ST. JAMES PARISH

2013-14 COURSE CATALOG

Table of Contents

Scheduling Using the Individual Graduation Plan 2

Louisiana Public University Minimum Admission Criteria 3

Graduation Requirements 4

Career Diploma ……………………………………………………………………………………………5

TOPS Curriculum Requirements 6

Graduates of 2014 and after 6

TOPS Tech 7

Diploma Endorsements ………………………….………………………………………………………8

Areas of Concentration 9

Graduation Exit Exam 12

End-of-Course Exams 12

Honor Graduates 12

Elective Courses 13

Course Descriptions 9th—12th grades 14

Appendix A: Forms 27

IGP College and Career Diploma Form 28

IGP Career Diploma Form 31

Scheduling Using the Individual Graduation Plan (IGP)

In planning your academic courses in high school, it is important to look at your plans after high school. Technical schools offer training programs that vary according to the course of study from six months to two years. Students graduate from technical schools with certificates in their major course of study.

Colleges and universities offer Associate Degrees (two year programs) and Bachelor Degrees (four year programs) to high school graduates. The majority of the degree programs in college are Bachelor’s programs, although the number of Associate Degrees is increasing. Students need to consult the guidance department for information on the degree programs offered by individual universities.

Examples of Bachelor’s degrees offered in Colleges or Universities include:

Business………………..Marketing, Management, Accounting

Arts & Science…………Language, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Communications/Journalism

Education………………Elementary, Secondary (by subject)

Science…………………Biology, Chemistry, Zoology, Physics

Engineering…………….Chemical, Microbiology, Biochemical, Computer, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Petroleum

Examples of Associate’s Degrees at Colleges and Community Colleges include:

Aeronautical Science
Computer Information Systems
Criminal Justice / General Stenography
Mechanical Engineering Technology / Medical Record Technology
Nursing
Office Management
Design Drafter Technology
Electronics Engineering Technology
Floricultural Technology
Food Service Supervision / Office Technology
Real Estate
Respiratory Care / Retail Management
Secretarial
Substance Abuse

Vocational Technical Certificates are offered as follows:

South Central Louisiana Technical College (Reserve)

Air Conditioning/Refrigeration
Business Office Administration Drafting & Design Technology Industrial Instrumentation / Industrial Maintenance Tech
Journeyman Indust. Electrician
Journeyman Indust. Pipetrades
Medical Assistant / Patient Care Tech
Practical Nursing
Process Technology
Welding

Every student will create an Individual Graduation Plan in Grade 8 with yearly review and updates to reflect courses to prepare for the chosen postsecondary pathway. IGP forms may be accessed in Appendix A.

Please visit http://www.louisianaconnect.org to review and update your IGP.

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Louisiana Public University Minimum Admissions Criteria

(Published June 18, 2010)

Note: The requirements listed on this page are the Board of Regents’ minimum standards for regular admission to a four-year (Flagship; Statewide; or Regional) university approved on April 22, 2010. Some institutions have adopted or may choose to adopt additional requirements. Please check with the specific institution(s) for additional requirements.

Admission to 4-Year Universities
Effective: Fall 2012
(Graduates of 2012 and after must follow this criteria)
High School
Curriculum / Regents’ Core: 19 units (from Core 4 Curriculum)
AND
Minimum
HS GPA / Minimum overall HS GPA: 2.0
Flagship, Statewide, & Regional
AND
NO
Developmental
Courses
Needed / Minimum ACT subscore: English 18; Math 19
Flagship &Statewide - effective class of 2012 Regional - effective class of 2014
Students meeting minimum admission standards except for the need for developmental courses may enroll in the summer and upon successful completion of the developmental courses be admitted for the fall.
AND ONE of the FOLLOWING
HS Core GPA
Or
ACT / GPA on the CORE– 3.0 – Flagship
GPA on the CORE– 2.5 – Statewide
GPA on the CORE– 2.0 – Regional
OR
ACT Composite – 25 – Flagship
ACT Composite – 23 – Statewide
ACT Composite – 20 – Regional
Rank in Class no longer a consideration
% Admission
Exceptions
Allowed / Flagship – 4%
Statewide – 6%
Regional – 8% calculated from the previous year’s entering freshman class

