Anna High School
Course Guide
2011-2012
Pre AP/AP Classes
Pre AP/AP courses are designed to enhance learning and the level of challenge. The curriculum used in honors courses is more rigorous and at a higher pace than the regular class. To be eligible for courses, students must meet two of the three criteria:
¨ Must have an average of 88 or above the previous year in the subject in which the student wants to accelerate.
¨ Must achieve high-test scores (norm reference test 85).
¨ Parent and/or teacher recommendation will be considered.
To remain in an honors course,
¨ Students must maintain an average of 80 or better each semester.
¨ There will be an emphasis on participating in at least one UIL event.
¨ Consistent inappropriate behavior will be considered grounds for removal from the class.
Class Ranking
See Anna High School Student Handbook for guidelines for computation of Weighted Grade Point Average.
Weighted Grade Point Scale
Grade Regular Weighted
100 4.0 5.0
99 3.9 4.9
98 3.8 4.8
97 3.7 4.7
96 3.6 4.6
95 3.5 4.5
94 3.4 4.4
93 3.3 4.3
92 3.2 4.2
91 3.1 4.1
90 3.0 4.0
89 2.9 3.9
88 2.8 3.8
87 2.7 3.7
86 2.6 3.6
85 2.5 3.5
84 2.4 3.4
83 2.3 3.3
82 2.2 3.2
81 2.1 3.1
80 2.0 3.0
79 1.9 2.9
78 1.8 2.8
77 1.7 2.7
76 1.6 2.6
75 1.5 2.5
74 1.4 2.4
73 1.3 2.3
72 1.2 2.2
71 1.1 2.1
70 1.0 2.0
Courses that receive a grade below a 70 shall receive 0 grade points but count toward the number of courses attempted. Class rank will be determined at the end of each semester.
Credits
Middle School students who take courses for high school credit will receive credits but not grade points as a high school student.
Credit by Exam
With prior instruction
A student who has received prior instruction in a course or subject, but failed the course or subject with a grade of no less that 60, may be permitted
by the district to earn credit by passing an examination on the essential knowledge and skills defined for the course or subject. To receive credit, a student must score at least 70 on the examination. The attendance review committee may allow a student with excessive absences to receive credit for a course by passing the same examination. A student may not use this examination to regain eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities. A student planning to take an examination for acceleration (or the student’s parent) must register with the principal no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled testing date.
Without prior instruction
A student will be permitted to take an examination to earn credit for an academic course for which the student has no prior instruction. To receive credit, a student must score at least 90 on the examination. A student planning to take an examination for acceleration (or the student’s parent) must register with the principal. (If the course is needed for graduation, the test results shall be reported to the high school counselor at least 15 calendar days before graduation.)
Correspondence Courses
Students are limited to no more that two correspondence courses, four semesters, during their four years of high school work. Hardship cases on an individual basis may be presented to the campus administrator.
A graduating senior must have the correspondence course completed and grades from the college sent to Anna High School thirty calendar days prior to graduation. Failure to have the grades to Anna High School within the time limit may result in a delay of graduation and prevent the senior from participation in the graduation ceremonies.
Dual Credit Courses
Students who want to enroll in college classes while in high school may earn both high school and college credit.
1. Must be on the Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Graduation Plan.
2. Must meet Student Success Initiative college entrance state guidelines.
3. Must be a junior or a senior.
Early Graduation
Students in good standing may request an accelerated schedule so that they may complete courses required for graduation in less than four years. It may be necessary to enroll in summer school, night school and/or correspondence courses to complete this program. See the school counselor for more information.
Exit Level Test
A student who has not performed satisfactorily on all sections of the TAKS/STAAR exit level assessment instrument by the time he or she has successfully completed the twelfth grade shall not receive a high school diploma until the student has performed satisfactorily on all sections.
Gifted and Talented Program
Anna ISD accepts the Texas Education Agency’s definition of Gifted and Talented as stated: "Gifted and talented students are those who excel consistently or who show the potential to excel in any one or combination of the following areas: general intellectual ability, specific subject matter, aptitude, creative and productive thinking ability, leadership ability, ability in the visual and performing arts, and psychomotor ability."
Gifted and talented students in Anna Independent School District shall be defined as those students identified through a specific nomination, screening, and selection process as having above average intelligence and academic aptitude. Nominations for screening are accepted by March 15th.
Grade Classification
After the ninth grade, students are classified according to the number of credits earned toward graduation. Middle school credits will not count in grade classification unless special circumstances are involved. Grade classification will be determined at the end of each school year.
6 credits 10th grade
12 credits 11th grade
18 credits 12th grade
Graduation Requirements
Recommended Graduation Plan
26 credits
English 4 units Health ½ unit Technology 1 unit
Math 4 units Speech ½ unit PE 1 unit
History 4 units Fine Arts 1 unit Electives 4 units
Science 4 units Foreign Language 2 units
Distinguished Graduation Plan
26 credits
Students must take courses outlined in the Recommended Plan as well as an additional unit of Foreign Language.
A student must also achieve any combination of four of the following:
Original Research/Project:
¨ Judged by a panel of professionals in the field that is the focus of the project or
¨ Conducted under the direction of mentor(s) and reported to an appropriate audience
(Either of these must be related to the required curriculum set forth according to TEKS.)
Test Data
¨ A score of three or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Exam
¨ A score of four or above on an International Baccalaureate Exam
¨ A score on the preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) that qualifies a student for recognition as a commended scholar or higher by 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 (85) or higher on courses that count for college credit including Tech Prep.
(ARD committee may reduce graduation requirements.)
