Academic Planning at All Levels

Tonight’s Agenda Long-term planning Academic Planning Roadmap & Web Resources College & Career Readiness Short-term planning Middle School Options Navigating the Course Request Form (CRF)

Academic Planning Let’s develop a common understanding of academic planning… When you hear the words “Academic Planning,” what are the first thoughts that come to mind? Share with someone sitting at your table.

Aspire2Excellence

Academic Planning in Elementary School Why are we talking about this now? It should begin early (now!) School counselors provide information on various options in APS to families and students In middle and high school the school counselor advises students and families as they make informed decisions about what opportunities are available to meet rigorous graduation requirements in middle and high school Early planning and understanding the importance of taking challenging courses leads to more choices in post- secondary education

Academic Planning in Middle and High School School counselor discusses available course options, career interests, current achievement levels, credits earned and needed, rigorous courses of study, post- secondary plans and available academic supports Each year in middle school, counselors meet with students in classroom groups to complete the academic plan form Students meet individually with their high school counselor to review the academic plan annually Parents are invited to contact the counselor at all grade levels for individual academic plan meetings Academic planning forms are mailed home each year

6-year Plan : Example

What is the 6-year plan? Helps you understand requirements for graduation from high school Helps you understand the Standards of Learning (SOLs) and their impact on diplomas Helps you understand what course options are available Provides you with a roadmap for the next 6 years.

Highly competitive post-secondary institutions look for students who have completed: Advanced diploma AP, IB, dual enrollment (DE) Advanced level math & science courses Multiple years of a world language Proficient to advanced proficient on the SOL assessments College entrance assessments: Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), American College Test (ACT) Career interests & career pathways through Naviance Develop a post-graduation plan with educational & career goals College & Career Readiness

Begin with the end in mind 5 th graders have completed Academic Planning Guide Course Requirements for an Advanced Diploma—begins in Middle School Math Literacy Algebra I by 8 th Grade World Languages starting in Middle School Rigorous and AP/IB Coursework College & Career Readiness

Academic Planning Tools Pre-K to 12 Academic Planning Roadmap Student Academic Planning Guides Academic Planning Videos College & Career Corner Resources

Explore the Roadmap Take a few minutes to explore the online resources. How to access: Oakridge > Counseling > Academic Planning > Helpful links: Resources > Program of Studies Academic Planning Map PK-12 Academic Planning Map > Grades 3-5 Please ask questions/comment as you explore!

Standard v. Advanced Diploma Key Differences +1 Mathematics +1 Laboratory Science +1 History and Social Science +3 Foreign Language In addition: Verified Credits 2 Math credits (+1) 2 Laboratory Science (+1) 2 History & Social Science (+1)

What Middle School Could Look Like Students can earn up to 5 high school credit classes while in middle school! Parents have the option to waive credits taken in middle school from the high school transcript. This removes the credit and grade.

Math Pathways High School Credit

6 th Grade Math Course Placement In June, all 5 th graders will take a placement exam Over the summer a team of Math Coaches will meet to discuss several data points The team will assign your child to Math 6 or Math 7 Over the summer, a letter will be sent home with the class level that is suggested for your child Parents have input too!

Middle School Options Neighborhood School: – Gunston Middle School Transfer Schools (application was due 1/16): – Kenmore Middle School – Thomas Jefferson Middle School – HB Woodlawn

Course Request Form 6 th Grade Programs – Grade 6 Program most common program – High Intensity Language Training Program for English Language Learners, teacher recommended – Montessori Program Typically just for students from the Montessori Program at Drew, but if you are interested, please contact Barry Leopold at – Spanish Immersion Program Prerequisite is elementary immersion program (Claremont or Key), but students can test into the program

Course Request Form (cont) Elective Choices – Exploratory Rotation/Wheel Students rotate through courses such as: Chorus, Art, Keyboarding, Tech ED, Family Consumer Science, Theater Arts, Journalism and World Language – Band (beginning/intermediate) – Orchestra (beginning/intermediate) – Chorus

Upcoming Middle School Dates February 4 th at 7pm – Kenmore Middle School Information Night February 9 th – Elementary Counselors receive Course Request Forms – Ms. T will explain to student in classrooms throughout the month February 17 th at 7pm – Jefferson Middle School Information Night February 24 th – Gunston visits Oakridge April 9 th or 10 th – Oakridge students visit Middle Schools

Comments/Questions Thank you SO much for coming! Please take a few minutes to complete a quick survey online to provide us for feedback. Oakridge > Counseling > Academic Planning > Link at bottom Thank you!

Contact Information Anne Terwilliger Counselor Debra Gaeta Counselor (M, W, Th) Laura Harrington Counselor (T, F) Dr. Marcia Jackson Supervisor of Counseling Gladis Bourdouane Communications Coordinator: Family Engagement & Public Information Michael W. Swisher Asset Liaison Arl. Partnership 4Children, Youth & Families