1. Reaching for the Stars! Presented By:
Parras Middle School Counseling Staff
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

2. Today we are going to talk about:
The California High School Exit Exam
How to Read Your Transcript
How to Calculate Your G.P.A.
The Importance of Getting Good Grades
High School Graduation Requirements
Smarter Balance Testing
Options for After High School
Financial Aid Options
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

3. Your Cumulative Record…
What you can find in your records:
Transcript
Grades from past & present
Statewide Testing Scores
Attendance
Discipline (suspensions)
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

4. Why are Good Grades Important?
Because you will continue to build on what you learn
So you can successfully move to High School and beyond
Future Plans: Be prepared for college, work world…
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

5. Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).
HOW TO GET GOOD GRADES
10 Easy Steps:
Believe in Yourself
Be Organized
Manage Your Time Well
Be Successful in Class
Take Good Notes
Know How to Read a Textbook
Study Smart
Use Test-Taking Strategies…Doing your homework will help prepare you for tests
Reduce Test Anxiety
Get Help When You Need It (and KNOW your teacher)
(O’Brien, 1999)
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

6. What is a Transcript? Transcript
A cumulative record of all of the classes you’ve taken and grades you’ve earned since
you’ve been here at Parras
Items to look at:
Grades
Class Rank
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

7. How Do You Read a Transcript? (Boggs, Ponce, & Beanto, 2007)
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

8. How to Calculate Your GPA…
A = 4.0 worth 4 points
B = 3.0 worth 3 points
C = 2.0 worth 2 points
D = 1.0 worth 1 point
F = 0.0 worth 0 points
*Add them up and divide by the total number of classes.
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

9. Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).
Let’s Practice!
Michael’s Report Card
Math = A
Science = B
Language Arts = B
Social Science = B
Advisement = A
PE = A
Tech/Computer = B
Let’s Do the Math…
A = 4 points
B = 3 points
B = + 3 points
24 points
7 classes
Equals = 3.43 GPA (“B” average)
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

10. Attendance & Discipline
It’s important to be here and on time to learn…
To avoid getting in trouble, respect yourself and others at all times.
No “N’s” or “U’s” in Work Habits or Citizenship
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

11. LET’S TALK…HIGH SCHOOL
What do I need to do to get a high school diploma?
Earn 230 credits
Pass one year of Algebra
Have at least 20 math credits
Pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

12. What is a “Credit”? Credits are the points earned for passing a class.
YOU MUST PASS THE CLASS TO GET THE CREDITS FOR IT!
You earn 5 credits for a ½ year class
You earn 10 credits for a 1 year class
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

13. What Classes Do I Have to Take to Get a High School Diploma?
Class Years Credits
English 4 years 40 credits
Math 2 years 20 credits
Science 2 years 20 credits
Social Studies 3 years 30 credits
Health ½ year 5 credits
P.E. 2 ½ years 25 credits
Foreign Language
OR Fine/Performing Arts 1 year 10 credits
Electives credits
230 CREDITS
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

14. California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)
MUST pass the CAHSEE to get a high school diploma
CAHSEE is a two-part exam:
Language Arts & Math
To pass you must get a score of 350 or above on each section
First attempt at taking the CAHSEE will be in 10th Grade. You will have 5 additional tries to pass the CAHSEE between grades 10 and 12.
You only need to pass each section once.
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

15. Alternative Career/Educational/Training Options
ROP/Vocational Schools:
*Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SoCal ROC)
*Private Technical Schools
Military
Job Corps
California Conservation Corps.
(Adapted from Boggs, Ponce, & Beanto, 2007)
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

16. Alternative Career/Educational/Training Options
Working World: Get a job or internship.
Community Colleges:
*El Camino College, Harbor College, Long Beach, Santa Monica College
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

17. UC/Cal State Admission Requirements
4 years English
3 years Math (4 years rec.)
2 years History
2 years Science (3 years rec.)
2 years Foreign Language (3 years rec.)
1 year Fine Arts
1 Year Elective from A-G choices.
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

18. How do people pay for college?
Cash: Money saved that is paid directly to the college. Must start saving early.
Grants: Money from the state that doesn’t have to be paid back. Must apply in advance.
Scholarships: Money given by colleges for exceptional student performance in athletics, academics, or the arts. Does not need to be paid back.
Loans: Money borrowed by the student or parent from a financial institution. Must apply early. Must pay back with interest.
Work Study: Tuition money earned in exchange for working on campus.
GI Bill: Tuition money saved and awarded through military service.
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

19. Got Questions…We’ve Got Answers
If you need additional information or help at school you can talk to:
School Counselor
Parents
Teachers
Principal or Assistant Principal
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

20. Quiz Please complete the post-test.
Be sure to answer all the questions.
If you need help, please ask the School Counselor.
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

21. Preparing for Naviance (Adapted from Bachel, 2001)
This is just a plan so that you know what to take, and when to take it.
8th Grade: What classes will you take next year?
Qualify for honors?
Which math do you take next?
How do your classes impact your Freshman (9th) Schedule?
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

22. Example of a 9th Grade Schedule
English (CP or H)
Biology (CP or H)
Math
Foreign Language
PE/Sport/Marching Band
Visual & Performing Art (UC Approved)
Visual & Performing Art can be taken if Health is taken in summer school
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

23. Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).
Need Some Help…
To get an idea of what to take:
Visit parrasmiddle.org/highschoolcollegeandcareer to view RUHS Course Catalog and Naviance log-in information.
You can read about all of the classes offered in high school so you know what classes you need to take in middle school to get prepared!
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

24. Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).
Need Some Help…
REMEMBER-
Bring your Naviance Five Year Planning Sheet on Monday, April 21st or 22nd!
Mrs. Bangham’s class: Computer Lab on Monday, 4/21
Ms. Allen’s class: Computer Lab on Tuesday, 4/22
Bring your planning sheet and your STUDENT ID # with you. If you want to log into Naviance ahead of time, go to:
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).

25. Thank You for Your Attention!
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” Robert Collier
Created by Nancy Schubb (2007).