FRESHMAN GUIDANCE

FRESHMAN PRE-MEETING INFORMATION1THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER CONCERNING GRADUATION RESPONSIBILITY:

Its your graduation!!!Its your responsibility!!You need to take ownership of your education!!!

2What Are Your Responsibilities?Know your graduation plan and requirementsKeep up with your credits Know what you have and what you needExample: You should not take the same class twiceKnow which classes you have taken and already have credit forCheck college requirementsKnow admission requirementsSuch as:GPA and Rank minimumsTest RequirementsKnow tuition costs and financial aid optionsAvoid last-minute problems Such as:AttendanceBehavior issuesGrades

3CreditsWhat is a credit?A credit is what you earn when you make a 70 or above in a courseYou earn a credit per semesterExample: (English I A (fall)) credit + (English I B (spring)) credit = 1 creditWhat happens if I dont earn a credit?If you make below a 70 for the semester, you will repeat that semester creditIf you make below a 70 for the year, you will repeat the entire yearExample #1: English 1 (A) = 65 = no credit; English I (B) = 70 = creditWhich means you will repeat English I (A)Example #2: English I (A) = 65 = no credit; English I (B) = 68 = no creditWhich means you will repeat the entire year of English I How do you make up credits? Core Classes or Courses Required for Graduation:Summer schoolRepeat the course before you graduateElectivesYou can repeat the course but are not required to.What are the credit requirements per grade?To be a Sophomore = 6.5 creditsTo be a Junior = 13 creditsTo be a Senior = 19.5 creditsTo graduate = 27.5Graduation PlansMinimumRecommendedDistinguished5Recommended Graduation PlanMeets admission requirements for most 4-year colleges and universities27.5 credits4 credits for all four core subjects:EnglishMathScienceSocial Studies2 credits Foreign Language1 credit PE credit Health and credit Speech1 credit Technology5.5 credits Electives2 of which must be CATE classes

6Core Subject SequencesEnglishEnglish I English II English III English IVMath1. Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Pre-Cal2. Algebra I Geometry/Math Models Algebra IIScienceBiology Chemistry Physics 4th Science (Anatomy or Astronomy)Social StudiesWorld Geography World History US History Government and Economics 7ELECTIVES!!Athletics/PEBoys AthleticsGirls AthleticsPEFine ArtsBand Theater ArtsCATE ClassesCareer and Technology Education ClassesAgricultureFamily StudiesTechnology

8ClassTeacherCreditRestrictionsPrinciples of Ag, Food and Natural ResourcesMrs. Schniers / Mr. Miller 1.0NoneLandscape Design and Turfgrass Management / Horticulture ScienceMrs. Schniers.5/.5Ag 101Principles and Elements of Floral DesignMrs. Schniers1.0Ag 101

Range Management/ Wildlife ManagementMr. Miller.5/.5Ag 101Livestock Production / Equine ScienceMrs. Schniers.5/.5Ag 101Advanced Animal Science Mrs. Schniers1.0Ag 101;LP/EQProfessional Standards in Agribusiness / Agribusiness Management and MarketingMr. Miller.5/.5Ag 101WeldingMr. Miller1.0Ag 101Ag Facilities Design and FabricationMr. Miller1.0Ag 101Ag Mechanics and Metal TechnologiesMr. Miller1.0Ag 101& Jr/Sr9Family and Consumer Sciences ClassesClassTeacherCreditRestrictionsDollars and Sense /Lifetime Nutrition and WellnessMrs. Rogers.5 /.5NoneFashion DesignMrs. Rogers1.0NoneChild Development/Child GuidanceMrs. Rogers.5 / .5Soph/Jr/SrInstructional Practice in Education And Training (Ready, Set, Teach!)Mrs. Rogers1.0Child Devp10Business and Technology ClassesClassTeacherCreditRestrictionsBusiness Information Management (BIM)Mrs. Pearson1.0NoneGraphic Design and IllustrationMrs. Pearson1.0BIMWeb TechnologiesMrs. Pearson1.0BIMComputer AnimationMrs. Pearson1.0BIMDigital and Interactive MediaMrs. Rogers1.0BIMCommercial PhotographyMrs. Rogers1.0DIMMAccountingMrs. Pearson1.0NoneBusiness ManagementCoach Bufe1.0None11Upper Level ElectivesAs a Senior, you have a few more elective credit options:YearbookAideOffice LibraryDual Credit Electives

