1. Skills and Knowledge for Underclassmen
High School 101
Skills and Knowledge for Underclassmen

2. Graduation Requirements:
22 credits to graduate.
4 years of Math
3 years of Science
4 years of English
1 year of US/AZ History
1 year of World History
1 year Econ/American Gov or equivalent
1 year fine art or CTE
1.5 credits of PE(class of 2020 on need only 1 credit)
5.5 elective credits (class of 2020 = 6)
ECAP

3. Math
To Graduate: Algebra, Geometry, Intermediate Algebra, Algebra 2 or Financial Algebra
For University: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Intro-Calculus or Statistics
Additional math courses will be elective credits

4. University Requirements
In-state (4-year) universities require: 2 years of the same foreign language, and 1 year of fine art or CTE, in addition to the other “core” 16 credits (think required courses: English, Math, Science, Social Studies)
Out of state universities may require more foreign language or some other course…check the college’s admissions page
Community Colleges accept students with a diploma

5. Course Selection Weighted or Unweighted courses:
Consider student’s maturity and cognitive “maturity”
Pace and demands of weighted courses require work ethic and strong organizational skills
Students take 6 classes through junior year.

6. ECAP and Electives
Use ECAP (Educational Career Action Plan) accessible on AzCIS database) to help with planning, goals, courses
Electives: Thoughtful and focused on student’s interests and skills

7. Questions? Discussion Graduation Requirements
Weighted versus Un-weighted Courses
University Requirements

8. Effective Study Habits
Attitude* is key
Time Management = developing a study routine – daily
Making connections to content – easier when there is a goal (college…)
*toward learning

9. Attitude, Motivation, Maturity
Goals are more abstract for younger students
Use available resources to identify goals: College Board, AzCIS, counselor, college visits…
Highlighting discrepancies – student’s buy-in to study
Listening

10. Pre-AP, AP, On-Level
Reasons “not to” pursue more rigorous courses: demands increase stress; GPA can be adversely affected; students shut down if too frustrated; power struggles…
Reasons to pursue weighted courses: strong work ethic; clear about goals; available support; good at time management; engagement; GPA; college/career readiness…

11. Break

12. Strategies Organization: Planners, Apps, Internet Resources
The Study Routine

13. Note-taking Cornell Method or other
Re-writing – summaries and connections

14. Reading Strategies Active versus Passive (or distracted) Reading
Post-Its, Note Cards and more
Reading a text

15. Studying for Exams
Writing and Re-writing notes: outlines and summaries, making connections
Study Groups/Partners – use wisely
Mnemonic Devices
Other Techniques

16. Taking Exams Pace Attitude and Relaxation
First things first: jot down notes, whole test, tough questions first, review of work before turning it in
Focus: your work not classmates

17. Timelines
See College Board Handout: 9th Grade: Research Careers and Majors/Colleges – College Board and AzCIS; Meet with Counselor; Invest in Learning and Exploring 10th Grade: All of the above, and take your first PSAT (October 11th – pay and register in the CDO Bookstore)

18. Resources College Board https://www.collegeboard.org/
Khan Academy
AzCIS – access from Counseling page “ECAP” page
Counselors
Counseling Web Page
Tutorial and After-School Tutoring (TBA)