South Laurel High School
201 South Laurel Road
London, KY 40744
Telephone: 606-862-4727
Fax: 606-862-4728
2014-2015
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The following items shall apply to the scheduling of high school students:
- All students will be in attendance six (6) hours (as outlined in policy entitled "Length of School Day for High School Students").
- The minimum load for a full time student shall be six (6) classes per semester.
Subject / Credits / Required Courses
Language Arts / 4 / English I, II, III, IV
Mathematics / 3.5-4 / Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry & 1 Math elective
Note: Students must take math each year with the exception of the student meeting Math ACT benchmark. Those student will only be required to take it half a year.
Science / 3 / Int. Science, Biology, & 1 Science Elective
Social Studies / 3 / U.S. History, Civics, and World History
Health & PE I / ½ each / Note: Students who successfully complete AFJROTCI or Marching Band will receive ½ credit in PE.
Arts & Humanities / 1 / Note: Students may take the Arts and Humanities or one of the following: ; Visual Arts I, II, III, IV, or AP Studio Art; Chorus, Band, or Piano Keyboard. Note: Visual Arts 1 is only a ½ credit so an additional course would need to be taken to fulfill the requirement
NOTE: Electives required vary with graduation year.
CREDIT REQUIREMENT SCALE POLICY (Updated for 2014-2015)
Credits Needed / Class of 2015 / Class of 2016 / Class of 2017 / CLASS OF 2018To Graduate / 24 / 24 / 23 / 22
To Be Senior / 19 / 18 / 17 / 16
To Be Junior / 12 / 12 / 11 / 10
To Be Sophomore / 6 / 6 / 6 / 5
Class Rank
All courses are included in rank-in-class. Eighth grade Algebra I is included in both cumulative GPA and class rank. Weighted cumulative GPA is used when calculating class rank. Class rank is calculated at the end of the 6th semester, 7th semester and after graduation. Both weighted and unweighted (4.00 scale) GPAs are reported. The weighted GPA is calculated by giving approved College Board Advanced Placement (AP) courses one additional quality point per credit. Honors or Pre-AP courses do not receive additional quality points.
Quality Point System (4.00 Scale)
A………… 4 points
B………… 3 points
C………… 2 points
D…………1 point
F………… 0 points
Honors & Advanced Placement Courses
Kentucky Education Excellence Scholarship (KEES)
Purpose
The KEES program provides scholarships to students who earn at least a 2.5 GPA each year they attend a certified Kentucky high school. The better they do in high school, the more they earn toward college. They may also earn awards for ACT/SAT scores and Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) test scores. Home school and GED graduates may earn awards based on their ACT scores.
Eligibility
- Be a Kentucky resident
- Be enrolled in a Kentucky high school after July 1, 1998
- Meet the curriculum requirements established by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
- Meeting the minimum required grade point average (GPA) at the end of any academic year
- Not be a convicted felon
KEES Base Award Amounts
GPA / Amount2.50 / $125
2.60 / 150
2.70 / 175
2.75 / 187
2.80 / 200
2.90 / 225
3.00 / 250
3.10 / 275
3.20 / 300
3.25 / 312
3.30 / 325
3.40 / 350
3.50 / 375
3.60 / 400
3.70 / 425
3.75 / 437
3.80 / 450
3.90 / 475
4.00 / 500
ACT Bonus Award Amounts
You can earn a bonus award for an ACT score of 15 or above. For example, a KEES-eligible student who has a score of 25 would earn an additional $393 for each year of college.
ACT Score / Bonus15 / $36
16 / 71
17 / 107
18 / 143
19 / 179
20 / 214
21 / 250
22 / 286
23 / 321
24 / 357
25 / 393
26 / 428
27 / 464
28+ / 500
AP/IB Supplement Award Amounts
If you have been eligible for free or reduced-price lunch during any year of high school and have earned a qualifying score on an Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam taken during or after the 2008-2009 academic year, you can earn a supplemental award. For example, a KEES eligible student who receives a score of 3 on an AP exam and is eligible for free or reduced-price lunch would earn an additional $200 for each year of college.
Advanced PlacementExam Score / Supplemental
Amount
3 / $200
4 / $250
5 / $300
Course Sequence (Required)
9th Grade
English I or Honors English I
Algebra IA, Algebra I, Algebra I Honors, or Geometry Honors
Integrated Science I or Honors Integrated Science I
Civics/Economics or Honors Civics/Economics
Electives
10th Grade
English II or Honors English II
Algebra IB, Geometry or Algebra II Honors
Biology or Honors Biology
World History or AP European History
Electives
11th Grade
English III or AP English III
Geometry (if a student takes Algebra I A and B), Algebra II, or Pre-Calculus
Chemistry or Earth Space Science
U. S. History or AP U. S. History
Electives
12th Grade
English IV or AP English IV
Algebra II (if a student takes Algebra I A and B), Algebra III, or Pre-Calculus or
AP Calculus or AP Physics
Electives
Any deviation from this sequence will be evaluated on an individual basis and must be approved by the principal or his/her designee.
