Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
IX.
GRADE PLACEMENT OF REQUIRED COURSES
In April 2010, the HISD Board of Trustees approved revisions to the HISD Board Policy
on Graduation Requirements. These changes require that students complete their four
credits in social studies in the required sequence reflected on the following pages. The
suggested grade placement and sequence of subjects other than social studies courses
are strongly recommended in order to provide students the preparation necessary for
them to be successful on the TAKS test that will be given to students in grade 11 and
required for high school graduation. In addition, students who do not meet proficiency
standards on the eighth-grade technology assessment will be required to take a
Technology Applications course as an elective.
Since TEA recognizes credit for all courses approved for graduation with no grade level
restrictions, exceptions can be made to the recommended sequence without any loss of
credit for students entering HISD from other school districts. Schools desiring to offer
courses in social studies in a different sequence must request a waiver of the HISD
Board Policy through the Office of School Assistance.
The following pages include descriptions for:
♦
♦
♦
♦
Middle School Courses, Grades 6-8
High School Courses, Grades 9-12
Special Education Middle School Courses, Grades 6-8
Special Education High School Courses, Grades 9-12
Middle School Courses, Grades 6-8
Middle School Courses
Middle schools should schedule the courses on their campus using the Middle School
Master Catalog for the current year. The following chart indicates the recommended
grade placement for courses.
IX - 1
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
HISD GRADE LEVEL PLACEMENTS FOR REQUIRED COURSES
Middle School
Grade 6
Subjects
English, Grade 6
Reading
Mathematics, Grade 6
Social Studies, Grade 6
Science, Grade 6
Physical Education/Health
Fine Arts
Electives
Units
1
1
1
1
1
1
1/2
1/2
Grade 7
Subjects
English, Grade 7
* Reading (if not exempt)
Mathematics, Grade 7
Social Studies, Grade 7
Science, Grade 7
Physical Education
Technology Applications
Electives
Units
1
1
1
1
1
1
1/2
1/2
Grade 8
Subjects
English, Grade 8
* Reading (if not exempt)
Mathematics, Grade 8
Social Studies, Grade 8
Science, Grade 8
Physical Education
Electives
Units
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
* Reading exemptions – page IX-3 of this section
IX - 2
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
Required Courses
Reading
♦ All students enrolled in grade 6 must be enrolled in a Reading course.
♦ There will be no accepted substitute for reading at the 6th grade level. Reading is
required in grades 7 and 8 for all students who do not meet the accepted criteria to
substitute another elective. To be eligible to substitute another elective for reading, a
student must have met the required standard for TAKS Reading in the prior grade
level.
♦ It is strongly recommended that any student who failed to meet the required standard
for TAKS reading and/or did not meet the Stanford 10 or Aprenda 2 Promotion
Standard be scheduled for an additional reading course, Reading Elective Grade 6,
Reading Elective Grade 7, or Reading Elective Grade 8, if a school divides the TEKS
for English Language Arts into Reading and English.
Technology Applications
♦ Technology Applications is a required enrichment curriculum for K-12 as specified in
the Texas Education Code, §28.002. This curriculum focuses on the teaching,
learning and the integration of digital technology knowledge and skills across the
curriculum, especially in the core curriculum areas, to support leaning and promote
student achievement.
♦ Schools have the flexibility of offering technology applications in grades 6-8 in a
variety of settings, including a specific class or integrated into other subject areas
(such as English Language Arts and Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, and
Science). In HISD it is preferred that Technology Applications be offered as a
separate class to be scheduled in Grade 7. Where scheduling conflicts are involved,
a student may postpone Technology Applications until grade 8 with the approval of
the counselor.
Students who have not successfully completed Technology
Applications in Grade 6 or 7 must take Technology Applications in grade 8.
♦ If a school chooses to offer Technology Applications through the integrated concept,
the school must apply for a waiver from the HISD Board of Education. The waiver
must include documentation to confirm that the Technology Applications TEKS are
addressed and the subjects into which the TEKS are being integrated must be
designated. Appropriate course numbers by grade level for Integrated Technology
Applications must be posted to the student’s permanent record card. It is strongly
recommended that any HISD school offering Technology Applications through the
integrated concept assess students using the Technology Literacy Assessment to
ensure mastery of Technology Applications TEKS.
IX - 3
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
Physical Education (PE) Exemptions
♦ It is strongly recommended that Physical Education be scheduled for two semesters
each school year in grades 6, 7, and 8. However, Physical Education must be
scheduled for no less than four semesters during the combined 6th, 7th, and 8th
grades. To comply with these state Physical Education requirements the HISD
Health/Physical Education Department suggests the following schedule:
Grade 6
2 Semesters
Grade 7
1 Semester
Grade 8
1 Semester
♦ A Career and Technical Education for the Disabled (CTED) student enrolled in
Pre-employment Lab in the 8th grade will not be exempt from Physical Education.
Career and Technical Education for the Disabled Pre-employment Lab in the 8th
grade should be scheduled for only one period.
