Cullman High School
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1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission Statement 3 Diploma Requirements Class of 2016 3 Diploma Requirements Class of 2017, 2018 and 2019 4 Promotion Requirements 4 Guidelines for Transfer Students 4 Advance Placement (AP) Courses 5 Pre-AP Courses 5 Dual Enrollment 5 Weighted Courses 6 Frequently Asked Questions 6 Career Technical Courses 7 Work Experience/Coordinated Studies 7 Academic Requirements for Athletic Eligibility 7 NCAA Requirements for College Athletics 8 Schedule Changes 8 Access Distance Learning Program 8 Course Descriptions: English 9 English Electives 10 Mathematics 11 Science 15 Social Sciences 17 Social Studies Electives 19 Foreign Language 19 Health, Driver’s Education, and Physical Education 21 Visual Arts 22 Performing Arts 24 Career & Technical Education 28 Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources 29 Business, Management and Administration 31 Marketing Sales and Service; Information Technology 31 Engineering Graphics/Drafting and Design Technology 33 Family and Consumer Sciences 34 Medical Profession/Health Science 36 Cullman Area Career Center 37 Other Electives 38 CHS Academies for Focused Instructional Programs 39 CHS Medical Profession Academy 40 CHS Associate’s Academy 44 CHS STEM Academy 49 Certificate of Attendance Curriculum 56 Essentials Diploma Curriculum 57 2 MISSION STATEMENT In keeping with Cullman High School’s tradition of excellence, our mission is to ensure that students realize their potential through a system characterized by an exemplary staff, an involved community, an optimal utilization of resources, and a willingness to effect change. DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS FOR CLASS OF 2016 Students are provided the opportunity to earn the Alabama High School Diploma with various academic endorsements. Only students meeting all requirements for graduation prior to the graduation ceremony will be allowed to participate in any part of the graduation ceremonies. Alabama High School Diploma with Advanced Academic Endorsement The Alabama High School Diploma with Advanced Academic Endorsement will be issued to all students who complete the state requirements for advanced endorsement, earn twenty-six Carnegie units. The following units are required. English 4 units English 9, 10, 11, and 12 Social Science 4 units Modern World History, Early U.S. History, Modern U.S. History, American Government (1/2 unit), Economics (1/2 unit) Mathematics 4 units Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II with Trigonometry, one additional upper level math ((Precalculus, AP Calculus, or AP Statistics) Science 4 units Must include Biology and Chemistry Foreign Language 2 units Must be two units of the same foreign language *Physical Education 1 unit Health Education ½ unit Fine Arts ½ unit Band, Guitar, Chorus, Visual Art, or Drama **Computer Applications ½ unit Electives 5 ½ units *Marching Band satisfies the Physical Education requirement. **The computer applications requirement may be waived if computer literacy, keyboarding skills, and introductory applications are verified through testing by qualified school staff. If the requirement is waived, six elective units will be required for graduation. Alabama High School Diploma The Alabama High School Diploma will be issued to all students who complete the minimum state course requirements, earn twenty-four Carnegie units. The following units are required. English 4 units English 9, 10, 11, and 12 Social Science 4 units Modern World History, Early U.S. History, Modern U.S. History, American Government (1/2 unit), Economics (1/2 unit) Mathematics 4 units Must include the equivalent of Algebra I and Geometry. Science 4 units Must include Biology and any physical science (i.e., Physical Science, Chemistry, or Physics). *Physical Education 1 unit Health Education ½ unit Fine Arts ½ unit Band, Guitar, Chorus, Visual Art, or Drama **Computer Applications ½ unit Electives 5 ½ units *Marching Band satisfies the Physical Education requirement. **The computer applications requirement may be waived if computer literacy, keyboarding skills, and introductory applications are verified. If the requirement is waived, six elective units will be required for graduation. Essentials Diploma The Essentials Diploma is an option only for students with disabilities, as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Students must earn twenty-four Carnegie units. English 4 units Employment English I, II, III, and IV Social Science 4 units World History for Living, United States History for Living I, United States History for Living II, and Economics/United States Government for Living Mathematics 4 units Essential Mathematics I and II; Algebraic Explorations I and II 3 Science 4 units Life Skills Science I, II, III, and Science Connections IV Career/Technical Education 2 units Coordinated Studies 1 unit Must earn a minimum of 270 work hours Cooperative Career/Technical 1 unit Education *Physical Education 1 unit Health ½ unit Fine Arts ½ unit Band, Guitar, Chorus, Visual Art, or Drama Electives 2 units *Marching Band satisfies the Physical Education requirement. Certificate of Attendance Special education students will be awarded a graduation certificate and afforded the opportunity to participate in graduation activities under the following circumstances: 1. Accumulates the required number of Carnegie units for graduation. 