Dear Senior High School Student and Parents:
Each year the course catalog updates information on courses that are offered for the next year,
provides available program opportunities and outlines graduation requirements specific to the
graduation year. It is your responsibility to be sure that you have completed all the
necessary courses and examination requirements. It is advised that all students select the
required courses first to meet New York State graduation requirements and then complete your
schedule with elective courses that will enhance your high school program and be helpful to
your future career goals. Graduation requirements are outlined on Page 2.
Currently, Cortland Jr. Sr. High School offers a Non-Regents (local), Regents, Advanced
Regents, or an IEP diploma. The Committee on Special Education determines the IEP diploma
requirements. Regardless of the diploma type, all students are required to take a minimum
of five courses each semester in addition to Physical Education. You may take more than
the five required courses. There are specific time frames in which you may attempt to change,
drop or add courses. With administrative approval, changes may take place within the first 25
weeks of a full year course. The change must take place by the first three weeks for a
semester (half-year) course. All marks earned transfer when changing a course level and will
be averaged in to determine a final average and credit.
A course carries one unit of credit if it meets daily for one school year and requires an
equivalent amount of outside preparation. Likewise, a ½ unit course meets daily for one
semester. A course meeting every other day for one year will earn ½ unit of credit. A
B.O.C.E.S. course will carry additional credit reflecting the amount of time and curriculum
offered.
To receive Regents credit in the New York State program, you must pass the Regents exam
and have a passing final average in the course. For a local diploma you must have a passing
final average to receive local credit, as well as pass certain Regent exams. This is shown on the
charts on page 2. If you fail a required course, it must be repeated to achieve a passing score
in order to graduate. To retake a final examination in a failed course, you must fulfill one of the
following options: Take the course in an approved summer school program or repeat the
course in its entirety the next school year. Students must meet eligibility criteria to enroll in the
summer school program. A third option is offered to seniors only. They may “double up” in
some areas their senior year to ensure graduation in June.
In January 2006, preliminary selections of courses to be taken in the 2006-07 school year will
be made by the student in a class exercise led by a school counselor. This will be followed with
a scheduled time to meet individually with your counselor to discuss your selections. There will
be a time frame in which you and your parents can explore and discuss the selections made.
Once final selections are made, changes in the schedule will be limited to special circumstances
only. Students and parents are asked to review course selection carefully. Consideration of
NCAA regulations, college admissions criteria, and career readiness should be reflected in
course selections. If you have questions concerning your course selections, be sure to discuss
them with your counselor. It is important that student and parent be in the planning. If you wish
to discuss your schedule, we invite you to call the Guidance Office for an appointment at 7584118.
Best wishes, School Counseling Staff
Coursework Requirements
Required (“Core”) Subjects
English
Social Studies
Mathematics
Science
Second Language
Health
Art and/or Music
Electives
Physical Education
Total
Local Diploma
Regents Diploma
4 units
4 units
3 units
3 units
1 unit
½ unit
1 unit
3.5 units
2 units
4 units
4 units
3 units
3 units
1 unit
½ unit
1 unit
3.5 units
2 units
22 units
22 units
Advanced Regents Diploma
4 units
4 units
3 units
3 units
3 units *
½ unit
1 unit
varies
2 units
22 units
Academic Intervention Services will be provided based on performance on the State Competency Tests
*
To earn the advanced designation, the student must complete one of the following:
1. A language other than English (3 units).
2. Career or Technical Education (5 units).
3. The Arts (5 units).
A Regents or Advanced Regents diploma may be earned by receiving only one unit of a foreign language, but is not
recommended. This should be discussed with a school counselor
Testing Requirements
A required Regents Examinations with a passing score of 65 is required for a Regents or Advance
Regents diploma for all students in the following exams:
Regents
1 English Comprehensive exam
1 Math A exam
1 Global History exam
1 U.S.History & Govt. exam
1 Science exam
Advanced Regents
1 English Comprehensive exam
2 Math A and Math B exams
1 Global History exam
1 U.S. History & Govt. exam
2 Science exams (one living environment &
one physical setting)
1 Foreign Language
A passing score on a Regents exam is also required for a Non-regents (local) diploma in the following
areas: English, Mathematics, Global History, U.S.History & Govt, and Science. The passing score is
dependent on the year a student enters 9th grade.
Students Entering 9th grade in 2005: Students must have at least two scores at 65 or above on the five
required Regents exams and all scores at 55 or above.
Students Entering 9th grade in 2006: Students must have at least three scores at 65 or above on the
five required Regents exams and all scores at 55 or above.
Students Entering 9th grade in 2007: Students must have at least four scores at 65 or above on the
five required Regents exams and all scores at 55 or above.
Students Entering 9th grade in 2008 : Students must pass all five required Regents exams at a score
of 65 or above.