1. Welcome Prosper High School Class of 2021!
Incoming 9th Grade Students/Parents

2. Agenda PowerPoint Presentation - Graduation Requirements
- Pre-AP/AP levels
- Course Selection Process
Endorsement Signature Page
Questions

3. Graduation Program for Class of 2021
Foundation Graduation Plan with Endorsement
Distinguished Level of Achievement
26 Credits
Performance Acknowledgements
Outstanding Performance in a Dual Credit Course
Outstanding Performance on an AP Exam
Bilingualism & Bi-literacy
Outstanding Performance on the PSAT, SAT or ACT
National or International Business or Industry Certification or License

4. What is a credit?
When a student successfully completes a course with a grade of 70 or higher, he receives .5 credit for each semester
Many middle school students enter high
school with credits from classes completed in 8th
grade, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
Credits are recorded on a transcript at the end of each semester

5. Graduation Requirements
4 Credits of English
4 Credits of Math
4 Credits of Science
4 Credits of Social Studies
1 Credit of Physical Education
2 Credits of the same Language Other Than English (LOTE)
1 Credit of the same Fine Art
Electives to meet Endorsement Requirements

6. End of Course (STAAR) Assessment – Graduation Requirements
English I
English II
Algebra I
Biology
US History

7. Foundation Core Requirements
English
English I, English II, English III, Advanced English
Math
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Math
Social Studies
World Geography, World History, US History, Government, Economics
Science*
Biology, +3

8. Science Options*
Option #1: Biology – Chemistry – Physics - 1 Advanced Science
Option #2: Biology – Chemistry – 3rd Advanced Science – 4th Advanced Science
Advanced Sciences: Environmental Systems, Earth Space Science, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Environmental Systems Anatomy & Physiology, Pathophysiology, Forensic Science

9. Physical Education – 1 credit
Adventures in Outdoor Education *
Individual and Team Sports/Foundations (PE)
Aerobics
Weightlifting
Athletics (Sign up for SAME sport all year)
Marching Band (fall semester only)
Cheerleading *
Drill Team – Talonettes
Off-Campus PE – Online application
* Can be taken concurrently with another Physical Education course

10. Athletic Try-Outs *excluding Golf & Swimming
All students can sign up for any athletic class* they wish, but they must make the team in order to stay in the class.
Cuts are typically made the first two weeks of school, for some sports. Others may be later in the year.
Those not making the team will be moved to PE
This may affect schedule
Contact coaches for more info - list on website
*excluding Golf & Swimming

11. LOTE (Languages Other Than English) 2 or 3 credits
Options:
Spanish
French
AP Latin
American Sign Language*
Computer Science*
*check college to make sure it is accepted as Foreign Language requirement

12. Fine Arts – 1 credit Fine Arts Options (1 credit of same fine art):
Band
Choir
Art
Theater
Technical Theater
Principles of Floral Design
Digital Art & Animation
Dance/Drill Team
Color Guard/Winter Guard

13. Endorsements Listed on Transcript
STEM
Engineering, Computer Science, Science, Mathematics
Business & Industry
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Animation, Arts, AV Technology and Communications, Business Management & Admin, Finance, Hospitality and Tourism, Marketing, Transportation and Logistics, Debate, Newspaper, Yearbook
Public Service
Education & Training, Health Science, Law Public Safety Corrections & Security
Arts & Humanities
Social Studies, Languages Other Than English, Fine Arts
Multidisciplinary

14. Pre-AP or Advanced Placement
What is the Pre-AP/AP program?
Allows students to participate in college preparatory courses and possibly receive college credit while still in high school
Who can enroll in a Pre-AP/AP course?
Any student!

15. Pre-AP and AP Courses More complex and faster pace
Pre-AP courses prepare students for AP courses
AP courses may earn college credit with a score of 3 or higher on the AP exam at the end of the year
Current 8th grade teachers may be good resources to help students determine if Pre-AP courses are appropriate for 9th grade

16. Is Pre-AP/AP right for me?
Higher level and more divergent thinking in coursework and assignments
More independent work outside of class
No late work accepted
Does not allow retests
Do I possess these qualities?
*Enjoy the subject *Efficient note taker
*Self-manager *Meet deadlines
*Motivated *Work independently
*Organized *Goes beyond teacher expectation
*Like to read *Manage time well

17. Most Importantly….
Consider how much time each Pre-AP or AP course demands
Consider extra-curricular activities your student is involved in
Consider your child – balance is important!
Level changes are only made at the end of the first six weeks and at the end of the first semester.

18. Course Catalog
Find the complete Course Catalog on-line at
under Counselor/Course Selection
All course offerings are subject to change. Funding levels and student interest may affect whether or not a course is available.

19. GPA and Level 1, Level 2, & Level 3 Courses
Level 1 courses are grade-level classes worth a maximum of 5.0 grade points
Level 2 courses are Pre-AP/Honors courses worth a maximum of 5.5 grade points
Level 3 courses are Advanced Placement (AP)/Advanced Honors & Dual Credit (DC) courses worth a maximum of 6.0 grade points

20. G.P.A. = Grade Point Average
Numerical Grade
Level 1
Regular Course
Level 2
Pre-AP Course
Level 3
AP Courses
Dual Credit Course
100
5.0
5.5
6.0 99
4.9
5.4
5.9 98
4.8
5.3
5.8 97
4.7
5.2
5.7 96
4.6
5.1
5.6 95
4.5 94
4.4 93
4.3 92
4.2 91
4.1 90
4.0

21. How to Determine Credit and GPA Weighting for Each Course Selected.
Match the levels on the course description and GPA Chart.

22. Course Selection Process
Read your Graduation Plan Booklet – contains detailed information on credits required, endorsements, and performance acknowledgments
Course Worksheet/Reference Sheet – contains all courses students may choose from, students should list 8 choices plus 2 alternates
Endorsement Commitment
Course Catalog – descriptions of courses located on the PHS website

23. Schedule Changes
No course selection changes will be made after the last school day of the school year.
Please choose classes carefully!

24. Important Dates: February 1st – Clubs, Electives, & Organizations EXPO
February 8th – All Course Selections Due in Career Cruising
February 15th & 16th – PHS Counselors at Middle schools
May 19th – 8th PHS Flight School
June 2nd – Last day to submit course selection changes

25. PHS Counselors Mrs. Wiseman (A-B) Mrs. Wells (C-F) Mrs. Roach (G-K)
Mrs. Cooper (L-Or)
Mrs. Loving (Os-So)
Mrs. Sullivan (Sp-Z)
Ms. Vinson – Testing Coordinator/
College and Careers
Mrs. Benavides – Counseling Secretary

26. We are looking forward to a GREAT 4 years with you and your child!
Thank you!
We are looking forward to a GREAT 4 years with you and your child!