2. Successfully completes the prescribed program specified in his/her Individual Education Plan (IEP) for high school graduation. DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CLASS OF 2017, 2018 and 2019 Students are provided the opportunity to earn the Alabama High School Diploma. Only students meeting all requirements for graduation prior to the graduation ceremony will be allowed to participate in any part of the graduation ceremonies. The following lists the minimum graduation credits as required by the State Board of Education. Locals Boards of Education may require additional credits as deemed appropriate. English 4 units English 9, 10, 11, and 12 Social Science 4 units Modern World History, Early U.S. History, Modern U.S. History, American Government (1/2 unit), Economics (1/2 unit) Mathematics 4 units Algebra A&B or Algebra I, Geometry, Algebraic Connections (bridge course to Algebra II), Algebra II or Algebra II with Trigonometry, one additional upper level math (precalculus, AP Calculus, or AP Statistics) All students must progress through Algebra II Science 4 units Must include Biology and a Physical Science (Physical Science or Chemistry); and two additional upper level sciences. Career Tech, Arts Education and/or Foreign Language 3 units Students are encouraged to complete two consecutive courses in sequence *Physical Education 1 unit Health Education ½ unit Career Preparedness 1unit Electives 2.5 units The students program of study will focus on the coursework taken that necessitates a clearly articulated and individualized four-year high school plan built for each student based on the results from the EXPLORE academic and career interest assessment and middle school coursework. PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS To be classified as a sophomore, a student must have earned five credits. To be classified as a junior, a student must have earned eleven credits. To be classified as a senior, a student must have earned seventeen credits and be eligible to graduate during that school year. GUIDELINES FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS Counselors and/or administrators will review the awarding of credit and placement in classes for all incoming transfer students. A transcript of grades and credits earned from the transfer student’s previous school is required for registration. Students enrolling after a semester begins will be responsible for the same course material as those in full attendance. When a student transfers from another school, the student’s grades will be averaged proportionally based on the number of weeks attended in each school. 4 All students must be enrolled by their legal guardian. In cases where custody is an issue, court papers must be presented to the school principal or designee prior to admission. According to CCS board policy, Power of Attorney will not be accepted as proof of guardianship. ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) COURSES Students taking AP courses must take the AP test which will be given in May 2016. Advanced Placement courses are accelerated in rigor and pace. Advanced Placement (AP) allows students to complete college level studies while in high school. The Advanced Placement (AP) program provides rigorous academic preparation for college bound students. AP classes are composed of students who have excelled in high school, have a high interest in the subject area, and are college bound. The program is valued for its contribution to academic excellence. Studies indicate that students who take AP courses are better prepared for college and do extremely well through their college careers. AP courses are weighted ten points. The VALUE of Advanced Placement: ● More than 90% of four-year institutions in the United States grant credit, advanced placement, or both on the basis of qualifying AP Exam scores. For more info: www.collegeboard.com/ap/creditpolicy ● AP course experience favorably impacts 85% of admission decisions of selective colleges and universities. ● AP coursework increases scholarship opportunity and improves chances of college admission. ● Students who take AP courses and exams are much more likely than their peers to complete a college degree on schedule in 4 years. (An additional 5th year can cost your family on average between $18,000 - $29,000) www.collegeboard.com/research