Language Arts
English I Grade Level: 9 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces students to the various skills needed in Language arts, including mechanics / grammar and vocabulary. Students will also read various genres of literature and a range of reading materials (literary, persuasive and informational.) The course will also introduce students to the analysis of the novel, and students will be required to read at least two novels from an approved list, which could include the following: Walk Two Moons; To Kill A Mockingbird; That Was Then, This Is Now, Fallen Angels; and Forged by Fire. Students will also learn the writing process and complete a required 3.5 essay. Finally, students will also begin to develop their speaking skills during this course.
English II Grade Level: 10 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: English I
This course is predominantly focused on improving students’ reading skills; students will read and analyze all four strands of reading : literary, informational, practical / workplace, and persuasive. Some possible readings include: Julius Caesar, Antigone, Lord of the Flies, Go Ask Alice, It Happened to Nancy, Alicia: My Story, Imitate the Tiger, Running Loose and Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, and Crazyhorse Electric Game. Students also read poetry, short stories , and other genres of writing. Students will continue to sharpen their grammar and writing skills. Students must complete a portfolio entry that scores a minimum of 5.
English III Grade Level: 11 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: English II
This course revolves around reading, speaking, and writing skills. Students will continue to analyze what they read, specifically major works of American literature, including The Crucible and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The writing process and elements of effective writing will continue to be stressed; students will produce a portfolio entry and a documented essay. Grammar will continue to be emphasized, but primarily in the context of student writing. Students can expect to hone speaking skills through speeches and presentations and to develop research skills. The use of technology is strongly encouraged as well. Students must complete a portfolio entry with at least a score of 5.
English IV Grade Level: 12 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: English III
This course further builds students’ language arts skills, with a strong emphasis on writing. Major readings include important works of British fiction, including Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, and a Shakespearean drama. Students will write extensively, producing analytical, reflective, personal, persuasive, and literary works. Students will also deliver speeches and sharpen research skills. Students must produce a complete writing portfolio with a minimum score of 17.
AP English III Grade Level: 11 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: English II
This course analyzes various rhetorical strategies writers use to convey their various purposes and tones. Students also learn to write the documented argumentative essay. Major readings include a variety of American fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Students produce a portfolio piece, which must score a minimum of 8 to receive AP credit, as well as documented analytical and argumentative essays.
AP English IV Grade Level: 12 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
English III (AP Eng III strongly recommended)
This course further analyzes various rhetorical strategies writers use to convey their various purposes and tones, with a shift in emphasis from language to literature. Students focus on various literary elements and analyze how writers utilize those techniques in poetry, prose, and drama. Major readings include a variety of British fiction, and students sharpen their writing and presentation skills as well. Students produce a complete portfolio piece, which must score a minimum of 32 to receive AP credit.
Mathematics
Algebra I Grade Level: 9 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
Pre-requisite: Middle School Math Core Content
This course is the beginning level for high school mathematics. One goal of the course is to allow students to explore functions and graphs, with emphasis on linear functions, exponential functions, and quadratic functions. Real world bi-variate data will be used as models for these functions and as tools for making predictions. Another goal is proficiency in solving equations and systems of equations and inequalities numerically, algebraically, and graphically. Other topics include the structure of the real number system and algebraic simplification techniques. The nature of this course requires the use of graphing calculators, computer applications, and physical models such as algebra tiles and others hands-on manipulatives.
Geometry/ Honors Geometry Grade Level: 9-11 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
Pre-requisites: Algebra 1
This course includes logical analysis as well as properties of geometric shapes. The goal of Geometry is to allow students to explore one, two, and three dimensional figures through visualizations, constructions, measurements, and proofs. Topics include transformations, congruency, and similarity in triangles, properties of polygons and circles, coordinate geometry, and logic. The course requires the use of physical models in hands-on activities and dynamic drawing technology. *Acc will complete a more in depth study of Geometry.
Algebra II/Honors Algebra II Grade Level: 10-12 Credit: 1Course Length: 2 semesters
Pre-requisites: Algebra 1 & Geometry
This course continues the core content for high school mathematics as well as lays sufficient groundwork for learning advanced mathematics. Specific topics include characteristics and properties of functions, with emphasis on quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions, including data analysis with functions. Other topics include the structure of the complex number system and higher level operations within the complex number system, applications of matrices to systems of equations, linear programming, introductions to conics, and simplification and equation solving techniques applied to rational and radical expressions. This course requires the use of graphing calculators and computer applications.
Precalculus Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
Pre-requisites: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II
This course involves the study of higher level functions, emphasizing the understanding of functions and algebraic and graphic strategies needed for advanced problem solving. Characteristics and properties of polynomial, rational, square root, cubing, power, absolute value, reciprocal, and step functions, along with extensions of previously learned applications of real life data using linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions is included. Trigonometric basics, graphing, and data curve fitting of sinusoidal functions are introduced. This course emphasizes meaningful connections among the branches of mathematics and provides practice and improvement of previously acquired skills.
