Academic Guide
2016 – 2017
Pilot Point High School
1300 N. Washington St.
Pilot Point, Texas 76258
Phone: 940-686-8740
Fax: 940-686-8745
The information in this guide is subject to change by action of the
Texas Education Agency and/or the Pilot Point ISD Board of Trustees
Table of Contents
Graduation Programs & Requirements
Graduation Programs / 3
Endorsements / 7
Early Graduation Requirements / 11
High School Success / 11
Schedule Changes / 12
Class Loads / Core Course Enrollment / 12
Grade Classification / 12
Grade Point Average and Class Rank / 12
State Assessments / 13
College Board’s Advanced Placement Program / 13
Texas Scholars / 14
National Honor Society / 15
Texas Success Initiative (TSI) / 15
Testing Program for College / 15
Potential College Athletes / 16
Scholarship and Other Opportunities / 16
Resources Available in College & Career Center / 16
Course Descriptions
English Language Arts / 17
Mathematics and Computer Science / 20
Science / 23
Social Studies / 25
Economics / 27
Speech / 28
Health Education and Other Education / 28
Other Local Credit and No Credit Courses / 29
Physical Education / 29
Languages other than English (LOTE) / 30
Fine Arts / 30
Career & Technical Education / 33
Denton ISD Advanced Technology Complex / 37
Special Education / 38
Pathways to College
College Board’s Advanced Placement Program / 39
Dual Credit Enrollment / 40
Alternative Methods of Earning High School Credit
Correspondence Courses / 44
Credit By Exam / 45
Course Recovery Program / 45
Academic Guide
Pilot Point High School
This Academic Guide has been designed to provide course selection information and graduation requirements for Pilot Point High School students in grades 9-12. Students are encouraged to consult with parents, counselor, and teachers for assistance in selecting courses that will meet personal needs for the future as well as satisfy high school graduation requirements. The guide may be accessed online at students may request a printed copy from the PPHS office.
This Academic Guide provides descriptions of academic, career & technical, and elective course offerings at Pilot Point High School. Every effort is made to present accurate and current information; however, information in this publication is subject to change by action of the Board of Trustees of Pilot Point ISD or the Texas Education Agency. Pilot Point High School reserves the right to add courses not described herein and delete courses if minimum enrollment criteria are not met or if certified teachers are not available.
There are many factors to consider when selecting courses. Students should choose courses based on interest, ability, post-graduation educational plans, and future career goals. The ultimate responsibility for choices and decisions lies with the students and parents. It is the responsibility of the school to assist in providing and interpreting all the appropriate and most recent information available. This information and assistance will enable the students to make the best and wisest decision commensurate with their abilities and interests.
A WORD OF CAUTION
Some courses listed in this guide may not actually be offered due to low enrollment, faculty restrictions (certification and/or availability), budgetary constraints, and/or administrative directives. Because of scheduling conflicts and classes closing, a student may not actually be enrolled in every class he/she planned to take during a semester. For this reason, the student should have in mind alternate courses in case his/her first choice is not available. Please note that all courses may not be offered every semester of every year. In cases of limited class enrollment, priority will be given to 12th graders first, 11th graders next, etc.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Pilot Point ISD is to provide a quality learning environment, which enables students and staff to maximize their academic and creative potential to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens.
DISCRIMINATION DISCLAIMER
Pilot Point Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or disability in providing education or providing access to benefits of education services, activities, and programs, including career and technology programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with the State Board of Education Rules for Curriculum, the Pilot Point ISD offers state-approved graduation plans.
All students entering Pilot Point High School in 2014-2015 and after must follow the Foundation High School Program with Endorsement(s) plus Distinguished Level of Achievement (FHSP+DA), unless after the student’s sophomore year: (1) the student and parent/guardian are advised by the counselor of the specific benefits of graduating from high school with one or more endorsements and (2) the student’s parent/guardian files with the school counselor written permission (on a TEA-developed form) allowing the student to graduate under the FHSP without an endorsement.
For students entering Pilot Point High School in 2013-2014 or earlier, the plans are (1) the Minimum High School program (MHSP), (2) the Recommended High School Program (RHSP), and (3) the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP).