12Distinguished Graduation PlanIs the same as the Recommended Plan but adds the following requirements:3 years of Foreign LanguageMeet College Readiness Standards on:English III STAAR TestAlgebra II STAAR Test4 semesters of a B or above in Dual Credit classesORSpecial research projectSelection as a National Merit Finalist or Semi-Finalist13Pre-AP / Dual Credit OptionsPre-AP/Honors CoursesEnglishEnglish I, English II, English IIIMathAlgebra IIAP Calculus ABScienceChemistryPhysicsDual Credit CoursesEnglishEnglish IVSocial StudiesUS HistoryGovernment/EconomicsElectivesSociologyPsychologyAlgebraBusiness MathStatisticsArt HistoryUpper Level Weighted CoursesSpanish IIIMathPre-Calculus

14Dual CreditRequirements:Meet College Readiness Standards:Meet the college readiness standards onEnglish IIIAlgebra IIOr.Pay for and pass the Accuplacer, a college readiness testPay Tuition and fees$150 per semester classAttend regularlyYou will be dropped if you do notPass your core classes!If you make a F for the first semester in a core class required for graduation, you will be dropped from Dual Credit the second semester.Options:Junior year: US HistorySenior Year:ITV Lab:English IVGovernment/EconomicsIn person professor:College AlgebraOnline:Psychology/SociologyArt HistoryMath AnalysisBusiness Statistics

15Minimum Graduation PlanCredits = 23.5Includes 6.5 electives2 must be CATE classes (technology, agriculture, family studies)No foreign language3 Math credits2 Science CreditsFulfills requirements for admission to junior collegesHOWEVER!! YOU CANNOT GO STRAIGHT TO A 4-YEAR UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE WITH A MINIMUM HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAIMPORTANT:To get on the minimum plan, you must meet certain requirements and have signatures from the counselor, principal, student, and parent/guardian

16TranscriptsShow:Number of CreditsGrades for each semester and final grades for year-long coursesGPA5.0 Scale4.0 ScaleClass RankTest ScoresInclude:TAKSSAT and ACT if you send the scores to usGraduation Plan17GPA and Class RankGrade Point Average = GPAGrades are converted into points and then averagedAbernathy = 5.0 scale (5.0 = 100; 4.9 = 99; 4.8=98, etc)Colleges = 4.0 scale (4.0 = 100, 3.9 = 99, 3.8 = 98, etc.)Rank is determined by GPAIs computed every January and June when semester and final grades are turned in by your teachersStudents in the top 10% of a Texas graduating high school class are given Assured Admission to Texas state colleges/universities

***** EXCEPT for the University of Texas at Austin ********Fall 2012 = Top 9% Fall of 2013 = Top 8% Fall of 2014 =TBD

YOU MUST APPLY TO THE COLLEGE FOR ADMISSION!You must also have an SAT/ACT score ready when you apply

