Mission Statement: The Scholars Academy seeks to provide a diverse group of highly motivated students with a truly world-class secondary education that prepares them for life in a global scholarly community.

 Mr. Guthrie: Lead teacher Scholars Academy  Mrs. Larkin: AP for Scholars Academy  Mr. Rodriguez: IB Coordinator  Mrs. Erickson: IB/Scholars Secretary  Mrs. Williams: Scholars Academy Counselor  Mrs. Sahwell: CAP Advisor  Mrs. Shelley Groff: Parent Advisory Board  Scholars Student Board Scholars/IB Office—Room ext

 Colleges are getting much more rigorous in their admission requirements.  Admission has become more highly competitive.  Scholars students should take a rigorous schedule of classes to have the best opportunity for successful acceptance.  Research shows a correlation in completing the HIGHEST level of courses and college admission.

When researchers control for as many observable characteristics as are available, they find a consistent positive association between curricular intensity and the following:  Student test scores (Attewell and Domina 2008),  High school graduation (Schneider, Swanson, and Riegle-Crumb 1998)  College entry (Long et al. 2012)  Type of college entry (Attewell and Domina 2008)  College grades (Klopfenstein and Thomas 2009)  College graduation, (Adelman 2006; Attewell and Domina 2008)  Wages (Altonji 1995; Rose and Betts 2004). Academic Preparation for College Evidence on the Importance of Academic Rigor in High School Michal Kurlaender, Associate Professor of Education, University of California at Davis Jessica S. Howell, Executive Director of Policy Research, The College Board

HS Diploma Enrolled in College Enrolled in Highly Selective 4 – Year College Basic Math or Pre-Algebra 61.3% 30.4% 0.2% Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II 86.3% 61.5% 2.7% Trigonometry, Statistics, or PreCalculus 98.6% 89.3% 18.9% Calculus 99.6% 97.3% 52.2%  From US DOE Longitudinal Study: Source: Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS : 2002).

 SA students should strongly consider taking the most rigorous courses in all core areas.  Calculus and Physics are highly recommended and required for STEM  AP and IB are preferred over dual-enrollment  Show how you “stand out” in leadership and community service  Test scores are important  College writing ability and character qualities are predicted from your essay

 Must take English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language all 4 years, regardless of FLVS or summer classes  Must complete Math through PreCalculus  Must take a minimum of 1 AP class in 9 th grade (AP World History) in the classroom  Must take a minimum of 1 AP class in 10 th grade (AP European History) in the classroom  Must take a minimum of 2 AP classes in each of the 11 th and 12 th grades  Required AP classes cannot be taken online  IB Diploma students meet the requirements

 Scholars Academy students must maintain a 3.0 un-weighted GPA (B average) in each of their core subjects.  Students falling below a B average are placed on academic probation and must improve performance by the next year to remain in the program.  Seniors who fail to maintain a B average in their core subjects will not receive a SA graduation cord.

 Forms will be distributed next week during your English class.  You should have a SA form which is different from the general subject selection form.  You will have until January to complete the form properly.  You need to get your current teachers to help recommend classes and sign your forms.  Choose electives in order of preference.  Sign and have your parent sign.  English classes will meet with each counselor during articulation in January to turn in forms.

 All AP and Honors classes will now require a signed red or white “ticket” from your current teacher that recommends you for the class.  If you have 6 AP and Honors classes, you will have 6 tickets attached.  All AP classes require an AP contract that is signed by you and your parent and attached.  All FLVS classes, including summer, MUST BE APPROVED by your counselor and also include a contract that must be signed concerning completion time.

 Students are expected to carefully consider and honor their requests for classes.  There will be NO SCHEDULE CHANGES made next year.  We will not switch students from an AP level class to honors because these classes are filled to maximum capacity due to class size rules.  Seniors will be given preference for FLVS classes during school hours.  FLVS classes taken over the summer must be approved and completed at least 2 weeks prior to the opening of school.

 Academies and lead teachers will be available in the media center  9 th and 10 th graders will attend during their English class  Others may attend during lunch

 Typical SA Subject Selection Form:

 Current students in grade 10 may apply for the IB Diploma Programme for grades  Applications are currently available online or in the SA/IB Office, Room 708 – Due Jan 10 th  If considering IB: ◦ Italian is currently not offered in IB ◦ Pre-Calculus must be completed to qualify for Mathematics (Alg. 2 students enter Math Studies) ◦ Chemistry must be completed to qualify for IB Chemistry (Biology students enter IB Biology) ◦ AP Gov/Econ is a recommended elective for students wanting IB in grade 10.  IB Schedules will be completed individually once accepted into the program.

 SA students may choose between the IB Diploma Programme or continue with the SA curriculum and AP classes in grades  A student may choose a variety of individual AP classes based on his/her strengths. ◦ AP test over one year’s material ◦ More elective choices  IB curriculum includes six areas of study, Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, CAS ◦ Balanced, rigorous program in all areas ◦ IB tests in grade 12 cover two year’s material  Both AP and IB classes count the same in weighted GPA and may receive college credit with passing test scores.

 Available at the MBSH website: miamibeachhigh.schoolwires.com

 Subject selection sheets next week  Academy Fair: December  Articulation: January 7 – 24 (by English class)  Scholars Applications for 8 th graders due by January 10  IB Applications for 10 th graders due by January 10  Boat Show parent volunteers: sign up to represent Scholars Academy/ IB at the PTSA website under the Boat Show Volunteer tab

Contact the Scholars Office or us individually with questions…