Marion County High School Diploma Options for Students

Three diploma options are available for students at MCHS 1. Alabama High School Diploma(Standard diploma) 2. Alabama High School Diploma with Advanced Academic Endorsement (Advanced Diploma) 3.Occupational Diploma - requires a written IEP. This diploma option should be discussed with Mrs. Baker during the IEP meeting Marion County High School Diploma Options for Students

What type of grades does your child make now? Future career plans - 4 year degree at a major university, 2-year degree at a community college, military, or work How hard are they willing to work? Which Diploma Should You Choose?

All diploma types require 24 credits All diploma types require 16 core courses 4 credits of English 4 credits of Math 4 credits of Science 4 credits of Social Science 1 credit of Physical Education 1/2 credit of Health (8th grade Health does not count) 1/2 credit of Fine Arts 1/2 credit of Computer Applications (8th keyboarding does not count) Specific number of electives - depends on diploma type Pass the Alabama High School Graduation Exam What Is Required?

Known as the standard diploma English classes include: 9th English, 10th English, 11th English, and 12th English Math classes include: - Algebra IA, Algebra IB, Geometry, and Algebraic Connections Science classes include: -Survey of Biology, Physical Science, Environmental Science, and Science Interactions Social Studies classes include: Modern World History, Early U.S. History, Modern U.S. History, and Gov’t/Economics Alabama High School Diploma

1/2 credit of Health - taken in 10th grade with Education 1/2 credit of fine arts - music appreciation - taken in 9th grade Band meets the fine arts requirement 1/2 credit of Computer Applications - taken in 9th grade with Music Appreciation 1 credit of Physical Education No Foreign Language requirement 5 1/2 credits of electives will be required. These include Ag, P.E., Computer, Yearbook, Office Aide, Teacher’s Aide, Library Aide, Career/Tech, and Bevill Tech courses Career Tech (TIE classes) or Bevill Tech courses (Electronics, Drafting, Machine Tool) are encouraged for standard diploma students in grades 11 and 12

Known as the advanced diploma All classes are considered advanced and will require extra assignments. Ex. Research papers, reports, extra reading assignments Classes will be coded as honor’s classes on the student’s transcript Students who choose to take advanced courses will have weight added to their grade point averages. A student could have above a 4.0. (Pending board approval) Students who think they may play a college sport, must choose the advanced diploma. This is a must in order to meet NCAA requirements Highly encouraged if the student is planning to attend a four-year college Must be on the academic diploma track to have a chance for VAL/SAL Alabama High School Diploma With Academic Endorsement

English - 9th Advanced English, 10th Advanced English, 11th Advanced English, AP English Math - Algebra I - fast pace, Geometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus(Algebraic Connections is under consideration, due to the fact that the course of study has changed.) Science - Biology I, Physical Science, Chemistry, and Physics. AP Biology may be added back to the schedule and would meet a required science credit for advanced diploma students Social Studies - Advanced World History, Advanced U.S. History I, Advanced U.S. History II, and Advanced Gov’t/Economics Courses Required for the Advanced Diploma

Spanish I and Spanish II 1/2 credit of Health taken with Driver’s Ed - 10th grade 1/2 credit of Fine Arts - Music Appreciation - 9th grade 1/2 credit of Computer Applications - 9th grade 1 credit of Physical Education 3 1/2 credits of electives - Ag, Athletics, P.E., Yearbook, Library Assistant, Office Aide, Teacher’s Aide, Computer Please note that while a student can decide to drop back to a standard diploma, due to scheduling issues at small schools, students cannot decide to jump to the advanced diploma after beginning the standard route

Talk with your child about all diploma options Complete desired four-year plan sheet located in the back of your packet. You only need to return one sheet. Please note this is your four-year plan. No electives have been filled in. Your child will review these each spring. Please note that if any major changes take place, you and your child will be notified as soon as possible. Return the sheet to your first period teacher by Friday, April 28. A parent’s signature is required and must be on file. Any changes to the diploma track requires another parent signature. What You Need to Do Now?

All students must pass the graduation exam. The test includes the following subjects: English, Language, Math, Science, Social Studies. Each test has a different passing score and will change from time to time Students who successfully complete Algebra I and/or Biology before the spring of their tenth grade will have an early opportunity to take the mathematics and or/science subject test(s). This would be during the month of September of the tenth grade year. Algebra A students would not have this opportunity. Once a subject test is passed, the student will not have to take that subject test again. Occupational diploma students must attempt the graduation exam Graduation Exam

Tutoring is provided after school and during the summer, but it is up to the parent/student to schedule this with the tutor. Students not passing any part of the exam will be placed in a review course at school. A website is available to MCHS students free of charge. Great website with practice tests. The adult high school diploma is an option for students not passing the graduation exam by December of the senior year. This involves taking the GED test. The student and parent will be asked to come in and discuss this option if it is needed Read and sign the blue information sheet in your packet. This must be on file in your child’s records. This is a legal document. Return this with your four-year plan. The good news - MCHS has an excellent passing rate. Most students pass on their first try!

Start working now! Start keeping track of your child’s awards in all areas. Keep a list of academic, sports, church, and community service activities. 9th grade starts the process for class ranks and GPA’S. Class rank and GPA are very important for scholarships and entrance into colleges. Make sure your child takes the EXPLORE test, the PLAN test, PSAT test and the ACT test. High scores = good scholarships! All students planning to attend college should take the ACT at least once, if not twice, by the end of the junior year. Look for summer activities. MCHS students are told about these programs all the time! Examples - rural health program at UofA, Boy’s State, Girl’s State, Alabama Youth Leadership Program, Preparing for College and Scholarships

Bevill summer’s honor’s scholarships. Some of these programs are free, some require a fee. Get your child involved in these programs Community service -World Changers, Habitat for Humanity, hospitals, churches, etc. Community service is big for large scholarships and local scholarships. GET INVOLVED! Watch newsletters, e-mails, school website, and listen to school announcements for information about scholarships, community service, and special programs Remember deadlines! A college information meeting will be held during the spring of the junior year - make sure you attend!

Each student has a career portfolio and will continue to add information each year. Each student will develop a high school resume’ in 9th grade. This will be completed with the English teacher and updated it each year. New websites will be introduced to help students add to their portfolios. Career interest inventories will be taken each year. What Will the School Do?

Marion County High School Diploma Options for Students