1. 10th and 11th Grade Parent Information Night
Tomball Memorial High School
February 2016

2. Agenda Graduation Requirements Course Selections SAT and ACT
EOC Testing
AP vs DC
Post Secondary Planning
Scholarships

3. Graduation Requirements 2017

4. Class of 2017 Graduation Requirements
English-4 credits
Social Studies-4 credits
English 1 (Level or PAP)
English 2 (Level or PAP)
English 3 (AP, DC, or Level)
English 4 (AP, DC, or Level)
World Geography (Level or PAP)
World History (Level or AP)
US History (AP, DC, or Level)
Government (AP, DC, or Level)
Economics (AP or Level)

5. Math Requirement-4 credits Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, 4th Math
Geometry (Level or PAP)
Algebra 2 (Level or PAP)
Pre-calculus (Level or PAP)
College Prep Math
College Algebra (Dual Credit)
Calculus AB (AP or DC)
Calculus BC (AP or DC)
Statistics (AP or DC)
Financial Mathematics

6. Science Requirement-4 credits Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Lab Science
Biology (Level or PAP)
Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC will not count as science credit for DAP, but as an elective)
Chemistry (Level or PAP)
Physics (Level or 1 AP)
AP Physics B
AP Physics C
Anatomy & Physiology (Level or DC)
Biology (AP or DC)
Chemistry (AP or DC)
Aquatic Science
Environmental Systems
Forensic Science
Advanced Animal Science

7. Other Graduation Required Courses 11th Grade (Class of 2017)
2 Foreign Language (same language)**
1 Physical Education
0.5 Communication Applications
0.5 Health
1 Fine Art
26 Total Credits
**Distinguished Achievement Plan (DAP): 3 years of SAME Foreign Language PLUS 4 Advanced Measures (AP/DC)

8. Recommended or Distinguished?
BOTH are for college bound students
College credit can be earned with either plan
Students may take a combination of DC/AP Courses
**Distinguished Advanced Measures earned by:
College credit with a grade of a “B” in DC courses
AP Exams with a score of a “3” or higher
PSAT score (National Merit Commended Scholar = 1 measure)
Original Research Project

9. Graduation Requirements 2018

10. Graduation Requirements Starting with the Class of 2018

11. Foundation Graduation Program
4 credits ELA
3 credits Mathematics
3 credits Science
3 credits Social Studies
2 credits LOTE
1 credit Fine Arts
1 credit PE
.5 credits Health
.5 credits Speech
4 credits Electives
TOTAL: 22 credits

12. Endorsements STEM Business & Industry Arts & Humanities
Public Services
Multidisciplinary

13. Distinguished Level of Achievement
4 credits in Math (Algebra 2)
4 credits in Science
Curriculum requirements for Foundation & at least 1 Endorsement area
*Mandatory to be eligible for the top 10% Automatic Admission

14. Performance Acknowledgements
A student may earn a performance acknowledgement for:
A “B” or higher in a Dual Credit course
A “3” or higher on an AP test
PSAT commended scholar
SAT math+reading=1250
ACT score of 28
Earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certification or license (educ, welding, health sci)

15. Algebra II, Chemistry, and Physics and
4 Computer Science or
2 additional Math courses or
2 additional Science courses or
4 Engineering (PLTW) or
A coherent sequence of 3 credits from 2 of the above

16. Business & Industry Career and Technical Education
A coherent sequence of courses for 4 or more credits that consists of at least two courses in the same career cluster, including at least one advanced CTE course and the final course from one of the following clusters.
Clusters
Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources, Architecture and Construction
Business Management and Administration
Finance
Manufacturing
Marketing or

17. Business & Industry (continued)
English
Four English elective credits including three levels in one of the following areas:
Debate or
Advanced Journalism: Newspaper or
Advanced Journalism: Yearbook or
Combination
A coherent sequence of four credits from the above programs

18. Public Services Career and Technical Education
A coherent sequence of courses for 4 or more credits that consists of at least two courses in the same career cluster, including at least one advanced CTE course and the final course from one of the following clusters.
Clusters
Welding or
Education and Training/Human Services or
Health Science or
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
Four courses in JROTC

19. Arts and Humanities Social Studies Foreign Languages Fine Arts
Five Social Studies credits or
Foreign Languages
Four Levels of the same language other than English or
Two levels of the same language other than English and two levels of a different language other than English or
Fine Arts
Four credits from one or two disciplines of fine arts

20. Multidisciplinary Studies
Four advanced courses that prepare a student to enter the workforce successfully or postsecondary education or
Four credits in each of the four foundation subject areas to include English IV and chemistry and/or physics or
Four credits in Advanced Placement or dual credit selected from English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Economics, Other Languages, or Fine Arts

21. STAAR/EOC Testing Dates

22. STAAR/EOC Testing March 29, 2016 – English I
March 31, 2016 – English II
May 3, Algebra 1
May 4, 2016 – Biology
May 5, US History

23. Credits for Grade Classification
Junior – 12 credits
Senior – 18 credits
Graduation – 26 credits (meeting all specific state credits requirements)

24. Course Selections for 2016-2017

25. Course Selections-Timeline
February 2nd – 5:30-6:30 – Electives Fair TMHS Cafeteria
February 3rd - 2nd period registration
February 8th - distribute verification sheets
Course selection changes due by February 19, 2016
See TMHS website (under General Information tab) for the TISD High School Course Selection Guide

26. Local Credit Options Office Aide
Duty assignments made by Assistant Principal
No State Credit awarded, local credit only
Does not figure into GPA calculation
Student must be in good standing with attendance and discipline

27. Senior Release Late Arrival or Senior Release
Students must have enough state credits to be eligible
Students must have passing scores on all state required STAAR EOCs
Students must be off campus during release time

28. Course Request Changes
Parent review of courses encouraged
Changes must be in writing and turned in to appropriate alpha office by deadline
Students wanting Dual Credit courses should attend DC meeting and get started on the Lone Star College exceptional admit process
Final schedule change requests due in writing by February 19, 2016.