Credit Courses in Middle School
There are statutory citations and SBOE rules that address the awarding of graduation
credits prior to grade 9. However, it was not the intent of the legislature or the SBOE to
create five-year high schools. Middle schools wishing to offer credit courses must
secure approval from the appropriate Curriculum or Career and Technical
Education (CTE) Manager before scheduling these courses and must adhere to all
designated high school guidelines if the approval is granted. HISD will not approve
or accept graduation credit for courses offered in grade 6 or 7 with the exception of
7th grade Languages Other Than English (LOTE) taken through the “Sequential
LOTE Program” or the Spanish for Native Speakers sequence. Students enrolled in
these courses must take two final exams. These courses are prerequisites to more
advanced courses in their subject sequence and satisfy graduation credit and course
requirement. As such, it is essential that students master the full course curriculum.
Grades earned in credit courses taken in grades 7 and 8 are used to determine
GPA and class rank, except when an approved high school waiver explicitly
excludes those courses.
CTE
With the approval from the Career and Technical Education Department and verification
of appropriate teacher certification, middle schools may offer the following courses for
high school credit.
• Gateway of Technology
• Touch System Data Entry
• Principles of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
• Principles of Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications
• Principles of Education & Training
• Principles of Hospitality & Tourism
• Principles of Human services
IX - 4
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
•
•
•
•
Principles of Information Technology
Principles of Manufacturing
Concepts of Engineering & Technology
Principles of Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Advanced Courses in Middle School
•
•
If approved to be offered in a middle school, a high school graduation credit course
that is scheduled in middle school should be taught using the same curriculum and
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) required for the classes of the same
level taught in high school.
o If a high school graduation credit course, taken for credit in middle school, is also
designated as PreAP, then the course taught in middle school should be taught as
a PreAP course using the same curriculum and Texas Essential Knowledge and
Skills (TEKS) required for the PreAP course taught in high school.
Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, if a high school credit course has a
STAAR/EOC exam assigned to it by the State, the student will be required to take the
exam. To satisfy high school graduation requirements, the EOC exam grade will be
recorded on the student’s transcript and/or final course grade, if currently indicated by
the State Legislature and Commissioner of Education.
Advanced Mathematics
•
•
•
Students who may be considered for beginning an advanced mathematics sequence
in middle school include those who:
o have demonstrated high interest and ability in mathematics; and/or
o meet the entry requirements specified for G/T programs as delineated by
Advanced Academics in Section XIII of the Secondary School Guidelines.
Prerequisites:
o Successful completion of Math 8 (Math 7 PreAP/IB) is a prerequisite to
enrollment in Algebra I. In Math 7 PreAP/IB, the mathematics TEKS for Grade
8 are taught as a pre-algebra curriculum.
o Successful completion of Algebra I is a prerequisite to enrollment in Geometry.
 “Successful completion” implies that the student has received course
credit in a manner that indicates readiness for advancement to the next
level of mathematics.
 Grades that a student receives for taking a high school course in middle
school will be recorded on the student’s high school transcript and may
be included in the student’s high school grade point average (GPA).
Parent Acknowledgement:
o Each fall, middle schools must obtain the signatures of parent(s) on the
Student/Parent Acknowledgement Form (found in this section) and place the
signed form in the student’s permanent record folder.
o The Student/Parent Acknowledgement Form states that the parent is aware
that the student must complete three years of mathematics in high school in
addition to any high school mathematics course completed in middle school.
IX - 5
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
Teacher Certification
•
•
Middle schools may not offer Algebra I or Geometry if the teacher assigned to
teach the course(s) is not properly certified.
Texas Administrative Code Title 19, Part 7, Chapter 233, Rule 233.4 (amended
October 28, 2010) states the following:
o (a) Mathematics: Grades 4-8. The holder of the Mathematics: Grades 4-8
certificate may teach mathematics in Grades 4-8, including Algebra I for
high school credit.
 A teacher who holds the Mathematics Grades 4-8 certification may
teach Algebra I, but may not teach Geometry, in middle school.
 It is high recommended that Algebra I teachers at the middle school
level be certified to teach high school mathematics.
o (d) Mathematics: Grades 8-12. The holder of the Mathematics: Grades 812 certificate may teach mathematics in Grade 8 and all mathematics
courses in Grades 9-12.
 A teacher who holds Mathematics Grades 8-12 or 6-12 certification
may teach both Algebra I and Geometry in middle school.
Exit from a High School Mathematics Course taken in Middle School
•
•
A middle school student whose first grading period report card grade for a high
school mathematics course is not passing (below 70) should be exited from the
course based on teacher recommendation and principal approval.
If a middle school student struggles in a high school credit course (i.e., making
grades of C or below), the identification, probation, and removal process should be
completed prior to the end of the second grading cycle. This enables the student
to be placed into the appropriate mathematics class before grades are issued and
the student earns credit for the first semester course.
Exit from a PreAP/IB High School Mathematics Course taken in Middle School
•
•
•
Middle school students enrolled in PreAP/IB high school mathematics courses
should be exited using the procedures for G/T Programs established by Advanced
Academics as delineated in Section XIII of the Secondary School Guidelines.
A student may be exited to a regular Algebra I course, if available, to Math 8, or to
a non-credit mathematics elective class, based on teacher recommendation.
