Course Description Guide

Dale Leach, Principal

Matt Blair, Assistant Principal

Sharon Gilbert, Counselor (A-K)

Heidi Klippert Holboy, Counselor (L-Z)


GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

All students graduating from LHS must pass each requirement established by the State Legislature, the State Board of Education, and the Lakewood School District Board of Directors. A minimum of 22.5 credits must be earned. The usual rate is .5 credits per semester for each class passed, or 24 total over four years. Graduation Requirements are listed below. Electives are chosen based on each student’s interests and goals. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure all graduation requirements are met. NOTE: Students planning to attend a university should check with the specific university for complete admission criteria. Students planning to participate in college athletics must meet NCAA Clearinghouse requirements (refer to Page 7).

Exceptions: Sno-Isle Skills Center Programs (1.5 Credits); Running Start (5.0 College Credits = 1.0 LHS Credit)

LHS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
CREDITS / COLLEGE ACADEMIC DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS (CADR)
FOR ADMISSION TO WASHINGTON UNIVERSITIES
Central & Eastern Washington
Universities / Evergreen State College / Western
Washington
University / University of Washington / Washington State University
Career and Technical Ed.
/ 1.0
English
9th English or Honors (1yr)
10th English or Honors (1yr)
11th English, Honors, or Coll. Eng (1yr)
12th English, Honors, or Coll. Eng (1yr) / 4.0 / 4.0
Includes study of English language, literature writing / 4.0 / 4.0
Includes college preparatory composition and literature / 4.0
Includes at least three credits in composition and literature / 4.0
Includes college preparatory composition and literature
Fine Arts / 1.0 / 1.0
or 1.0 from CADR / 1.0
or 1.0 from CADR / 0.5 / 0.5 / 1.0
or additional CADR
Mathematics
Algebra
Geometry
Financial Fitness
Adv. Algebra Prep
Adv. Algebra/Trig
Pre-Calculus
Calculus / 3.0 / 3.0
Algebra, geometry and advanced algebra/trig. and above. Algebra/Trig is the MINIMUM! / 3.0
Algebra, geometry and advanced algebra/trig. and above.
Algebra/Trig is the MINIMUM! / 3.0
Algebra, geometry and advanced algebra/trig. and above.
Algebra/Trig is the MINIMUM! / 3.0
Algebra, geometry and advanced algebra/trig, and above.
Algebra/Trig is the MINIMUM! / 3.0
Algebra, geometry and advanced algebra/trig, and above.
Algebra/Trig is the MINIMUM!
Physical Education & Health Education
Health Lifetime Fitness (1 sem.each)
Physical Ed. classes (2 semesters) / 2.0
Science (all LHS Science courses are Algebra and Lab based)
Earth/Space/Physical Science (9th)(1yr)
Biology (10th)(1yr)
Chemistry
Advanced BioForensics
Physics
Astrobiology / 2.0 / 2.0
(both years lab based; 1 algebra based, Biology+ chemistry, Physics, Astrobiology, BioForensics) / 2.0
(both years lab based; 1 algebra based, Biology+ chemistry, Physics, Astrobiology, BioForensics) / 2.0
(both years lab based; 1 algebra based, Biology+ chemistry, Physics, Astrobiology, BioForensics) / 2.0
(both years lab based; 1 algebra based, Biology+ chemistry, Physics, Astrobiology, BioForensics) / 2.0
(both years lab based; 1 algebra based, Biology+ chemistry, Physics, Astrobiology, BioForensics)
Social Studies
World History -10th (1yr)
US History or Honors US –11th (1yr)
CWI or Honors Gov – 12th (1yr) / 3.0 / 3.0 / 3.0 / 3.0 / 3.0 / 3.0
World Language / 2.0
In single language / 2.0
In single language / 2.0
In single language / 2.0
In single language minimum! / 2.0
In single language
Electives / 6.5
MINimum CREDITS REQUIRED / 22.5
Cougar Path / COUGAR PATH, approved by the Lakewood School Board in May of 2003, satisfies the WA State graduation requirement of Culminating Project and the 5-Year Plan for each student.
Certificate of
Academic Achievement / Earning the Certificate of Academic Achievement is accomplished by successfully completing the sections of the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) and End of Course Exams (EOC) prior to graduation as determined by OSPI and the State Legislature.
Washington State History / This is a Washington State graduation requirement. Students in the Lakewood School District will complete this during 7th grade. Students who do not meet the requirement in 7th grade will be responsible for fulfilling this requirement through a pre-approved credit remediation option. Please see your counselor prior to enrolling in a credit remediation option.
COUGAR PATH

Lakewood High School’s Cougar Path is a Washington State graduation requirement requiring students to complete a culminating exhibition as part of their high school graduation. Students participate in Cougar Path sessions, create a Best Works portfolio and complete and present a senior project.