Tech Prep Program
Tech Prep is a program that links high school and college programs for college credit. Tech Prep offers innovative and integrated high school programs which allow students to receive advanced academic and technological skills.
Students who complete content-enhanced career/technology courses in high school may be eligible for college credit after enrolling in technical programs at participating two-year colleges. Students will sign an articulation agreement with area community colleges.
¨ Some articulated courses are honored by colleges across the state; others are local.
¨ Credit is not awarded until students enroll in a college technical degree plan.
¨ No tuition or additional testing is required.
¨ High school students who earn a grade of 85 or better may count these courses as advanced measures for the Distinguished Achievement Plan.
Work-Based Learning
Career Preparation I
Grades: 11-12, 2-3 Credits
This course provides opportunities for students to participate in a learning experience that combines classroom instruction with paid business and industry employment experiences and supports strong partnerships among school, business, and community stakeholders. The goal is to prepare students with a variety of skills for a fast-changing workplace. This instructional arrangement should be an advanced component of a student's individual program of study. Students are taught employability skills, which include job-specific skills applicable to their training station, job interview techniques, communication skills, financial and budget activities, human relations, and portfolio development. Career preparation is relevant and rigorous, supports student attainment of academic standards, and effectively prepares students for college and career success.
Diagnostic approval and ARD placement Course # 5186
Regular Course #
Career Preparation II and III
Grades: 11-12, 2-3 Credits
This course develops essential knowledge and skills through classroom technical instruction and on-the-job training in an approved business and industry training area. Students will develop skills for lifelong learning, employability, leadership, management, work ethics, safety, and communication as a group; however, each student will have an individual training plan that will address job-specific knowledge and skills. Approved training sponsors will provide paid occupational training for a student. The training sponsor will assist the teacher in providing the necessary knowledge and skills for the student's specific career preparation.
Prerequisite: Diagnostic approval and ARD placement - Career Prep II Course # 5187
Prerequisite: Diagnostic approval and ARD placement- Career Prep III Course # 5188
Regular Career Prep II Course #
Regular Career Prep III Course #
AGRICULTURE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Grades: 9-12, 1Credit
This course allows students to develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, personal development, globalization, industry standards, details, practices, and expectations in an agricultural field. To prepare for success, students need to have opportunities to learn, reinforce, experience, apply, and transfer their knowledge and skills in a variety of settings.
Course # 3110
Principles and Elements of Floral Design
Grades: 10-12, 1 Credit
Prerequisites: Principles of AFNR
An introductory course designed to help students develop an understanding of floral design techniques and practices. Students will also explore plant systems and career opportunities in the floriculture industry.
Course # 3118
Horticultural Science
Grades: 10-12, 1 Credit
Prerequisites: Principles of AFNR
An introductory course designed to help students develop an understanding of common horticultural management practices as they relate to food and ornamental plant production. Students will also explore plant systems and career opportunities in the horticultural industry.
Course # 3117
Advanced Plant and Soil Science
Grades: 11-12, 1 Credit
Prerequisites: Principles of AFNR and Horticultural Science
An advanced course designed to help students attain skills and knowledge related to horticultural systems and career opportunities in the food and fiber industry. Investigations, laboratory practices, and field exercises will be used to help students develop an understanding of current plant and soil science as well as industry techniques and practices.
Course # 3119
Livestock Production
Grades: 10-12, .5 Credit (Fall semester)
Prerequisites: Principles of AFNR
An introductory course designed to help students attain skills and knowledge related to animal systems and career opportunities in the livestock industry. Animal species to be addressed in this course may include, but are not limited to, beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and poultry.
Course # 3112
Small Animal Management
Grades: 10-12, .5 Credit (Spring semester)
Prerequisites: Principles of AFNR
An introductory course designed to help students attain knowledge and skills related to animal systems and career opportunities in small animal management. Small animals which may be included in the course of study include, but are not limited to, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, avian, dogs, and cats.
Course # 3113
Agriculture Mechanics and Metal Technologies
Grades: 10-12, 1 Credit
Prerequisites: Principles of AFNR
To be prepared for careers in agricultural power, structural, and technical systems, students need to attain academic skills and knowledge; acquire technical knowledge and skills related to power, structural, and technical agricultural systems and the industry; and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, industry certifications, and industry expectations. To prepare for success, students need opportunities to learn, reinforce, apply, and transfer knowledge and skills and technologies in a variety of settings. This course is designed to develop an understanding of agricultural mechanics as it relates to safety and skills in tool operation, electrical wiring, plumbing, carpentry, fencing, concrete, and metal working techniques.
Course # 3114
Agricultural Power Systems
Grades: 10-12, 1 Credit
Prerequisites: Principles of AFNR
To be prepared for careers in agricultural power, structural, and technical systems, students should attain academic skills and knowledge; acquire technical knowledge and skills related to power, structural, and technical agricultural systems and the workplace; and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, industry certifications, and industry expectations. To prepare for success, students should have opportunities to learn, reinforce, apply, and transfer their knowledge and technical skills in a variety of settings. This course is designed to develop an understanding of power and control systems as related to energy sources, small and large power systems, and agricultural machinery.
Course # 3115
Agricultural Facilities Design and Fabrication
Grades: 11-12, 1 Credit
Prerequisites: Principles of AFNR and Ag Mechanics and Metal Technologies
To be prepared for careers in mechanized agriculture and technical systems, students attain knowledge and skills related to agricultural facilities design and fabrication. Students explore career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry expectations. To prepare for success, students reinforce, apply, and transfer their academic knowledge and technical skills in a variety of settings.
Course # 3116
BUSINESS/TECHNOLOGY