Graduation Planning Guide - Bellingham Public Schools

High School

Graduation Planning Guide

AND

COURSE CATALOG

2017-18

For Students and Families in Preparing for High School Course Registration

Table of Contents

HOME OF THE STORM

Dear Students,

This is an exciting time for our high school students and staff. Starting with the 201718 school year, we are implementing a new eight period schedule, which means for the first time, all of our high schools will be on the same common bell schedule and will be offering more course options for students.

As a high school student, I hope you engage in your learning as you work toward high school graduation and prepare for your next educational chapter. Carefully choosing the courses you take each semester is an important step and will help to open doors upon graduation. No matter what you choose to do with your life and career, preparing yourself for continued education after high school, be it college or work training program, is the best plan. Our administrators, counselors and teachers are great resources to help you decide which courses to take. I also encourage you to include your parents and families in this process and consider what is necessary for a healthy, balanced life.

Our new schedule allows greater flexibility and more course opportunities to develop and pursue passion or interest areas, such as additional world language, art, physical education, music or career and technical education courses you otherwise wouldn't have room for in your schedule within a six period day. Additionally, we offer new courses in social studies, math, science and English. I encourage you to explore, try something new, and broaden your horizons. We are fortunate to offer such a vast array of classes in all subject areas to develop students and graduates who are readers and writers, artists and performers, historians and global thinkers and innovators and creators ? and all the outcomes articulated in The Bellingham Promise.

One of our core beliefs in The Bellingham Promise is that all students can achieve at high levels. That is why we are currently examining how all students can access Advanced Placement (AP) classes at a free or reduced rate next year. Our staff and community believe in each of you! Challenge yourselves. Ask questions. Take rigorous courses. With hard work and a positive attitude, you can access all of the incredible opportunities this world has to offer. Additionally, while we want you to push yourselves and take rigorous classes, we also want to make sure you maintain a balance between academics, athletics, and activities, as well as service, family and celebrating the joys of life.

Take this opportunity to enjoy your high school experience and the rich opportunities it offers. I wish you each the best of luck in your high school career and beyond.

2 High School Course Catalog 2017-18

Greg Baker Superintendent

The Bellingham Promise 3

Graduation Requirements 4

High School Credit Requirements 5-8

How to Register for Courses 9

Registration Information 10-11

Options High School 12

High School Courses Arts 13 Career and Technical Education 19 English 29 English Language Learners 33 Math 34 Physical Education 36 Science 38 Social Studies 42 Specialized Instruction 46 World Language 47 Additional Electives 52 Bellingham Virtual Learning 53

High School Course Planner 54

Bellingham Public Schools does not discriminate and complies with all federal and state laws and regulations including the American Disabilities Act (ADA). For more information, please call 360-676-6400. If you have a disability and need this publication in an alternate format, call 360-676-6520. For questions regarding disabled access to district buildings, call 360-676-6500.

KNOWLEDGE CHARACTER

ACTION

vision

We, as a community,

outcomes

We develop students and graduates who are:

make a collective commitment to Bellingham's children. We will empower every child to discover and develop a passion, contribute to their community, and achieve a fulfilling and productive life.

mission

We collectively commit

? readers and writers,

? scientists and mathematicians,

? historians and global thinkers,

? artists, performers and trades people,

? multilingual readers and speakers,

? skilled users of technology and information,

? leaders, collaborators and team players,

? dependable and responsible workers,

? confident individuals who continuously challenge themselves,

? respectful and compassionate humans,

? honest and ethical citizens who act with integrity,

that our students are cared for and respected, and that they will graduate from our schools prepared for success in the global community. All students

key strategies

We will accomplish this through:

will be exceptional in their own way,

with strong character, a passion for learning, and ready for the widest range of educational and vocational options

Innovation and

Flexibility

to support a diversity of life choices.

core beliefs

We, believe:

? all children should be loved,

At all levels, but with particular attention to our middle and high schools, we promote innovation and flexibility to ensure we are

meeting the needs o f all students.