·  All students are required to attend and participate in Cougar Path sessions each year.

·  Freshmen, sophomores and juniors are required to turn in 3 Best Works from 3 different subject areas for each year that they attend LHS.

·  Seniors must complete a 20 hour (or 40 hour if their Best Works portfolio is incomplete) project in ONE of the following areas: Career Exploration, Community Service or a Physical Project.

Completion of the Cougar Path satisfies the Washington State graduation requirement for a High School and Beyond Plan and Culminating Project.

YOUR EDUCATIONAL & CAREER PLAN

2013/2014 LHS Course Description Guide 2

Lakewood High School students are encouraged to develop a suitable academic/career plan that leads to continuing education at a four-year college or university, community college, technical institution, military, or direct entry into the world of work. It is the responsibility of the school, home, and community to aid students in making educated decisions regarding their college and/or career options.

Assessments of student interest, aptitudes, and abilities are integrated into a variety of career exploration opportunities. Career and college speakers, research projects, and other learning

experiences enrich academic content. Combined with effective counseling practice, students are assisted in their decision-making and goal setting process.

The high school Career Center provides students and families with direct access to a multitude of career resources. High school curriculum further expands career-related knowledge and experience. School guidance counselors, administrators, advisors, and teachers are available to assist students as they explore options and make pertinent high school and post-secondary decisions.

2013/2014 LHS Course Description Guide 16

LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
EDUCATIONAL PLAN
9th Grade / 10th Grade / LHS students have the opportunity to complete a set of graduation requirements that will enable them to develop their intellectual and personal potential for a lifetime of learning and for responsible productive participation in a diverse society.
*If university-bound, refer to admissions requirements to assist with scheduling options (refer to p.2 or meet with your counselor)
1st Semester / 2nd Semester / 1st Semester / 2nd Semester
English / English / English / English
Algebra / Algebra / Geometry / Geometry
Lifetime Fitness / Health / World History / World History
Earth/Space/Phys.Science / Earth/Space/Phys.Science / Biology / Biology
Elective: / Elective: / Elective: / Elective:
Elective: / Elective: / Elective: / Elective:
11th Grade / 12th Grade
1st Semester / 2nd Semester / 1st Semester / 2nd Semester
English / English / English / English
U.S. History or Honors / U.S. History or Honors / CWI or Honors Gov. / CWI or Honors Gov.
Adv. Algebra/Trig* or Adv. Alg/Prep or Financial Fitness / Adv. Algebra/Trig* or
Adv.Alg/Prep or Financial Fitness / Elective:
*Core Class if university-bound / Elective:
*Core Class if university-bound
Elective: *Core Class if university-bound / Elective: *Core Class if university-bound / Elective: *Core Class if university-bound / Elective: *Core Class if university-bound
Elective: / Elective: / Elective: / Elective:
Elective: / Elective: / Elective: / Elective:
FIFTH YEAR
2-year College / 4-year College
Apprenticeship / Voc/Tech School
Job Training / Other

2013/2014 LHS Course Description Guide 16

Credits and Graduation

The following information is to assist you in placing course credits in the appropriate graduation requirement categories.

1. Credit requirements are met in each subject area when they total the number of credits required for that area. For example, if a student has earned only .33 credits in a specific area and .5 credit is required, the requirement has not been met. Another course must be completed in the same category to bring the earned credit amount to a minimum of .5 credits.

2. Credits earned in excess of those required in specific categories become elective credits.

3. Any course that doesn’t apply toward a core graduation requirement is an elective credit.

4. Credits cannot do “double duty”. They can only be applied in one subject area and can only fulfill the credit amount specified.

5. A course, if taken a second time, will count as an elective credit only.

6. There are some instances where substitutions may apply including:

Honors U.S. History = U.S. History

Honors Government = Current World Issues

Family Health = Health

7. At least .5 credit must be earned in Lifetime Fitness as part of the P.E. requirement of 1.5 credits. The other 1.0 credit may be earned in any other P.E. classes.

