maur hill – mount academy freshmen/sophomore information night november 12, 2014
TRANSCRIPT
Maur Hill – Mount Academy
Freshmen/Sophomore Information NightNovember 12, 2014
Agenda
What do Counselors Do
Graduation Requirements
Transcript Breakdown
Testing Options/Information
Academic Information
Miscellaneous
What Do Counselors Do?
Academic, career, and social/emotional support
Schedule changes and proper class placement
4 Year Plan (9-12) Development
Conferences with student/parent/teacher
Student Advocate
Academic Intervention Counseling
Learning the Lingo
Credit – Awarded upon successful completion of a course (awarded twice a year at the end of a semester in .5 increments)
Sequence – Number of year of study in one academic discipline (Math, English, etc.)
Requirement – Courses absolutely required in order to graduate, either state or local course requirements
Elective – A chosen course, not part of the core class structure
Graduation Requirements
English – 4 Credits
Math – 4 Credits
Science – 4 Credits
Social Studies – 4 Credits
Religion – 4 or 1 Credit for each year of attendance
Electives – 3 Credits
Fine Arts – 1 Credit
PE/Health – 1 Credit
Foreign Language – 2 Credits (must be same language)
Graduation Requirements
Kansas Regents Honor Scholar Pathway
Maur Hill – Mount Academy
Graduation Requirements
Kansas Regents Honor Scholars
Specific RequirementsEnglish – Must include American Literature
Math – Must include Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and at least 1 class beyond Algebra 2
Science – Must include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
Social Sciences – Must include World History, American History, Government, Economics
Foreign Language – Must be 2 years of the same language
Transcripts
Transcripts
Weighted vs Unweighted
Unweighted is on a traditional 4.0 scaleA = 4.00
A- = 3.75
B+ = 3.25
B = 3.00
Weighted is on a 4.25 scale (College and AP courses only)
A = 4.25
A- = 4.00
B+ = 3.50
B = 3.25
Testing
9th – ASPIRE
10th – ASPIRE or PSAT and start SAT or ACT
11th – PSAT continue SAT and ACT
12th – (Early Fall) Final testing opportunities
ASPIRE
Practice test for the ACT
Test is given to all freshmen students in October
Results will be sent home with Fall Semester Report Card (December)
Why we give it?Exposes students to the ACT and official testing early
Data can help identify students who need to be challenged in classes, or those students who need additional academic resources
Gives indication of strengths and weaknesses and areas for improvement
PSAT
Practice Test for the SAT; uses questions from discontinued SAT tests
High enough scores can lead to National Merit Scholarship Finalists or Commended Scholar Awards ($$)
Why we give it?Exposes students to the SAT early
Data can help identify students who need to be challenged in classes, or those students who need additional academic resources
Gives indication of strengths and weaknesses
ACT
Content Based – English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing (optional)
Large focus on English grammar and punctuation
All multiple choice with no guessing penalty – only scored on the number of correct answers
Math section does include Trigonometry
Highest score is 36 (average of the 4 sections)
SAT
Tests critical thinking and problem solving – math, reading and writing
Very heavy in vocabulary
Not entirely multiple choice; some questions require graphing or entering numeric answer
Highest score is a 2400 between the 3 categories (800 each)
College are looking at the total score between math and reading
Redesigned SAT (Spring 2016)
3 Sections – Evidence Based Reading and Writing, Math, and Essay
Test will take 3 hours, with additional 50 minutes for optional essay portion
Incorrect guesses will NOT be penalized
Science passages added to the reading section
Graduating classes of 2015 and 2016 will take the current SAT. Only classes of 2017 and beyond will take the redesigned SAT.
Qualified Admissions
6 Regent Universities (KSU, Emporia, Wichita, Hays, Pittsburgh, KU)
RequirementsGraduate from an accredited KS high school
ACT score of at least 21 of SAT score of at least 980
Graduate in top 1/3 of class
Complete QA Pre-College CurriculumAt least a 2.0 in any dual credit courses being transferred in
Miscellaneous Academic Information
60% is minimum grade needed for a class credit
Academic Assistance done weekly (Monday-Thursday)
Students notified on Monday during 5th hour
College Applications(Start Preparing Your Folder Now)
School InvolvementAthletic Teams
Non-Athletic Activities (Scholars Bowl, Musical, etc.)
Community ServiceDiverse, meaningful service to others
Recommendation Letters
Grades
Test ScoresHigher priority placed on test scores
How Parents Can Help
Encourage good study habits, beginning in the 9th grade
Facilitate decision making and access to appropriate courses
Attend parent/teacher conferences
Discuss and post-secondary plans/opportunities
Frequent communication with teachers and counselor
Encourage your child to challenge themselves in academics
Reminders
PowerSchool Access
Raven Weekly and Student Raven Weekly
Summer ACT Prep CourseWednesdays from 9am-11am
Starting May 27 through July 29
Information available 2nd semester
Questions?