29. Advanced Placement Dual Credit

30. Advanced Placement (AP) or Dual Credit (DC)
Both can earn college credit
Colleges can award a student credit based on AP exams in May. The student must be enrolled in the college before credit is awarded.
Lone Star College awards college credit on a transcript at the end of the semester the student is enrolled in the college course.
Both give 15 quality points per semester toward high school GPA
The TISD Course Description Book provides course descriptions and requirements.

31. Advanced Placement (AP)
AP courses are open enrollment.
Expectation is that all students take the AP exam during the first two weeks of May.
Students are required to pay for each AP exam taken ($95 per test)

32. More Advanced Placement
College credit is based on AP exam scores. Scores range from 1 to 5. Passing scores range is from 3 to 5. Most colleges require a 3 or higher. Check with each college for required passing score.
Quality points for the spring semester will be awarded only if the student takes the AP exam.
Students earning below a 70 for the semester in any AP course may be removed for the spring semester.

33. Profile of the Student Who Should Take an AP Course
Able to work at a higher level of rigor and faster pace of a university course
Above grade level in reading, and the specific area of the AP course
Above grade level in writing skills, especially for English and Social Studies courses
Interests match courses in the areas the student wants to pursue as a career

34. Dual Credit (DC) Student dually enrolled in TMHS and Lone Star College
Courses taken on TMHS campus
Student is responsible for course(s) tuition, textbook, and fees
Grade and credit posted on both high school and college transcripts
Credits generally accepted by Texas state colleges and universities. Check with each college/university for credit transfer details.

35. Making an Informed Decision: AP vs. DC
Professes interest in subject selected
Research what colleges are accepting and requiring, as well as degree requirements
Research the expectations/work load of each course
Don’t overextend yourself!
Carefully consider time commitment and be able to balance academic load with extracurricular activities, family life, or outside commitments.

36. Informed Decision Is the student self motivated?
Does the student persevere when faced with challenging material?
Does the student plan and work ahead on long term projects?
Talk to current subject teacher in courses considering AP or DC.
Talk to your counselor.

37. Check with Universities
Transfer Course Equivalency
Search universities website for AP scores needed to obtain college credit

38. Dual Credit Meetings
Dual Credit Parent Meeting – February 9th 6:30 PM in the TMHS Auditorium Mandatory Dual Credit Meetings for NEW and Returning Students

40. Post Secondary Planning

41. What are my options? Four year university Community or Junior College
Associate degree or certificate program
Military
Many branches and scholarships available to help you fund your education
Tech School
Certifications for specific job areas
Work

42. New SAT 1st administration is spring of 2016
Removing the penalty for wrong answers
Essay is optional and is given at the end
Post secondary schools will determine how/if they will use it.
More information can be found at

43. SAT/ACT PrepMe on Naviance http://connection.naviance.com/tomballmhs
Recommended to take in the spring semester of the junior year
Writing component should be taken
for SAT
for ACT
Please review/practice for tests!
PrepMe on Naviance
Username – Student TISD ID#
Password – tisd+date of birth - tisd
Mock tests will be offered through TISD by ARC/PTO

44. Sophomore To Do List Take challenging coursework.
Review post graduation plans.
Gather college information.
Get involved in your school.
Run for leadership roles.
Community service.
Student athlete planning on playing in college? Register for NCAA.
Taking DC in 11th grade? Attend DC meeting for steps.

45. Junior To Do List Take SAT and/or ACT in the spring.
Schedule college visit days (2 each year in 11th and 12th!)
Research college entrance requirements (required test scores, deadlines, essay requirements, scholarship opportunities, etc.)
Study, study, study! GPA sent to colleges comes out before the fall of the senior year.
Community Service.

46. To Do List Summer BEFORE Senior Year
Visit colleges and make decisions on where to send applications.
Write essays for college applications.
Study if taking SAT/ACT again in fall.
Continue looking for scholarships.
Apply Texas (for Texas Public Universities) opens August 1st. Start the application early, especially if you are attending a competitive 4 year university.

47. What makes my college application complete?
For Texas public universities apply at
All others see the university website
Official Test Scores
Must come from testing agency (SAT-College Board or ACT)
Official Transcripts—Available this summer!
Send 6th semester rank/GPA
Application Fee

48. Letters of Recommendation
Not required for all college applications
If needed, request from someone who knows the student well
Counselor Recommendation/Brag Sheet available on Naviance
Allow 2 weeks for processing
Give the person addressed, stamped envelopes AND date needed by the college

49. Scholarships http://connection.naviance.com/tomballmhs
Username - Student ID#
Password – tisd+date of birth
ex. tisd

50. Thank you for coming!
Please feel free to contact your child’s counselor with specific questions you may have about their graduation plan.
A-C Sheri Forsyth
D-Hi Jennifer McCready
Ho-Mi Angie Wartick
Mo-Sa Julie Wylie
Sc-Z Lashelle Nix