West Springfield High School
Course Orientation 2014
 Overview of the
Registration Process
 Graduation Requirements
 Course Sequences
 Curriculum Updates
What’s Different About High School?
CHOICES: It’s all about making choices that impact
YOUR FUTURE!
SCHOOL HOURS: 7:20am-2:10pm
Orange Days = Periods 1, 3, 5, 7
Blue Days = Periods 2, (LS,ST), 6, 8
SHORTER DAYS ON WEDNESDAY! - School starts
at 8am. Buses still come on time.
Is High School harder? YES...
But there is a lot of help!
 Learning Seminar (LS) is a rotating 45 min. period of
additional instructional time every Blue Day. (classes
rotate throughout the year- and it is all pre-printed in
your planner!)
 Spartan Time (ST) is a 40 minute period that offers
an opportunity for remediation and enrichment in
your classes.
If you have C or better- where to go is up to you.
If you have below a C, remediation may be required for that class.
Making Successful Decisions:
Using the resources available
 Daily Planner
 Using Blackboard
 Attending Spartan Zone
 Writing Center
Diploma Requirements for Class of 2018
STANDARD DIPLOMA
(22 CREDITS)
ADVANCED STUDIES DIPLOMA
(26 CREDITS)
4
3
4
4
Algebra 1, Pt 1
NO, Elective Credit Only
NO, Elective Credit Only
Geom Pt 1
NO, Elective Credit Only
NO, Elective Credit Only
Yes, must include a CTE completer (i)
Yes, only if Alg 2 is completed; must include CTE
completer (i)
3
4
2
N/A
4
4
2
3 or 2+2
WL, Fine Arts OR
CTE
2
1
Econ & Personal Fin
1
1
Electives (must
include seq
electives)
3
3
CTE Credential (ii)
YES
NO
Virtual Course
YES
YES
Subject
English
Math
Computer Sci
Science
History
Health/PE
Fine Arts OR CTE
Diploma Requirements for Class of 2018
VERIFIED CREDITS
VERIFIED CREDITS (Pass course/ End of Year SOL)
STANDARD DIPLOMA
(22 CREDITS)
ADVANCED STUDIES DIPLOMA
(26 CREDITS)
2 (both during Junior year)
1
2 (both during Junior year)
2
Science
1
2
History
Student Choice
1
1
2
1
TOTAL:
6
9
Subject
English
Math
Academic Levels
Standard
Honors
AP
Standard
Curriculum
Standard
Curriculum
Standard
Pacing
Faster
Pacing
College
Level
Curriculum
Homework
is for
practice /
review
concepts
from class
More
independent
work to go
more in
depth
Independent
projects
Faster
Pacing
Significant
Independent
reading
Significantly
more HW
Should I Take an Honors Class? Self-Assessment
 A or B+ in that subject
 B or lower in that subject
 Independent learner
 Rely heavily on teacher instruction
 Loves the subject
 Lacks interest in the subject
 Good note-taker
 Does not take good notes
 Self-disciplined
 Often needs re-direction
 Is organized
 Finds organization difficult
 Independent reader
 Prefers not to read outside of class
 Desires academic challenge
 Prefers work to be easier
 Willing to commit extra time
 Would prefer to spend little time
doing homework
YES, but be sure to consider the
BALANCE of your schedule and
factor in outside activities
Probably Not this next year, but you
should re-evaluate after you get the
hang of high school..
Schedule for
th
9
Grade
Courses for a 9th Grader who has PASSED his/her 8th grade Courses
1. English 9 / English 9 Honors
2. World History 1 / World History 1 Honors
3. Health and PE 9
4. Math (Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2)
5. Biology or Biology Honors
6. World Language (Advanced Diploma) or Elective
7. Elective
Factors to Consider when
Selecting Electives
The purpose of electives is to allow you to explore
subjects that may help you to develop a new life or
academic skill, develop career specific skills or
knowledge, or develop a skill/talent outside of the core
curriculum areas.
Caution: moving on in Math and Languages
For World Languages AND
Mathematics, it is
STRONGLY recommended
that you have a B or better
before moving to the next
course.
ExpungING Courses
For World Languages AND
Mathematics, it is
STRONGLY recommended
that if you have a D (and
often a C), that you request
to expunge this course
from your high school
transcript and repeat it
your freshman year. (ask
your counselor for the form.)
*This can only be done within the first few
weeks of your high school career
What’s next?
Go to the Course Selection Guide and read
descriptions of the courses.
2. Select 7 Courses Plus 3 Alternatives.
3. Discuss your 2013-14 schedule with your parents and
have them sign your course selection sheet.
4. Arrive prepared with a completed draft for your one
on one academic advising session with your
counselor. Counselor is there for questions, but preplanning is a must to have a productive session.
1.
Important Upcoming Dates
IRVING DEADLINE.
Important Upcoming Dates
The LAST DAY to make any schedule
changes to your course request for the
2014-15 School Year is
the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Welcome to Best Springfield!
Work
Smart =
Have
Success