Great Teaching with Strong Support

? the whole child is important, ? every child can learn at high levels, ? early learning and development are critical, ? learning is lifelong and essential to a high

quality of life, ? compassion and service build community, ? teaching children to do their best involves

self-reflection and reaching higher, ? diversity enhances a strong and healthy

community, and

A One Schoolhouse

Approach

We provide an equitable distribution of resources and services to ensure

excellence for all.

High quality instruction occurs in every classroom, every day, resulting in high levels of learning. This is supported by purposeful and ongoing professional

development of all staff and effective leadership throughout the organization.

? together we achieve more than alone.

? healthy, active individuals, ? critical thinkers and

problem solvers, ? effective communicators, ? innovators and creators,

and ? well-rounded community

members engaged with the broader world.

Early Childhood Education

We invest in a strong early childhood (prenatal to third grade) program because of its powerful

long-term return for our students and community.

Student, Family, and Community Engagement

Authentic partnerships are essential in order to deliver upon our promise. We actively seek input from and work together with all stakeholders to cultivate both existing and new

partnerships.

High School Course Catalog 2017-18

3

REQUIREMENTS

The following three graduation requirements currently apply for all students planning to graduate from Bellingham Public Schools.

1 HIGH SCHOOL COURSE CREDITS

What high school courses should I take?

Course descriptions and pre-requisites are listed in this catalog and in Skyward Student Access. See page 9 for details on how to register for classes and the Winter 2017 registration timelines.

How do I know if I'm on track to graduate?

As we transition to the 4x8 schedule in fall 2017, different credit expectations are outlined by graduating year. See pages 5 to 8 to review what those are for your class.

In a 4x8 schedule, students attend four classes each day which rotate every other day. "A" days include periods 1-4 and "B" days include periods 5-8. Each semester, students can earn four credits. In a year students can earn eight credits.

2 HIGH SCHOOL STATE EXAMS

What are the state exam requirements?

All high school students take state exams that are aligned to our learning standards in English language arts, math and science. Students can meet the English language arts and the math exam requirements with passing scores on the Smarter Balanced tests in grade 10 or 11, with retakes available through grade 12.

Students in the class of 2018 may also meet the math exam requirement with a passing score on the Algebra 1 End of Course (EOC) exam or the Geometry EOC exam. The state is discontinuing the use of math EOC exams after 2018.

Students can meet their science exam graduation requirement with a passing score from the Biology EOC exam. This exam, taken by the end of grade 10, also has retakes available through grade 12.

Students in the class of 2019 will be the first to take the new state science test, which is aligned to our Next Generation Science Standards and to be given to students in grade 11 each

year. This new test can also be used to meet the science exam graduation requirement and will eventually replace the Biology EOC exam.

Accommodations and alternative state exams may be available for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP). In addition, there are state-approved alternative assessments for students who attempt, but do not pass, the state exams for English language arts, math and science.

For information about state testing, visit k12.wa.us/Assessment/ StateTesting and for alternatives for graduation, visit k12.wa.us/ assessment/GraduationAlternatives

3 HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND PLAN

What's the High School and Beyond Plan?

These state-required plans detail the work that students will complete to graduate successfully from high school and also outline post-high school plans. Students begin their plans as they schedule courses for ninth grade and revise them with help from counselors throughout high school.

4 High School Course Catalog 2017-18

CLASS OF 2018

HIGH SCHOOL

English 4.0

English 9 1.0 English 10 1.0 Additional English Courses 2.0

Physical Education 1.5

Health 0.5

Science 2.0

Two years of lab sciences

Math

Algebra I Geometry Algebra 2*

*Algebra 2 may be met by another third year math course based on student

interest and High School and Beyond Plan, including parent/guardian signature. See counselor for details.

3.0

1.0 1.0 1.0

Social Studies

Contemporary World History

U.S. History

Civics

Elective

** Washington State History is required for graduation. District students fulfill this state

requirement in Grade 7 Social Studies. Transfer students may need to complete

this requirement prior to graduation. See counselor for details.

