SCHOLARS ACADEMY Mission Statement: The Scholars Academy seeks to provide a diverse group of highly motivated students with a truly world-class secondary education that prepares them for life in a global scholarly community.

Mr. Guthrie: Lead teacher Scholars Academy Mrs. Larkin: AP for Scholars Academy Mr. Rodriguez: IB Coordinator Mrs. Erickson: IB/Scholars Secretary Mrs. Williams: Scholars Academy Counselor Mrs. Sahwell: CAP Advisor Mrs. Shelley Groff: Parent Advisory Board Scholars Student BoardScholars/IB Office—Room 708305-532-4515 ext. 2708dguthrie@dadeschools.net

WELCOME!

Colleges are getting much more rigorous in their admission requirements.

Admission has become more highly competitive.

Scholars students should take a rigorous schedule of classes to have the best opportunity for successful acceptance.

Research shows a correlation in completing the HIGHEST level of courses and college admission.

Need For Rigor in High School

High School Course RigorWhen researchers control for as many observable

characteristics as are available, they find a consistent positive association between curricular intensity and the following:

Student test scores (Attewell and Domina 2008), High school graduation (Schneider, Swanson, and Riegle-

Crumb 1998) College entry (Long et al. 2012) Type of college entry (Attewell and Domina 2008) College grades (Klopfenstein and Thomas 2009) College graduation, (Adelman 2006; Attewell and Domina

2008) Wages (Altonji 1995; Rose and Betts 2004).

Academic Preparation for CollegeEvidence on the Importance of Academic Rigor in High SchoolMichal Kurlaender, Associate Professor of Education, University of California at DavisJessica S. Howell, Executive Director of Policy Research, The College Board

HS Diploma Enrolled in College Enrolled in Highly Selective 4 – Year CollegeBasic Math or Pre-Algebra 61.3% 30.4% 0.2% Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II 86.3% 61.5% 2.7% Trigonometry, Statistics, or PreCalculus 98.6% 89.3% 18.9% Calculus 99.6% 97.3% 52.2%

Typical Example of Rigorous Course Selection: From US DOE Longitudinal Study:

Source: Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Education Longitudinal Study of 2002(ELS : 2002).

SA students should strongly consider taking the most rigorous courses in all core areas.

Calculus and Physics are highly recommended and required for STEM

AP and IB are preferred over dual-enrollment Show how you “stand out” in leadership and

community service Test scores are important College writing ability and character

qualities are predicted from your essay

What Highly Selective Institutions Recommend:

Must take English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language all 4 years, regardless of FLVS or summer classes

Must complete Math through PreCalculus Must take a minimum of 1 AP class in 9th grade (AP

World History) in the classroom Must take a minimum of 1 AP class in 10th grade (AP

European History) in the classroom Must take a minimum of 2 AP classes in each of the

11th and 12th grades Required AP classes cannot be taken online IB Diploma students meet the requirements

Scholars Academy Requirements:

Scholars Academy students must maintain a 3.0 un-weighted GPA (B average) in each of their core subjects.

Students falling below a B average are placed on academic probation and must improve performance by the next year to remain in the program.

Seniors who fail to maintain a B average in their core subjects will not receive a SA graduation cord.

GPA Requirement:

Forms will be distributed next week during your English class.

You should have a SA form which is different from the general subject selection form.

You will have until January to complete the form properly.

You need to get your current teachers to help recommend classes and sign your forms.

Choose electives in order of preference. Sign and have your parent sign. English classes will meet with each counselor during

articulation in January to turn in forms.

Subject Selection for Next Year:

All AP and Honors classes will now require a signed red or white “ticket” from your current teacher that recommends you for the class.

If you have 6 AP and Honors classes, you will have 6 tickets attached.

All AP classes require an AP contract that is signed by you and your parent and attached.

All FLVS classes, including summer, MUST BE APPROVED by your counselor and also include a contract that must be signed concerning completion time.

New Forms This Year:

Students are expected to carefully consider and honor their requests for classes.

There will be NO SCHEDULE CHANGES made next year.

We will not switch students from an AP level class to honors because these classes are filled to maximum capacity due to class size rules.

Seniors will be given preference for FLVS classes during school hours.

FLVS classes taken over the summer must be approved and completed at least 2 weeks prior to the opening of school.

Importance of Subject Selection:

Academies and lead teachers will be available in the media center

9th and 10th graders will attend during their English class

Others may attend during lunch

Academy Fair Dec. 16-17

Given out next week in English classes and returned during articulation in January.

Typical SA Subject Selection Form:

Student Name: ____________________________________________ ID#: __________________ SCHOLARS ACADEMY SUBJECT SELECTION Teachers please initial next to recommended course. Students are expected to carefully consider and honor their course selections. Schedule changes will not be permitted.

