Rochester Public Schools High School Honors Program Presented by Denise Cobb John Marshall Gifted Services Specialist January 18, 2016

Gifted Services Philosophy Schools need to offer opportunities which challenge all students All students should be encouraged to take the most rigorous courses they are capable of taking All students should be encouraged and supported in order to reach their full potential

My Role To track honors classes and diplomas To facilitate professional mentorships in the community To be an advocate for students at the building and district level To be a resource for parents and teachers

and also to identify students who might be capable of taking more challenging courses help those students and parents to make an informed decision about academic choices, and support those students in their efforts

Types of Honors Classes Honors Option Honors Advanced Placement(AP) Independent Studies * Post-Secondary Option* * May be honors, but not always

Honors Option Classes Offered in areas where no honors equivalent is available Student completes a contract which states that he or she agrees to complete different and more challenging coursework than other students Examples include speech, reading, and health careers

Honors Classes Open to all students meeting prerequisites More in-depth and challenging course work All students in the class earn honors credit Examples include honors biology, honors geometry, and honors English

Advanced Placement (AP) Classes Honors classes typically taken by juniors and seniors Teachers generally have special training Follow national curricular guidelines Students may take a test which could earn them college credit Examples include statistics, biology, government, and literature

Independent Studies For a student who has an area of interest beyond our curriculum Requires the cooperation of an interested teacher The student writes and submits a proposal for the principal’s approval May receive honors credit with the approval of the gifted specialist

PSEO Post-Secondary Enrollment Option Allows qualifying juniors and seniors to take college classes while still in high school Only select classes qualify as honors credits Check with your school’s gifted specialist prior to enrollment

Earning an Honors Diploma A student must earn A’s or B’s in 24 one semester honors classes. This is the equivalent of 12 credits. (24 are required to graduate.) A student would need to average about 3 honors classes each semester. (But it is ok to start out with fewer if uncertain!)

GPA / Weighted Grading Honors classes are more challenging and they are more work! We recognize this in our weighted grading system. A’s, B’s, and C’s earned in honors classes raise a student’s weighted GPA.

Getting into College Colleges look at more than just grades. They look for rigorous coursework. They look for students who are growing and improving academically. They look for students who are active in their school and the community.

Academic Activities Math League Chess Club Science Olympiad Robotics Speech Team And many others… Get involved!

National Honor Society 3.5 weighted GPA Teacher recommendations Involved in school Community Service

Academic Support After school tutoring with teachers Math Resource Center Academic Seminar Peer tutoring Study halls Other Even good students sometimes need help!

Student Support Center (SSC) Offers much information about colleges, careers, and scholarships Can be a place to connect with other students serious about school and college Students can make connections with staff who can help guide a student through the college application process

Mentorships Allow a self-motivated student to explore a career area Examples include medical labs, architecture firms, veterinary clinics, photography studios, and government agencies Can be a wonderful experience for the right student!

Mentorship Process Make an appointment with your gifted specialist You will discuss your areas of interest and fill out an application The gifted specialist will begin the search for a mentor Once a mentor is found the class will be added to your schedule

Questions? Denise Cobb 328-5278 decobb@rochester.k12.mn.us