1. Arlington Classics Academy CLASS OF 2021!!

2. Important Information High School
Each High School is unique (check their websites for specific information)
Similarities:
Clubs/Organizations: Get involved!!
School Athletics (2.0 GPA to participate)
Attendance is key to success in school
Choose an Endorsement (graduation plan)

3. Grades 2 semesters per school year
Permanent grades assigned each semester and these will be on your permanent transcript
70 or better is required to receive credit for the class

4. Credits 1 credit possible per yearly course
0.5 credit for one semester course
Total 8 credits available per year
Below 70 means NO credit
credits required for graduation

5. High School Graduation Requirements
26 Credits total
Social Science (3 credits)
English (4 credits)
Math (4 credits) ACA – P/AP Algebra I/Geom
Science (4 credits) ACA - P/AP Biology
Fine Arts (1 credit) ACA
Physical Education (1 credit) ACA 8th grade
Language other than English (2 credit) ACA
Possible Local Credits
Pass ALL 5 STAAR EOC Exams

6. Required Core Courses English Mathematics Science Social Studies
English 1 or Honors English 1
Algebra 1
Biology or
Honors Biology
*World Geography or Honors World Geography
English 2 or Honors English 2
Geometry or Honors Geometry
Chemistry/Honors Chemistry
*World History or Honors World History
English 3 or AP/College English 3
An Advanced Math Course
(*Algebra 2 or Honors Algebra 2)
Physics/Honors Physics
U.S. History,
AP U.S. History
or College U.S. History
An Advanced English Course
(i.e.English 4, AP English 4, College English 4, Literary Genres, Debate 3, Business English, College Prep Course)
*4th/5th Math
(Pre-Cal, Honors Pre-Cal, AP Calculus, Algebraic Reasoning, College Algebra/Stats, College Prep Course)
*Advanced Science Courses
(AP Bio, AP Chem, AP Physics, Advanced Animal Science, Anatomy & Physiology, College A&P, Pathophysiology, Forensic Science, Astronomy)
U.S. Govt,
AP U.S. Govt, or College U.S. Govt
-AND-
Economics or
AP Macroeconomics or College Economics
*These courses are only required if the student is pursuing the Distinguished Level of Achievement. Also, specific endorsements require these courses.

7. Foundation/Endorsement Plan
Distinguished level of Achievement
Eligible for Top 10% Automatic College Admission
Requires Algebra II & 4th Science
Endorsements – 26 Credits
STEM
Arts & Humanities
Business & Industry
Public Service
Multi-Disciplinary
This slide shows the specifics of the Foundation Plan. Each incoming 9th grader will graduate on the Foundation Plan with an Endorsement. Tonight we will discuss the different Endorsement options. You will need to choose one Endorsement as your pathway. This will affect the electives you choose over the next four year. The great this is it will individualize your graduation plan specifically for you.
Each student enters High School required to meet the Foundation coursework which equals 22 credits. The remaining 4 credits will be earned through the chosen Endorsement. To receive the Distinguished Level of Achievement, your student is required to take Algebra II.
Now, let’s look at each of the Endorsements specifically….
Foundation – 22 credits
4 English
3 Math
3 Science
3 Social Studies
2 LOTE, 1Fine Art, 1 PE, 5 Electives

8. Distinguished Level of Achievement
Different from the Distinguished Achievement Plan currently being used for graduation (12th graders).
A student may earn a distinguished level of achievement by successfully completing all curriculum requirements for the FHSP plus:
A 4th credit in mathematics, which includes Algebra 2
A 4th credit in science
Completion of curriculum requirements for at least 1 endorsement
A student must graduate with a Distinguished Level of Achievement and be in the top 10% of their class to be eligible for automatic admission to a Texas public college or university.

9. Performance Acknowledgements
A student may earn a performance acknowledgement in one or more of the following categories:
For outstanding performance:
In a dual credit course (at least 12 hours with a 3.0 or higher)
In bilingualism and biliteracy
On an AP test (3 or higher)
On the PSAT (commended or higher), SAT (1250 – CR & Math only), or the ACT (28)
Earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certification
A student may earn a performance acknowledgment on the student's diploma and transcript for outstanding performance in bilingualism and biliteracy as follows.
(1)  A student may earn a performance acknowledgment by demonstrating proficiency in accordance with local school district grading policy in two or more languages by:
(A)  completing all English language arts requirements and maintaining a minimum grade point average (GPA) of the equivalent of 80 on a scale of 100; and
(B)  satisfying one of the following:
(i)  completion of a minimum of three credits in the same language in a language other than English with a minimum GPA of the equivalent of 80 on a scale of 100; or
(ii)  demonstrated proficiency in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Level IV or higher in a language other than English with a minimum GPA of the equivalent of 80 on a scale of 100; or
(iii)  completion of at least three credits in foundation subject area courses in a language other than English with a minimum GPA of 80 on a scale of 100; or
(iv)  demonstrated proficiency in one or more languages other than English through one of the following methods:
(I)  a score of 3 or higher on a College Board Advanced Placement examination for a language other than English; or
(II)  a score of 4 or higher on an International Baccalaureate examination for a higher-level languages other than English course; or
(III)  performance on a national assessment of language proficiency in a language other than English of at least Intermediate High or its equivalent.
(2)  In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection, to earn a performance acknowledgment in bilingualism and biliteracy, an English language learner must also have:
(A)  participated in and met the exit criteria for a bilingual or English as a second language (ESL) program; and
(B)  scored at the Advanced High level on the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS).

