2009-2010 Scheduling Information
Introduction
The 2009-2010 High School Course Selection Process is designed to assist students and parents in planning a suitable high school program for each student based on graduation requirements, student interests, educational and career goals.
We are proud of the programs of study offered at Oxford Area High School. They include programs of special assistance, acceleration, career preparation, academic excellence, the fine arts and technology education.
The involvement of parents, as well as members of our staff, is very important to provide the student with a program of studies that meets the student’s needs.
Careful consideration should be given to the selection of a program of study in order to best prepare the student for their post high school plans. Student interests, abilities, past academic achievements, and future educational and vocational goals should be considered when making course selections for the upcoming year.
Students and parents are urged to consult with teachers, counselors and administrators to assist in this process.
We look forward to working with the students and parents as they pursue their educational goals.
Course Selection
Students select their courses for the next school year in the spring. Course selection materials will be distributed to students during grade-level presentations. Course offerings, promotion and graduation requirements, as well as the scheduling process will be discussed.
Following the presentations, students should discuss their course selections with their parents/guardians and determine the courses that the student will request for the following school year.
Students should request a total of 8.0 credits as well as at least one alternate elective course. Students are required to return their completed course selection sheet, with the necessary signatures, by the indicated deadline date.
Failure to do so will result in the student’s schedule being determined by remaining availability in courses (students will not be able to select their elective choices).
Guidance counselors will then meet individually with students to review the student’s course requests and to verify the student’s progress in fulfilling graduation requirements.
Both students and parents are encouraged to talk with the counselor to review the student’s academic record and to discuss the courses that the student has selected.
Dates for 2009-2010 Course Selection
| Late Summer |
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| August 14 |
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| First two weeks of school year 09-10 | Students may change schedules for limited reasons:
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| After the first two weeks of school year 09-10 | Students may change schedules for the following reasons:
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Course Availability
Courses will be offered contingent upon sufficient enrollment and availability of instructional staff and classroom space
Schedule Changes
The course selection form should represent the student and parent’s final course requests. Schedule changes will only be made in the case of irresolvable scheduling conflicts, scheduling errors, a failing grade in a current course, or upon recommendation of the administration. Approved schedule changes are permitted only during specific time periods to be announced. In the event that a schedule must be altered after the semester break, it will require the written approval of the building principal. Courses that are dropped after the approved schedule change period may become a part of the student’s permanent academic record, resulting in the student receiving a grade of “0” for the marking period in which the course was dropped as well as the final grade for the course.
To request a schedule change, the student must obtain a “schedule change request” form from his or her counselor. Course changes must have the approval of the teacher(s), the parent, the counselor and the administrator. All schedule changes must be requested by 7/15/09. The student must remain in class until notified by the counselor as to when the change will become effective.
Dual Enrollment and Articulated Courses
Partnerships have been established with various post-secondary institutions, including Delaware County Community College, Cecil Community College, and Goldey Beacom College, in order to expand the types of courses that are available to students. Students interested in pursuing options at community colleges, colleges, or other higher education institutions should consult with their counselor for more information. These courses are opportunities for students to gain high school and college credit simultaneously. Students should consult with their counselor to gain a deeper understanding of these opportunities.
Guidelines for placement in core subjects
Advanced Placement:
This level is for academically talented college-preparatory students whose abilities, interests, and demonstrated levels of performance show they can and will do difficult college work in high school. Advanced Placement classes assume students already have strong foundations in the specific subject area of the course and are seriously interested in preparing to take the subject area AP test. All course-specific prerequisites must be met with a grade of at least 85% and scores of Proficient or Advanced on PSSA and/or district assessments.
Honors:
This level is for high achieving students who are capable of higher levels of thinking and demonstrate the ability to write, speak, and analyze in a highly competent manner. This level requires the student to be responsible, mature, and have well-developed study skills which enable the student to pursue independent learning. All course-specific prerequisites must be met with a grade of at least 85% and scores of Proficient or Advanced on PSSA and/or district assessments.
College Prep (CP):
This level is for students who plan to attend a four year college and will have mastered the basic academic skills. Students who are selecting a college prep level class possess effective study skills and conscientiously complete assignments. Participation in this level will help the student identify and continue to improve these skills so that he/she will be able to succeed in a college level program. All course-specific prerequisites must be met with a grade of at least 70%.
Communications Level (CM):
This level is for students who read at or below grade level. Improvement of basic skills in all areas is emphasized to ensure future school or work success. All course specific prerequisites must be met.
Moving From One Level to Another From Year to Year:
If a student performs at a consistently high standard and maintains a grade of at least 90% within a CM or CP course, the student should consider moving to a more demanding level in the succeeding school year. Students who find that a higher level course is too challenging and do not maintain a grade of at least 85% should consider dropping a level within that content area for the succeeding year.
Links for Course Selection
Forms Related to Course Selection
Career Internship Materials
| Career Internship Requirements | Career Internship Contract |
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