The identification and removal process should be completed prior to the end of the
second grading cycle. This enables the student to be placed into the appropriate
mathematics class before grades are issued and the student earns credit for the
first semester course.
IX - 6
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
PLACEMENT MATRIX FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS INTO
HIGH SCHOOL MATHEMATICS COURSES
(To be completed prior to the end of the 2012-2013 school year for placement to begin during the 2013-2014
school year.)
Student: _____________________________
Teacher: _______________________________
Consideration for Placement into (circle one):
CRITERION
HISD Placement Test –
Readiness Skills
Subtest Score:
(# correct out of 16)
HISD Placement Test –
Prerequisite Skills
Subtest Score:
(# correct out of 24)
Teacher Recommendation
(Optional)
Performance on
Mathematics STAAR/EOC
(Optional)
Performance on
National Standardized
Assessment
(National Percentile Rank for
the
Total
Mathematics Test)
Algebra I
Geometry
4
3
2
1
0
15 – 16
13 – 14
12
11
0 – 10
22 – 24
19 – 21
18
16 – 17
0 – 15
Highly
Recommend
ed
Recommended
with
Reservation
s
Not
Recommend
ed
Less than
70 % correct
90 – 100%
correct
80 – 89%
correct
70 – 79 %
correct
86th Percentile
and Above
71st – 85th
Percent
ile
56th – 70th
Percentile
40th – 55th
Percenti
le
Below the 40th
Percentile
TOTAL POINTS
Total Matrix Score:
cell below)
(circle one
20 Points
Total
16
Points
Total
12 Points Total
Recommended Placement Guidelines: (check
one cell below)
17 – 20
13 – 16
9 – 12
 Highly Recommended
Student’s Mathematics
Placement for 2012-2013: (check
one option below)

Algebra I

Geometry

Math 8

Non-credit
Mathematics Elective
 Recommended with Reservations
14 – 16
12 – 13
10 – 12
8–9
6–8
4–5
(Student may require
minimal supplemental support)
 Placement Committee Decision:
Student,
Parent, Teacher, Administrator
(Student may require
substantial supplemental support)
 Not Recommended*
Below 12
Below 8
Below 4
*Note: At the parent’s request,
placement may be considered if
the student, parent, and principal
agree to the Student/Parent Acknowledgement
Form
in this section.
IX - 7
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
Houston Independent School District
Student and Parent Acknowledgement Form
for
Middle School Students Enrolled in High School Mathematics Courses
Student__________________________ ID#______________________
As the parent/guardian of the student above, I have received and understand the
Houston Independent School District guidelines and accompanying expectations for my child
regarding his/her placement into a high school mathematics course:
•
My child and I understand that s/he is entering a rigorous mathematics program that will
involve a high degree of commitment, including additional hours of study, from my child.
In addition, my child will be required to take and pass an End of Course Exam from the
state.
•
My child will receive high school credit for Algebra I or Geometry taken at the middle
school level. Even if grades are not used by the high school in computing the grade point
average (GPA), the grade earned must be recorded on the high school transcript.
•
The high school mathematics courses that my child completes while in middle school may
not be retaken at a later date for credit.
•
In addition to any high school mathematics credits my child may earn in middle school, my
child also must complete three years (six semesters) of high school mathematics courses
in grades 9-12.
•
If my child struggles in a high school credit mathematics class, I understand that keeping
the lines of communication open with my child’s teachers will help with the early
identification of and intervention with any problem areas. I also have the right to request
additional support, such as tutorials and small-group instruction, be provided to my child.
•
If the committee did not recommend placement into a high school credit mathematics
class, the student, parent, and principal/designee may enter into an agreement, provided
that each party agrees to the following:
IX - 8
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
Agreement for
Parent Request of Student Placement into a
High School Credit Mathematics Course
The Student Agrees To:
The Parent Agrees To:
The Principal/Designee Agrees To:
• Ask my teacher and parents
for help as soon as I need it.
• Communicate with the
Principal/Designee regarding
the student’s progress on tests
and assignments.
• Monitor the student’s progress
and re-assess the student’s
placement at the end of a sixweek probationary period.
• Correctly complete and turn
in all assignments by their
due date.
• Monitor my child’s assignments
on a daily basis to ensure that
they are correctly completed
and submitted by their due
date.
• Communicate with the parent by
weekly updating the electronic
grading system, and as
otherwise requested by the
parent.
• Attend all tutorials as they
are assigned.
• Ensure that the student arrives
promptly for all tutorial
sessions.
• Provide supplemental support,
such as after-school tutoring, as
needed.
Additional agreements may be
added:
Additional agreements may be
added:
Additional agreements may be
added:
_________________________________
Student Signature
__________________________________
Date
_________________________________
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature
__________________________________
Date
_________________________________
Coordinator/Counselor Signature
__________________________________
Principal/Designee Signature
IX - 9
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
Pre-AP Accelerated Science for Middle School
♦ The accelerated science sequence requires students to complete PreAP Accelerated
Science 6 and PreAP Accelerated Science 7 to be eligible for PreAP Integrated
Physics and Chemistry or Biology in Grade 8. Beginning with the 2012-2013
academic year, the Scope and Sequence for PreAP Accelerated Science 6 and
PreAP Accelerated Science 7 have been revised to incorporate the most recent
version of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Science 6, Science 7,
and Science 8.
