WINSTON CHURCHILL
HIGH SCHOOL
8th Grade Registration Information
2015-2016
Graduation Requirements
http://www.neisd.net/staar/highinfo.html
9th Grade Recommended Schedule
• Language Arts: English I
• Math:
Algebra I or Geometry
• Science:
Biology
• Social Studies: W. Geo or W. History
• LOTE
W. Lang. or Comp. Sci.
• PE/Health
• Elective
(PE Equivalent: Athletics, Pep, ROTC, Band)
(based upon endorsement)
Benefits of Taking Pre-AP
Courses
•
Great preparation for AP/DC classes
•
Rigorous courses in high school better prepares students
for college courses
•
Grades are weighted 1.15 (1.29 for AP)
•
Colleges look for rigorous coursework
English I: Regular or Pre-AP?
Rigor
Pre-Advanced Placement Skills
• Literary/Rhetorical Analysis
• Analytical/Expository Writing
Reading
• Critical/Active Reading
• Challenging Fiction and Nonfiction
• Independent Reading
EOC TESTED COURSE
Algebra I: for current students who took 8th grade
math
Pre-AP Algebra I is not offered
in high school
Content
State TEKS; District pace;
Review time in-class
EOC TESTED COURSE
Geometry: Regular or Pre-AP?
Regular
Content
State TEKS; District pace;
Review time in-class
Weighting
of Grades
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Pre-AP
State TEKS + enrichment; faster paced
covering a wider variety of concepts in
more depth; little in-class review
Assessments may be weighted more
heavily.
Biology I: Regular or Pre-AP?
Regular
Pre-AP
Content
State TEKS
State TEKS + enrichment based on
select introductory AP concepts
Concepts are covered in greater depth
Pace
District pace
Faster paced
Weighting
of Grades
Assessments may be weighted more heavily.
EOC TESTED COURSE
Social Studies: Regular or Pre-AP?
Regular
Pre-AP
Writing &
Reading
Skills
On-level reading and writing skills
Above level reading and writing skills
Extensive readings of advanced level
materials requiring extensive note taking
Content
and Pace
State TEKS; District pace;
State TEKS
much faster pace covering a wider
variety of concepts in more depth;
broader use of difficult vocabulary,
advanced concepts and generalizations
Review time in-class prior to exams
Social Studies:
4 Required courses
1- World History OR World Geography
2 - US History EOC
3 - Government (1 sem)
4 - Economics (1 sem)
If a student takes a “traditional” route like...
9th
World Geography
10th
World History
11th
US History
12th
Government / Economics
Students will develop a foundation for the US History EOC.
They will get an additional endorsement for Humanities.
How Many Pre-AP Classes
To Take?
•
•
•
•
Individual decision
Consider extra-curricular commitments
Impacts class rank
Seek balance while challenging yourself
Important things to know. . .
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•
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When can you drop a Pre-AP class?
Course catalog posted online & found on NEISD
website
Elective changes will not be made after June 4, 2015
Athletic Information
• Students may choose only 1 sport
• Your 8th grade coach should sign your course card; if you
currently play a sport
• Do NOT select PE and an athletic period. You can only
have one or the other
Let’s Review!
NEISD Students:
Foundation Program with
Distinguished Level of
Achievement
(to be eligible for the top 10%)
Graduation Requirements
Distinguished Level of
Achievement
•
•
26 credits
Curriculum requirements for Foundation +
1 Endorsement
•
plus Algebra II
•
plus an additional science course
Endorsements
● Multidisciplinary
● STEM
● Arts/Humanities
● Public Service
● Business/Industry
(can be found on front of course card)
Selecting Endorsements
● NEISD has videos prepared on their website.
http://www.neisd.net/staar/videos2/video.html
● Students select endorsement on course card
● Students can change endorsements based upon
interest.
End of Course Exams:
•
9th Grade:
English I, Biology, Algebra 1
•
10th Grade:
English II
•
11th Grade:
US History
Course Card
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fill in all demographic information
Select 1 endorsement and 1 program of study
Write course number in left column
Write name of course in blank
Fill in alternates!
Student & Parent sign course card
Course Card Sequence
th
th
9 -10
Biolology PreAp
3233
Course Fair Thursday
•
•
•
6:30 – 8:30
Located in Churchill cafeteria
Electives available to 9th graders are on 9th grade course
card/ Endorsements listed on front of course card
Final Date for Course Changes:
June 4, 2015
Ways to Change a Course:
• E-mail counselor change requests
o
•
Include student name, ID number, course to drop,
course to add
Send in form that is mailed to you in
May (only if requesting a change)
COURSE SELECTION PROCESS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Review Churchill Endorsement course list
Complete 4 year plan
Select ONE Endorsement
Select ONE program of study within your Endorsement
Attend Churchill Course Fair on January 29 at 6:30
PRINT your list of courses on course card
Print alternate courses
Sign and return your course card on _______________
QUESTIONS?
WELCOME FUTURE CHARGERS!