It is the student’s responsibility to make sure all graduation requirements are met. If you are uncertain about your credits and requirements, please contact your counselor for clarification.

General Information

COURSE EXPECTATIONS

During the first week of school, teachers will distribute Course Expectations for each class to students. These expectations include 1) a description of the course; 2) basic objectives; 3) course requirements; 4) grading procedures/standards; and 5) specific attendance and other expectations as identified by the instructor.

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is required for all classes. Excessive absenteeism could adversely affect a student’s grade even though average or above average work is done on the days attended. It is the student’s responsibility to get work missed immediately upon return from an absence. Only work made up from an excused absence will be graded. Students are to bring a parent note within two days of absence to be excused. See student handbook for detailed information regarding attendance policy.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

Classes are selected as a part of a plan to achieve personal, educational, or career goals. Class changes should be consistent with the student’s responsibility and commitment to follow through with the course selections.

1.  No student requests for schedule changes will be made during the first day of the semester and students must follow their schedule as indicated.

2.  General written requests for schedule changes will be accepted during the 2nd and 3rd days of the semester. Schedule changes require the permission of the counselor, parents, and teachers involved (if signature/approval is required or it is an academic class).

3.  Changes will only be considered for the following:

·  Need to take a graduation requirement

·  Inappropriate skill level/placement

·  Lack of prerequisite

·  Taken and received credit previously

·  Technical error (i.e. missing periods, double scheduled periods)

4.  Students dropping a class after the 10th day of the semester will receive an “F” and loss of credit unless there is a documented reason.

HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH

1.  Students who successfully complete a Sno-Isle summer program in the summer immediately before the 9th grade will receive high school credit.

2.  Students who successfully complete high school equivalent courses while at Lakewood Middle School may receive high school credit. At this time, this applies only to Algebra and Geometry. Students apply for high school credit by completing a credit request form. Both the grade and the credit will be used in cumulative totals if high school credit is granted. Once high school credit has been granted and posted to transcript, it may not be removed.

3.  WA State History is a graduation requirement in the State of Washington. Students in the Lakewood School District are enrolled in this during their 7th grade year. Successful completion of this requirement will be noted on the student’s academic record; however, high school credit will not be granted. This course will not be offered at Lakewood High School. Transfer students and students who do not meet the requirement during 7th grade are responsible for meeting this requirement through pre-approved credit remediation. Please see counselor prior to enrolling in credit remediation program.

GRADE REPORTS

Student grades are accessed on-line with Family Access. Teachers update grade information throughout the semester for real time access. Quarterly and semester grades are also posted on-line. Exact dates for issue of these reports will be published at the beginning of each school year.

GRADING

Lakewood High School uses the following grading scale:

A (4.0 GPA points)= Superior achievement

A- (3.7 GPA points)

B+ (3.3 GPA points)

B (3.0 GPA points)= Above average achievement

B- (2.7 GPA points)

C+ (2.3 GPA points)

C (2.0 GPA points)= Average achievement

C- (1.7 GPA points)

D+ (1.3 GPA points)

D (1.0 GPA points)= Below average achievement

F (0.0 GPA points)= Not passing/Failing

The following grades are not used for GPA computation; although, they may affect GPA averages based on credits/grades attempted:

P = Passing (Teacher Assistants, Tutors, etc.)

S = Satisfactory (credit granted based on effort)

U = Unsatisfactory

NC = No credit

ENROLLMENT AND CREDIT POLICIES

1.  One half (0.5) credit is earned for each class completed in a semester and passed with a “D” grade or better.

2.  Courses may be repeated for elective credit unless stated otherwise in the course description. Credit earned will count as elective credit and not core requirement credit, with the exception of Physical Education courses.

3.  Freshmen, sophomores and juniors are required to enroll in six classes. In addition, Freshmen and Sophomores must be enrolled in English, Math, and Science each semester, both years.

FINE ARTS COURSES:

Visual Arts

·  Art, Photography, and Pottery

Performing Arts

·  Band, Choir, Jazz Choir, Drama, Piano

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION COURSES:

Agriculture and Science

·  Greenhouse/Landscape, Natural Resources

Business and Marketing

·  Office Tech, Computer Applications/Web Design, Careers/Life Beyond High School, Marketing Essentials, Advanced Marketing-Retailing, Video Productions

Family and Consumer Sciences

·  Human Development/ Elementary School Tutor & Adv. Human Development

Technology and Industry Education

·  Woods Technology, Technical Design, Architecture