By the end of grade 6, students enrolled in PreAP Accelerated
Science 6 must have completed all TEKS for Science 6 and half of the specified
TEKS for Science 7. By the end of grade 7, students enrolled in PreAP Accelerated
Science 7 must have completed the remaining Science 7 TEKS and all TEKS for
Science 8. Students that have successfully completed the Pre-AP Accelerated
Science 7 will be required to take the Grade 8 STAAR Assessment, as mandated by
the state of Texas. Thus, these students will have satisfied all middle school Science
TEKS requirements and will be eligible to take PreAP IPC or Biology in grade 8. If the
student chooses to abandon the accelerated track in the 8th grade, the student
should be scheduled for an alternative Magnet Science Specialty course or a Science
Elective. No high school graduation credit will be awarded for these alternative
science specialty or science elective courses in grade 8.
♦ Students completing PreAP IPC in middle school must successfully complete three
additional science courses, including biology, in grades 9-12 for the Recommended
Diploma Plan. Middle School Students enrolled in PreAP IPC will be required to take
a final examination, at the end of each semester of the course, to satisfy high school
graduation requirements. Final examination grades will be recorded on the student’s
high school transcript.
♦ Students completing Biology in middle school must successfully complete three
additional science courses in grades 9 – 12 for the Recommended Diploma plan.
Students enrolled on Biology will be required to take a final examination at the end of
each semester of the course to satisfy high school graduation requirements. Final
examination grades will be recorded on the student’s high school transcript. Students
will be required to take the Biology STAAR/EOC exam assigned by the state. To
satisfy high school graduation requirements, the EOC exam grade will be recorded on
the student’s transcript.
Teacher Certification
1. Middle schools may not offer IPC or Biology if the teacher assigned to teach the
course is not properly certified.
2. Texas Administrative Code Title 19, Part 7, Chapter 233, Rule 233.4 (amended
October 28, 2010) states the following:
(a) Science: Grades 8-12. The holder of the Science: Grades 8-12 certificate
may teach science in Grade 8 and all science courses in Grades 9-12.
IX - 10
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
(b) Life Science: Grades 8-12. The holder of the Life Science: Grades 8-12
certificate may teach science in Grade 8 and all biology, environmental
systems, environmental science, and aquatic science courses in Grades 912.
(c) Physical Science: Grades 8-12. The holder of the Physical Science: Grades
8-12 certificate is eligible to teach science in Grade 8 and all physics and
chemistry courses, including Integrated Physics and Chemistry, in Grades 912.
Exit from a High School Science course taken in Middle School
•
•
A middle school student whose first grading period report card grade for a high
school science course is not passing (below 70) should be exited from the course
based on teacher recommendation and principal approval.
If a middle school student struggles in a high school credit course (i.e., making
grades of C or below), the identification, probation, and removal process should be
completed prior to the end of the school grading cycle. This enables the student to
be placed into the appropriate science class before grades are issued and the
student earns credit for the first semester course.
IX - 11
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
Student Name ________________________________Grade: Entering grade 6
Pre-AP Accelerated Science Sequence Identification and Pacement Matrix* for
Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) and Biology
Science Grade Average Grade 5
rd
(Through 3 9 weeks)
Math Grade Average Grade 5
rd
(Through 3 9 weeks)
Grade 5 Stanford Ten Results
(National Grade Percentile Rank
for Grade 5 Total Science Test)
Grade 5 Stanford Ten Results
(National Grade Percentile Rank
for Grade 5 Total Mathematics
Test)
STAAR Science Grade 5
STAAR Math Grade 5
STAAR Reading Grade 5
Teacher
 Recommendation
 Homework Habits
 Work Habits
4
95-100
3
90-94
2
80-89
1
75-79
0
Below 75
95-100
90-94
80-89
75-79
Below 75
76 & above
61-75
46-60
30-45
Below 29
76 & above
61-75
46-60
30-45
Below 29
Level III
Advanced
Level III
Advanced
Level III
Advanced
Exemplary
Level II
Satisfactory
Level II
Satisfactory
Level II
Satisfactory
Very
Good
Good
Counselor
Fair
Yes
Parent Recommendation
Yes
Science Fair Project Grade 4
Yes
Science Fair Project Grade 5
Totals
Yes
Scoring Rubric Recommendation
Student Score
PreAP Accelerated Science Grade 6 (30-38)
PreAP Science Grade 6
(20 – 29)
Regular Science Grade 6
(Below 20)
Placement
Teacher’s Signature_________________________________________
Parent’s Signature __________________________________________
th
th
*Placement Matrix is to identify students for the 6 and 7 grade, PreAP Accelerated Science Sequence courses,
th
IPC and Biology that require students to successfully complete all of the Science TEKS for grades 6, 7, and 8 in
an accelerated two year sequence.