All students shall enroll in the courses necessary to complete the curriculum requirements for the Recommended High School Program or the Distinguished High School Program, unless the student’s parent/guardian and school administrator or counselor agree in writing signed by each party that the student should be permitted to graduate under the Minimum High School Program. A student must satisfy one of three criteria in order to opt into the MHSP: be at least 16 years of age; have completed two credits required for graduation in each subject of the foundation curriculum; or have failed to be promoted to Grade 10 one or more times.
Students enrolled in high school in 2013-2014 or earlier may opt to pursue the FHSP with Endorsement(s), but must meet with the high school counselor to evaluate the option.
Please note that the graduates of each plan are awarded the same diploma. The academic record (transcript), rather than the diploma, records individual accomplishments, achievements, and courses completed. The appropriate State of Texas Seal designating which plan was completed will be stamped to each graduate’s transcript. Additionally, all graduates must meet exit-level state testing requirements.
Graduation Programs For Students entering PPHS in 2013-2014 and earlier
Discipline / Minimum** / Recommended** / DistinguishedEnglish Language Arts / 4 credits
English 1
English 2
English 3
English 4 / 4 credits
English 1
English 2
English 3
English 4 / 4 credits
English 1
English 2
English 3
English 4
Mathematics / 3 credits
Includes Algebra 1 and Geometry / 4 credits
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
4th year of Math (Math Models before Algebra 2 / 4 credits
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
4th year of Math (If Math Models must be before Algebra 2)
Science / 2 credits
Biology
IPC (or Chemistry and Physics) / 4 credits
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
4th year of Science / 4 credits
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
4th year of Science
Social Studies / 4 credits
World Geography
World History
U.S. History
Government/Economics / 4 credits
World Geography
World History
U.S. History
Government/Economics / 4 credits
World Geography
World History
U.S. History
Government/Economics
Physical Education or Substitution / 1 credit / 1 credit / 1 credit
Health Education / 0.5 credit / 0.5 credit / 0.5 credit
Languages Other than English / None Required / 2 credits of the same language
Spanish 1
Spanish 2 / 3 credits of the same language
Spanish 1
Spanish 2
Spanish 3
Fine Arts / 1 credit / 1 credit / 1 credit
Speech / 0.5 credit / 0.5 credit / 0.5 credit
Technology / 1 credit / 1 credit / 1 credit
State Electives / 5 credits (3 may be local) / 4 credits / 3 credits
Advanced Measures / None Required / None Required / 4 measures
Total / 22 credits / 26 credits / 26 credits
**A student entering Grade 9 in 2013-2014 and before shall enroll in the courses necessary to complete the Recommended High School program or Distinguished Achievement High School Program as listed above, unless the student, the student’s parent/guardian, and a school counselor/administrator agree in writing signed by each party that the
student should be permitted to take courses under the Minimum High School Program.
In addition to credit requirements, students must show mastery on the stateSTAAR
End of Course tests or meet the requirements set by the ARD Committee if the student is considered a student with a disability under IDEA (Special Education). In some cases, the student may be able to use an Individual Graduation Committee to determines standards for the students graduation that take the place of the failures of no more than two End of Course tests.
Advanced Measures Options for Distinguished Achievement Program
Standards for Approval of Requirements:
- The measures must focus on demonstrated student performance at the college or professional level.
- Student performance on advanced measures must be assessed through an external review process.
Requirements:
- A student must achieve any combination of four of the following:
Test data:
- a score of three or above on The College Board Advanced Placement examination;
- a score of four or above on an International Baccalaureate examination (not available at PPHS);
- a score on the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) that qualifies a student for recognition as a Commended Scholar or higher by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation; as part of the National Hispanic Scholar Program of The College Board; or as part of the National Achievement Scholarship Program for Outstanding Negro Students of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
The PSAT score may count as only one advanced measure regardless of the number of honors received by the student.
College courses:
- a grade of 3.0 (B) or higher on courses that count for college credit, including tech prep programs.