Flagship: Louisiana State University A&M

Statewide: Louisiana Tech

University of Louisiana – Lafayette

University of New Orleans

Regional: Grambling State University

Louisiana State University – Alexandria

Louisiana State University – Shreveport

McNeese State University

Nicholls State University

Northwestern State University

Southeastern Louisiana University

Southern University,

Southern University of New Orleans

University of Louisiana – Monroe

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Graduation Requirements
LA Core 4 Curriculum
(Incoming Freshmen in 2008-2009 and beyond)
English - 4 Units
·  English I, II, III, IV
Math - 4 Units
·  Algebra I or Algebra I-Pt. 2
·  Geometry
·  Algebra II
·  Remaining unit from: Financial Math, Math Essentials, Advanced Math/Precalculus, Advanced Math-Functions, Calculus
Science - 4 Units
·  Biology
·  Chemistry
·  2 units from: Physical Science, Physics, Biology II, Chemistry II, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Agriscience II, Anatomy and Physiology, or a local science elective approved by BESE*
Social Studies - 4 Units
·  1/2 unit of Civics
·  1/2 unit of Free Enterprise
·  U.S. History
·  1 unit from the following: World History, World Geography, Western Civilization
·  1 unit from: World History, World Geography, Western Civilization, Civics (second semester - 1/2 credit), Psychology, Sociology, or African-American Studies*
·  Students entering ninth grade in 2011-12 and beyond need 1 unit of Civics
Health - 1/2 Unit
·  JROTC I and II may be used to meet the Health Education requirement
Physical Education - 1 1/2 Units
·  Physical Education I and Physical Education II A maximum of 4 units of Physical Education may be used toward graduation
·  NOTE: The substitution of JROTC is permissible
Foreign Language - 2 Units
·  •2 units from the same foreign language or 2 units of speech
Arts - 1 Unit
·  1 unit Fine Arts Survey or 1 unit of Art, Dance, Music, or Theatre Arts*
Electives - 3 Units
Total - 24 Units
*Approved IBC-related course may be substituted for the 4th science or social studies or for the art course if the course is in the student’s career area of concentration / Basic Core Curriculum
(Incoming Freshmen 2008-2009 and beyond)
*requires parental conference after at least 2 years in high school beginning Class of 2014
English - 4 Units
·  English I, II, III, IV or Senior Applications in English
Math - 4 Units
·  Algebra I (1 unit), or Algebra I-Pt. 1 and Algebra I-Pt. 2 (2 units)
·  Geometry
·  Remaining unit(s) from the following: Algebra II, Financial Mathematics, Math Essentials, Advanced Math—Pre-Calculus, Advanced Math—Functions, Calculus
Science - 3 Units
·  Biology
·  1 unit from Physical Science cluster:
Physical Science, Chemistry I, Physics
·  1 unit from: Biology II, Chemistry II, Environmental Science, Earth Science, Agriscience II, Anatomy and Physiology, an additional course from the physical science cluster, or a local science elective approved by BESE
Agriscience I is a prerequisite for Agriscience II
and is an elective course
Social Studies - 3 Units
·  U.S. History
·  1/2 unit of Civics
·  1/2 unit of Free Enterprise
·  and one of the following: World History, World Geography, Western Civilization
·  Students entering ninth grade in 2011-12 and beyond need 1 unit of Civics
Health - 1/2 Unit
·  JROTC I and II may be used to meet the Health Education requirement
Physical Education - 1 1/2 Units
·  Physical Education I and Physical Education II A maximum of 4 units of Physical Education may be used toward graduation
·  NOTE: The substitution of JROTC is permissible
*Journey to Careers* - 1 Unit
Electives - 7 Units
*Beginning Freshmen 2010-11 must complete a Career Area of Concentration*
Total - 24 Units
*Takes effect for incoming freshmen in 2010-2011 and beyond
LA CAREER DIPLOMA GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Before a student chooses to participate in the Career Diploma pathway the student, the student’s parent or guardian, and the school counselor or school administrator shall meet to discuss the student’s progress and determine what is in the student’s best interest for the continuation of his/her educational pursuit and future educational plan.
If it is determined that the Career Diploma pathway is in the best interest for the student, it shall be understood that
a)the student will graduate without completing the Louisiana Core 4 or the Basic Core Curriculum
b) the student is eligible to enter a community or technical college upon graduation and may be eligible to enter a 4 year collge/university after earning an associate degree;
c) the student may qualify for a TOPS Tech award by meeting the TOPS Tech curriculum requirements, earning a GPA of 2.50, and scoring 17 or higher on the ACT; and
d) the student must participate in a dropot prevention and mentoring program during his/her first year of high school, unless the student met the promotion requirements for the eighth grade LEAP.

