Arlington Classics Academy CLASS OF 2022!!

Important Information High School Each High School is unique (check their websites for specific information) http://www.acaedu.net/Page/1688 Similarities: Clubs/Organizations: Get involved!! School Athletics (GPA, UIL rules to participate) Attendance is key to success in school Choose an Endorsement (graduation plan)

Grades 2 semesters per school year Permanent grades assigned each semester and these will be on your permanent transcript 70 or better is required to receive credit for each course

Credits 1 credit possible per yearly course 0.5 credit for one semester course Total 7-8 credits available per year Below 70 means NO credit 22-26 credits required for graduation

High School Graduation Requirements 26 Credits total (with Endorsement) Social Science (3 credits) English (4 credits) Math (4 credits) ACA – P/AP Algebra I/Geom Science (4 credits) ACA - P/AP Biology Fine Arts (1 credit) ACA Physical Education (1 credit) ACA 8th grade Language other than English (2 credits) ACA Possible Local Credits Pass ALL 5 STAAR EOC Exams (Eng1, Eng2, Bio, Alg1, US History)

Required Core Courses English Mathematics Science Social Studies English 1 or Honors English 1 Algebra 1 Biology or Honors Biology *World Geography or Honors World Geography English 2 or Honors English 2 Geometry or Honors Geometry Chemistry/Honors Chemistry *World History or Honors World History English 3 or AP/College English 3 (Dual Credit) An Advanced Math Course (*Algebra 2 or Honors Algebra 2) Physics/Honors Physics U.S. History, AP U.S. History or College U.S. History (Dual Credit) An Advanced English Course (i.e.English 4, AP English 4, College English 4 (Dual Credit), Literary Genres, Debate 3, Business English, College Prep Course) *4th/5th Math (Pre-Cal, Honors Pre-Cal, AP Calculus, Algebraic Reasoning, College Algebra/Stats, College Prep Course) *Advanced Science Courses (AP Bio, AP Chem, AP Physics, Advanced Animal Science, Anatomy & Physiology, College A&P (Dual Credit), Pathophysiology, Forensic Science, Astronomy) U.S. Govt, AP U.S. Govt, or College U.S. Govt (Dual Credit) -AND- Economics or AP Macroeconomics or College Economics (Dual Credit) *These courses are only required if the student is pursuing the Distinguished Level of Achievement. Also, specific endorsements require these courses.

Foundation/Endorsement Plan Distinguished level of Achievement Eligible for Top 10% Automatic College Admission Requires Algebra II & 4th Science Endorsements – 26 Credits STEM Arts & Humanities Business & Industry Public Service Multi-Disciplinary This slide shows the specifics of the Foundation Plan. Each incoming 9th grader will graduate on the Foundation Plan with an Endorsement. Tonight we will discuss the different Endorsement options. You will need to choose one Endorsement as your pathway. This will affect the electives you choose over the next four years. The great thing about the Endorsement Plan, is it will individualize your graduation plan specifically for you. Each student enters High School required to meet the Foundation coursework which equals 22 credits. The remaining 4 credits will be earned through the chosen Endorsement. Foundation – 22 credits 4 English 3 Math 3 Science 3 Social Studies 2 LOTE, 1Fine Art, 1 PE, 5 Electives

Distinguished Level of Achievement Different from the Distinguished Achievement Plan previously used for graduation (prior to 2017-18 SY). A student may earn a distinguished level of achievement by successfully completing all curriculum requirements for the FHSP plus: A 4th credit in mathematics, which includes Algebra 2 A 4th credit in science Completion of curriculum requirements for at least 1 endorsement A student must graduate with a Distinguished Level of Achievement and be in the top 10% of their class to be eligible for automatic admission to a Texas public college or university. To receive the Distinguished Level of Achievement, your student is required to complete Algebra II, 4 years Math, 4 years of Science, and 1 endorsement curriculum.