Write 4 electives in order of preference (not to include the above core selections). If you do NOT write down electives, they will be selected for you.

Scholars Academy students must take Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Foreign Language every year. Sophomores must take at least 1 AP course to include AP European History. Spanish, Portuguese, or French is required if you intend to pursue the IB Diploma. AP US Government/AP Economics is an elective recommended for students wishing to enter the IB Programme. Students should consult the Scholars Office to inquire about pre-requisites for the IB Diploma Programme. One FLVS course is required prior to graduation.

Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Studies Foreign Language

___A82 Eng. 2H A83 Eng. 2 HG

B82 Algebra 2H ___B83 Algebra2 HG B64 PreCalc H

___C83 Chemistry H ___C84 Chemistry HG ___C51 Physics H ___C90 AP Biology ___C92 AP Chemistry

___C96 AP EnvSci

D91 AP European Hist (Req.)

__D71/72 AP US Gov/AP Econ (IB elective)

___F82 Spanish 2 FL

___F53 Spanish 3H FL ___F32 Portuguese 2

___F54 Spanish 4H FL ___F33 Portuguese 3H

___F62 Spanish 2 S ___F34 Portuguese 4H

___F63 Spanish 3H S ___F22 Italian 2

___F64 Spanish 4H S ___F23 Italian 3H

___F57 AP Span Lang ___F24 Italian 4H

___F12 French 2 FL ___F25 AP Italian Lan

___F13 French 3H FL

___F14 French 4H FL

___F17 AP French Lan

Course Code Course Name Teacher Signature (if required) 1. 2. 3. 4.

Scholars Academy AP Curriculum

The four-year Curriculum of Advanced Studies STEM Path (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math); Pre-Med

1. Students must maintain an unweighted 3.0 GPA in the five core academic subjects: English, Foreign Language, Social Studies, Science, and Math and take these courses every year. 2. Students must have completed Honors Physical Science and Honors Algebra I before grade nine. 3. Students must take one AP in grade nine and ten and a minimum of two AP classes in grades eleven and twelve. They must complete Pre-Calculus in Math. 4. Students are recommended to participate in an executive internship in grade eleven or twelve and are required to take at least one FLVS class. 5. University admission is very competitive. Universities and Ivy League schools favor the most rigorous math and science curriculum. Consult the Scholars Office for help with subject selection and elective choices. Students entering the IB Diploma Programme in grade 11 have specific requirements and options.

Subject Group GRADE 9

GRADE 10

GRADE 11

GRADE 12

English

Pre-AP/H English 1 or Pre-AP/H Gifted English 1

Pre-AP/H English 2 Pre-AP/H Gifted English 2

AP English Language or H English 3

AP English Literature or English 4 Dual Enrollment

Foreign Language

Spanish/French/Italian/ Portuguese 1 or more advanced

Spanish/French/Italian/ Portuguese 2 or more advanced

Spanish/French/Italian/ Portuguese 3 or more advanced

Spanish/French/Italian/ Portuguese 4/AP or more advanced

Social Studies

AP World History (Required)

AP European History (Required) AP US Gov & AP Econ (IB elective)

AP US/American History or H US/American History

AP Government /Dual Enrollment Economics

Science

Pre-AP H Biology or Pre-AP H Gifted Biology Pre-AP H Chemistry Pre-AP H Gifted Chemistry

Pre-AP H Chemistry or Pre-AP H Gifted Chemistry Pre-AP H Physics

H Physics or AP Physics B and AP Biology or AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science

H Physics or AP Physics B/C and AP Biology or AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science

Mathematics

Pre-AP H Geometry or Pre-AP H Gifted Geometry Pre-AP H Algebra 2 Pre-AP H Gifted Algebra 2

Pre-AP H Algebra 2 or Pre-AP H Gifted Algebra 2 Pre-AP H Pre-Calculus

H Pre-Calculus (Required) H Calculus/Dual Enrollment AP Calculus AB AP Statistics

H Calculus/Dual Enrollment AP Calculus AB or BC AP Statistics H Prob and Statistics

Electives Pre AP/IB Inquiry Skills (Required) Pers Fitness/Phys Ed (Required) Recommended elective in STEM, Arts, Debate, Journalism

2 Recommended electives in STEM Marine Science 1 AP Biology, AP Chemistry or AP Env Sci available only after H Chemistry

3 Recommended AP or electives STEM or Internship Marine Science 2 AP Psychology (must have completed Psychology)

3 Recommended AP or Electives in STEM or Internship AP Psychology

Scholars Academy AP Curriculum

The four-year Curriculum of Advanced Studies Liberal Arts Career Path: Law, Journalism, Social Sciences, Arts, Languages

