DaltonLocalHigh School
Course Catalog
2009-2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Grading Scale & Graduation Requirements 3
OhioGraduation Tests Information 4
Alternative Diploma Pathway 5
Diploma with Honors 6
Award of Merit 7
Scheduling Procedures & Policies 8
Course Descriptions:
Art 9
Music 9
Speech & Drama10
Business11
Family & Consumer Science12
Foreign Language13
Health & Physical Education13
Industrial Technology14
Language Arts (English)15
Math15
Sciences16
Social Studies17
On-Line Elective Courses18
On-Line Learning Policy20
Independent Study Guidelines23
Independent Study Application24
Additional Educational Options: Dual Credit,
Post-Secondary, International Baccalaureate25
Extra-Curricular Activities & Clubs28
Athletic Activities30
Academic Credits & Athletic Eligibility32
GENERAL INFORMATION
Grading Scale:
The grading system is as follows:Point average to grade determinations:
A94 – 1004.0 point value3.86 – 4.00 = A
A-92 – 93 3.7 point value3.51 – 3.85 = A-
B+90 – 913.3 point value3.16 – 3.50 = B+
B85 – 893.0 point value2.86 – 3.15 = B
B-83 – 842.7 point value2.51 – 2.85 = B-
C+81 – 822.3 point value2.16 – 2.50 = C+
C72 – 802.0 point value1.86 – 2.15 = C
C-70 – 711.7 point value1.51 – 1.85 = C-
D+68 – 691.3 point value1.16 – 1.50 = D+
D62 – 671.0 point value0.86 – 1.15 = D
D-60 – 610.7 point value0.36 – 0.85 = D-
F0 – 590.0 point value0.00 – 0.35 = F
Grade Reportsare distributed at the close of each nine week period and given to students during lunch mods.
Interim Reportswill be sent to the parents of all students at the end of the fourth week of each grading period.
Earning Credit: To earn credit for a full year course, a student must have earned two passing grades second semester. The exam grade counts as one of these grades. In addition, the student must have earned enough quality points to earn at least a D- average. For a semester course, the student must have two passing grades, one of which could be the exam along with the earned quality points.
Incomplete Assignmentsnot completed by the end of a grading period will result in an incomplete (I). If the assignments are not completed within two weeks after the grading period, the incomplete will result in an “F” for the grading period.
Athletic Eligibility: In order to participate in interscholastic sports, a student must pass five credits and have a minimum of a 1.0 grade point average each nine weeks grading period to be eligible to participate for the following grading period. This policy also governs participation in extracurricular activities.Refer to the pages in the back of this catalog for athletic eligibility equivalencies.
Graduation Requirements
Twenty-one (21) units of credit, as a minimum, are required for graduation. Students must also pass all five (5) subject areas of the Ohio Graduation Tests (OGT), or meet the Alternative Pathway for Eligibility for a Diploma criteria. Required within the 21 credit hours:
4 units - English
3 units - social studies (must include ½ unit of American History and ½ unit of American Gov’t)
3 units - science (must include one unit of biological sciences and one unit of physical sciences)
3 units - math
1 unit - physical education (a ½ credit) and health (a ½ credit)
1 unit - business, technology, foreign language, and/or fine arts
6 units - electives
Mod Schedule:
Tardy Bell Rings at 7:40AM1 / 7:40 - 8:00 / 10 / 11:11 - 11:32 / Lunch
2 / 8:03 - 8:24 / 11 / 11:35 - 11:55 / Lunch
3 / 8:27 - 8:47 / 12 / 11:58 - 12:19 / Lunch
4 / 8:50 - 9:11 / 13 / 12:22 - 12:42
5 / 9:14 - 9:34 / 14 / 12:45 - 1:06
6 / 9:37 - 9:58 / 15 / 1:09 - 1:29
7 / 10:01 - 10:21 / 16 / 1:32 - 1:53
8 / 10:24 - 10:45 / 17 / 1:56 - 2:16
9 / 10:48 - 11:08 / Lunch / 18 / 2:19 - 2:40
1
The Ohio Graduation TestsOhio Graduation Tests (OGT) are a key part of Ohio’s education reform to establish an aligned system of standards, assessments and accountability for Ohio schools. The testing requirements were established by the Ohio General Assembly in 2001 based on recommendations by the Governor’s Commission for Student Success. Tests in reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies make up the OGT.