Performance Acknowledgements A student may earn a performance acknowledgement in one or more of the following categories: For outstanding performance: In a dual credit course (at least 12 hours with a 3.0 or higher) In bilingualism and biliteracy On an AP test (3 or higher) On the PSAT (commended or higher), SAT (1250 – CR & Math only), or the ACT (28) Earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certification READ slide FIRST. A student may earn a performance acknowledgment on the student's diploma and transcript for outstanding performance in bilingualism and biliteracy as follows. (1)  A student may earn a performance acknowledgment by demonstrating proficiency in accordance with local school district grading policy in two or more languages by: (A)  completing all English language arts requirements and maintaining a minimum grade point average (GPA) of the equivalent of 80 on a scale of 100; and (B)  satisfying one of the following: (i)  completion of a minimum of three credits in the same language in a language other than English with a minimum GPA of the equivalent of 80 on a scale of 100; or (ii)  demonstrated proficiency in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Level IV or higher in a language other than English with a minimum GPA of the equivalent of 80 on a scale of 100; or (iii)  completion of at least three credits in foundation subject area courses in a language other than English with a minimum GPA of 80 on a scale of 100; or (iv)  demonstrated proficiency in one or more languages other than English through one of the following methods: (I)  a score of 3 or higher on a College Board Advanced Placement examination for a language other than English; or (II)  a score of 4 or higher on an International Baccalaureate examination for a higher-level languages other than English course; or (III)  performance on a national assessment of language proficiency in a language other than English of at least Intermediate High or its equivalent. (2)  In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection, to earn a performance acknowledgment in bilingualism and biliteracy, an English language learner must also have: (A)  participated in and met the exit criteria for a bilingual or English as a second language (ESL) program; and (B)  scored at the Advanced High level on the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS).

Endorsements A student may earn an endorsement by successfully completing: Curriculum requirements for the endorsement 5 endorsement areas: Arts & Humanities Business & Industry Public Services STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Multidisciplinary What really sets the Foundation High School program apart is the endorsements. These are essentially the high school version of college majors; by taking “a coherent sequence or series of courses” in one of five areas, students can earn a diploma with an endorsement in that area. The five endorsements available to students are STEM, Business and Industry, Public Services, Arts and Humanities, and Multidisciplinary Studies. The endorsement system also accommodates students with multiple interests – it is possible to earn more than one endorsement. So long as a student completes four credits each of math and science and two additional elective credits – those being the foundational requirements for all endorsements – the student can earn any endorsement for which they fulfill the curriculum requirements. The Foundation requirements depart from the prior systems in that they allow students to take relatively fewer courses in some areas and make up the difference in other areas which are more interesting or relevant to them. For instance, a student who wants to be an engineer could opt to take only three years of social studies and focus on computer science classes instead. However, this does not apply equally for all endorsement subject areas, because every endorsement requires four credit hours of both math and science. So for instance, a student pursuing the Arts and Humanities endorsement could not choose to skip out on the fourth year of math or science. The ability to earn multiple endorsements is made possible in part by the fact that a single course can be used to satisfy both the core requirements and the requirements for an endorsement, or the requirements for two distinct endorsements. This potential for overlap allows students greater flexibility in their courses of study. The former graduation requirements offered three distinct tracks – one for academic high achievers, one for the majority of students, and one for academically challenged students or those who wished to graduate early. The new Foundation High School Program offers a single unified track, but one which is customizable with many options. Most students will choose to take at least one endorsement; this will help them to develop their interest in a specific area in a way which will help to prepare them for a relevant college major. By taking an endorsement, students will earn the same number of credits as they would have under the RHSP or DAP under the old system, and they will also be eligible for the Distinguished Level of Achievement supplementary endorsement. Students who are high achievers may also earn one or more Performance Acknowledgements to set themselves apart, while students who are academically challenged can choose to graduate with only 22 credits. Now, let’s look at each of the Endorsements specifically….

