scheduling due March 20 Counselors taking appointments, beginning March 25 Meetings with AP Teachers - ET All AP Contracts due by May 8 NC VPS Registration Forms and COA Secondary Education Approval Forms due by April 24