1. Students must maintain an unweighted 3.0 GPA in the five core academic subjects: English, Foreign Language, Social Studies, Science, and Math and take these courses every year. 2. Students must have completed Honors Physical Science and Honors Algebra I before grade nine. 3. Students must take one AP in grade nine and ten and a minimum of two AP classes in grades eleven and twelve. They must complete Pre-Calculus in Math. 4. Students are recommended to participate in an executive internship in grade eleven or twelve and are required to take at least one FLVS class. 5. University admission is very competitive. Some universities and Ivy League schools may also favor a rigorous math and science curriculum. Consult the Scholars Office for help with subject selection and elective choices. Students entering the IB Diploma Programme in grade 11 have specific requirements and options.

Subject Group GRADE 9

GRADE 10

GRADE 11

GRADE 12

English

Pre-AP/H English 1 or Pre-AP/H Gifted English 1

Pre-AP/H English 2 Pre-AP/H Gifted English 2

AP English Language or H English 3

AP English Literature or English 4 Dual Enrollment

Foreign Language

Spanish/French/Italian/ Portuguese 1 or more advanced

Spanish/French/Italian/ Portuguese 2 or more advanced

Spanish/French/Italian/ Portuguese 3 or more advanced

Spanish/French/Italian/ Portuguese 4/AP or more advanced

Social Studies

AP World History (Required)

AP European History (Required) AP US Gov & AP Econ (IB elective)

AP US/American History or H US/American History

AP Government /Dual Enrollment Economics

Science

Pre-AP H Biology or Pre-AP H Gifted Biology Pre-AP H Chemistry Pre-AP H Gifted Chemistry

Pre-AP H Chemistry or Pre-AP H Gifted Chemistry Pre-AP H Physics

H Physics or AP Physics B AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science

H Physics or AP Physics B/C AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science

Mathematics

Pre-AP H Geometry or Pre-AP H Gifted Geometry Pre-AP H Algebra 2 Pre-AP H Gifted Algebra 2

Pre-AP H Algebra 2 or Pre-AP H Gifted Algebra 2 Pre-AP H Pre-Calculus

H Pre-Calculus (Required) H Calculus/Dual Enrollment AP Calculus AB AP Statistics

H Calculus/Dual Enrollment AP Calculus AB or BC AP Statistics H Prob and Statistics

Electives Pre AP/IB Inquiry Skills (Required) Pers Fitness/Phys Ed (Required) Recommended elective in Arts, Debate, Journalism, Technology

2 Recommended electives in Arts, Debate, Journalism, Technology AP Biology, AP Chemistry or AP Env Sci available only after H Chemistry

3 Recommended AP or electives in Arts, Debate, Journalism, Technology or Internship AP Art History AP Human Geography AP Psychology (must have completed Psychology)

3 Recommended AP or Electives in Arts, Debate, Journalism, Technology or Internship AP Art History AP Human Geography AP Psychology

Copies of the SA curriculum are available online and on the handout you received.

Current students in grade 10 may apply for the IB Diploma Programme for grades 11-12

Applications are currently available online or in the SA/IB Office, Room 708 – Due Jan 10th

If considering IB:◦ Italian is currently not offered in IB◦ Pre-Calculus must be completed to qualify for Mathematics (Alg.

2 students enter Math Studies)◦ Chemistry must be completed to qualify for IB Chemistry

(Biology students enter IB Biology)◦ AP Gov/Econ is a recommended elective for students wanting IB

in grade 10. IB Schedules will be completed individually once

accepted into the program.

IB Diploma Programme

SA students may choose between the IB Diploma Programme or continue with the SA curriculum and AP classes in grades 11-12.

A student may choose a variety of individual AP classes based on his/her strengths.◦ AP test over one year’s material ◦ More elective choices

IB curriculum includes six areas of study, Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, CAS◦ Balanced, rigorous program in all areas◦ IB tests in grade 12 cover two year’s material

Both AP and IB classes count the same in weighted GPA and may receive college credit with passing test scores.

Differences between IB and AP

Newsletter: Scholars Scribe Available at the MBSH website:

miamibeachhigh.schoolwires.com

Subject selection sheets next week Academy Fair: December 16 - 17 Articulation: January 7 – 24 (by English

class) Scholars Applications for 8th graders due by

January 10 IB Applications for 10th graders due by

January 10 Boat Show parent volunteers: sign up to

represent Scholars Academy/ IB at the PTSA website under the Boat Show Volunteer tab

Important Dates:

Thanks for your continued support!

Contact the Scholars Office or email us individually with questions…