Arts & Humanities Social Studies (5 credits) World Geography World History U.S. History Govt/Eco Psychology/ Sociology Foreign Language (4 credits of same) Spanish I Spanish II/Honors Spanish II Honors Spanish III AP Spanish IV Foreign Language (2 credits of 2 FL) Other Foreign Language I Other Foreign Language II Fine Arts (4 credits of 1 – OR- 2 credits of 2) Art I-IV Band I-IV Choir I-IV Dance I-V Theatre I-IV Not all high schools will offer each of these options. You will need to check with the high school your student will attend as to the specific courses they offer to meet the Endorsement curriculum. But, generally speaking, these courses are what you will see at most high schools for Arts & Humanities Endorsement.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) Math (2 additional math credits for which Alg. II is a prerequisite) *Pre-Calculus *Honors Pre-Calculus *AP Calculus AB *AP Calculus BC *College Algebra *College Statistics Science (3 science credits including Chemistry & Physics + 2 additional science courses) *Astronomy *AP Biology *AP Chemistry *AP Physics I or II *Advanced Animal Science *Anatomy & Physiology *College A&P *Forensic Science *Patho (.5) *Engineering Design & Problem Solving Math & Science Combo In addition to Algebra II, Chemistry, & Physics, a coherent sequence of 3 additional credits from the Math & Science options. STEM endorsement requires 5 credits Math or Science. 2 of which must be Advanced level.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) Computer Science Computer Science I Computer Science II Computer Science II *AP Computer Science A *AP Computer Science A Principles of Computer Science AP Principles of Information Technology Computer Science I

Business & Industry Ag CTE Option Finance *BIM I *BIM II Animation I Principles of Ag -Ag Mechanics -Equine Sci (.5) -Food Tech -Livestock Prod. -Small Animal Mgmt -Wildlife Prof.Stand.in Agribusiness *Ag Facilities *Vet Med *Adv Animal Sci (.5) *Practicum in Ag (2) Architecture & Construction Principles of Construction Construction Technology (2) *Advanced Construction Technology (2) Arts, A/V Technology, & Communications Principles of Information Technology Animation I Professional Communication (.5) *Advanced Animation & Animation Lab Business Mgmt & Admin Principles of Business, Marketing, & Finance *BIM I *BIM II Honors Accounting I Finance BIM I * Honors Accounting II Information Technology *Computer Maintenance (A+) *Digital & Interactive Media These are some examples of what might be available to fulfill the Business & Industry Endorsement. This is considered a CTE pathway. A student will also have the opportunity to earn a business/industry certification through CTE pathways. The final course in the sequence must be advanced (from the last bubble in the chart).

Business & Industry English Electives Technology Applications Debate I, II, III Yearbook I, II, III (Unavailable at this time) Technology Applications Principles of Information Technology Digital Video & Audio Design I Web Design I *Digital Video & Audio Design II *Web Design II CTE Option

Public Services CTE Option ROTC Option Health Science ROTC I ROTC II ROTC III ROTC IV CTE Option Health Science Principles of Health Science *Lifetime Nutrition & Wellness (.5) *Med Term *Patho *Anatomy & Physiology *College A&P *Pharmacy Tech (2) *CNA (2) *EMT Education & Training Principles of Education & Training Human Growth & Dev. *Instructional Practices (2) *Practicum in Education & Training (2) Human Services Principles of Human Services -*Lifetime Nutrition & Wellness (.5) -Child Development *Child Guidance *Counseling & Mental Health Intro to Cosmetology Cosmetology I (2) Cosmetology II (2 ) & Principles of Cosmetology Design & Color Theory In the Public Services endorsement, there are CTE options as well as non CTE options. The CTE pathway culminates with a Practicuum class in which the student can earn a business/industry certification.

4 AP or Dual Credit courses Option Multidisciplinary CTE Option Same sequence as Business & Industry or Public Services Endorsements (minus English Electives, & Technology Applications Pathways/Clusters) 4 x 4 Option 4 credits in each of the 4 foundation subject areas to include English IV, Chemistry, &/or Physics 4 AP or Dual Credit courses Option AP Courses *AP Bio *AP Calculus AB/BC *AP Chem *AP English Lang *AP English Lit *AP Macro *AP Music Theory *AP Physics I/II *AP U.S. Govt *AP U.S. History *AP Computer Science A Dual Credit Courses *Anatomy & Physiology *College Alg (.5) *College Stats (.5) *Economics (.5) *Eng 1301/1302 *Eng 2322/2323 *U.S. Govt (.5) *U.S. History The Multidisciplinary Endorsement is for those students who do not have an idea of a specific pathway and complete the traditional courses as listed above.

