High School Planning Guide 2017-2018 Harriton Lower Merion Lower Merion School District Table of Contents General Information Statements of Strategic Intent ...................................................................................................................6 Minimum Graduation Requirements ...................................................................................................................7 Keystone Exams ...................................................................................................................8 Transition from 8th to 9th Grade ...................................................................................................................8 Resources and Support .................................................................................................................10 Scholars Program of Studies .................................................................................................................11 Diploma/Promotion Requirements .................................................................................................................12 Academic Deadlines for 2017-2018 .................................................................................................................14 NCAA Academic Eligibility Requirements .................................................................................................................16 Course Selection and Course Levels Course Selection Process .................................................................................................................22 Course Levels .................................................................................................................23 International Baccalaureate Diploma Program .................................................................................................................24 Dual Enrollment Programs Penn State Dual Enrollment Courses .................................................................................................................26 Central Montco Technical High School .................................................................................................................27 (CMTHS) Courses of Study Art .................................................................................................................30 Business, Computer, & Technology .................................................................................................................40 Community Based Learning .................................................................................................................43 English .................................................................................................................46 ESL .................................................................................................................56 Family and Consumer Science .................................................................................................................57 Health, Physical Education and Aquatics .................................................................................................................59 Mathematics .................................................................................................................61 Music .................................................................................................................69 Science, Technology and Engineering .................................................................................................................73 Social Studies .................................................................................................................85 Virtual High School .................................................................................................................92 World Languages .................................................................................................................93 Additional Course Offerings ...............................................................................................................108 Special Programs of Study Gifted Education Support and Services ...............................................................................................................109 Special Education Support and Services ...............................................................................................................110 Autism Support and Services ...............................................................................................................113 Work Experiences ...............................................................................................................117 Lower Merion School District 301 East Montgomery Ave. Ardmore, PA 19003-3399 Phone: 610-645-1800 • Fax: 610-645-0703 • www.lmsd.org Robert Copeland • Superintendent of Schools Dear Students and Parents/Guardians, The Harriton High School and Lower Merion High School staff is committed to providing a program of studies that will prepare all students to succeed in achieving their post high school goals. Experience has shown that most students’ educational needs are best satisfied by selecting a comprehensive and challenging array of courses each year. To assist students and parents in making the most appropriate selections, the following items are recommended for careful consideration: 1. Students’ educational goals and interests 2. Past scholastic record 3. Achievement in current courses 4. Teacher recommendations 5. Prerequisites for certain courses 6. Total course load anticipated for next year 7. Range of anticipated activities – curricular and extra curricular This Program Planning Guide describes the high school program of studies available to both Harriton and Lower Merion students. It also contains current policies and other information that could influence the selection of courses. Please read the Guide carefully and do not hesitate to seek assistance from counselors, teachers and administrators in selecting the best distribution of courses. Educationally yours, Mr. Scott Weinstein, Principal Mr. Sean Hughes, Principal Mr. Mike Johnson, Assistant Principal Mr. Jon Fadely, Assistant Principal Mrs. Lauren Marcuson, Assistant Principal Mrs. Karen deFranco, Assistant Principal Mr. Patrick Hogan, Assistant Principal Mr. G. Scott Kilpatrick, Assistant Principal Mr. Tom Ferguson, Athletic/Activities Director Mr. Don Walsh, Athletic/Activities Director 4 We believe that: • All people have equal intrinsic worth. • People learn in different ways and at different rates. • Each person bears responsibility for the well-being of society and the quality of the environment. • Learning occurs everywhere and is a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, truth and wisdom. • High quality public education directly benefits the entire community and is essential for a democratic society. • The responsibility for learning rests primarily with the individual; however, education is the shared responsibility of the student, home, family, school and the entire community. • Individuals learn best when actively engaged in the learning process. • Excellence demands sustained effort. • All individuals can be successful learners. • High expectations yield high results. • Society benefits when individual rights are balanced with social responsibility. • Ethical conduct is essential to the quality of life. Mission Statement Committed to excellence and continuous improvement, the Lower Merion School District strives to ensure that all students achieve their highest level of critical thinking and creativity, that they value themselves and the diversity of others, and that they are knowledgeable, contributing citizens capable of excelling in a rapidly changing world. This is accomplished by individuals engaging in innovative, active experiences tailored to the myriad ways of learning and in partnership with our community. Vision Students are our reason for being. We create an environment designed to fulfill the individual learning needs and aspirations of each student. Lower Merion School District develops active partnerships at all levels of our learning community and values the individual contributions of each member. We view learning as a dynamic, innovative collaboration. Individuals learn best when their hearts, minds and spirits are intimately engaged in the learning process. Enter to learn. Go forth to serve. Lower Merion School District’s Learning and Organizational Goals • Understand and provide for every child. • Value an atmosphere in which the educational community works collaboratively to foster the growth of its members. • Coordinate district systems to integrate education, technology, information systems, human resources, facilities, transportation, business and food service. • Create a meaningful, dynamic curriculum. • Cultivate alternative funding and other resources to support the educational program. • Provide facilities to ensure high quality educational programs. • Establish the flexible use of the members of the learning community: “Tapping all Talents.” 5 Lower Merion School District’s Strategic Pathways STRATEGIC PATHWAY 1: REDEFINING SUCCESS LMSD’s definition of success incorporates creativity, critical thinking, love of learning, and innovation for each and every child to encourage globally aware and engaged students. We reach far beyond standardized test scores, embracing and celebrating the many ways in which students demonstrate individual growth. STRATEGIC PATHWAY