2. McGlynn Middle School Guidance Department 2012 Eighth Grade Course Selection Process

3. Who fills out a form? EVERY 8 th grader from McGlynn School will complete a Course Selection sheet. These forms will be forwarded to the high school guidance office (see timeline).

4. Student may take courses that reflect a variety of ability levels. Medford High School Mission Challenge yourself academically School personnel shall encourage each student to take the more challenging course. Pre-requisites (requirement) must be met. Students may change the ability-level of the courses from one year to the next.

5. During the COURSE SELECTION PROCESS, courses should be selected based on : * Grade/course prerequisites – check the course selection book for qualifying grade * Standardized test scores * Recommendations

6. All students (Page 15 in the course selection handbook) Standard and Basic Passing grade in English 8 Honors Average grade of “A-” in English 8 English 9 Literary Exploration

7. World History I All students (Page 36 in the course selection handbook) Honors: Average grade of “A-” in Grade 8 U.S. History

8. Introductory Physics Standard: Passing grade in Grade 8 integrated science and department approval. Science All students ( page 31 in the handbook ) HONORS Biology 1 A grade of “A-” or better in grade 8 science, qualifying score on the science placement test (administered by the 8 th grade science teacher) and passing grade in grade 8 Algebra 1

9. Math All students (page 23 in the handbook) Algebra 1 Standard Passing grade 8 Pre-algebra OR grade 8 Algebra Geometry Standard Passing grade in Algebra 1 Geometry Honors A grade of “A-” or better in Algebra 1

10. Part I Please make sure you have four five-credit courses checked off.

11. Part II What Foreign Language will you be taking? If you received an: * A, you qualify for Italian 2 or Spanish 2 Honors * C+ to A-, you qualify for Italian 2 or Spanish 2 Standard * Below C+, you may choose French 1, Italian 1 or Spanish 1 Make sure you have checked off one five-credit course!

12. Part III You will find Wellness and Guidance in your schedule next year – no need to do anything.

13. Part IV Do you have 4 credits checked off? It could be one four-credit course OR two two-credit courses. Don’t forget to read the descriptions in the course handbook!

14. Part V Please choose at least two alternative selections from the elective section in Part IV. Choice 1: Book Club 2 credits Mythology 2 credits Choice 2: Intro to Microsoft Office 4 credits Don’t forget to sign and have your parents sign the form!

15. LAST STEP Turn it on by the deadline of Friday March 30th - or before!!!

16. Timeline Week of March 26 – Course-request forms due back to homeroom teacher by Friday, March 30th Week of April 23 – Course selection forms sent to the high school Week of May 14 – Course-request verifications to students and counselors Week of July 9 – Schedule drafts to students Week of August 27 – “Final” schedule to students * Check with the high school main office or guidance department BEFORE the start of school if there are any errors on your schedule.

17. QUESTIONS? See your guidance counselor!