What are the purposes of the Ohio Graduation Tests? The purposes of the OGT are to:
Ensure that students who receive a high school diploma demonstrate at least high school levels of achievement;
Measure the level of reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies skills expected of students at the end of the 10th grade;
Meet federal requirement for high school testing.
What time of year do students take the OGT? Students take the OGT for the first time in the spring of their sophomore year. Students can continue to take the tests in the fall and spring of their junior and senior years and during the summer. (Consult your school administrator to see if your district offers summer testing.)
What happens if students don’t pass the tests the first time? Students who do not pass one or more tests on their first attempt will retake the tests they need to pass during their junior and senior years. Ohio Graduation Tests are administered each fall and spring, with an optional summer administration available within some school districts.
Who develops the OGT tests? Ohio teachers and other educators, parents, representatives of the business community and other citizens are involved with Ohio Department of Education staff and its testing contractor in developing items for the OGT. The law requiring Ohio Graduation Tests clearly states that parents, classroom teachers, other school personnel and administrators must be involved in developing the tests.
How do we know OGT tests are fair? A Content Advisory Committee, made up of parents, educators and others, reviews all test questions. Another committee, the Fairness Sensitivity Review Committee, has been trained to review questions to ensure that the questions are not biased in any way. This group, also comprised of parents, educators and others, ensures that test questions are fair and do not promote or inquire as to an individual’s moral or social values or beliefs. Committee members represent a broad base of diverse backgrounds, organizations and school districts. Each of the committees review items prior to field testing and again after field testing where data on the item performance are available. Items must be accepted by both committees prior to the item appearing on any test for which a student is held accountable.
How many questions are on the OGT tests? OGT tests have approximately 35 multiple-choice questions and up to eight constructed (written) response items.
How long will students have to take the tests? Students have up to two and one-half hours to take each of the tests.
Are the Ohio Graduation Tests strictly multiple-choice questions? The OGT includes items other than multiple-choice questions. Students have to write responses to some questions.
Are there other ways for students to receive a diploma if they don’t pass the OGT? Students in the senior class of 2007 and beyond may graduate and receive a diploma without passing all five tests of the OGT if they meet the Alternative Pathway for eligibility for a diploma. Refer to pages 4 and 5.
Do exceptional children and English-limited students have to pass the OGT?
Students whose Individual Education Plan (IEP) excuses them from the consequence of having to pass the OGT may be awarded a diploma. However, federal law (Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 2002) requires every student to take the OGT or an alternate assessment. English-limited students, (those students whose primary language is not English) also must achieve the specified scores on the OGT in order to be awarded a diploma.
Contact Information
Office of Assessment,
Ohio Department of Education
(614) 466-0223
1
Alternative Pathway for Eligibility for a DiplomaThe graduating class of 2007 was the first class who must score at proficient or above on the Ohio Graduation Tests (OGT) as a graduation requirement. Under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §3313.615, students can graduate by passing four of the five OGT if they meet all of the criteria outlined below.
Criteria for Alternative Pathway to Graduation
- On the one [OGT]...for which the person failed to attain the designated score, the person missed that score by 10 points or less; Note:This means a scaled score of at least 390 on the failed OGT.
- Has a 97 percent school attendance rate in each of the last four school years, excluding any excused absences; Note:Excused absences are defined by local school district policy.
- Has not been expelled from school...in any of the last four school years; Note:The statute does not address other student disciplinary outcomes, such as suspension.
- Has a grade point average of at least 2.5 out of 4.0, or its equivalent as designated in rules adopted by the state board of education in the subject area of the [failed OGT]; Note:The conversion chart found below must be used.
