Spring 2015

FBISD

Graduation and Career Planning

Welcome!

The purpose of this presentation is to assist students and parents in planning for high school graduation.

Students and parents are strongly encouraged to:

• Refer to the FBISD Course Guide for more detailed information.

• Meet with building counselors for questions and additional guidance.

Graduation Plans• Foundation + Endorsements – 26 credits

• Distinguished Level of Achievement – 26 creditsmust include: 1 endorsement, Algebra 2, and a 4th science creditEligible for “Top 10%” for automatic admission

• Foundation Only – 22 credits

PLUS - Scoring Satisfactory on the5 End of Course Exams (STAAR/EOC):

Algebra 1, Biology, English 1, English 2, and US History

State of Texas Assessments of Academic ReadinessTM

An Overview of the Program

Rima Alexander, Ed.DCampus Improvement Specialist

STAAR/EOC Requirements

• Students are required to take and pass all 5 EOC Assessments:

• English I• English II• Algebra I• Biology• US History

EOC Interventions• In School Intervention classes• In class interventions• After school tutorials• Edgenuity

Contact Information

• Rima Alexander, Ed.DCampus Improvement Specialist281-634-5278rima.alexander@fortbendisd.com

Why is 9th grade importantfor my future?

• Grades determine your GPA and Class Rank used for post-secondary opportunities.

• Every year counts!

What is a Credit?

Credits are what move students to the next grade towards graduation. A student must earn 6 credits Freshman year to be classified as a Sophomore the following year.

• A full year course will earn you 1 credit (1 credit awarded at the end of the year)

Ex. English 1, World Geography

• A semester course will earn you a ½ credit (0.5 credit awarded at the end of the semester semester)

Ex. Health, Communication Applications (speech)

Course Requirements:

• English – 4• Math – 4 • Science – 4• Social Studies – 3*• Health/Speech - .5 each• Fine Art – 1• PE or substitutions – 1• Foreign Language – 2 of the same• Electives – 6

– Endorsements fall under electives

* Note – Per HB5 Foundations this is “3” for required Social Studies HOWEVER, we advise students to continue a 4 x 4 in core areas as college admissions may depend on it.

Post High School Advisement

• Counselors will be advising students in alignment with what the 4 year institutions require.

• To date, colleges are requiring the 4x4 graduation plan.

• Please check admissions requirements now.

What is an Endorsement?

• An Endorsement is the personal part of a student’s high school experience. They are what are known as “majors” in college – the subjects that students are most interested in and do the best in. These classes give specialized knowledge and skills to prepare students for higher education and careers!

How do I choose an Endorsement?

• Families should talk this over together.• Know you can change it (by submitting a

statement in writing).• Refer to the Strengths Explorer and the Career

Interest Profiler in Naviance, Family Connection, About Me

Course Requirements: Endorsements

• FBISD students will select their endorsement in Skyward Family Access when they select their courses for next year.

• Students will have the opportunity to change their endorsement.

• The endorsement, and any changes, must be indicated in writing and signed by the parent.

The 5 Endorsement Areas

• Business and Industry Endorsement

• Public Service Endorsement

• Arts and Humanities Endorsement

• STEM Endorsement

• Multidisciplinary Endorsement

Endorsements: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Who?:Students considering a career in engineering or computer science, and those who enjoy and are energized by math, science, design, and problem solving.

Careers:Robotics Technician Computer ProgrammerMedical ResearcherEngineerBiochemist MicrobiologistEnvironmentalist

HHS STEM Pathways(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Math PathwayScience Pathway

Computer ScienceEngineering

Endorsements: Business and Industry

Who?:Students interested in agriculture, business, accounting, digital graphics, and architecture.

Careers:AccountantAircraft ControllerInterior DesignerElectricianChefArchitect

HHS Business and Industry Pathways

Ag, Food & Natural ResourcesArchitecture & ConstructionArts, A/V & Communications

Business & FinanceAcademy – Digital Media

Endorsements: Public Services

Who?:Students who love helping others and are interested in law enforcement, fire fighting, education, the military, or government.

Careers:TeacherSocial WorkerFire FighterPrivate InvestigatorAnimal Control WorkerMental Health Counselor

HHS Public Services Pathways

Human ServicesCosmetology Pathway

JROTC PathwayAcademy – Medical Science

Endorsements: Arts and Humanities

Who?:Students interested in the fine arts, world languages, and social studies.

Careers:ActorMovie DirectorTranslatorAmbassador Musician

HHS Arts and Humanities Pathways

Art, Theater, Choir, Dance, Band, Orchestra, World Language, Social

Studies

Endorsements: Multidisciplinary

• Provides students an opportunity to earn an Endorsement from courses taken from multiple subject areas and/or Endorsements– 4 AP or Dual Credit Core Subjects– 4 X 4 Core Subjects– Combination of CTE or Tech Apps from different

Endorsements

Distinguished Level of Achievement (DLA)

A Distinguished Level of Achievement (DLA) may be earned through successful completion of: • All requirements for the Foundation High School Program, plus • The requirements of at least one endorsement, including Algebra II

among the four required math credits, and • A fourth science credit

A student must graduate with a Distinguished Level of Achievement (DLA) to be considered for the Top 10% and eligibility for automatic admission to a Texas public college or university.

Chart Your CourseCourse Selection Guide

• Please refer to the online version of the Course Selection Guide for the most up to date information from FBISD regarding high school student opportunities and requirements.

Sample Freshman Schedule• English 1• Algebra 1 or Geometry• World Geography• Biology• Endorsement Pathway course• Health and Speech• PE/Athletics

• 7 credits

*Geometry may be taken if Algebra I credit was earned in 8th grade.

Sample Sophomore Schedule• English 2• Geometry or Algebra 2• World History• IPC or Chemistry• Foreign Language • PE/Athletics or other required course/electives• Endorsement – 2nd year course – if did not select 1st year course – must do

so this year

– 7 credits total

Get Involved

Apply for our special programs such as AVID, PALS (11th and 12th grade), and the Tech Center (11th and 12th grade) !!

*VolunteerYES Service Organization at school

*Join a club/team at school

*Part time jobs

Naviance Course Planner 2015

Course planning in Naviance will help students:

• develop long-range plans • help students realize their ultimate post-

secondary goals. • maximize the rigor of their course work• gain insight into how well their course plan

will prepare them for specific types of colleges.

• Important note: Naviance is not a master scheduling program or a course request manager. It is a planning tool only.

• Student course requests will be made through Skyward Family Connection as usual.

Students are encouraged to have their 4 year plans complete and submitted via Naviance.

For questions about 4 year planning, choosing endorsements, high school graduation requirements, or

general questions, please contact your school counselor to schedule a personal appointment.