IX - 12
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
Student Name_______________________
Grade: Entering Grade 8
Grade 8 Pre-AP Integrated Physics and Chemistry and Biology
Identification and Placement Matrix*
Average for Grade 6 PreAP
Accelerated Science (Through fifth
six weeks)
Average for Grade 7 PreAP
Accelerated Science
(Through fifth six weeks)
Grade 7 Stanford Ten Results
(National Grade Percentile Rank for
Grade 7 Total Mathematics Test)
Average for Grade 6 Mathematics
(Through fifth six weeks)
Average for Grade 7 Mathematics
(Through fifth six weeks)
STAAR Grade 6 Mathematics
STAAR Grade 7 Mathematics
STAAR Grade 7 Reading
STAAR Grade 8 Science
(Required for students who have
completed Pre AP accelerated
science grades 6 and 7)
Teacher Recommendation
4
95-100
3
90-94
2
80-89
1
75-79
0
Below 75
95-100
90-94
80-89
75-79
Below 75
76 & above
61-75
46-60
30-45
Below 29
95-100
90-94
80-89
75-79
Below 75
95-100
90-94
80-89
75-79
Below 75
Level III
Advanced
Level III
Advanced
Level III
Advanced
Level III
Advanced
Exemplary
Level II
Satisfactory
Level II
Satisfactory
Level II
Satisfactory
Level II
Satisfactory
Very
Good
Good
Fair
Counselor Recommendation
Yes
Parent Recommendation
Yes
Grade 7 Science Fair
Yes
Science Competition
other than Science Fair
Yes
Algebra I Placement
Yes
Sub Totals
Scoring Rubric Recommendation
• Biology Grade 8
(46 – 50)
th
(37 – 45)
• Pre-AP IPC 8 Grade
• Magnet Science
(36 and below)
or
Science Elective
Student’s Overall Score
Recommended Placement
Teacher’s Signature___________________________________
Parent’s Signature ___________________________________
IX - 13
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
Parent Acknowledgement Form for Eighth Graders Enrolled in Pre-AP IPC or Biology
Student____________________
ID#______________________
I, _________________________, the parent/guardian of __________________________
Name of Parent/ Legal Guardian
Student
Printed Name of
understand the Houston Independent School District’s policy and accompanying expectations for my child:
•
PreAP Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) and Biology are high school credit courses covering the Texas
Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) prescribed by the Texas Education Agency. Students will be required
to take a final examination at the end of each semester of the course.
•
Students enrolled in PreAP Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) or Biology at the middle school level must
have completed PreAP Accelerated Science 6 and PreAP Accelerated Science 7 and must have passed the
grade 8 science STAAR state assessment.
•
Students will receive high school credit for PreAP Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) or Biology taken at
the middle school level. Even if grades are not used by the high school in computing the grade point average
(GPA), the grade earned must be recorded on the high school transcript.
•
PreAP Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) and Biology successfully completed at the middle school level
may not be retaken for credit at the high school level since credit may only be awarded once.
•
A student's grade earned in PreAP Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) or Biology will be used in
computing the high school grade point average (GPA) and class ranking, unless the high school has a waiver
explicitly excluding courses completed in middle school from use in ranking.
•
PreAP Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) and Biology middle school students must complete three
years (six semesters) of high school science courses in grades 9-12. It is strongly recommended that these
students complete four years of science in grades 9 – 12.
•
Students taking PreAP Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) in the eighth grade must take Biology,
Chemistry, Physics, or Principals of Technology courses at the high school level to meet diploma
requirements.
•
Students taking Biology in the eighth grade must take Chemistry, Physics, or Principals of Technology, and
one other science course at the high school level to meet diploma requirements.
•
Beginning with the ninth grade class of 2007-2008, credit earned in IPC cannot be applied toward science
graduation credit requirements under the Distinguished Achievement Program.
•
If a student chooses to abandon the accelerated science sequence track in the 8th grade, the student will be
scheduled for a science elective or magnet science course, for which no high school graduation credit is
offered.
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature
Date
Coordinator/Counselor Signature
Principal/Principal's Designee
IX - 14
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
Advanced Languages Other than English
♦ Following the stipulations below, credit courses in Languages Other than English
which are designated for grades 9-12 may be taken for credit over a two-year period
in grades 7 and 8 by students who meet HISD requirements and who are approved
for enrollment by the counselor. Students who complete two years of courses in
LOTE in grades 7 and 8 may use these courses to satisfy prerequisite requirements
for additional courses in the same language and to satisfy the LOTE requirements of
the different graduation programs.
Students in grade 7 who enroll in the Languages Other than English sequential
program must complete two years of the program (grade 7 and grade 8) to receive
one (1) unit of graduation credit in a Level I Languages Other than English course.
No honors points are awarded for any Level I foreign language course. The
appropriate courses for grade 7 are tagged "SEQ" in the report card title in the Master
Catalog to indicate that it is a sequential course. Eighth grade students who have
completed a year of foreign language in seventh grade should be scheduled into the
Level I credit course in the same language. Eighth grade students, who have not
completed the 7th grade sequential LOTE course, can be scheduled into a non-credit
8th grade middle school LOTE course. Such a course does not generate a credit nor
provide for placement in High School language programs
In very special situations, an advanced student may be able to complete in one school
year the Level I equivalent of a Languages Other than English course in the student’s
native language. If this occurs in grade 7, then this student could possibly complete
Level II of the same Language Other than English in grade 8. This is the only
instance in which a middle school student would earn two (2) graduation credits in
Languages Other than English. Schools must use the courses currently labeled "NatSpk" for such students. In 2007, the course titles will become “Heritage Learners.”
