NPS Mission Statement The mission of Norfolk Public Schools, the cornerstone of a proudly diverse community, is to ensure that all students maximize their academic potential, develop skills for lifelong learning and are successful contributors to a global society, as distinguished by: Courageous advocacy for all students Family and community investment Data-driven personalized learning Strong and effective leadership teams Shared responsibility for Teaching and Learning Access to rigorous and rewarding college and career readiness opportunities NPS Board and Division Priorities Ensure full accreditation Increase academic achievement of all students – raise floor and ceiling simultaneously to close achievement gaps Improve climate, safety and attendance Become a School Board of Distinction Promote Norfolk Public Schools to reflect outstanding accomplishments of staff, teachers and students Develop and coordinate a capital improvement plan for facilities and technology to enhance teaching and learning Attract, retain, and help to develop strong academic families and highly qualified teachers and staff NPS School Counseling Mission Statement The school counseling program, based on national, state, and local standards in collaboration with all stakeholders (students, parents, faculty, community members, and local businesses), has been developed to ensure that all students (K-12) regardless of individual differences acquire the academic, career and personal/social competencies needed to access exciting options and opportunities upon graduation in order to become successful, productive contributors to society. The Division thanks the Course Description Book Committee for their efforts to produce and update this handbook. Thanks to the Committee Members: Bruce W. Brady, Curriculum and Instruction Joelle Jeffreys, Maury High Adrienne R. Britton, Curriculum and Instruction Barbara B. Laws, Curriculum and Instruction Susan L. Burge, Curriculum and Instruction Teresa K. Madigan, Career & Technical Education Carolyn D. Cage, Learning Support Phyllis Patton, Granby High Melinda Collard, Information Technology Tracy Penny, Norview High John Coleman, Secondary Schools Ronald C. Richardson, Special Education Gwen P. Collins, Curriculum and Instruction Danielle F. Roby, Curriculum and Instruction Nancy Daughtrey, Academy at Lakewood Debra L. Rocke, Curriculum and Instruction Karen Dinger, Norview Middle Alice Spence, Azalea Garden Middle Thomas E. Etheridge, Information Technology Joan Stokes, Northside Middle Kenyetta A. Goshen, Career & Technical Education Robbin Stratton, Lake Taylor High Clifton Hayes, Communications & Public Relations Lisa Weber, Norfolk Technical Center Tiffany Hillian, Booker T. Washington High Andrew Whitfield, Blair Middle Bart Irwin, Curriculum and Instruction School Year 2018-2019 Dear Students, This high school course description guide is designed to provide you and your parents/guardians information that will assist in choosing courses that lead to a meaningful high school education and fulfill your graduation requirements. Whether you plan to enter community college, a four-year institution, the military, a workforce training program or the job market, choosing beneficial courses now will establish a strong foundation for your future college and career goals. You are encouraged to take advantage of every opportunity available to you during your educational career. Take some time to review this course description book and the options available to you. Meet with your school counselor, your parents, and your teachers to discuss what education and marketable skills you’ll need to achieve your goals. Remember, this is a time to build your foundation for future success. Don’t be afraid to stretch your mind and take courses that will challenge and better prepare you for the exciting world you will enter after high school. While the administration and the entire Norfolk Public Schools staff recognize the importance of being consistent in applying the procedures of this handbook, we also recognize the great diversity in our students’ needs and the multiple career pathways available. As such, we will continue to work collaboratively to identify the courses to best meet student’s needs. We will also continue to work towards providing engaging educational opportunities to prepare students for life after Norfolk Public Schools. You have a team of administrators, counselors, teachers, and staff who are committed to make sure you receive the necessary skills and knowledge to prepare you for a rewarding career and to be active participants in the economy and the community. If you have any questions, please contact the school counseling and guidance department at your school for assistance. We are here to help you set your goals and to ensure you receive the best education possible. Always strive to better yourself and know that you can accomplish your dreams! Sincerely, Melinda J. Boone, Ed. D. Superintendent Table of Contents General Information Graduation Requirements at a Glance .......................................................................... 4 Advanced Studies Diploma: Minimum Course & Credit Requirements ........................ 5 Standard Diploma: Minimum Course & Credit Requirements ...................................... 7 Other Diplomas & Certificates ....................................................................................... 9 Information for Transfer Students .................................................................................. 9 Standard Diploma Verified Credit Requirements for Transfer Students ...................... 10 Advanced Studies Diploma Verified Credit Requirements for Transfer Students ........ 11 Graduation (Diploma) Seals of Achievement .............................................................. 12 Early College Scholars Program ................................................................................. 14 Virginia Plan for Dual Enrollment ................................................................................ 14 Virtual Virginia ............................................................................................................. 15 High School Specialty Programs ................................................................................. 16 Athletics ....................................................................................................................... 20 Twelfth-Grade Transfer Student .................................................................................. 23 Summer School ........................................................................................................... 23 Evening School ........................................................................................................... 23 Credit Recovery .......................................................................................................... 23 Attendance .................................................................................................................. 23 Homework and Grading .............................................................................................. 24 Promotion Standards................................................................................................... 25 Definitions ................................................................................................................... 25 Grading Scale ............................................................................................................. 26 Weighted Courses ....................................................................................................... 26 Honor Roll ................................................................................................................... 26 Grade-Point Average | Class Rank ............................................................................. 26 Scheduling .................................................................................................................. 27 Repeating Courses Previously Passed ....................................................................... 27 Repeatable Courses.................................................................................................... 28 Course Descriptions Art ............................................................................................................................... 30 English ........................................................................................................................ 35 ForeignLanguage ESL ................................................................................................ 46 Health, Safety and Physical Education ........................................................................ 47 History & Social Science ............................................................................................. 49 NORFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS COURSE DESCRIPTION GUIDE FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS | 2017 - 2018 Mathematics ................................................................................................................ 55 Music ........................................................................................................................... 58 Science ....................................................................................................................... 65 Career and Technical Education ................................................................................. 71 Business and Information