Susan Moore High School Diploma Options & Graduation Requirements Lisa Meeder– Sr. High Counselor Teri Dunn – Jr. High Counselor

ALABAMA’S “FIRST CHOICE “ Higher Standards Mean A Brighter Future

Alabama’s “First Choice” offers two diploma options: Option #1 – The Alabama High School Diploma Option #2 – The Alabama Occupational Diploma

Diploma Option #1 The Alabama High School Diploma The Alabama High School Diploma is available with various endorsements. Under FIRST CHOICE, all students entering high school will be automatically enrolled to pursue the Advanced Academic Endorsement

Endorsement # 1 The Alabama High School Diploma with ADVANCED ACADEMIC ENDORSEMENT *Pass all standard coursework- 4 credits in English, science, history & math through Algebra II with trigonometry). *Earn two consecutive credits of a foreign language. *Pass end of course exams. *Earn 24 total credits

Endorsement #2 The Alabama High School Diploma with ADVANCED CAREER & TECHNICAL ENDORSEMENT *Pass the same coursework as the Advanced Academic Endorsement with the exception of foreign language. *Earn 3 advanced career & technical courses * Pass end of course exams. *Earn 24 total credits

Endorsement # 3 The Alabama High School Diploma with CAREER & TECHINCAL ENDORSEMENT *Pass all standard coursework – including 4 credits in standard English, standard science (biology, anatomy, environmental science and physical science), math and history. *Pass 3 career & technical courses * Pass end of course exams. *Earn 24 total credits

The Alabama High School Diploma with NO ENDORSEMENT * Pass all standard coursework- including 4 credits in standard English, standard science (biology, anatomy, environmental science and physical science), math and history * Pass end of course exams. * Earn 24 Credits

Diploma Option #2 THE ALABAMA OCCUPATIONAL DIPLOMA (AOD) The recipients of this diploma are students with some form of a learning disability and have an individualized education plan (IEP). The AOD is recognized by non- degreed certification programs & some community colleges.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Preparing Students Today for Success Tomorrow

REQUIREMENT #1: A student must earn a total of 24 credits How does a student earn a credit?

Earning Credits: Credits are earned by semester per subject. (1 st semester = 1 st & 2 nd nine weeks grade averaged with semester exam per subject; 2 nd semester = 3 rd & 4 th nine weeks grade averaged with the semester exam) * A student must earn a 60 (or higher) semester average to earn a half credit per subject. * Once a student has earned a 60 or higher for semester 1 & 2 for a specific subject, then he has earned a credit for that subject.

24 TOTAL CREDITS ARE REQUIRED 4 Credits - Math 4 Credits - English 4 Credits - Science 4 Credits – Social Studies 1 Credit – L.I.F.E PE.5 Credit –Computer Applications.5 Credit – Fine Arts.5 Credit- Health 5.5 Credits – Electives - the diploma endorsement you choose will determine some electives you will be required to take. (Ex. 2 years of a foreign language, career technical courses)

What is a grade point average? A numeric grade point average is on a 100 point scale. A standard grade point average is on a 4.0 scale. NOTE: Blount County Schools offer weighted grades/credit for advanced, honors, college dual enrollment and AP core classes.

Weighted VS. Unweighted credit Advanced and honors’ core courses have a 1.15 weighted multiplier. AP (Advanced Placement) and college dual enrollment courses have a 1.25 weighted multiplier. Example: A student makes a 90 for the semester in honors’ biology. Numeric (weighted) credit - 90 X 1.15 = Standard (weighted) credit – 4.0 X 1.15 = 4.6 Numeric (unweighted) credit – 90 Standard (unweighted) credit – 4.0

What is a Standard Grade Point Average? continued Unweighted Standard GPAWeighted Standard GPA A = 4.0A = 4.0 X 1.15 or 1.25 B = 3.0B = 3.0 X 1.15 or 1.25 C = 2.0C = 2.0 X 1.15 or 1.25 D = 1.0D = 1.0 X 1.15 or 1.25

IMPORTANT! Valedictorian (1 st ), Salutatorian (2 nd ) or Historian (3 rd ) positions are determined by a weighted cumulative grade point average after the first semester of twelfth grade. In order for a student to be one of these three ranks, a child must receive an Alabama High School Diploma with an Advanced Academic Endorsement (and take all advanced classes)

Registration forms are due by Tuesday, March 20, 2012 to your homeroom teacher! Be sure to get your registration form before you leave. 8 th Grade Page