Graduation Programs for Students entering PPHS in 2014-2015 and after
Discipline / Foundation** / Foundation with Endorsement(s)** / Foundation with Endorsement(s) with Distinguished AchievementEnglish Language Arts / 4 credits
English 1
English 2
English 3
4th year advanced English credit (usually English 4) / 4 credits
English 1
English 2
English 3
4th year advanced English credit (usually English 4) / 4 credits
English 1
English 2
English 3
4th year advanced English credit (usually English 4)
Mathematics / 3 credits
Algebra 1
Geometry
Addition Math credit / 4 credits
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Additional advanced Math credit / 4 credits
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Additional advanced Math credit
Science / 3 credits
Biology
Laboratory-based Science credit
Additional advanced Science credit / 4 credits
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
4th year of Science / 4 credits
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
4th year of Science
Social Studies / 4 credits
World Geography
World History (Academic Elective)
U.S. History
Government/Economics / 4 credits
World Geography
World History (Academic Elective)
U.S. History
Government/Economics / 4 credits
World Geography
World History (Academic Elective)
U.S. History
Government/Economics
Physical Education or Substitution / 1 credit / 1 credit / 1 credit
Languages Other than English / 2 credits of the same language
Spanish 1
Spanish 2 / 2 credits of the same language
Spanish 1
Spanish 2 / 2 credits of the same language
Spanish 1
Spanish 2
Fine Arts / 1 credit / 1 credit / 1 credit
Professional Communications / 0.5 credit / 0.5 credit / 0.5 credit
Technology / 1 credit / 1 credit / 1 credit
State Electives / 2.5 credits / 4.5 credits with credits specific to at least 1 endorsement / 4.5 credits with credits specific to at least 1 endorsement
Advanced Measures / None Required / None Required / 4 measures
Total / 22 credits / 26 credits / 26 credits
**A student entering Grade 9 in 2014-2015 and after shall enroll in the courses necessary to complete the Foundation High School Plan with Endorsement(s) program or the Foundation High School Plan with Endorsement(s) with Distinguished Achievement as listed above, unless after the student’s sophomore year: (1) the student and parent/guardian are advised by the counselor of the specific benefits of graduating from high school with one or more endorsement and (2) the student’s parent/guardian files with the counselor written permission (on a TEA-developed form) allowing the student to graduate under the Foundation High School Plan without an endorsement.
In addition to credit requirements, students must show mastery on the stateSTAAR
End of Course tests or meet the requirements set by the ARD Committee if the student is considered a student with a disability under IDEA (Special Education). In some cases, the student may be able to use an Individual Graduation Committee to determines standards for the students graduation that take the place of the failures of no more than two End of Course tests.
Performance Acknowledgements
Performance acknowledgements may be earned by the student in the following areas:
-Outstanding performance in a dual credit course
-Bilingualism and biliteracy
-For receiving a three or higher on an AP exam
-For exceptional performance on the PSAT, ACT-PLAN, SAT, and/or ACT
-For earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certificate or license
Benefits from Graduating with one or more Endorsements
“Choices determine options! Most of the very best jobs available now and in the future require educationand training beyond a high school diploma. Whether you intend to pursue a high-demand,industry workforce credential from a community or technicalcollege or a traditional four-year degree from a university, the choices made in high school will determine your future options.To best prepare yourself now for the transition to post-high school educationor quality workforce training, choosing and taking the right classes is essential. (Texas Education Agency’s Graduation Toolkit: Information for Planning your High School Years & Beyond). On occasion, the endorsement process can work in an opposite manner. Sometimes you will be able to determine that a particular profession or occupation is not for you through experience with certain classes in high school. You can avoid wasting important time and money on education and training that you determine is no longer the right fit for you.
ENDORSEMENTS
EndorsementsSTEM / Business/Industry / Public Service / Arts & Humanities / Multidisciplinary
Advanced Science;
Technology;
Engineering;
Advanced Math / Database Management; Information Technology;
Communications;
Accounting, Finance,
Marketing; Graphic Design;
Architecture; Construction; Welding; HVAC; Logistics;
Automotive Technology;
Agricultural Science;
Culinary Arts & Hospitality / Health Sciences &
Occupations;
Education & Training;
Law Enforcement; Human Services / Political Science;
World Languages;
Cultural Studies;
English Literature;
History;
Fine Arts / Select courses from the curriculum of each of the other endorsement areas;
Credits in a variety of advanced courses from multiple content areas sufficient to complete the distinguished level of achievement under the foundation program
Currently Proposed On-Campus Endorsement Offerings
(Subject to change as based on cost, student demand, and teacher certification and staffing)
STEM***
Advanced Science / Foundation+ with additional Advanced Science courses / Student who are college bound and serious about entering scientific fields.