- Has completed the [state] high school curriculum requirements...in the subject area [of the failed test]; Note: This applies to a student’s eligibility to be considered for an alternative pathway only. To receive a diploma, the student must also satisfy school district graduation requirements.
- Has taken advantage of any intervention programs provided by the school district or school in the subject area [of the failed OGT]...and has a 97 percent attendance rate, excluding any excused absences, in any of those programs that are provided at times beyond the normal school day, school week, or school year or has received comparable intervention services from a source other than the school district or school; Note: Students are only subject to this criteria if they were offered intervention. If so, the attendance requirement refers to their rate of participation.
- Holds a letter recommending graduation from each of the person's high school teachers in the subject area [of the failed OGT]...and from the person's high school principal. Note: If the student’s teacher from a specific course is no longer available, a person with sufficient knowledge to make an informed recommendation may substitute.
GPA Calculation Chart:
Comparison of Diplomas with Honors Criteria
Students need to fulfill all but one criterion for any of the following Diplomas with Honors
Subject / High School Academic Diploma with Honors Graduating Classes 2010 and Before / High School Academic Diploma with Honors Graduating Classes 2011 and Beyond / Career-Technical Diploma with Honors for Graduating Classes 2010 and Before / Career-Technical Diploma with Honors for Graduating Classes 2011 and Beyond
English / 4 units / 4 units / 4 units, which may include one unit of applied communication / 4 units
Mathematics / 3 units, including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or a three-year sequence of courses that contain equivalent content / 4 units, including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or equivalent and another higher level course or a four-year sequence of courses that contain equivalent content / 3 units, including Algebra and Geometry, or a sequence of courses that contain equivalent content / 4 units, including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or equivalent and another higher level course or a four-year sequence of courses that contain equivalent content
Science / 3 units, which develop the concepts for physical, life, and earth and space sciences / 4 units, including physics and chemistry / 3 units, which develop the concepts for physical, life, and earth and space sciences / 4 units, including physics and chemistry
Social Studies / 3 units / 4 units / 3 units / 4 units
Foreign Language / 3 units, including at least 2 units in each language studied / 3 units, including at least 2 units in each language studied / 2 units, or 2 units of business/technology, or one unit each / Not counted toward requirements
Fine Arts / 1 unit / 1 unit / May be counted toward requirements under Electives / Not counted toward requirements
Career-Technical / Not counted toward requirements, and may not be used to meet requirements / Not counted toward requirements, and may not be used to meet requirements / 3 units in the vocational or technical education curriculum / Now counted in Electives
Electives / Either 1 unit of business/technology and 2 units of above or 3 units of the above subject, not including career-technical / Not counted toward requirements / 2 units of above categories, including fine arts / 4 units of Career-Technical minimum. Program must lead to an industry recognized credential, apprenticeship, or be part of an articulated career pathway which can lead to post secondary credit.
Grade Point Average / 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
ACT/SAT Score / 27 ACT / 1210 SAT
[excluding scores from the writing sections]*
Additional Assessment / Not applicable / Not applicable / Complete a career passport that reflects achievement of the occupational proficiency benchmark established for the Ohio vocational competency assessment or the equivalent / Achieve proficiency benchmark established for appropriate Ohio Career-Technical Competency Assessment or equivalent
*Writing sections of either standardized test should not be included in the calculation of this score.
Diploma with Honors requirements pre-suppose completion of all high school diploma requirements in Ohio Revised Code.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR 2010 AWARD OF MERIT
The requirements listed below have been adopted for the "Award of Merit." This certificate will be awarded by the State Board of Education to all those who meet the criteria specified in A and C or B and C below. NOTE: Courses completed prior to ninth grade, taught by a teacher licensed to teach high school, recognized as high school level work by the local school district board of education and courses that are part of the Post Secondary Education Options Program, also apply to the criteria for the "Award of Merit."