Multidisciplinary 4 advanced courses option Math Science English *Algebra II *Honors Algebra II *Pre-Cal *Honors Pre-Cal *College Algebra *College Stats *AP Calculus AB/BC Science *Chem *Honors Chem *AP Chem *Physics *Honors Physics *AP Physics I / II *AP Biology *Advanced Animal Science *Anatomy & Physiology *College A&P *Pathophysiology *Forensic Science *Astronomy English *English IV *AP Language *AP Literature *College English 1301/1302 *College English 2322/2323 Advanced English course *Debate III Social Studies *AP U.S. History *College U.S. History *AP Govt *College Govt *AP Macro *College Economics Advanced Electives *AP Music Theory *Honors Spanish III *AP Spanish IV There are different subject options for Multidisciplinary as well. Not all high schools will have the specific courses listed, but this is an idea of what might be possible.

Courses that may be added to any pathway: Professional Communications (.5) (speech) BIM I / BIM II Accounting I / II Principles of Information Technology Principles of Business, Marketing, & Finance

What does this Graduation Plan mean for students? Students will have the opportunity to create a path towards graduation that is individualized to allow them to realize their post-secondary goals By the end of the student’s 9th grade year, they will need to have a personal graduation plan on file with the counselor to ensure these goals are met.

9th Grade Classes (traditionally) English I Algebra I (Geometry or Algebra II) Biology or Physical Science (Chemistry) World Geography or World History PE (ACA students receive this credit in 8th grade) Spanish I/II/III or other Foreign Language 2-4 Electives (depending upon your choice of HS & Endorsement) The electives should be in line with your chosen Endorsement.

Advanced Classes Dual Credit Benefits of Dual Credit (receive both college & HS credit) Eligibility Requirements (passing score on TSI) College credit and High School credit AP (Advanced Placement) Benefits of AP classes AP prepares students to pass an exam to prove their mastery of college-level curriculum. Dual credit in effect enrolls students in college courses while they are still in high school, allowing them to earn credit for both. Dual-credit courses are courses that some colleges offer to high school students so that they can get a jump on their college careers. Students receive simultaneous credit from both the college and the high school, while developing a better understanding of academic expectations in college – all at, in many cases, a reduced price. Benefits of taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes? You save money on tuition. ... You can graduate college sooner. ... The classes impress college admissions officers. ... AP classes help develop college-level academic skills. ... These classes can increase your chances for college-specific merit aid.

Personal Graduation Plan Over the next 3 weeks, I will be meeting with each 8th grade student individually. In our meeting, we will cover multiple items. One of them is this Graduation Plan. This lays out the Graduation information I just gave you, but allows you and your student to discuss each of the items and communicate with us at ACA as to which path your student will follow. Please look for this to come home. I will need you to sign it and return it with your student to the front office. We will keep a copy in your student’s file for our records. We will need to complete the following steps: Print neatly, your name, your expected graduation year (2022) and circle ‘8’ Circle either the Endorsement or the Distinguished Level of Achievement depending on which you are choosing. Choose the endorsement plan you want to graduate on. If you are not sure, circle Multi-Disciplinary. If you think you may take Dual Credit classes in the future, check the Dual Credit box. Parent, Student, & Counselor will then sign and date on the appropriate line.

Questions???

Mrs. Gaylene Greathouse Middle School Counselor 817-987-1909 ggreathouse@acaedu.net http://www.acaedu.net

9th Grade @ ACA English I (PAP) Geometry (PAP) (PAP Algebra I) Chemistry (PAP) (PAP Biology) World Geography Spanish III (PAP) (PAP Spanish II) 3-4 Electives (depending upon your Endorsement)

9th Grade ACA Elective Choices TECHNOLOGY Principles of Information Technology Principles of Business & Finance Principles of AV Technology Computer Science FINE ARTS Art I or Art II Music Appreciation Theatre Arts I Choir I OTHER Speech/Comm App Office Aide