Guidelines for Freshman Placement at Palm Harbor
University High School CWMP
This brochure was designed to provide middle school counselors, teachers,
and parents with information to use when scheduling or recommending
students for successful high school placement
General Expectations for all Honors students
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Independent learner
Well organized
Good study skills
Good writing skills
Some research skills
Able to move at a faster pace
Reading level 4 or above-FCAT
Math level 4 or above-FCAT
Able to use some technology (word processing power point; photo story)
Highly motivated
Other Advanced Courses
AP Human Geography
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Highly motivated
Advanced reading skills
Broad interest in a variety of world issues
Research skills
Application skills and higher level thinking
Able to organize and write extended responses on various related subjects
Good working knowledge of technology
Able to apply fact information to abstract world application
English – Honors Level
Score high level 4 on FCAT
Lexile level of 1000 or above
Maintained a B+ or higher in 8th grade English
Demonstrates the ability to write expository, persuasive, narrative , and
comparison contrast essays
 Exhibits advanced speaking and listening skills
 Motivated
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While both classes focus on the same curriculum, the Honors class will cover more
in depth material at an accelerated pace. Honors students can expect a heavier
homework load and more written assignments, including a research paper.
Science Honors Biology
Advanced 8th grade science with recommended grade of a B or higher.
FCAT reading level 4 or higher
Able to work at faster pace; motivated
Good study habits; independent
learner
 Expected to write formal lab reports
 Expected to research and present information in group power points
 Assessed on higher level thinking and able to apply information to analyze
situations
 Strong chemistry background as it relates to the physical science curriculum
 Able to create technology-based projects such as brochures and research
based visuals
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Honors American Government
 Able to
 Write essays and research papers;
 Create technology-based projects such as brochures, propaganda, and
newspapers
 Able to analyze and interpret primary sources, maps, spatial, and
geographers tools.
 Able to read and comprehend higher level materials requiring higher lexile
level and examine documents, excerpts, and texts that will require students
to comprehend at an advanced reading level.
 Capable of participating actively in class, take notes, ask questions, keep up
current assignments, and be ready to discuss the material in class.
Math Placement
Geometry Honors
 Algebra 1 Honors in middle school with recommended A or B (not counting
extra credit, test retakes or anything else that inflates a grade).
 Consistently does homework and has a great work ethic.
 Reading and Math FCAT scores 4 or above;
 High stanines: 8-9
 Highly motivated and able to work at a faster pace
 Assessed on higher level thinking by applying and analyzing situations
Geometry
 Algebra 1 honors with C average and recommended or
 Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Options and made A’s, B’s, and C’s (without counting
extra credit, test retakes, or anything else that inflates a grade).
Algebra 1
 Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Honors and earned a D or F should repeat Algebra 1.
Summer homework assignments can be accessed online at www.phuhs.org