IX - 15
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
HIGH SCHOOL
GRADE 9
English
English I
Mathematics
Algebra I
or
Geometry, if student has credit for Algebra I
Social Studies
World Geography Studies, Pre-AP World
Geography Studies, PreIB World Geography, World
Geography Virtual, World Geo HL or AP Human
Geography (if used as a substitute for PreAP World
Geography Studies); Note: Beginning Fall 2011 –
2012, students enrolling in 9th grade for the first time
and who are enrolled in any of these courses will be
expected to complete the STAAR End of Course
World Geography Studies examination or the
equivalent as prescribed by TEA.
Science
Integrated Physics and Chemistry (can only be used
for elective science credit for the Distinguished
Achievement Program)
or
Biology (Required for ALL students in the Minimum,
Recommended and Distinguished Achievement
Programs-students may substitute AP/IB Biology for
this requirement)
Health/Physical Education
Health 9
Foundations of Personal Fitness or approved
substitute
Languages Other than English
One credit is required for Minimum Program – may
be taken at any grade level
Electives
To meet classification requirements for next year
IX - 16
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
GRADE 10
English
English II
Mathematics
Geometry
or
Algebra II, if student has credit for Geometry
or
Mathematical Models and Applications (must be
taken prior to Algebra II), if student has credit for
Geometry
Social Studies
World History Studies, AP World History, PreIB
World History, World History Virtual, ESL World
History
Science
Biology (required on all graduation plans-students
on the Recommended or Distinguished
Achievement Programs may substitute AP/IB
Biology for this credit)
or
Chemistry (students in the Recommended or
Distinguished Achievement Programs may
substitute AP/IB Chemistry for this credit)
Physical Education
Adventure Outdoor Education
Aerobic Activities
Individual Sports
Team Sports
or
approved substitutes
Languages Other than English
Two credits for Recommended diploma – may be
taken at any grade level
Electives
To meet classification requirements for next year
IX - 17
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
GRADE 11
English
English III
Mathematics
Algebra II, if student has credit for Geometry or
Precalculus, if student has credit for Algebra II
or
Mathematical Models and Applications (must be
taken be taken before Algebra II), if the student has
credit for Geometry.
or
AP Computer Science (Recommended Program
only)
or
AP Statistics, if the student has credit for Algebra II
or
Independent Studies in Mathematics Course, if the
student has credit for Algebra II
or
Dual-credit Mathematics Courses, if the student has
credit for Algebra II
or
Advanced Quantitative Reasoning, if the student
has credit for Algebra II
Social Studies
United States History Since Reconstruction, AP US
History, US History Virtual, US History Dual Credit
(HIST 1301 and HIST 1302, IB History of the
Americas Higher Level)
Science
Chemistry (Students in the Recommended or
Distinguished Achievement Programs may
substitute AP/IB Chemistry for this credit)
or
Physics (Students in the Recommended or
Distinguished Achievement Programs may
substitute AP/IB Physics for this credit)
or
Principles of Technology may substitute for the
Physics credit in the Recommended Program (It
should be noted that a student taking Principles of
Technology must take the Physics EOC exam).
or
IX - 18
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
other science elective from the list of SBOE
approved laboratory-based courses if IPC was not
taken.
Languages Other Than English
Three credits for DAP – may be taken at any grade
level
Electives
To meet classification requirements for next year
IX - 19
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
GRADE 12
English
English IV or
Approved substitutes to equal 1 credit (applicable
for the minimum high school diploma only)
Mathematics
Algebra II, if the student has credit for Geometry
or
Precalculus, if the student has credit for Algebra II
or
AP Computer Science (Recommended Program
only)
or
AP Statistics, if the student has credit for Algebra II
or
Independent Studies in Mathematics Course, if the
student has credit for Algebra II
or
Dual credit Mathematics courses, if the student has
credit for Precalculus
or
AP Calculus AB or BC, if the student has credit for
Precalculus
or
Advanced Quantitative Reasoning, if the student
has credit for Algebra II
Social Studies
US Government (0.5 credit), AP US Government,
AP Comparative Government and Politics, US
Government Virtual, US Government Dual Credit
(GOVT 2301)
Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise
System and Its Benefits (0.5 credit), AP Macro
Economics, AP Micro Economics, IB Economics
Standard Level, IB Economics Higher Level, ECO:
FES Virtual, Economics Dual Credit (ECON 2301)
Science
Physics (Students in the Recommended or
Distinguished Achievement Programs may
substitute AP/IB Physics for this credit)
or
IX - 20
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
Principles of Technology may substitute for the
Physics credit in the Recommended Program (It
should be noted that a student taking Principals of
Technology must take the Physics EOC exam),
or
other science elective from the list of SBOE
approved laboratory-based courses if IPC was not
taken
Electives
To complete graduation requirements
In addition to the courses recommended by grade level, a student must complete
one-half credit in speech; one credit in technology applications; one, two, or three credits
in Languages Other than English; and one credit in Fine Arts depending on which
graduation program is selected. These courses can be scheduled at any grade level
9-12.