ENGLISH 4 units

English I, and II

remaining units shall come from: English III, English IV or Senior Applications in English

MATHEMATICS 4 units

Algebra I (one unit) or Algebra I Part 1 and Algebra I Part 2 (two units)

remaining units shall come from: Geometry, Algebra II, Financial Math, Math Essentials, Advanced Math

SCIENCE 3 units

Biology

one unit from the following: Physical Science, Chemistry, or Physics

one unit from the following: Physical Science, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, or Agriscience II (Agriscience I is a prerequisite for Agriscience II and is an elective)

SOCIAL STUDIES 3 units

½ unit Civics, ½ unit Free Enterprise, American History

one of the following: Psychology, Sociology, World Geography, World History, Western Civilization, or

African American Studies

*Freshmen entering 2011-2012 will be required to take 1 unit of Civics.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 1½ units

H&PE I and H&PE II; The substitution of JROTC is permissible.

NOTE: A maximum of 4 units may be used toward graduation

HEALTH EDUCATION ½ unit

JROTC I and II may be used to meet the Health Education requirement.

CAREER/TECHNICAL EDUCATION 7 units

Education for Careers or Journey to Careers

Six credits required for a career Area of Concentration

TOTAL 23 UNITS

TOPS Curriculum Requirements

WHAT IS TOPS? Louisiana’s Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a comprehensive program of state scholarships, and one of the most innovative and progressive student assistance programs in the nation. See your guidance counselor for eligibility and renewal requirements for each award.

TOPS CORE CURRICULUM (Opportunity/Performance/Honors Awards)

For High School graduates of 2013

Students must take the courses required for TOPS within their LA Core 4 curriculum requirements.

UNITS / COURSE/S
4 / English I, II, III, IV
1 / Algebra I – Parts 1 & 2 (both units)
1 / Algebra II
1 / Geometry, Advanced Math, Calculus
1 / Biology I or II
1 / Chemistry I or II
1 / Physical Science, Environmental Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, or Agriscience I & II (both units)
1 / Additional Math or Science: Geometry, Calculus, Advanced Math, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics
1 / American History
1 / Civics and Free Enterprise (1 unit combined) or Civics (one unit) *Freshmen beginning 2011-2012 will be required to take 1 unit of Civics.
1 / World Geography, World History, or Western Civilization
2 / Foreign Language (in the same language)
1 / Fine Arts Survey
Or 2 units of performance courses in music
Or 2 units of art
Or 1 unit of an elective from among the other subjects listed in this curriculum
½ / Business Computer Applications, Introduction to Business Computer Applications
Or substitute Word Processing, Desktop Publishing, Web Design,
Or ½ unit of an elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum
Total: 17.5 units

------

For High School graduates of 2014 and beyond

Students must take the courses required for TOPS within their LA Core 4 curriculum requirements.

UNITS / COURSE/S
4 / English I, II, III, IV
1 / Algebra I – Parts 1 & 2 (two units)
1 / Algebra II
2 / Geometry, Advanced Math, Calculus
1 / Biology I or II
1 / Chemistry I or II
2 / Physical Science, Environmental Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, or Agriscience I & II (both units)
1 / American History
1 / Civics and Free Enterprise (1 unit combined), Civics (one unit) *Freshmen beginning 2011-2012 will be required to take 1 unit of Civics.
2 / World Geography, World History, or Western Civilization
2 / Foreign Language (in the same language)
1 / Fine Arts Survey
Or 2 units of performance courses in music
Or 2 units of art
Or 1 unit of an elective from among the other subjects listed in this curriculum
Total: 19 units

TOPS TECH AWARD CURRICULUM

UNITS / COURSE/S
3 / English I, II, and III
1 / English IV or Senior Applications in English
1 / Algebra I Part 1 & Part 2 (two units)
2 / Geometry, Algebra II, Math Essentials, Financial Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics
1 / Biology
1 / Chemistry
1 / Physical Science, Environmental Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, or Agriscience I & II (both units)
1 / American History
1 / World Geography, World History, or Western Civilization
1 / Civics and Free Enterprise (one unit combined) or Civics (one unit) *Freshman beginning 2011-2012 will be required to take 1 unit of Civics.

