Mineral Wells High School Course Selection Information 2015-2016

3 Requirements to Graduate 1. Earn 26 State Credits 2. Pass Required State Courses 3. Pass STAAR (EOC) tests

STAAR Requirements for Graduation Students pass 5 EOC tests: English 1 Algebra 1 Biology English 2 U. S. History “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Transcripts A transcript is the official record showing courses you have earned credit for To request a transcript, see Mrs. Hernandez, in the front office

Remember a transcript is like a resume! Bragging to the world!! The type of Endorsements and Performance Acknowledgements your child earns will be written on their: Diploma Transcript Remember a transcript is like a resume!

Grade Point Average (GPA) Grade point values are awarded at the end of each semester for each course that is successfully completed and recorded on your transcript. Grade points are calculated for the semester averages only, not 6 weeks grades. Local credits do NOT count in GPA. “You have BRAINS in your HEAD. You have FEET in your SHOES. You can STEER yourself any DIRECTION you CHOOSE.” ~Dr. Suess

Class Rank After all grade points are averaged, students are ranked from those with the highest GPA to the lowest GPA.

Top 10 Percent Rule A Student is eligible for automatic admission to a college or university as an undergraduate student if the applicant earned a GPA in the top 10% of the student’s high school graduating class, or the top 7% for admission to the University of Texas at Austin. Students must also complete the requirements for the Recommended High School Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program

Distinguished Level of Achievement This is earned by going beyond the just the Foundation. It requires a total of 26 course credits, including Algebra II, a fourth science credit and an endorsement. 4 year colleges are really looking for 4 credits in each of the core classes (4x4)

Performance Acknowledgments Students may earn an additional acknowledgment on their diploma because of outstand performance in: dual credit courses (JR & SR) Bilingualism (now) Advanced placement (AP) (JR & SR) PSAT or PLAN (can take this year!) SAT or ACT

5 endorsement areas (areas of specialized study or career pathways) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Arts & Humanities Public Service Business & Industry Public Service Multi-disciplinary Studies (smaller districts may only offer this endorsement)

Endorsements Available at MWHS Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Health Science Hospitality Tourism Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture & Construction Business Management & Administration Finance Information Technology Manufacturing Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Arts, A/V Technology & Communications Human Services Multidisciplinary

[i] Course Requirements for Endorsements ENDORSEMENTS SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH BUSINESS & INDUSTRY ARTS & HUMANITIES PUBLIC SERVICES MULTIDISCIPLINARY English Language Arts English I, II, III Advanced English* Mathematics Algebra I, Algebra II Algebra I Geometry advanced math* 2 advanced math* Science Biology Chemistry*, Physics IPC or chemistry or physics* 1 advanced science* 2 advanced science* Social Studies World Geography & World History US History Government Economics Languages other than English choice of language I, II Other required courses Technology, Physical Education, Health, Speech, Fine Arts Electives appropriate for programs of study in the Texas Career Clusters (or student’s career of choice) STEM-math Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (Animal or Plant) Arts, A/V Technology & Communications Human Services 4 credits in AP, dual credit selected from English, Math , science, social studies, economics or LOTE STEM-science Architecture & Construction World Languages Health Sciences Computer Science Business Management & Administration Fine Arts-Art, Theatre, Dance & Music Engineering Finance Information Technology Manufacturing Hospitality & Tourism Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

What Courses Count for Math? (4 Credits needed for Graduation) ***Algebra 1 ***Geometry Math Models ***Algebra 2 Advanced Quantitative Reasoning Precalculus Calculus AP Statistics AP College Algebra ***Required for Graduation “Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.” – Dr. Suess

Endorsements Available at MWHS Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Health Science Hospitality Tourism Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture & Construction Business Management & Administration Finance Information Technology Manufacturing Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Arts, A/V Technology & Communications Human Services Multidisciplinary

What Courses count for Science? (4 Credits needed for Graduation) ***Biology IPC-Integrated Physics and Chemistry ***Chemistry ***Physics Advanced Animal Science Environmental Systems Anatomy & Physiology AP Chemistry 2 AP Physics 2 **Dual Credit: General Botany General Zoology

What Courses Count for Fine Arts? (1 credit needed for Graduation) Dance Band Art Floral Design Choir Color Guard Theater

What Courses count for Technology Credit? Animation Graphic Design & Illustration Digital & Interactive Media Web Technologies Business Information Mgmt I Computer Science Audio/Video Production I TECHNOLOGY

Making Changes to Schedules Parental and teacher consent is required to drop from an AP or PAP course. Sponsor/Coach and parent consent is required to quit a program, such as band, athletics, choir, etc.

CHECKLIST Look over the MWHS course catalog available online (on MWISD home page)--- paper copies available Complete your Course Request Sheet and 4 year plan. Don’t forget to get parents signature on both!! Turn it into your teacher next Monday!! Otherwise you can’t build your schedule.