PowerPoint presentation given at October 20th parent meeting.

1. New Diploma Options Effective with Class of 2013

2. First Choice This was adopted by the State Department of Education in 2008 The goals were to strengthen the curriculum for Alabama HS students and provide safeguards for academically struggling students.

3. First Choice Components Online Experience Credit Recovery Credit Advancement Diploma Options

4. MBS and First Choice MBS implemented a system-wide committee made up of staff from the JH, HS, and Central Office to study and implement the components within our district.

5. Online Experience The Online Experience requirement is met through our Health course.

6. Credit Recovery Credit Recovery allows a student to prove they are knowledgeable on a failed segment of a course to earn credit rather than retake the entire course. MBS is still working on the procedures and programs for this component.

7. Credit Advancement This allows students opportunities to meet course requirements in non traditional ways. This is on hold due to additional changes the State Department is making regarding AHSGE and end of course testing.

8. Diploma Options First Choice mandated that the “default” diploma for all students state-wide to be the Advanced Diploma (previously, it had been the Standard Diploma).

9. Diploma Options This mandate caused MBS to rethink the requirements for the Advanced Diploma since it was more rigorous than the state requirements.

10. Diploma Options MBS with Board approval changed the requirements for the Advanced Diploma. to more closely match the state’s Advanced Diploma and we added a diploma “Advanced with Honors.”

11. Diploma Options MBS offers 3 college prep diplomas: Advanced with Honors, Advanced and Standard. There is no indication on a student’s transcript as to which diploma the student earned. Colleges receive a high school transcript which lists all courses taken with first semester and second semester grades earned in those courses. The transcript also reports class rank and Grade Point Average (GPA).

12. Advanced Diploma with Honors

13. Advanced Diploma with Honors English (4 credits) Math (4 of the following) Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II w/Trig, Algebra III w/Statistics, Pre-calculus, or Calculus

14. Advanced Diploma with Honors Science (4 credits) All 4 courses are from Group I. Life Science and Chemistry or Physics are required. All 9th graders take Biology or Advanced Biology which fulfills the life science requirement. Group I: Biology, Adv. Biology, AP Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Adv. Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, Chemistry II, Adv. Chemistry, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, Physics, AP Physics B, and AP Physics C.

15. Advanced Diploma with Honors Social Studies (4 credits) Foreign Language (3 credits of the same language) Physical Ed/LIFE (1 credit) Health (1/2 credit) Fine Arts (1/2 credit) Electives (3 credits) Total of 24 credits

16. Advanced Diploma

17. Advanced Diploma English(4 credits) Math (4 credits) Algebra I-A, Algebra I-B, Geometry, and Algebra II with Trig OR Algebra I, Geometry, Algebraic Connections, and Algebra II with Trig (The minimum a student must complete is Algebra II with Trig)

18. Advanced Diploma Science (4 credits) 3 courses from Group I and the additional course from Group I or Group II. Life Science and Chemistry or Physics are required All 9th graders take Biology or Advanced Biology which fulfills the life science requirement. Group I: Biology, Adv. Biology, AP Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Adv. Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, Chemistry II, Adv. Chemistry, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, Physics, AP Physics B, AP Physics C. Group II: Environmental Science, Marine Science, Physical Science, Forensic Science, Earth and Space Science

19. Advanced Diploma Social Studies (4 credits) Foreign Language (2 credits of the same language) Physical Ed/LIFE (1 credit) Health (1/2 credit) Fine Arts (1/2 credit) Electives (4 credits) Total of 24 credits

20. Standard Diploma

21. Standard Diploma English (4 credits) Mathematics (4 credits) Any four maths, including Algebra I and Geometry. The Algebra I requirement may be fulfilled by completing Algebra I-A and Algebra I-B. Science (4 credits) Any four sciences, including one Life Science and one Physical Science.

22. Standard Diploma Social Studies (4 credits) Physical Ed/LIFE (1 credit) Health (1/2 credit) Fine Arts (1/2 credit) Electives (6 credits) Total of 24 credits

24. Differences in the 3 Diplomas Math requirements Foreign language requirements Science requirements Number of electives

25. Additional Diploma Information The state requirement for demonstrating proficiency in technology may be accomplished in one of two ways: either in a course designed specifically to accomplish this objective, or through the continuous learning experiences in technology integration in all courses in the Mountain Brook Schools. A proficiency demonstration is required prior to graduation.

26. Additional Diploma Information Both grade and credit for Algebra I, Level I of a foreign language, and/or Computer Applications taken in the 8th grade will appear on the student’s high school transcript. These courses will count toward the 24 credits required for graduation and will be used in computing class rank and GPA. PE/LIFE Waiver: This course can be waived if students fulfill the course requirements through participation in school athletic teams, marching band, or selected performing vocal groups in 10th grade.

27. Additional Diploma Information Students may take courses at the regular, advanced, and /or AP level in order to receive any of the above diplomas. Additionally, students must pass all 5 areas of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam. Most students will graduate with more than the required 24 credits. This allows them to take some additional electives or courses.

28. Frequently Asked Questions

29. How many Advanced or Advanced Placement courses should a student take? A student may take as many advanced level courses as he/she feels capable of completing successfully. Advanced classes are geared towards above-average students who have a strong interest in that specific subject area, and are highly motivated, independent learners. Advanced Placement courses are the most difficult courses offered and can possibly earn college credit. It is important to consider extra curricular activities in order to balance school demands with other activities. Additionally, students must meet specific criteria to be recommended for Advanced Placement classes. This criteria can be found in the course selection guides.

30. Please explain the 4 points given for an advanced class or 8 points given for Advanced Placement Classes Class rank is used by colleges to visualize how a student compares to the rest of the students in his/her graduating class. Mainly academic courses in grades nine through twelve are used in determining class rank. Advanced courses are weighted more than regular classes. The rank in class is based on the weighted 100-point numerical system. 4 points for advanced class and 8 points for Advanced Placement courses are added to semester averages earned for determining class rank and weighted GPA. However, the raw, un-weighted grade will appear on the transcript that is sent to a college.

31. Is it better to get an “A” in a regular class vs. a “B” in an advanced class? A strong GPA is very important for college entrance. Colleges want to see that the student push him/herself to the best of his/her ability. Students are encouraged to take the course that is more challenging and in which they can be successful.