1. 4 Y EAR P LAN & G RADUATION R EQUIREMENTS How to help your student complete high school and pursue college and career options

2. COUNSELORS Katrina Tatum- Counselor A-L Betsy Faris- Counselor M-Z, MISD CTE Counselor Christen Timmons- Collegiate Coach Brandy Gray- CIS PURPOSE Help parents in understanding graduation requirements so that they may assist their students in planning and goal setting. Answer questions A DMINISTRATORS Bobby Stults, Building Principal Kim Evans, MISD Director of CTE

3. T HE B ASICS : C REDITS Every course in high school counts as a credit. The student earns half of a credit each semester. The student must earn a 70 or higher for credit. Attendance Policy- the student must be in attendance 90% of the time to earn credit. The student must re-take any classes they fail. If you have… you are a… 6 credits-Sophomore 12 credits-Junior 18 credits-Senior Graduate 22(Foundation) or 26(foundation + endorsement)

4. T HE B ASICS : FREQUENTLY USED TERMS Foundation Plan vs. Foundation Plus Endorsement (Current Graduation Plan System) Minimum plan, recommended, distinguished (former Graduation Plan System) Endorsement vs. Program of Study GPA Transcript Behind in credits Attendance Review Committee STAAR EOC

5. S PECIFICS : THE GRADUATION PLANS The foundation plan: Can only be selected at the end of the Sophomore year. The parent or guardian will meet with the student and a counselor to request the change to foundation. The parent will sign, authorizing the student to drop to the foundation only plan. This option may impact future ability to enroll in college or narrow options. (22 Credits) The foundation plus endorsement: This plan is the foundation, plus courses that are specific to the student’s future plans. (26 Credits)

6. T HE SPECIFICS : PROGRAMS OF STUDY STEM: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH BUSINESS & INDUSTRY PUBLIC SERVICES ARTS & HUMANITIES MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDIES T HE SPECIFICS : ENDORSEMENTS PROGRAMS OF STUDY ARE THE OPTIONS WITHIN THE CATEGORY OF SPECIFIC ENDORSEMENTS

7. S PECIFICS : SOURCE FOR INFORMATION You can find all of the information about the plans on the MISD website, left side under Quick links, Course Register 2014-2015.MISD websiteCourse Register 2014-2015. The course register holds all of the documents we will review today. Many of you saw them in a packet last year. We have some available in print if you do not have internet access. The course register also details what counts toward GPA, the GPA Point Scales, and definitions for each class.

8. T HINGS TO CONSIDER The State of Texas created these additional options to expand possibilities for student graduation and career and college experiences. Keep in mind that colleges are not focused on endorsements at this time. They are concerned with core classes, level of rigor, GPA, test scores, and leadership ability. A good resource to learn more about college is www.collegeboard.orgwww.collegeboard.org See College Board, college planning, Big Future for a list of courses colleges require, tips on planning (even as a 9 th grader), and testing information

9. S PECIFICS : INFLUENCES ON ENDORSEMENT COMPLETION The availability of staff and resources influences the offering of courses Some programs have application processes and requirements to enter Being behind in credits may make it impossible to fit in endorsement courses

10. T HINGS TO CONSIDER Career bound students: be sure to consider the areas of need when planning your path. Look at the jobs that are predicted to have a large need in the future. Plan for the unexpected. Many times kids think they will not go to college but decide to attend after they have been in the workforce Reach out to those in that industry to get advice and make connections Investigate pay and history of the industry Military: visit with recruiters, veterans, and currently enlisted

11. C OUNSELOR INFORMATION Katrina Tatum Counselor A-L432-689-1270 katrina.tatum@midlandisd.net Betsy Faris CTE, Counselor M-Z432-689-5100 betsy.faris@midlandisd.net T HIS WEEK Classroom meetings Review and Sign the 4 year plan