Here We Come! 
8th to 9th grade transition

Welcome to a modified version of the 8th grade power point presentation that 8th graders view in class.  This is the information counselors convey as part of the grade 8-9 transition.  Please use this information as a guide and contact your counselor if you have any questions.

 

Table of Contents The Goal  3 Levels of study   Graduation Requirements Choices for 9th Grade      Second Language Requirements Arts / MusicRequirements Electives Vo-tech A Day With Block Scheduling Recommendations Websites to check out Guilderland High School Handbook and Curriculum Guide 9th Grade Course Selection Guide For more detailed information click on course selection guide above.

The Goal - to select the most appropriate courses for the 9th grade.

3 Levels of Study: Honors, Regents, Core

CORE Level  You need more time to understand the concepts in this subject  An emphasis on developing skills  Difficulty in this subject  Generally, Terra Nova scores 40th percentile and below  Smaller classes  Students will be prepared to pass the 5 required Regents examinations REGENTS Level A rigorous program that will prepare students for the  N.Y.S. Regents exam Good reading and writing skills Generally, Terra Nova scores between the 40th and 90th percentile in that subject   HONORS Lev el Strong reading, writing and interpreting skills Strong research skills Able to work independently Willingness to complete more challenging assignments than at Regents level Generally, Terra Nova scores 90th percentile and above   Top

Recommendations

Teachers recommend primarily based upon  the student's abilities.  Factors that are considered for your child are performance and achievement in class, work habits, and/or Terra Nova test scores . Questions about recommendations?  Start by speaking to the teacher who made the recommendations.  Speak to your counselor.  Talk to the supervisor at the high school. Make sure you understand the long term effects of your choice.  All 9th graders and their parents meet with their high school counselor to discuss options and develop a course of study for the remainder of high school. Students will bring recommendations home to discuss with parents, and parents are asked to review and sign before student returns final selection to the counselor.  Top

Graduation requirements and choices

What’s a requirement? A requirement is a course you must take and pass in order to graduate from high school    What are the requirements to graduate? 4 credits of English   4 credits of Social Studies   3 credits of Math 3 credits of Science   1 credit of second language (unless exempt) 1/2 credit of Health 1 credit Arts / Music 2 credits of PE   REQUIREMENTS TOTAL = 18.5  credits   (remaining credits are ELECTIVE)   23 CREDITS total required to graduate. You will receive one credit for each full year, full block class that you pass. Credits are earned from both requirements and electives. Regents Exams : ALL  students must  pass 5 Regents Exams to graduate with a HS diploma: Math A Science English Global History U.S. History   Top

What do I have to choose for 9th grade?

English   Traditional English (Core, Regents, Honors) Integrated English   or aka "X" ( Regents, Honors) Social Studies   Traditional Global History  (Core, Regents, Honors) Integrated Global  History  or aka "X"  ( Regents, Honors) Math   Three Year Math A  or Two Year Math A  or Math A  or Math A/B  Accelerated Science   Regents Core Biology Earth Science   or   Research  Earth Science  Research or Honors or Regents Biology      One full year elective or two 1/2 year electives   Second Language (If you have an I.E.P. (individualized education plan) that waives Second Language, you do not have to choose  a second language. Instead you will choose... Learning Workshop  (If you have an I.E.P., you may need to schedule Learning Workshop and possibly reading)    PE                  TOTAL = 6 full year classes plus PE   Top

Course Selection Worksheet: Second language

To take or not take a second language? Yes, because most four year colleges recommend that you take foreign language in high school .   Yes, because our society is becoming more and more diverse and second language skills will be valuable for most people in the future. No, if your interests and abilities are in other areas (e.g., art, business, technology), it is not required but you do limit your college choices. Which second language do I choose? This Year   Next Year weak skills or failed the proficiency exam = level 1 or switch solid skills      = choose level 2 superior skills           = teacher recommendation  for Spanish or French 2A Second Language Choices French 1 Spanish 1 German 1 Italian 1 French 2 Spanish 2 German 2   French 2A Spanish 2A

One Art / Music credit - Choices

Studio in Art  or Arts Exploration  or Performing Music  If in one performing music class (band, orchestra or chorus), also choose study hall or health. If in two performing music classes (band and chorus, orchestra and chorus), no other choices or Design and Drawing  or Dance Classes or Acting or Music technology Top

What is an elective?

A course which is completely your choice of whether you take it or not You will have a  choice of electives over your high school career   Possible Electives Course selection guide for electives  Activities, clubs, sports...  Studies show that students involved in clubs, sports or activities are more likely to succeed in school. Top

11th - 12th grade alternative: Vo-Tech program

VO-TECH program Grades 11-12, choose classes from many skill areas including: Environmental Science  Auto Mechanics, Comp uter Aided Design, Cosmetology Culinary Arts   For more information see the VO-TECH website. Top

A sample BLOCK schedule at the high school

P         B E         L R  or  O I         C O        K D   Day of the Week A B C D 1 MATH SPANISH 2 MATH SPANISH 2 2 STUDIO IN ART ADVISORY STUDIO IN ART ADVISORY 3 PC SCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE 4 ENGLISH GLOBAL STUDIES ENGLISH GLOBAL STUDIES *Advisory = study hall  Top

Helpful web sites

Career information: nycareerzone.org  jobshadow.org College information: acinet.org nymentor.edu collegeboard.org  votec.org fastweb.com scholarships.com Top

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