18If You Need a TranscriptCome to the Guidance Center to request oneImportant!!!Only you, the student, or your parent/guardian can request a transcript. WE WILL NOT FILL TRANSCRIPTS REQUESTS FROM ANYONE ELSE WITHOUT YOU OR YOUR PARENT/GUARDIANS PERMISSION!!!You must have the following information:Where you want the transcript to go To you, to a school, to your parent, to pick up, etc.What kind of transcript you needOfficialStamped, signed, and sealed in an envelopeUnofficialJust a copy for you to seeWhen you need it by19Introduction to the STAAR Testing SystemFor High School StudentsSTAAR = Comprehensive Testing ProgramEnd Of Course (EOC) = Specific Type of STAAR test The Differences Between STAAR and TAKSTAKSSTAAR EOCPass the 4 Exit (Junior) Level TAKS testsEnglish/Language ArtsMathScienceSocial StudiesIf you pass those four tests and meet the graduation requirements for your plan, you graduateHad as much time as needed to take the testTests were in early March and late AprilReceived scores the last week of schoolOnly retested at the EXIT Level and only for the tests for which you did not meet the passing scoreTest scores were separate from class gradesTake 12 end of course tests, 3 tests each in the 4 core subjectsMust meet the cumulative score requirement in all four subject areas and all requirements for your plan to graduateThere is a 4-hour time limit for each testTests will be the last week of March and the second full week of MayReceive scores in mid-JuneAnyone can retest any test at any time for any reasonThe students STAAR EOC test score for a subject will be 15% of the students final grade in that subjectTo graduate Distinguished, you must meet the College Readiness standard on the English III and Algebra II EOC tests.STAAR EOC TestingEnglishEnglish IEnglish IIEnglish IIIMathAlgebra IGeometry Algebra IIScienceBiology ChemistryPhysicsSocial StudiesWorld GeographyWorld HistoryUS History

23Test Scores and Cumulative ScoresEach test counts toward a cumulative score for each subject you must attain in order to graduate from high school.A student must meet a yet-to-be-determined minimum score for the score to be counted towards the cumulative scoreRight now we do not know the passing standards or total cumulative score you must get but we do know: For each of four core content areas:

cumulative score n x passing scale score

n = number of assessments taken

24EXAMPLE ONLY AN EXAMPLE!!!!We do not know the any of the minimum, satisfactory, or cumulative score requirements yet so theoretically for example purposes we will use:Minimum score = 1000Cumulative Passing Score 3 x 1000 = 3000In this example for the subject of English:English I = 1000English II = 1500English III = 1200All scores are above 1000 so they all countCumulative Score = 1000 + 1500 + 1200 = 3700Meet passing cumulative score for English

Where It Gets ComplicatedIf a student does not meet the minimum score, then the score cannot be used towards the cumulative score soUsing the same example standards as before:English I = 1000English II = 400English III = 1000Cumulative score of 2000 because the 400 does not count= Does NOT meet cumulative score requirements for EnglishSo What Happens Then?The student will have to retake the test for which they did not meet the minimum score until they do meet the minimum scoreRetests are scheduled for July, December, and May each year.

Cumulative Scores in All SubjectsKeep in mind that the cumulative score requirement must be met for every subject area:MathEnglishScienceSocial Studies

If a student does not meet the cumulative score requirements for even just one of the subject areas, then the student does not graduate.Additional Graduation RequirementsIn addition to everything else, a student MUST meet the minimum score requirements in English III and Algebra II STAAR EOC tests to graduate. To graduate on the Distinguished Plan, a student must meet the College Readiness Standard on English III and Algebra II STAAR EOC tests.

15% RuleThe State of Texas is requiring that every STAAR EOC test count for 15% of the students final grade in that testing subject. If a student retests, the new score will NOT be averaged into the final grade. Once a final grade is complete, it will not be changed.Example: Kobe does not meet the minimum score in Geometry and must retest in the summer. Whatever score Kobe obtained in May is the 15% that will affect his Geometry final grade. The summer test will have no effect Kobes final Geometry grade.How do you get a grade from the testing scores?There is a conversion chart that will be used to convert the scale score from the STAAR EOC test into a numerical grade that will be 15% of the students final grade in the subject tested.