Remaining courses must be selected from one of the following options:

Option 1

1 / Fine Arts Survey
Or 2 units of music
Or 2 units of art
Or 1 unit of an elective among the other subjects listed in the core curriculum
Or a Career/Technical course approved by BESE.
2 / Foreign Language, Speech I or Speech II
1 / Computer education program of studies approved by BESE
Total: / 17 Units

Option 2

4 / A career major comprised of a sequence of related specialty courses and approved for the school by BESE
1 / Related or technical field course
1 / Basic computer course
Total: / 19 Units

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Louisiana High School Diploma Endorsements

Career/Technical Endorsement / Academic Endorsement
Core Courses
Current / 2011-2012 / Current / 2011-2012

TOPS Opportunity

4 Units of English
3 Units of Math
3 Units of Science
3 Social Studies
1 additional Math or Science
½ Unit Health
1½ Units PE
1 Unit of Fine Arts
2 Units of Foreign Language
1 Unit of Computer-related course
4 Optional Electives /

TOPS TECH

4 Units of English
3 Units of Math
3 Units of Science
3 Units of Social Studies
½ Unit Health
1½ Units PE
Option 1 (4 credits)

OR

Option 2 (6 credits) / LA Core 4
4 Units of English
4 Units of Math
4 Units of Science
4 Units of Social Studies
½ Unit of Health
1½ Units of PE
1 Unit of Art
2 Units of Speech or Foreign Language
3 Electives including computer-related course / TOPS Opportunity
4 Units of English
3 Units of Math
3 Units of Science
3 Social Studies
1 additional unit Math or Science
½ Unit Health
1½ Units PE
1 Unit of Fine Arts
2 Units of Foreign Language
½ Unit of Computer-related course
3½ Optional Electives / LA Core 4 +
4 Units of English
4 Units of Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and one of: Advanced Math I or II, Calculus, Pre-Calculus, Probability & Statistics, or Discrete Math)
4 Units of Science (Biology, Chemistry, one advanced science, and one other science)
4 Units of Social Studies
½ Unit Health
1½ Units PE
1 Unit of Fine Arts
2 Units of Foreign Language
3 Units of Electives
High School Area of Concentration
Student must complete four elective credits in an area of concentration and two related elective credits. The areas of concentration shall be developed locally by a district Curriculum-Design Team and approved by BESE / Students satisfy this requirement by completing the Core Courses listed above.
GEE
Pass all four components with a score of Basic or above OR one of the following combinations with the English Language Arts score at Basic or above:
1 Approaching Basic, 1 Mastery or Advanced, Basic or above in the remaining two
2 Approaching Basic, 2 Mastery or above / Pass all four components with a score of Basic or above OR one of the following combinations with the English Language Arts score at Basic or above:
1 Approaching Basic, 1 Mastery or Advanced, Basic or above in the remaining two
2 Approaching Basic, 2 Mastery or above
GPA/ACT
TOPS Opportunity GPA
ACT of 20 (or state average) or Silver Level on WorkKeys / TOPS Opportunity GPA
ACT of 23
Other Performance Indicators
·  BESE-approved Industry-based certification; OR completion of all course work required to sit for the IBC exam, post graduation; OR 3 college hours in a Career Technical area that articulate to a postsecondary institution, either by actually obtaining the credits and/or being waived from having to take such hours; AND
·  A minimum of 90 work hours of work-based learning experience OR a Senior Project related to students area of concentration with 20 hours of related work-based learning and mentoring / Senior Project OR
1 Carnegie unit in an AP course with a score of 3 or higher on the AP exam OR
1 Carnegie unit in an IB course with a score of 4 or higher on the exam OR
3 college hours of non- remedial, articulated credit in core area (Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Foreign Language, or English Language Arts)

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