1. Rochester Public Schools High School Honors Program
Presented by Denise Cobb
John Marshall Gifted Services Specialist
January 18, 2016

2. Gifted Services Philosophy
Schools need to offer opportunities which challenge all students
All students should be encouraged to take the most rigorous courses they are capable of taking
All students should be encouraged and supported in order to reach their full potential

3. My Role To track honors classes and diplomas
To facilitate professional mentorships in the community
To be an advocate for students at the building and district level
To be a resource for parents and teachers

4. and also to
identify students who might be capable of taking more challenging courses
help those students and parents to make an informed decision about academic choices, and
support those students in their efforts

5. Types of Honors Classes
Honors Option
Honors
Advanced Placement(AP)
Independent Studies *
Post-Secondary Option*
* May be honors, but not always

6. Honors Option Classes
Offered in areas where no honors equivalent is available
Student completes a contract which states that he or she agrees to complete different and more challenging coursework than other students
Examples include speech, reading, and health careers

7. Honors Classes Open to all students meeting prerequisites
More in-depth and challenging course work
All students in the class earn honors credit
Examples include honors biology, honors geometry, and honors English

8. Advanced Placement (AP) Classes
Honors classes typically taken by juniors and seniors
Teachers generally have special training
Follow national curricular guidelines
Students may take a test which could earn them college credit
Examples include statistics, biology, government, and literature

9. Independent Studies
For a student who has an area of interest beyond our curriculum
Requires the cooperation of an interested teacher
The student writes and submits a proposal for the principal’s approval
May receive honors credit with the approval of the gifted specialist

10. PSEO Post-Secondary Enrollment Option
Allows qualifying juniors and seniors to take college classes while still in high school
Only select classes qualify as honors credits
Check with your school’s gifted specialist prior to enrollment

11. Earning an Honors Diploma
A student must earn A’s or B’s in 24 one semester honors classes.
This is the equivalent of 12 credits. (24 are required to graduate.)
A student would need to average about 3 honors classes each semester. (But it is ok to start out with fewer if uncertain!)

12. GPA / Weighted Grading
Honors classes are more challenging and they are more work!
We recognize this in our weighted grading system.
A’s, B’s, and C’s earned in honors classes raise a student’s weighted GPA.

13. Getting into College Colleges look at more than just grades.
They look for rigorous coursework.
They look for students who are growing and improving academically.
They look for students who are active in their school and the community.

14. Academic Activities Math League Chess Club Science Olympiad Robotics
Speech Team
And many others…
Get involved!

15. National Honor Society
3.5 weighted GPA
Teacher recommendations
Involved in school
Community Service

16. Academic Support After school tutoring with teachers
Math Resource Center
Academic Seminar
Peer tutoring
Study halls
Other
Even good students sometimes need help!

17. Student Support Center (SSC)
Offers much information about colleges, careers, and scholarships
Can be a place to connect with other students serious about school and college
Students can make connections with staff who can help guide a student through the college application process

18. Mentorships Allow a self-motivated student to explore a career area
Examples include medical labs, architecture firms, veterinary clinics, photography studios, and government agencies
Can be a wonderful experience for the right student!

19. Mentorship Process Make an appointment with your gifted specialist
You will discuss your areas of interest and fill out an application
The gifted specialist will begin the search for a mentor
Once a mentor is found the class will be added to your schedule

20. Questions?
Denise Cobb