Zachary High SchoolClass of 2015

Parent Meeting

January 31, 2013

Objectives for Tonight’s Meeting

• To share information regarding academic resources for ZHS students and parents

• To review Graduation Requirements and TOPS curriculum

• To discuss the PLAN Test• To discuss Career Pathways• To prepare for 11th grade scheduling

Folder• 2013-2014 Registration Form• PLAN Test Information• Career Pathways Flow Chart• Standard/Honors/AP Chart• 10th Grade Newsletter• TOPS Core Curriculum• JTCC Goals Worksheet for 11th grade• Core 4/TOPS Graduation Requirements

Worksheet

Core 4 Graduation Requirements• English 4 Units

Must be I, II, III, and IV

• Mathematics 4 UnitsAlgebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, 4th Math

• Science 4 UnitsBiology, Chemistry, 3rd and 4th Science

• Social Studies 4 UnitsWorld Geography, Civics,American History, 4th Social Studies

• Physical Education 1½ UnitsCan substitute ROTC I and II

• Health ½ Unit• Foreign Language 2 Units

Two years in the same language

• Art Elective 1 UnitFine Art Survey, Art, Music, or Drama

• Electives 3 Units24 Units

Basic Core

• At the end of 10th grade, students have the opportunity to change diploma tracks from a Core 4 college prep curriculum to a Basic Core Curriculum.

Basic Core Diploma Facts• A Basic Core Diploma is an alternative to a Core 4

Diploma.

• Students who opt into a Basic Core Diploma track will require a Career Pathway (6 specific courses) in order to graduate.

• Basic Core Curriculum prepares students for entry into the workforce, military, technical/trade schools, and community colleges.

• Requires approval by parents, student, and school.• Please see Mrs. Brown if you have questions about the

Basic Core Diploma.

TOPS Requirements• English – 4 Units English I, II, III and English IV

• Mathematics – 4 Units Algebra I, Algebra II, and 2 from

Geometry or Advanced Math or Probability & Statistics or Calculus

• Science – 4 Units Biology, Chemistry, and 2 from

Environmental Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, Biology II (AP), Chemistry II (AP), Physics, Physics (AP), Anatomy & Physiology, or Agriscience II

• Social Studies - 4 Units American History, Civics, World

Geography, and World History

Fine Arts Survey - 1 Unit … or 1 unit of visual/performance course

Foreign Language - 2 Units Two units in the same language

19 Total Core Curriculum Units 2.5 Core GPA ACT Score: 20 3.0 Core GPA ACT Score: 23, 27

PLAN Test• March 19, 2013• All 10th grade

students will take the PLAN test.

• Prepares students for the ACT test.

• Measures academic progress in high school.

• Identifies academic strengths and areas where improvement is needed.

• Match student interest with a career

Typical 11th Grade Schedule:

1. English III2. Algebra II3. Chemistry4. American History

– PE/Health, Foreign Language, Art Elective, and/or a Career Elective

Scheduling for Junior Year

• Course selections should be driven by the student’s academic ability, graduation requirements, career interest and postsecondary plans.

• Students will receive individual counseling during scheduling.

• Current 10th grade students will schedule for junior year on February 6th and 7th during English classes.

• 2013-2014 Registration Form– Reviewed by parents/students– Signed by parents/students– Brought to school on Feb. 6th -7th in

order to schedule for junior year during English class

– Students should know which courses they plan to take BEFORE scheduling on Feb. 6th -7th .

– Students who have questions about courses, graduation requirements, scheduling, etc. should see Mrs. Brown before Feb. 6th -7th .

Honors and Advanced Placement

• Honors– Rigorous– Challenging– More in-depth vs. a

standard regular course

– Prepares student for college

• Advanced Placement– Increased academic

rigor– More challenging than

an honors course– More in-depth than a

regular and an honors level course

– AP Exam and potential college credit at the duration of the course

Journey to College and Career (JTCC)

• In 2009, the Zachary Community School District developed and implemented a college and career program for students in grades PreK-12th. The program consists of multiple lessons, goals, objectives, and activities pertaining to college and career.

• 11th Grade JTCC Goals Worksheet

Questions?

Bianca Brown, School Counselorbianca.brown@zacharyschools.org

Erica Henry, School Test Coordinatorerica.henry@zacharyschools.org