1. Elkins High School Course Selection
It’s a great day to be a Knight!

2. Graduation Requirements
Foundation + Endorsements 26 credits
Distinguished Level of Achievement
26 credits, must include: 1endorsement, algebra 2, and a 4th science credit.
Must be DLA to be “Top 10%” for automatic admission to a Texas public university.
Foundations only 22 credits
No Endorsement
Scoring Satisfactory on the 5 EOC
tests: Algebra 1, Biology, English 1, English 2, and US History

3. Why is 9th grade important for my future?
Grades determine your GPA and Class Rank used for post- secondary opportunities!!
***Every year counts!

4. What is a Credit?
Credits are what move students to the next grade towards graduation.
A full year course will earn you 1 credit (1 credit awarded at the end of the year)
Ex. English 1, World Geography
A semester course will earn you a ½ credit (½ credit awarded at the end of the semester semester)
Ex. Health, Professional Communications

5. Required Core Courses:
English – 4
Math – 4
Social Studies – 3**
Universities still want 4
Science – 4
Health/Speech - .5 each
Fine Art – 1
PE or substitutions – 1
Foreign Language – 2 of the same
Electives – 5
Endorsements fall under electives

6. Post High School Advisement
Several of the listed courses may not be “required” by HB5
Counselors will be advising students in alignment with what the 4 year institutions require.
To date, colleges are requiring the 4x4 graduation plan.

7. What is an Endorsement?
An Endorsement is the personal part of a student’s high school experience. They are what are known “majors” in college – the subjects that students are most interested in and do the best in. These classes give specialized knowledge and skills to prepare students for higher education and careers!

8. Business and Industry Endorsement
Endorsement Pathways
Business and Industry Endorsement
Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources
Arts, Audio Video & Communications
Architecture & Construction
Business
Finance
Hospitality & Tourism
Information Technology
Journalism/Yearbook/Newspaper/Broadcast
Marketing
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

9. Related Careers for Business and Industry Endorsement
Who: students interested in agriculture, business, accounting, digital graphics, and architecture.
Related Careers: Accountant, Aircraft Controller, Interior Design, Electrician, Chef, Architect

10. Public Service Endorsement Cosmetology Human Services Health Science Law & Public Service JROTC

11. Related Careers Public Service
Who: Students who love helping others and are interested in law enforcement, firefighting, education, the military, and government.
Related Careers: Teacher, Social Worker, Fire Fighter, Private Investigator, Animal Control Worker, Mental Health Counselor.

12. Arts and Humanities Endorsement
Pathways in:
Art, Theater, Choir, Color Guard, Dance, Band, Orchestra, World Language, Social Studies, etc.

13. Related Careers Arts and Humanities
Who: Students interested in fine arts, world languages, and social studies.
Related Careers: Actor, Movie Director, Translator, Ambassador, Musician.

14. Multidisciplinary Endorsement Students have to choice to select from a variety of electives to satisfy this endorsement, or complete the 4x4, or complete 4 AP or dual credit courses. This endorsement pathway provides students with the opportunity to earn an endorsement from courses taken from multiple subject areas. The options include a coherent sequence or series of courses designed to prepare students for college course work.

15. CTE – Project Lead the Way (Engineering)
STEM Endorsements
CTE – Project Lead the Way (Engineering)
*PLTW has an agreement with College Board regarding the
rigor of the courses.
Math
Science
Tech Apps

16. Related Careers STEM
Who: Students considering a career in engineering or computer science, and those who enjoy and are energized by math, science, design, and problem solving.
Related Careers: Robotics Technician, Computer Programmer. Medical Researcher, Engineer, Biochemist, Microbiologist, Environmentalist.

17. New Technical Education Center
James Reese Center to be opening Fall of 2019
Many programs will require pre-requisite courses
New Programs
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Energy and Natural Resource Tech, Oil and Gas Production
Pre- Requisite: Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Architecture and Construction
Electrical Technology, HVAC, Plumbing
No pre-requisite required
Arts, Audio Video Technologies, and Communications
Audio Video Production I and II, Graphic Design
Pre-requisite: Principles of AAVTC

18. Education and Training
Instructional Practices and Practicum
Pre-requisite: Principles of Human Services
Health Science
Pharmacology, Health Science Clinical, EMT
Pre-requisites: Principles of Health Science and Medical Terminology
Hospitality and Tourism
Culinary, Hospitality Services
No Pre-requisite
Human Services
Cosmetology I and II, Barbering I and II
No pre-requisite
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
Automotive, Diesel Equipment, Maritime Science

19. Information Technology
Computer Maintenance, Computer Networking Lab, Computer Programming, Principles of Cybersecurity
No pre-requisite
Law and Public Safety
Criminal Investigation, Disaster Response, Court Systems and Practices,
Law Enforcement, Firefighting
Manufacturing
Welding I and II
STEM
Robotics I and II
No Pre-requisite

20. Online Course Selection
Online input window: Jan. 22nd - Feb.23rd
Your student’s current counselor at the middle school campus will train and assist students with inputting course selections online and completing their 4 year plans.
Parents must log into Skyward Family Access to sign their student’s endorsements selection.

21. Typical Freshman Schedule
English 1
Algebra 1 or Geometry
World Geography
Biology
Endorsement Course
Health and Speech
PE/Athletics
7 credits

22. Review your course choices and enter them in Skyward
Review your course choices and enter them in Skyward. Be sure that you have 7 credits. Do not forget that if you choose a semester course you will need another one to pair with it.
List alternate elective choices from 1-6 in order of preference.
Turn in course selection sheet with your chosen endorsement. Be sure to have parent signature!
Contact your 8th grade counselor if you have any questions – they are very knowledgeable!

23. GET INVOLVED-Do not wait until your senior year to join activities!
Apply for our special programs such as AVID, PALS (11th and 12th grade), and the Tech Center (11th and 12th grade) !!
*Volunteer
YES Service Organization at school
*Join a club/team at school
*Part time jobs

24. REMINDER
Middle school counselors will field any questions 8th graders have about online input. High school counselors will not have access to 8th grade student selections until later in the year.
If students want to make a change after inputting their courses online, they must print their schedule, make the correction, obtain a parent signature and return it to their middle school counselor. Please note that students have 2 opportunities to change course choices (March and April).

25. Questions
Thank you for taking your time to come meet us!!