IX - 21
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
SPECIAL EDUCATION MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSES
The counselor should schedule students with disabilities into appropriate courses based
on the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Courses may be selected from
general education, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and courses listed below.
SPECIAL EDUCATION GRADE 6
V-Coded English 6
Fundamentals of English 6
English Language Arts for Life 6
Language Awareness 6
V-Coded Reading 6
Fundamentals of Reading 6
Literacy Awareness 6
V-Coded Mathematics 6
Fundamentals of Mathematics 6
Mathematics for Life 6
Consumer Awareness 6
Fundamentals of Social Studies 6
Social Studies for Life 6
Community Awareness 6
Fundamentals of Science 6
Science for Life 6
Environmental Awareness 6
Personal Health for Life 6
Vocational Skills for Life 6
Adapted Physical Education 6
Motor Development 6
Electives
Support Services 6
Reading for Life 6
Leisure Awareness 6
Vocational Awareness 6
IX - 22
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
Please note: English Language Arts for Life may include both reading and language arts
content. Reading for Life may be identified by the ARD committee as a
separate course.
Personal Health for Life and Vocational Skills for Life may be offered for one
or both semesters each middle school year. This will be determined by the
ARD committee based on the individual needs of the student.
Vocational Skills for Life is not required when the student is enrolled in a
general education computer class, CTE, or technology elective.
IX - 23
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
SPECIAL EDUCATION GRADE 7
V-Coded English 7
Fundamentals of English 7
English Language Arts for Life 7
Language Awareness 7
V-Coded Reading 7
Fundamentals of Reading 7
Literacy Awareness 7
V-Coded Mathematics 7
Fundamentals of Mathematics 7
Mathematics for Life 7
Consumer Awareness 7
Fundamentals of Texas History 7
Social Studies for Life 7
Community Awareness 7
Fundamentals of Science 7
Science for Life 7
Environmental Awareness 7
Personal Health for Life 7
Vocational Skills for Life 7
Adapted Physical Education 7
Motor Development 7
Electives
Support Services 7
Reading for Life 7
Leisure Awareness 7
Vocational Awareness 7
Please note: English Language Arts for Life may include both reading and language arts
content. Reading for Life may be identified by the ARD committee as a
separate course.
Personal Health for Life and Vocational Skills for Life may be offered for one
or both semesters each middle school year. This will be determined by the
ARD committee based on the individual needs of the student.
Vocational Skills for Life is not required when the student is enrolled in a
general education computer class, CTE, or technology elective.
IX - 24
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
SPECIAL EDUCATION GRADE 8
V-Coded English 8
Fundamentals of English 8
English Language Arts for Life 8
Language Awareness 8
V-Coded Reading 8
Fundamentals of Reading 8
Literacy Awareness 8
V-Coded Mathematics 8
Fundamentals of Mathematics 8
Mathematics for Life 8
Consumer Awareness 8
Fundamentals of US History 8
Social Studies for Life 8
Community Awareness 8
Fundamentals of Science 8
Science for Life 8
Environmental Awareness 8
Personal Health for Life 8
Vocational Skills for Life 8
Adapted Physical Education 8
Motor Development 8
Electives
Support Services 8
Reading for Life 8
Leisure Awareness 8
Vocational Awareness 8
Please note: English Language Arts for Life may include both reading and language arts
content. Reading for Life may be identified by the ARD committee as a
separate course.
Personal Health for Life and Vocational Skills for Life may be offered for one
or both semesters each middle school year. This will be determined by the
ARD committee based on the individual needs of the student.
Vocational Skills for Life is not required when the student is enrolled in a
general education computer class, CTE, or technology elective.