10. Endorsements
A student may earn an endorsement by successfully completing:
Curriculum requirements for the endorsement
5 endorsement areas:
Arts & Humanities
Business & Industry
Public Services
STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
Multidisciplinary
What really sets the Foundation High School program apart is the endorsements. These are essentially the high school version of college majors; by taking “a coherent sequence or series of courses” in one of five areas, students can earn a diploma with an endorsement in that area.
The five endorsements available to students are STEM, Business and Industry, Public Services, Arts and Humanities, and Multidisciplinary Studies.
The endorsement system also accommodates students with multiple interests – it is possible to earn more than one endorsement. So long as a student completes four credits each of math and science and two additional elective credits – those being the foundational requirements for all endorsements – the student can earn any endorsements for which they fulfill the curriculum requirements.The Foundation requirements depart from the prior systems in that they allow students to take relatively fewer courses in some areas and make up the difference in other areas which are more interesting or relevant to them. For instance, a student who wants to be an engineer could opt to take only three years of social studies and focus on computer science classes instead. However, this does not apply equally for all endorsement subject areas, because every endorsement requires four credit hours of both math and science. So for instance, a student pursuing the Arts and Humanities endorsement could not choose to skip out on the fourth year of math or science.
The ability to earn multiple endorsements is made possible in part by the fact that a single course can be used to satisfy both the core requirements and the requirements for an endorsement, or the requirements for two distinct endorsements. This potential for overlap allows students greater flexibility in their courses of study.
The former graduation requirements offered three distinct tracks – one for academic high achievers, one for the majority of students, and one for academically challenged students or those who wished to graduate early. The new Foundation High School Program offers a single unified track, but one which is customizable with many options. Most students will choose to take at least one endorsement; this will help them to develop their interest in a specific area in a way which will help to prepare them for a relevant college major. By taking an endorsement, students will earn the same number of credits as they would have under the RHSP or DAP under the old system, and they will also be eligible for the Distinguished Level of Achievement supplementary endorsement. Students who are high achievers may also earn one or more Performance Acknowledgements to set themselves apart, while students who are academically challenged can choose to graduate with only 22 credits.

11. Arts & Humanities Social Studies (5 credits)
World Geography
World History
U.S. History
Govt/Eco
Psychology/ Sociology
Foreign Language (4 credits of same)
Spanish I
Spanish II/Honors Spanish II
Honors Spanish III
AP Spanish IV
Foreign Language (2 credits of 2 FL)
Other Foreign Language I
Other Foreign Language II
Fine Arts
(4 credits of 1 – OR- 2 credits of 2)
Art I-IV
Band I-IV
Choir I-IV
Dance I-V
Theatre I-IV

12. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math)
Math (2 additional math credits for which Alg. II is a prerequisite)
*Pre-Calculus *Honors Pre-Calculus
*AP Calculus AB *AP Calculus BC
*College Algebra *College Statistics
Science (3 science credits including Chemistry & Physics + 2 additional science courses)
*Astronomy *AP Biology *AP Chemistry *AP Physics I or II *Advanced Animal Science *Anatomy & Physiology *College A&P *Forensic Science *Patho (.5) *Engineering Design & Problem Solving
Math & Science Combo
In addition to Algebra II, Chemistry, & Physics, a coherent sequence of 3 additional credits from the Math & Science options.

13. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math)
Computer Science
Computer Science I Computer Science II
Computer Science II *AP Computer Science A
*AP Computer Science A Principles of Computer Science AP
Principles of Information Technology Computer Science I

14. Business & Industry Ag CTE Option Finance *BIM I *BIM II Animation I
Principles of Ag
-Ag Mechanics -Equine Sci (.5) -Food Tech -Livestock Prod. -Small Animal Mgmt -Wildlife Prof.Stand.in Agribusiness
*Ag Facilities *Vet Med *Adv Animal Sci (.5) *Practicum in Ag (2)
Architecture & Construction
Principles of Construction
Construction Technology (2)
*Advanced Construction Technology (2)
Arts, A/V Technology, & Communications
Principles of Information Technology
Animation I
Professional Communication (.5) *Advanced Animation & Animation Lab
Business Mgmt & Admin
Principles of Business, Marketing, & Finance
*BIM I
*BIM II
Honors Accounting I
Finance
BIM I
* Honors Accounting II
Information Technology
*Computer Maintenance (A+) *Digital & Interactive Media
The final course in the sequence must be advanced (from the last bubble in the chart).

