PISD Course Selection Handbook
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PEARLAND ISD 2021 – 2022 COURSE SELECTION HANDBOOK Mission Statement In partnership with the community, Pearland ISD shall prepare students to perform at their highest potential and produce global citizens of tomorrow. Glenda Dawson High Pearland Academic Pearland High School Robert Turner College School Choice for Education and Career High Center School Erin Hamann Kimberly Darden John Palombo Dr. Kai Bouchard Published July 27, 2021 Dear Students and Parents: We strive to provide an education that “unveils” and develops the amazing gifts and potential of each and every one of the thousands of students privileged to live in this Pearland, Texas community. If we are successful, we move ever closer to our stated goal ‐ a “World Class School District.” Personally, I’ve been awe struck by the ability, hard work, dedication, and professionalism of our teachers and staff. Though I’ve worked in many places, I’ve never encountered a finer group of people. What do we ask in return? That students apply themselves ‐ and with each succeeding year, take increasing responsibility for their own educational advancement. While the accomplishments of our graduates range from academics to fine arts, athletics, career skills, leadership, and other fields of endeavor, they are only fully realized when combined with self‐discipline, self‐confidence and the grit necessary for a worthy adult life. We have the privilege of positively influencing both intellect and character – and we do that best when in harmony with our parents. So we ask that parents join us in this great endeavor – by echoing and reinforcing the lessons learned on our campuses every day. Students: Course decisions are fundamental in preparing you for the future. The Course Selection Handbook links courses to possible career paths to help you map out your high school program and post‐graduation plans. If you need help choosing courses suited to your interests and career goals, please talk to your parents, counselor, teachers, principal, and administrators. Parents: Life can be hectic, but I encourage you to spend some time helping your child with course selection planning. Your involvement as a parent can have a huge impact not only on your child's motivation but also on his or her academic success. Make sure your child is taking advantage of every opportunity available. May this year be one of great promise and accomplishment for each of us! Table of Contents Course Selection Handbook ............................................................................... 1 Graduation Requirements ................................................................................. 2 Endorsement Programs of Study Information ............................................................. 3 Grades and Grading System ................................................................................ 4 Grade Point Chart ........................................................................................................ 4 Graduation Information ...................................................................................... 6 Student Schedules ............................................................................................. 7 Student/UIL Information ................................................................................... 8 Course and Credit Requirements ....................................................................... 9 Advanced Academics ........................................................................................ 12 Advanced Course Offerings ...................................................................................... 14 Dual Enrollment ................................................................................................ 15 TSI 2.0 Course Requires Scores and Exemptions ...................................................... 16 DHS/PHS Dual Enrollment Courses ........................................................................... 18 THS Dual Enrollment Courses ................................................................................... 19 Career and Technical Education ....................................................................... 20 Certification and Credential Opportunities ............................................................. 21 Special Education/Section 504 Accommodations .............................................. 23 PACE Center ...................................................................................................... 24 Course Lists and Descriptions ............................................................................ 25 Athletics, JROTC, and Physical Education ................................................................. 26 Career and Technical Education ............................................................................... 31 English/Language Arts .............................................................................................. 58 Fine Arts ................................................................................................................... 63 Languages Other Than English ................................................................................. 80 Mathematics ............................................................................................................ 89 Math Sequence Chart ....................................................................................... 90 Other Electives .......................................................................................................... 98 Science ................................................................................................................... 103 Science Sequence Chart .................................................................................. 104 Social Studies ........................................................................................................... 113 Appendix ........................................................................................................ 122 Application for PAP / AP Special Request GPA Waiver Request Information and List of Approved Courses Pearland ISD Online Course Enrollment Application Request to Change Course Level Form Curriculum and Career Endorsement Pathways 2021-2022 Course Selection Handbook Course Selection Handbook This Pearland ISD handbook is designed to provide curriculum information for the 2020‐2021 school year. It is the responsibility of students and parents to ensure that all graduation requirements are met. This handbook will assist in course selections that will meet goals for the future as well as satisfy graduation requirements. This handbook reflects a curriculum that is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the challenges and increasing demands of the work force and of colleges and universities. According to the State of Texas, students are required to have twenty‐six (26) credits to meet graduation requirements. Please see page 2 and page 6 of this guide for an explanation of the types of graduation programs that are required by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The student must also complete testing requirements for graduation to receive a diploma. The student’s transcript is the official record of all grades earned and all credits awarded and is stamped with a seal to indicate which of the state‐mandated graduation programs the student achieved. For the most current version of this handbook, visit the following website: https://www.pearlandisd.org/cms/lib/TX01918186/Centricity/domain/54/course_selection/2021‐ 22_Course_Selection_Handbook.pdf It is the policy of the Pearland Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in any of its programs, services, or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; by, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Page 1 2021-2022 Course Selection Handbook Graduation Requirements House Bill 5 (HB 5), passed by the 83rd Texas Legislature and signed by the governor, provides graduation plans for Texas students. These graduation plans consist of a foundation plan for every Texas student and five endorsements from which students may choose, depending on their interests. When selected, students will complete each of these endorsements with four Mathematics, four Science, four English Language Arts, and three Social Studies credits. Students are also required to complete two foreign language credits. Pearland ISD’s expectation is for every student to graduate on the Foundation High School Plan with an endorsement. Students entering 9th Grade must choose from one of the following endorsements: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Business and Industry Arts and Humanities Public Services Multidisciplinary Studies To qualify as part of the top ten percent of their graduating class, students must complete an endorsement and successfully complete Algebra 2. Testing Students are now required to pass five State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) end‐of‐course exams to meet the graduation requirements: Algebra 1 Biology English 1 English 2 US History Page 2 2021-2022 Course Selection Handbook How Do Students Earn an Endorsement Through a Career Program of Study? Pearland ISD Endorsement Programs of Study Please see your high school counselor for scheduling options. For Curricular Programs of Study