IX - 25
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
SPECIAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL COURSES
The counselor should schedule students with disabilities into appropriate courses based
on the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Courses may be selected from
general education, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and courses listed below
SPECIAL EDUCATION GRADE 9
English
English 1 Modified
English 1 Alternate
Mathematics
Algebra 1 Modified
Algebra 1 Alternate
Social Studies
World Geography Modified
World Geography Alternate
Science
IPC Modified
IPC Alternate
Speech
Communication Applications Modified
Communication Applications Alternate
LOTE
Spanish 1 (or American Sign Language) Alternate
PE
PE 1 Alternate
Health
Health Education Alternate
Electives
Professional Communications Modified (Speech)
Professional Communications Alternate (Speech)
Career Exploration
Support Services I
Reading 1 Modified
Reading 1 Alternate
Vocational Skills for Life I
Recreation for Life 1
Floral Design (Fine Arts)
Graphic Design (Fine Arts)
Peer Assistance I
Deaf Culture
Technology Training I
IX - 26
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
SPECIAL EDUCATION GRADE 10
English
English 2 Modified
English 2 Alternate
Mathematics
Geometry Modified
Geometry Alternate
Social Studies
World History Modified
World History Alternate
Science
Biology Modified
Biology Alternate
Speech
Communication Applications Modified
(if not previously taken)
Communication Applications Alternate
(if not previously taken)
Technology
Fundamentals of Computer Science Alternate
(Technology Applications)
PE
PE 2 Alternate
Health
Personal Health 1 Alternate
Electives
Communication Applications Modified
(Speech - if not previously taken)
Communication Applications Alternate
(Speech - if not previously taken)
Professional Communications Modified
(Speech - if not previously taken)
Professional Communications Alternate
(Speech - if not previously taken)
Support Services II
Reading 2 Modified
Reading 2 Alternate
Vocational Skills for Life II
Recreation for Life 2
PE 2 Alternate
Floral Design (Fine Arts)
Graphic Design (Fine Arts)
Career Exploration I
History of Deaf
Technology Training II
Spanish 1 Alternate (if not previously taken)
Fundamentals of Computer Science Alternate
(Technology Applications if not previously taken)
IX - 27
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
SPECIAL EDUCATION GRADE 11
English
English 3 Modified
English 3 Alternate
Mathematics
Mathematical Models Modified
Mathematical Models Alternate
Social Studies
US History Modified
US History Alternate
Science
Chemistry Modified
Chemistry Alternate
Health
Personal Health 2 Alternate
Fine Arts
Floral Design Alternate (if not previously taken)
Graphic Design Alternate (if not previously taken)
Electives
Communication Applications Modified
(Speech - if not previously taken)
Communication Applications Alternate
(Speech - if not previously taken)
Professional Communications Modified
(Speech - if not previously taken)
Professional Communications Alternate
(Speech - if not previously taken)
Lifetime Nutrition and Wellness (Health)
Vocational Skills for Life III
PE 3 Alternate
Pre-employment Training
Support Services III
Reading 3 Modified
Reading 3 Alternate
On-the-Job Training
On-the-Job Training Lab I
Recreation for Life 3
Technology Training III
Spanish 1 Alternate (if not previously taken)
Fundamentals of Computer Science Alternate
(Technology Applications if not previously taken)
Please note: Students must enroll in On-the-Job Training and On-the-Job Training Lab
concurrently.
IX - 28
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
SPECIAL EDUCATION GRADE 12
English
English 4 Modified
English 4 Alternate
Social Studies
Government Modified
Government Alternate
Economics Modified
Economics Alternate
Science
Physics Modified
Physics Alternate
Math
Algebra 2 Modified
Algebra 2 Alternate
Fine Arts
Floral Design Alternate (if not previously taken)
Graphic Design Alternate (if not previously taken)
Electives
To complete graduation requirements
Practical Writing Modified (Eng. 4)
Practical Writing Alternate (Eng. 4)
Visual Media Analysis Modified (Eng. 4)
Visual Media Analysis Alternate (Eng. 4)
Creative Writing Modified (Eng. 4)
Creative Writing Alternate (Eng. 4)
Literary Genres Modified (Eng. 4)
Literary Genres Alternate (Eng. 4)
Communication Applications Modified
(Speech - if not previously taken)
Communication Applications Alternate
(Speech - if not previously taken)
Professional Communications Modified
(Speech - if not previously taken)
Professional Communications Alternate
(Speech - if not previously taken)
Environmental Systems Modified (Science)
Environmental Systems Alternate (Science)
Earth and Space Science Modified (Science)
Earth and Space Science Alternate (Science)
Aquatic Science Modified (Science)
Aquatic Science Alternate (Science)
Independent Studies in Math 1 Modified
Independent Studies in Math 1 Alternate
Vocational Skills for Life IV
Pre-employment Training
On-the-Job Training
Technology Training IV
IX - 29
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
Support Services IV
Reading 4 Modified
Reading 4 Alternate
Independent Studies 1 Alternate (if not previously taken)
Personal Health 3
Recreation for Life 4
PE 4 Alternate
Spanish 1 Alternate (if not previously taken)
Fundamentals of Computer Science Alternate
(Technology Applications if not previously taken)
IX - 30
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
SPECIAL EDUCATION GRADE 12+
The following courses may be utilized for students who will be enrolled in school through
age 21:
English Electives
Practical Writing Alternate
Visual Media Analysis Alternate
Creative Writing Alternate
Literary Genres Alternate
Mathematics
Independent Studies in Math 1Alternate
(if not previously taken)
Independent Studies in Math 2, 3 Alternate (Math)
Social Studies
Electives
For continuance of CBI
Science Electives
Earth and Space Science Alternate
Environmental Systems Alternate
Aquatic Science Alternate
Electives
Reading 1, 2, 3, 4 Alternate (if not previously taken)
On-the-Job Training
On-the-Job Training Lab
Vocational Skills for Life V, VI, VII, VIII
Personal Health 3 Alternate (if not previously taken)
Personal Health 4, 5, 6 Alternate
PE 5, 6, 7, 8 Alternate
Recreation for Life 5, 6, 7, 8
Technology Training I, II, III, IV (if not previously taken)
Please note: Students must enroll in On-the-Job Training and On-the-Job Training Lab
concurrently.
IX - 31
Secondary School Guidelines, 2012-2013
Grade Placement of Required Courses
IX - 32