A. College Prep Requirements – complete the following minimum requirements
1. English – 4 units (May include 1 unit of fundamentals of speech.)
2. Mathematics – 3 units (Must include 1 unit of algebra and 1 unit of geometry.)
3. Science – 3 units (Must include 2 units from among biology, chemistry, and physics.)
4. Social Studies – 3 units (Must include 2 units of history and 1/2 unit of civics or government.)
5. Foreign Language – 3 units (Must include no less than 2 units of any language for which credit is sought i.e., 3 units of one language or 2 units each of two languages.)
6. Complete 2 units from one or more of the following, or 2 additional units from one or more of
the areas listed A.1 through A.5 above.
a. Business
b. Computer Science
c. Visual or Performing Arts
B. Career-Technical Curriculum Requirements
1. Complete a career technical occupational preparation program
2. Complete the following curriculum requirements
a. English – 4 units
b. Mathematics – 3 units
c. Science – 3 units
d. Social Studies – 3 units
(Applied academic credits earned via career-technical education shall apply to the criteria for the "Award of Merit.")
3. Complete two units from one or more of the following, or two additional units from one or
more of the areas listed in B.2 above.
a. Business
b. Computer Science
c. Foreign Language
d. Visual or Performing Arts
C. Performance Criteria (applies to both curricula)
1. Maintain above average attendance for grades nine through twelve (compared to a rolling four-year state average). For 2008 the four-year state average is 94.32 percent attendance.
2. Demonstrate outstanding achievement in the curriculum as evidenced by one of the following: earning the equivalent of an overall grade point average of 3.25 on a four point scale for grades nine through twelve; earning the equivalent of an overall grade point average of 3.5 on a four point scale for grades eleven and twelve; or ranking in the top 25 percent of the class, whichever is more inclusive.
3. Participate in co-curricular, extracurricular or community activities in accordance with procedures established by the district board of education.
4. Demonstrate outstanding citizenship/character traits in accordance with criteria established by the district board of education.
SCHEDULING PROCEDURES/POLICIES
Scheduling for high school classes is a crucial part of a student’s educational experience. Courses taken at the high school level prepare the student for post-high school plans, whether it is to enter college, pursue advanced training or seek employment.Students are strongly encouraged to consult with parents, teachers and counselor before making final course decisions.
The following guidelines have been established to ensure students take adequate credits each year to meet graduation and athletic eligibility requirements.
- Students are required to take at least 5½ credits per year
- Students are encouraged to take six (6) classes per semester
- Students may have a maximum of 4 mods of study hall
SCHEDULECHANGE POLICY
The scheduling process begins during the Spring and continues through the remaining part of the school year. Students’ course requests help determine the numberof sections of a class that should be offered, the number of staff members needed, the layout of the master schedule and the number of textbooks needed. Therefore, it is critical that students carefully consider their choice options and see the high school counselor regarding any course changes before the end of the current school year.
The following schedule change guidelines have been established.
- Required courses for graduation may not be dropped from a student’s schedule.
- Students may drop a full year course before the end of the 12th week and a semester course before the end of the sixth week of the course. Courses dropped after the deadline will carry a final grade of “F”. Students must remain in their chosen classes for three weeks before any changes will be permitted. Prior to changing the student’s schedule, the student, parent, teacher and counselor must meet to discuss the appropriateness of the class change.
- Students dropping a class will be assigned to a study hall. Additional classes may be added to the second semester schedule based on availability. Students must maintain 5½ credits.
- Students will have an opportunity to make necessary schedule changes on designated days the week prior to the start of the new school year and during the first week of school. These schedule changes should be limited to technical errors or a student being academically misplaced. Schedule changes for the second semester should also be made during this time.
The high school counselor will meet with current 9th, 10th and 11th grade students during class to review the course catalog and course request forms. A parent/student meeting for current 8th graders will be held to review high school course offerings, graduation requirements and other pertinent information. Please contact the high school counselor if you have questions regarding the scheduling process or if you need additional information.