15. Business & Industry English Electives Technology Applications
Debate I, II, III
Yearbook I, II, III (Unavailable at this time)
Technology Applications
Principles of Information Technology
Digital Video & Audio Design I Web Design I
*Digital Video & Audio Design II *Web Design II
CTE Option

16. Public Services CTE Option ROTC Option Health Science
ROTC I
ROTC II
ROTC III
ROTC IV
CTE Option
Health Science
Principles of Health Science
*Lifetime Nutrition & Wellness (.5) *Med Term *Patho
*Anatomy & Physiology *College A&P *Pharmacy Tech (2) *CNA (2) *EMT
Education & Training
Principles of Education & Training
Human Growth & Dev.
*Instructional Practices (2)
*Practicum in Education & Training (2)
Human Services
Principles of Human Services
-*Lifetime Nutrition & Wellness (.5) -Child Development
*Child Guidance *Counseling & Mental Health
Intro to Cosmetology
Cosmetology I (2)
Cosmetology II (2 ) & Principles of Cosmetology Design & Color Theory

17. 4 AP or Dual Credit courses Option
Multidisciplinary
CTE Option
Same sequence as Business & Industry or Public Services Endorsements (minus English Electives, & Technology Applications Pathways/Clusters)
4 x 4 Option
4 credits in each of the 4 foundation subject areas to include English IV, Chemistry, &/or Physics
4 AP or Dual Credit courses Option
AP Courses
*AP Bio *AP Calculus AB/BC *AP Chem *AP English Lang *AP English Lit *AP Macro *AP Music Theory *AP Physics I/II *AP U.S. Govt *AP U.S. History *AP Computer Science A
Dual Credit Courses
*Anatomy & Physiology *College Alg (.5) *College Stats (.5) *Economics (.5) *Eng 1301/1302 *Eng 2322/2323 *U.S. Govt (.5) *U.S. History

18. Multidisciplinary 4 advanced courses option Math Science English
*Algebra II *Honors Algebra II
*Pre-Cal *Honors Pre-Cal
*College Algebra *College Stats
*AP Calculus AB/BC
Science
*Chem *Honors Chem *AP Chem
*Physics *Honors Physics *AP Physics I / II
*AP Biology
*Advanced Animal Science
*Anatomy & Physiology *College A&P
*Pathophysiology
*Forensic Science
*Astronomy
English
*English IV
*AP Language
*AP Literature
*College English 1301/1302
*College English 2322/2323
Advanced English course
*Debate III
Social Studies
*AP U.S. History *College U.S. History
*AP Govt *College Govt
*AP Macro *College Economics
Advanced Electives
*AP Music Theory
*Honors Spanish III
*AP Spanish IV

19. Courses that may be added to any pathway:
Professional Communications (.5) (speech)
BIM I / BIM II
Accounting I / II
Principles of Information Technology
Principles of Business, Marketing, & Finance

20. What does this mean for students?
Students will have the opportunity to create a path towards graduation that is individualized to allow them to realize their post-secondary goals
By the end of the student’s 9th grade year, they will need to have a personal graduation plan on file with the counselor to ensure these goals are met.

21. 9th Grade Classes English I Algebra I (Geometry or Algebra II)
Biology or Physical Science (Chemistry)
World Geography or World History
PE (ACA students receive this credit in 8th grade)
Spanish II/III or other Foreign Language
3-4 Electives (depending upon your choice of HS)
The electives should be in line with your chosen Endorsement.

22. Advanced Classes Dual Credit
Benefits of Dual Credit (receive both college & HS credit)
Eligibility Requirements (passing score on TSI)
College credit and High School credit
AP (Advanced Placement)
Benefits of AP classes

23. Personal Graduation Plan
You will need to complete the following steps:
Print neatly, your name, your expected graduation year (2021) and circle ‘8’
Circle either the Endorsement or the Distinguished Level of Achievement depending on which you are choosing.
Choose the endorsement plan you want to graduate on. If you are not sure, circle Multi-Disciplinary.
If you are interested in taking Dual Credit classes in the future, check the Dual Credit box.
Parent & Student will then sign and date on the appropriate line.
Your student will meet with Mrs. Greathouse 1:1 over the next couple of weeks. They will bring home a copy for you to sign and return to Mrs. Greathouse.

24. Questions???

25. Mrs. Gaylene Greathouse
Middle School Counselor