Advanced Math / Foundation+ with additional Advanced Math courses / Students who are college bound and serious about entering mathematical fields.
Business/Industry***
Agriculture Science –
Animal Strands / Foundation+ with additional courses from Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, Livestock Production, Small Animal Management, Equine Science, Veterinary Medical Applications, Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources / Students who are interested in working in fields that involve animals. Students could be seeking associates degree, bachelor’s degrees, or advanced degrees.
Agriculture Science – Mechanical/Technical Strands / Foundation+ with additional courses from Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, Agricultural Mechanics and Metal Technologies, Agricultural Power Systems, and Practicum in the Culinary Arts / Students who are interested in working with their hands. Students may seek jobs that involve little college to trade schools to traditional college.
Culinary Arts & Hospitality – Culinary Strand / Foundation+ with additional courses from Principles of Hospitality, Lifetime Nutrition and Wellness, Restaurant Management, Culinary Arts, and Practicum in the Culinary Arts / Students who are interested in food preparation and presentation in fields like catering, baking, or becoming a chef.
Culinary Arts & Hospitality – Restaurant Management Strand / Foundation+ with additional courses from Principles of Hospitality, Lifetime Nutrition and Wellness, Restaurant Management, Culinary Arts, and Practicum in Hospitality / Students who are interested in food preparation and presentation but are more interested in restaurant management rather than back of house operations.
Business –
Web Technology Strand / Foundation+ with additional courses from Introduction to Business, Marketing, and Finance, Business Information Management, Web Design, Mobile Apps. Development, and Practicum in Business Management / Students who are interested in creating digital/video products and creating web sites and web based applications.
Business –
Accounting Strand / Foundation+ with additional courses from Introduction to Business, Marketing, and Finance, Business Information Management, Accounting, and Practicum in Business Management / Students who are interested in general business either because they wish to work for a business or want to open their own business.
Business- Data Management Strand / Foundation+ with additional courses from Introduction to Business, Marketing, and Finance, Business Information Management 1 and 2, Practicum in Business Management / Students who are interested in working with computers and computerized data in business.
Public Service***
Public Service - Cosmetology / Foundation+ with additional courses of Cosmetology I and II as taught at the Denton ATC once accepted. Students cannot initially select this endorsement but are advised to complete Spanish 1, Spanish 2 , Speech, BIM, Art and PE during their 9th and 10th grade years. / Students who are interested in going into the field of beauty. The classes are offered in Denton so student must have reliable daily transportation.
Arts and Humanities
World Languages / Foundation+ with the addition of Spanish III and Spanish IV (May require self-study or a course from TXVSN.org) / Students who are interested in languages, who are college bound, or wish to work abroad.
Social Studies / Foundation+ with the addition of courses in Psychology and Sociology (May require self-study or a course from TXVSN.org) / Students who are interested in working in academic fields or human studies fields such as psychology or sociology.
Fine Arts – Musical Arts / Foundation+ with the addition of Band I through Band IV and/or Jazz Band I through IV / Students who are interested in music and plan to take four years of band (marching/concert, and/or jazz band).
Fine Arts – Visual Arts / Foundation+ with the addition Art I through Art IV. May also include Elements of Floral Design or Digital Design and Media Production (TXVSN.org) / Students who are interested in visual arts and are interested in creating in such mediums as drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic design, and/or floral design.
Multidisciplinary
Multidisciplinary / Foundation+ with the addition of approved courses from the curriculum of each of the other endorsement areas (See the counselor for acceptable options) / Students who want a broad exposure to the curriculum or students who have need of the flexibility of this endorsement.
*** Additional Offerings for Preparations
We have a partnership with the Denton Advanced Technology Complex (ATC) that may allow for additional experiences and preparations. Such experiences usually begin the student’s junior year and are contingent on the student having adequate daily transportation to Denton. The student must be on track for graduation and must be accepted to their program of interest (programs can often be quite competitive in awarding admission). See counselors for details.
Envisioned Sample Endorsement Strands as Subject to Board Decision, Teacher Certification, District Funding, and Student Interest. Endorsements can be tailored to meet student needs.