1. Course Selection Presentation Class of 2015

2. Overview of Process Students apply for Advanced Placement Courses Teachers make recommendations based on current academic performance Students and families review 2012-2013 Program of Studies Students make course selection choices via student portal of X2

3. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS FEBRUARY 10th – Advanced Placement applications due MARCH 9-16 Course Selection available on student portal with teacher recommendations for next year Course Selection available on student portal with teacher recommendations for next year MARCH 16th – Course Selection choices due through portal – Placement Review Decision Forms Due – Course Waiver Forms Due

4. ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS AND CREDIT DISTRIBUTION 130 CREDITS DISTRIBUTED AMONG THE FOLLOWING COURSE REQUIREMENTS: 130 CREDITS DISTRIBUTED AMONG THE FOLLOWING COURSE REQUIREMENTS: ENGLISH (FOUR YEARS)20 CREDITS ENGLISH (FOUR YEARS)20 CREDITS SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY (THREE YEARS, ONE OF WHICH MUST BE BIOLOGY) SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY (THREE YEARS, ONE OF WHICH MUST BE BIOLOGY) 15 CREDITS 15 CREDITS MATHEMATICS (THREE YEARS)15 CREDITS MATHEMATICS (THREE YEARS)15 CREDITS

5. REQUIREMENTS Cont’d US HISTORY (TWO YEARS)10 CREDITS US HISTORY (TWO YEARS)10 CREDITS WORLD HISTORY(ONE YEAR) 5 CREDITS WORLD HISTORY(ONE YEAR) 5 CREDITS WORLD LANGUAGE (TWO YEARS IN SINGLE LANGUAGE) 10 CREDITS WORLD LANGUAGE (TWO YEARS IN SINGLE LANGUAGE) 10 CREDITS  PHYSICAL EDUCATION (FOUR SEMESTERS) 10CREDITS  FINE, PERFORMING, PRACTICAL ARTS (Four SEMESTERS) 10 CREDITS

6. ADDITIONAL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS  MASSACHUSETTS COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM TESTS  SCORES OF 240 OR BETTER ON BOTH THE MATHEMATICS AND ENGLISH/ LANGUAGE ARTS TESTS (or completion of an EPP with a 220 or above score) and Score of 220 OR BETTER SCIENCE OR TECHNOLOGY/ENGINEERING.  DEMONSTRATED SKILLS IN SEVEN AREAS OF TECHNOLOGY

7. 10 th Grade Courses English 10 World Language – Mrs Holt Physical Science/Chemistry – Mrs Lewis Math – Mrs Delcore US History I PE Fine, Performing, or Practical Art 5 credits of electives (1 full year or 2 half year courses)

8. Student Portal Requests View and enter your requests for the next year during the period of March 9, 2012 through March 16, 2012. During this date range, you can enter and make changes at any time. Student requests will then be reviewed by the counselor. When you finish, click Post to notify your counselor that you are done. To enter your requests: Log on to the Student view. Click the My Info tab. Click the Requests side-tab. The Requests page appears:

10. At the top of the page, in the Instructions box, read and follow the instructions for entering your requests. In the Primary requests box, select your requests for the different subject areas. For example, to select your request for a math course, click Select next to Math. The courses you can request appear:

12. The Status column displays information about the course, if this is the course your current teacher recommended for you. You do not have to select the level of courses recommended for you. However, if you select a level other than the level recommended for you, your counselor is notified and you must complete a Placement Review Form by March 16, 2012 or you will be placed back into the recommended level. Select the checkbox in the Select column of the course(s) you want to request, and click OK. The requests now appear on your Requests page. Note: To remove a request from your Requests page, click the Select checkbox again to deselect it. In the Notes for counselor box, type any notes to your counselor regarding your requests. Your counselor can view these notes when reviewing your requests:

14. Your requests are automatically saved after you enter them on the Requests page. Your counselor can view them anytime. After you complete your requests, click Post. YOU MUST POST BY MARCH 16, 2012. This lets your counselor know that you are finished entering requests. If you have not selected enough courses to satisfy requirements for your academic track, the system lets you know which area you need to make more requests in: Once your counselor approves your requests, you can no longer make changes to your course selections.

15. PLACEMENT REVIEW PROCESS If a level disparity between teacher recommendation and family choice occurs: Speak with the teacher Speak with the teacher If you wish to proceed with the level change, request a placement review form If you wish to proceed with the level change, request a placement review form Submit completed placement review form to the guidance office no later than March 16th Submit completed placement review form to the guidance office no later than March 16th Placement will be reviewed at end of term 1 Placement will be reviewed at end of term 1 If decision is to move, it will only be if space and schedule allows and term 1 grade will remain on transcript If decision is to move, it will only be if space and schedule allows and term 1 grade will remain on transcript

16. Course Waivers What is it? – request to waive one or more courses as required for graduation – extraordinary circumstances Due by March 16, 2012 to Guidance What makes a completed application? – all signatures, letter detailing request, 4 year plan for courses How is decision made? – committee based on circumstances and nature of request

17. What Colleges look for.. AP courses in areas of interest. Strength of schedule. Schedule diversity. Balance of academics with participation in school activities/programs. 4 Units English 4 Units Math 3 -4 Units Science (2-3 lab) 3 -4 Foreign Language (single language preferred) 3 History Electives of diverse courses or areas of interest.