Advanced Placement Calculus Grade Level: 12 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus
This course is intended to prepare students for a college level Calculus course. Major topics include functions, limits, derivatives and their applications, and integrals and their applications. Students who complete both semesters of the course will be eligible to sit for the AP Calculus AB exam given in May to attempt to receive college credit for their work.
SCIENCE
Int. Science 1/ Honors Int. Science I Grade Level: 9 Credit: 1Course Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: None
Students develop a conceptual understanding of physical science, as outlined in Kentucky’s Program of Studies and Core Content for Assessment, through use of scientific inquiry. They will experience physical science concepts such as structure of atoms; structure and properties of matter; chemical reactions; motion and forces; conservation of energy and increase in disorder; and interactions of energy and matter. This is a year long course taught in Freshman Center.
Biology Grade Level: 10 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Integrated Science I
Students develop a conceptual understanding of life science, as outlined in Kentucky’s Program of Studies and Core Content for Assessment, through use of scientific inquiry. They will experience life science concepts such as cellular organization; molecular basis of heredity; biological change; interdependence of organisms; matter, energy, and organization in living systems; and behavior of organisms.
Chemistry/Honors Chemistry Grade Level: 10-11 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Integrated Science and Biology
Students develop a conceptual understanding of the earth and universe, as outlined in Kentucky’s Program of Studies and Core Content for Assessment, through use of scientific inquiry. Earth and Universe concepts will be developed around the themes of evidence, models, and explanation and will expand upon concepts introduced in Integrated Science I and II. They will experience earth and universe concepts such as energy in the Earth system; geochemical cycles; formation and ongoing changes in the Earth system; and formation and ongoing changes of the universe.
Earth Space Science Grade Level: 10-11 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Integrated Science and Biology
Earth Science is a broad field that can be broken down into four major areas: astronomy, meteorology, geology, and oceanography. Topics studied during this course will include the solar system; stars and the planets; weather and climate; the water cycle; plate tectonics; earthquakes and volcanoes; the rock record and geologic time; and ocean currents, hurricanes, and tsunamis.
Anatomy and Physiology Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Introduction to Physics and Chemistry with Earth and Biology and Chemistry
This course is designed to provide knowledge in the structure and function of the human body with an emphasis on normalcy. The course includes the interaction of all body systems in maintaining homeostasis and promotes an understanding of the basic human needs necessary for health maintenance. The course is recommended for student interested in pursuing a career in Health Care as well as those interested in furthering their knowledge of the human body.
AP Environmental Science Grade Level:11-12 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Introduction to Physics and Chemistry with Earth and Biology and Chemistry
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. Students will explore the scientific foundations of ecology, analyze environmental problems and examine solutions for resolving or preventing these problems. This course follows the curriculum established by the College Board and prepares students to take the AP examination for Environmental Science. This course meets the requirements for the Commonwealth Diploma.
AP Physics Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Int. Science I and Biology and Chemistry; students must have a credit in Algebra II
Fundamental concepts such as mechanics, heat, kinetic theory, thermodynamics, wave motion, light, electricity and magnetism will be explored using a mathematical approach. Students will investigate the interactions of matter and energy through laboratory and critical thinking activities. This course is designed primarily for students planning to pursue science-related careers, such as medicine and engineering.
Ecology Grade Level: 9-12 Credit: 1/2 Course Length: 1 semester
Major concepts addressed in this course include biotic and abiotic factors, energy flow, mineral cycles, ecosystems, and biomes.
ForensicsGrade Level: 11-12 Credit: ½ Course Length: 1 semester
Pre-requisite: Integrated Science I and Biology
The application of a broad spectrum of sciences to answer questions of interest to a legal system.
Social Studies
Civics/Economics Grade Level: 9 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
Civics/Economics is a two semester class worth one (1) credit and is REQUIRED for all freshmen. The goal of this class is to provide all students with an understanding of and an appreciation for the advantages of a good government and the law that supports and controls that government. Covered topics include early American history, the writing of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, duties and responsibilities of American citizens, and economic concepts. At the end of this course each student should be able to analyze and understand the reasons for laws, freedoms, and civil rights that each citizen in this country enjoys. Economics includes the study of production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. Students need to understand how their economic decisions affect them, others, the nation and the world. The purpose of economic education is to enable individuals to function effectively both in their own personal lives and as citizens and participants in an increasingly connected world economy. Students need to understand the benefits and costs of economic interaction and interdependence among people, societies, and governments.
World History Grade Level: 10 Credit: 1 Course Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Civics/Government
World History is a semester class worth one (1) credit. The goal of this course is to provide all students with an understanding of, and an appreciation for Revolution, Expansion, and Imperialism and how these concepts changed the world before and during their lifetimes. During this course, students will see relevant reasons to study about the history of the world and learn the lessons that history reveals. Students will learn how the modern world and advancements made in technology and industry have led us through many revolutions, two world wars, a great depression, and into the global age. At the end of this course, students should be able to analyze and understand the reasons for revolution, expansion, and imperialism and explain how each of these concepts changed the world we live in.