2012 Algebra I ExceptionIf a 2011-2012 Freshmen student took Algebra I for high school credit in the 2010-2011 school year, in middle school they will be exempt from taking the STAAR EOC Algebra I test.The cumulative score requirements will be adjusted accordinglyUsing our Theoretical Scores Example:Carmelo took Algebra I in middle school. Therefore, Carmelo only has to take the Geometry and Algebra II EOC tests and would have a cumulative score requirement of 2000 instead of 3000 because he only has 2 tests instead of 3 to add to the cumulative score total.Geometry = 1000Algebra II 1000Total cumulative score = 2000 = Student has meet cumulative score requirements for MathRetestingAccording to Texas State Law, a student can retest for any reason they want to as many times as they want to BUTThe new score will still NOT be used as the 15% of the final gradeExample: Lebron passed his Algebra I EOC test but was not happy with his score. He wants to retake it in the summer to see if he can get a better score. He takes it again in July and scores significantly higher. The new score will affect his overall cumulative score but the new score WILL NOT be used for the 15% of Lebrons final Algebra I grade.FYIThere is no benefit to having a high cumulative score!It may depend on if we can get enough people to be able to administer a test during the retesting timeTAKS Exit Level retesting AND STAAR EOC retesting will be at the same time in the summerFirst priority will be given to those who MUST retest to graduate

Other TestsSophomorePLAN Test (Pre-ACT)PSAT Test (Pre-SAT)JuniorASVAB = Military Entrance Test/Career Exploration TestPSAT Juniors get priorityACTSATSeniorKeep taking SAT/ACT tests if you want to try to get better scoresJUNIOR COLLEGES DO NOT REQUIRE ACT OR SAT TESTS FOR ADMISSION!!!

- However, many junior colleges do require ACT/SAT scores for scholarships.

34ACT/SAT TestsCollege Entrance ExamsUsually are recommended for Juniors and SeniorsHowevertechnically they could take it any time they wantHoweverthey are both Senior-level tests so the closer you can be to seniors, the betterSAT measures general verbal and mathematical reasoning skills, as well as writing skills.Writing position essay with supporting examplesMath Includes Algebra II topicsCritical Reading Short and long passages, no analogiesACT measures more closely high school curriculumMathScienceReadingEnglish

35Individual MeetingsYou will meet with me individuallyWhat you will do in our meetings:Research careers on Career CruisingUpdate 4-year plansPlan for registration in MayIdentify which classes you will needChoose which classes you would like to haveUnderstand that you may not get the classes you requestIt depends on the Master Schedule and the classes you have to have

36What is a 4-Year Plan?A guide to help plan credits to make sure you can graduate.Maps out what you have taken and what you need to take to graduate.Can and will change throughout high school.

37NAME: HB 3 and 4 x 4 Recommended Plan (27.5 Credits)Subject89101112English (4 Credits)English IEnglish IIEnglish IIIEnglish IVMath (4 Credits)Algebra IGeometryAlgebra IIScience (4 Credits)BiologyChemistryPhysicsAstronomySocial Studies (4 Credits)World GeographyWorld HistoryUS HistoryGovt /EcoOtherMath ModelsSpanish (2 Credits)Spanish ISpanish IIPE (1 Credit)Marching Band/Marching Band/Speech/Health (.5/.5 Credits)Speech / HealthFine Arts (1 Credit)/Concert Band/Concert BandBand IIIBand IVTechnology (1 Credit)BIM IDigital MediaPhotographyAg Electives PRINIFNR (AG 101)Equine Science / Livestock P.Range Mgt / Wildlife MgtAdvanced Animal ScienceElectives Business ManagementHome Ec Electives Dollars and Sense / Lifetime NutritionChild Dev / Child Guid.Electives (5.5 Credits) CREDITS:Career CruisingIs used to help guide you to a careerSteps:Mrs. Young will have already created a username and password for you. You need to log on.Then you have two options:If you know what you want to doYou can search and find the career or careers you are interested inIf you do not know what you want to doYou can do the Career Matchmaker, which finds a career for you based on a series of questions finding your likes and dislikesYou will get a list of options from which you can pick one you likeFinallyYou will print information about the career you are interested in

39Meetings Schedule For Next Week - Will be posted in the halls and by the office- If you are absent, you need to come by my office to reschedule - If you know you cannot make an appointment, let meknow as soon as possible so I can make changes

40Financial Aid 10141Financial aid definitionsFinancial Aid: Financial aid is a catch-all term referring to any program that offers money to assist with the costs associated with being a student. This includes tuition help, scholarships, living stipends, textbook costs, child care benefits, work grants, entrepreneurship support and more. Aid can come from any number of sources--state, local and federal government, the college itself, professional organizations, private charities and many others.

