Planning for High School

1
Planning for High School

• 8th Grade Registration Planning for Parents
• Jamie Martin and Aaron Cretin

2
Agenda

• Why do we plan
• Post-Secondary Options
• Graduation Requirements
• High School Schedule
• How to Help
• Handouts
• Questions

3
Why We Plan

• Students develop awareness that high school
  education leads to work opportunities
• Students have the best preparation for their
  post-secondary options
• Students and parents become aware of the
  requirements
• The law requires us to complete a 4-year plan

4
Post-Secondary Options

• Post-Secondary refers to any education or
  training after high school graduation.

• Apprenticeship
• Military
• On-The-Job Training

• College
• Community College
• Career/Trade School

See your handout for more specific information on
these options
5
Post-Secondary Options

• All post-secondary options look for
• Preparatory course work in the Core areas of
  Language, Math, Science and Social Studies
• Course work in area of interest
• Good Attendance
• Grades (GPA, Rank, and Coursework)
• Technology Knowledge

6
Graduation Requirements

• All Benton students complete coursework in the
  following areas as a part of a career readiness
  program. (Pg 9)

• Technology
• Cluster
• PE
• Electives

• Language Arts
• Math
• Science
• Social Studies

7
Graduation Requirements

• Language Arts
• 4 credits or 8 blocks
• 2 blocks taken every year
• Electives available

• Social Studies
• 3 credits or 6 blocks
• Most 1 block classes (some taken together)
• Electives available

• Math
• 3 credits or 6 blocks
• 2 blocks taken at one time
• Recommended for all 4 years
• Through Algebra II required for college admission

• Science
• 3 credits or 6 blocks
• Most course taken as 2 blocks
• 2 of 3 lab science course recommended for college
  admission
• Electives available

8
Graduation Requirements

• PE
• 2 credits or 4 blocks
• One block must be taken each year
• Can take up to 2 times
• Waivers may be available.

• Technology
• 0.5 credits or 1 block
• Must take Computer Tech
• Additional courses are recommended for all careers

• Electives
• 10.5 credits or 21 blocks
• Explore Interest areas
• All courses can qualify for electives

• Cluster
• 2 credits or 4 blocks
• Course to explore 3 vital career areas
  Technology Personal/Social School to Work

9
Cluster Courses

• Technology
• Exploring the use of technology applications in a
  variety of everyday uses and specific work
  related applications
• 3 areas- Computer Technology
• Industrial Technology
• Engineering Technology

• Personal
• Exploring the person and how we interact with
  ourselves and society
• Health topics
• Personal Awareness
• Personal Development

• School to Work
• Making the connection between school and academic
  learning and work-related tasks and duties
• Authentic Experiences

Cluster Course list on page 9 of the course book
10
Block Schedule

• Each class meets 85 minutes per day
• Courses that normally would meet for a year- meet
  for ½ the year
• Course that would meet for ½ the year, meet for 1
  quarter
• Student can take up to 16 blocks per year

11
Block Schedule
12
Four Year Plan

• All 8th graders complete a 4-year plan
• Outlines courses for their high school career
• A fluid document- revised each year

13
Four Year Plans

• Students should complete their plans by choosing
  electives
• Interest Area
• Career Exploration
• Career Preparation
• Empty spots are room for electives

• Band and Choir are electives
• Band meets every quarter during 1st ½ of A block
• 9-10 grade choir meets during semianr
• 11-12 Choir meets 2nd ½ of A block

14
Four Year Plans
15
Four Year Plans

• When planning, help your student to remember
• Look at the grade course is offered for
• Look at the prerequisites
• Look at how many blocks the class meets
• Look at the course description

16
Course Selections

• Each student will be given recommendations for
  Math, Science and Language Arts
• Students should follow these recommendations in
  their planning- if questions, please see Mrs.
  Martin

• Language Arts
• Freshman English
• Honors English

• Math
• Pre-Algebra
• Algebra I
• Geometry

• Science
• Integrated Science
• Biology

17
How to Help

• Discuss Post High School Plans
• College, Apprenticeships, Military, Work
• Help them to choose classes to achieve those
  goals
• Stay in touch about classes, grades, and homework
• Communicate with teachers

18
Registration

• Registration on Thursday January 29, 2009
• Students must turn in a signed 4-year plan
• Sign only under the freshman year
• Students will indicate course choices from their
  plan on the official registration sheet
• Students will also write 2 alternative courses on
  their registration sheets
• Counselors will collect signed 4-year plan and
  registration sheet

19
Contact Information

• Jamie Martin
• Grades 7-9
• jmartin_at_benton.k12.ia.us
• 319-228-8701 ext 354

• Aaron Cretin
• Grades 10-12
• acretin_at_benton.k12.ia.us
• 319-228-8701 ext 353

Benton Website www.benton.k12.ia.us Click on
Guidance Link