Crowley ISD Freshman College Preparation Plan Robert L. Young Postsecondary Coordinator

Texas Graduation Requirements The New Graduation Requirements for students entering Grade 9 in the 2009 school year & thereafter. Minimum Graduation Plan (22 credits) 4 credits in English 3 credits in Math (to include Algebra I & Geometry) 2 credits in Science 2 and a half credits in the following: World Geography (one credit) World History (one credit), US History (one credit), US Government one-half credit. Economics one-half credit

Minimum Graduation Plan cont. Academic Elective: one credit selected from World History Studies, World Geography Studies or any approved science course. Physical Education one and a half credits to include Foundations of Personal Fitness. Languages other than English: None

Minimum High School Graduation Plan cont. Technology Applications: One credit Fine Arts: One credit Speech: One-half credit Elective Courses: Four and one-half credits

High School Graduation Requirements Recommended Graduation Program (26 credits) 4 credits in English 4 credits in Math 4 credits in Science 3 and a half credits in Social Studies: World Geography (one credit) World History (one credit) & US History (one credit) One-half credit in US Government Economics one-half credit

Recommended High School Graduation Plan cont. Academic Elective: None required Physical Education: One credit Language other than English: Two credits Health Education: No longer required Technical Applications: No longer required Fine Arts: One credit Speech: One-half credit Electives: Six credits

High School Graduation Requirements cont. Distinguished Achievement Program for Graduation Year 2011 & Beyond (26 credits) 4 credits in English 4 credits in Math 4 credits in Science 3 and one-half credits in Social Studies: World Geography (one credit) World History (one credit) US History (one credit) and US Government one-half credit & one-half credit in Economics.

Distinguished Achievement cont. Academic Elective: Not required Physical Education: One-and a half credits Languages other than English: Three credits Health Education: One-half credit Technology Applications: One credit Fine Arts: One credit Speech: One-half credit Elective Courses: Two and one-half credits Must also complete four Advanced measures (see counselor)

Academic Achievement Awarding of Credits A student receives a half of credit per course each semester of which he/she earns a grade of 70 or higher and meets attendance guidelines. To receive credit in a class a student must attend at least 90% of the days that the class is offered.

Awarding Credits cont. A student who fail to meet these requirements is referred to the attendance review committee to determine whether there are extenuating circumstances for the absences & how the student can regain credit.

Classification of Students Class 2011 and beyond Sophomore 6 or more credits Junior 12 or more credits Senior 19 or more credits

Class Rank Class Rank is used to report a student’s academic standing in relation to his/her peers. It is determine by averaging all regular and advance courses taken during grades and through the fifth six-week grading period of the senior year. Example-----Class of 2011 consist of 550 Class Rank 1 to 550

College Prep Action Plan High School Freshman Fall Semester Meet with your counselor to discuss college plans and make sure you are enrolled in classes that will challenge you and prepare you for college. Sign-up for Pre-AP classes Discuss the early graduation scholarship program with your counselor.

College Prep Action Plan Freshman cont. Spring Semester Begin your college search to find out the admission requirements of those colleges that interest you. Learn about college costs for public and private institutions and particularly those that interest you.

College Prep Action Plan Freshman cont. Learn how financial aid works and when you should apply. Begin visiting colleges this summer

College Prep Action Plan Freshman cont. Summer Plan Seek volunteer/community service opportunities. Enroll in high school summer programs offered by colleges or universities. Seek summer internships for your age Talk with friends who are home from college about the life of a college student.

Scholarships Definition of Scholarship: A scholarship is an investment that a foundation, organization or educational institution makes in a student based on the student’s secondary/high school academic history.

Types of Scholarship Merit-Based scholarship usually based the student’s academic performance in school. A student’s financial need is not considered when this type of scholarship is awarded. Need-Based scholarship is based on the student’s academic performance in school and financial need.

Types of Scholarship Athletic scholarship is based on a student’s athletic ability in a particular sport and academic performance in school. It is an investment that a college/university makes in a student athlete. Career field type scholarships given by sponsoring organizations made up of people in a particular career. For example, law enforcement, engineering, nursing, business, etc.

Scholarships cont. What do foundations or organizations use to qualify a student for a scholarship? Rank in class GPA (weighted 4.0 scale) SAT/ACT Score Character Consistency of passing grades Leadership positions held Community/volunteer service

Scholarships Curriculum taken in school Extracurricular activities Ability to express yourself in writing