42What are the different types of financial aid?ScholarshipsA type of financial aid that does not have to be repaid by the recipient. Scholarships are most often given to students for one of two reasons: achievement in academics/other areas or financial need.GrantsA grant is form of federal or state aid that does not have to be repaid. Grants are typically given to people who demonstrate financial need. Grants are great sources of financial aid for people with need, which is determined by the FAFSA.LoansA loan is offered to students to pay off education-related expenses, such as tuition, books, or room and board. LOANS MUST BE PAID BACK IN FULL WITH INTEREST. Many loans are offered to students with a lower interest rate, such as the Stafford Loan. In general, students are not required to pay back these loans until after a grace period upon completion of their education. A FAFSA is used to determine if a student qualifies for a lower interest-rate loan.Work-StudyOf or relating to any of various programs at a university which enable students to engage in part-time employment while continuing their studies. Can be able to pay off loan instead of getting a paycheck.

43Who Gets Federal and State Aid?Requirements:Demonstrate financial needBe a U.S. Citizen with a valid Social Security NumberCertify that you are not in default on a federal loanCertify that you will use the aid for educational purposesBe working toward a degree in an eligible programShow you have qualified for post-secondary education by:Have a high school diploma or GEDPass an ATB TestComplete high school education in homeschool settingRegister with selective service if you are a male between 18 and 25Maintain satisfactory progress while in schoolPossession or sale of illegal drugs:Typically cannot receive federal aid for a period of time based on type and number of convictions BUT should still submit FAFSA for state and other non-federal aid44How do you get federal and state financial aid?Through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)FASFA = A form required by the government for application to any federal education aid program.The FAFSA is used to determine the expected family contribution based on family financial information. An expected family contribution (EFC) is calculated for every student who applies, even if the family is not going to contribute that amount.A FAFSA is used to determine the specific Financial Aid programs that can contribute to a students total financial aid package and in what proportions.Many universities also use the information provided to determine other grants and scholarships as wellThe Federal Student Aid Office is part of the US Department of EducationIt is highly recommended that every prospective college student fill one of these out even if qualification for grants is not a possibilityStudent could qualify for scholarships or favorable loans.45Sheet1Student ID#:Student DOB:CATE #:3Graduation Year:2013NAME: HB 3 and 4 x 4 Distinguished Plan (27.5) Credits)Subject89101112Updated:English (4 Credits)English I (Q)English II (Q)English III (Q)English IV DCMath (4 Credits)Algebra IGeometryAlgebra II (Q)Pre-CalAP Calculus ABScience (4 Credits)Biology (Q)Chemistry (Q)Physics (Q)AnatomySocial Studies (4 Credits)World GeographyWorld HistoryU.S. History DCGovt DC /Eco DCPE (1 Credit)AthleticsAthleticsAthleticsAthleticsSpanish (3 Credits)Spanish ISpanish IISpanish IIISpeech/Health (.5/.5 Credits)Speech /HealthFine Arts (1 Credit)BandBandBandBandTechnology (1 Credit)BIM IAg Electives Electives Home Ec Electives Dollars and Sense/ Lifetime NutritionChild Dev. / Child GuidanceINPREDTRElectives (5.5 Credits) Psyc DC /Soc DCAdvanced MeasuresDC = DC = CREDITS:2

&22Abernathy High School4- Year Plan

&18Career Goals:

College/Military Choices:

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March 22-26

&"Century Gothic,Bold"&36Freshman MeetingsMarch 23rd - 26th

March 29 - April 2Monday Tuesday Wednesday ThursdayFriday1stWorkshop2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th

&"Century Gothic,Bold"&36Sophomore MeetingsMake-Up WeekMarch 29th - April 2nd