Academic Planning Night

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Academic Planning Night

• Welcome/Introduction R. Stotler
• College Acceptance Factors
• Academic Challenge
• Honors/AP/Criteria
• National Merit Scholarship Program
• Student Scheduling Guidance
• Course Selection Process
• Scheduling timetable
• Schedule Change Policy
• Curriculum overview Faculty
• Question and Answer Session

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- College Acceptance Factors- Academic
Challenge- Honors/AP/criteria

• Mr. Richard Stotler

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College Acceptance Factors
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Academic Challenge
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Honors/AP Criteria

• Based on Student Performance
• Level Placement Procedures

• Appeals Process Criteria
• Overall Academic Performance
• Standardized Test Scores
• Performance on Midterm Final Exams
• Teacher Recommendation
• Attendance/Discipline Record

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National Merit Scholarship Program(www.nationalme
rit.org)

• Other Affiliated Scholarships April June 2008
• Corporate, College, National Achievement

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Student Scheduling

• Ms. Erica Morgan
• Mrs. Katie Lyons

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Schedule Change

• Will be made in the month of July only
• Convenience or teacher preference will not be
  considered

• Course request does not guarantee placement in
  that course
• Junior/Senior preference
• Some courses may not run

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Course Selection Process
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Mathematics

• Ms. Laura Goodrow

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Mathematics
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Mathematics

• All students are encouraged to take four years of
  math.
• HSPA preparation is integrated into all Algebra
  1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 classes via monthly
  practice packets.
• All courses are year-long courses except HSPA
  Math Preparation I and II, Prob Stat, and SAT
  Math, which are semester courses.
• The SAT Math course and the HSPA Math Prep
  courses do not fulfill the math requirement for
  graduation.

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Mathematics

• Students in Grades 9 10 who have not passed the
  math portion of the GEPA or district math
  assessment will be scheduled for the HSPA Math
  Prep I course. Students will continue in this
  program until they have achieved minimum
  proficiencies, as required by the NJ DOE.
• Students in Grade 11 who have not passed the math
  portion of the district mathematics assessment or
  who have been identified as at risk of not
  passing the math portion of the HSPA will be
  scheduled for HSPA Math Prep II.

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Mathematics

• Students in Grade 12 who have not passed the math
  portion of the HSPA will work to complete the
  Special Review Assessment (SRA), an alternate
  process provided to seniors to demonstrate
  proficiency in mathematics.
• Please feel free to contact me via e-mail if you
  have further questions
• goodrow_at_wtpsmercer.k12.nj.us

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Science

• Mr. Tom Brettell

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NJ State Science Requirements

• OBJECTIVE
• All students can and must learn enough science to
  assume their role as concerned citizens, equipped
  with the necessary information and
  decision-making skills.
• STANDARDS
• Objective will be met by following the 10 general
  standards set forth by the NJ State Department of
  Education. Standards can be seen on the
  following website.
• http//www.nj.gov/njded/cccs/s5_science.htm
• EDUCATION
• Minimum of three years of high school science
  must be completed to graduate with a high school
  diploma.
• Four years of science is recommended
• Successful Completion of State Science Testing
  Work in Progress

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What is Physics First?

• Freshmen take Physics as first high school
  science course.
• Everyone takes Physics before leaving high
  school.
• Realigns high school science curriculum.
• Past idea coming full circle. (Early 1900s)
• Science education reform.
• Embodies constructivist techniques of inquiry and
  conceptual change.

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WHY?

• Physics is the foundation for science.
• Many Physics principles are used in Chemistry.
• Energy
• Matter
• Mechanics
• Many Chemistry principles are used in Biology.
• Energy
• Atomic Structure
• Acids/Bases
• The face of Biology is changing to a more
  Bio-Chem.

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General Course Selection
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Language Arts

• Mr. Andrew Patterson

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English Department

• Courses, Options, and Expectations
• Course Catalog Pages 29-36
• Overall Objectives
• Develop and improve all areas of literacy
  including reading, writing, abstract thinking,
  and analytical skills. Improve language
  proficiency and communication skills through
  reading, writing, listening, speaking, and
  viewing.
• Required Courses
• Public Speaking (Semester Course)
• English 1 (Regular or Honors Level)
• English 2 (Regular or Honors Level)
• English 3 (Regular, Honors or AP Level Language
  and Composition)
• English 4 (Regular, Honors or AP Level
  Literature and Composition)
• Electives
• Journalism, Sports Journalism, Debate, Creative
  Writing 1, Creative Writing 2, Art of
  Communication, Science Fiction and Fantasy,
  Shakespeare, Playwriting, HSPA English, AP
  English Language, AP English Literature

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English DepartmentCourses, Options, and
Expectations

• Honors
  vs.
  Non-Honors

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World Languages

• Mrs. Melissa Urso

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WORLD LANGUAGES
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Social Studies

• Mrs. Debra Bella

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Electives

• Sociology The study of culture, society, and
  groups within a society.
• Psychology The study of the human mind and
  human behavior.
• History Film Through film screenings and
  discussions students will consider film as a
  medium for history.
• Comparative World Studies An in-depth look at
  selected world societies and their cultures from
  Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe.

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Electives

• Political Legal Education This honors class
  represents the culmination of civic literacy.
• American History through Sports Major events
  and trends in history will be placed within the
  context of sports.
• Economics This challenging survey course is
  designed to give students an understanding of
  basic economic concepts.

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Technology

• Mrs. Joy Wolfe

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Technology Department
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Foundation Courses

• Minimum of ONE Technology Course required
• Popular Choices
• Computer Applications
• Digital Design

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Technology - Artistic
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Software Computer Systems
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Pre-EngineeringProject Lead The Way
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Additional Electives

• Mrs. Nicole Rossi-Dzikowski

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ART ELECTIVES
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Business Electives
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Visual and Performing Arts
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Questions and Answers