3.0**

1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5

World Language 2.0

Two consecutive years in the same language

Arts 1.0

Music, Art or Drama

Occupational/Career and

Technical Education

Choose from STEM, Business and Marketing, Family and Consumer Science, Health Science and Agricultural Science. Check with counselor about possible 2 for 1 credit for CTE courses.

1.0

Other Courses 6.5

24.5 EXPECTED HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS

High School Course Catalog 2017-18

5

CLASS OF 2019

HIGH SCHOOL

English 4.0

English 9 1.0 English 10 1.0 Additional English Courses 2.0

Physical Education 1.5 Health 0.5

Science 3.0

Two years of lab sciences

Math

Algebra1 Geometry Algebra 2*

*Algebra 2 may be met by another third year math course based on student

interest and High School and Beyond Plan, including parent/guardian signature. See counselor for details.

3.0

1.0 1.0 1.0

Social Studies

Contemporary World History

U.S. History

Civics

Elective

** Washington State History is required for graduation. District students fulfill this state

requirement in Grade 7 Social Studies. Transfer students may need to complete

this requirement prior to graduation. See counselor for details.

3.0**

1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5

World Language 2.0

Two consecutive years in the same language

Arts 1.5

Music, Art or Drama

Occupational/Career and

Technical Education

Choose from STEM, Business and Marketing, Family and Consumer Science, Health Science and Agricultural Science. Check with counselor about possible 2 for 1 credit for CTE courses.

1.0

Other Courses 7.0

26.5 EXPECTED HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS

6 High School Course Catalog 2017-18

CLASS OF 2020

HIGH SCHOOL

English 4.0

English 9 1.0 English 201 1.0 Additional English Courses 2.0

Physical Education 1.5

Health 0.5

Science 3.0

Two years of lab sciences

Third credit based on student interest and High School and Beyond Plan.

Math

Algebra 1 Geometry Algebra 2*

*Algebra 2 may be met by another third year math course based on student

interest and High School and Beyond Plan, including parent/guardian signature. See counselor for details.

3.0

1.0 1.0 1.0

Social Studies

Contemporary World History

U.S. History

Civics

Elective

** Washington State History is required for graduation. District students fulfill this state

requirement in Grade 7 Social Studies. Transfer students may need to complete

this requirement prior to graduation. See counselor for details.

3.0**

1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5

World Language 2.0

Two consecutive years in the same language

Arts 2.0

Music, Art or Drama

Career and

Technical Education

Choose from STEM, Business and Marketing, Family and Consumer Science, Health Science and Agricultural Science. Check with counselor about possible 2 for 1 credit for CTE courses.

1.5

Other Courses 7.5

28 EXPECTED HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS

High School Course Catalog 2017-18

7

CLASS OF 2021

HIGH SCHOOL

English 4.0

English 101 1.0 English 201 1.0 Additional English Courses 2.0

Physical Education 1.5

Health 0.5

Science

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

*One credit of science may be met by another science course based on High School and Beyond Plan including parent/guardian signature. See counselor for details.

3.0*

1.0

1.0

1.0

Math

Algebra 1 Geometry Algebra 2**

**Algebra 2 may be met by another third year math course based on student interest and High School and Beyond Plan,

including parent/guardian signature. See counselor for details.

3.0

1.0 1.0 1.0

8 High School Course Catalog 2017-18

Social Studies

Contemporary World History U.S. History Civics Elective

*** Washington State History is required for graduation. District students fulfill this state requirement in Grade 7 Social Studies. Transfer students may need to complete this

requirement prior to graduation. See counselor for details.

3.0***

1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5

World Language 2.0

Two consecutive years in the same language

Both credits may be a Personalized Pathway Requirement

Arts

1 credit may be a Personalized Pathway Requirement, which are related courses leading to a specific career or educational

path, chosen by the student, based on interest. See counselor for details.

2.0

Career and

Technical Education

Technical Literacy Elective

Choose from STEM, Business and Marketing, Family and Consumer Science,

Health Science and Agricultural Science. Check with counselor about possible 2 for 1

credit for CTE courses.

1.5

0.5 1.0

Other Courses 9.5

30 REQUIRED HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS

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