Planning which classes to take in high school is more important than ever, now that students - starting with this year's ninth graders - are required to take four years of math and four years of science in order to graduate.
With all the courses students are required to take by state law, students now have fewer opportunities to take electives or repeat failed courses and still graduate on time.
"Students have a lot of requirements that are pre-set," said Deborah Healy, Director of Guidance. "There is very little room for error."
Students currently are the midst of selecting their courses for the 2008-09 school year.
In 2006, the State Board of Education approved new graduation guidelines, commonly referred to as the "4 x 4," that require high school students to take four years of math, science, social studies, and English.
Of the 26 credits required for the Recommended Graduation Plan, only 3.5 credits are allotted for electives. That means students who want to take multiple electives will be challenged to fit in all the classes.
"Students who want to be in a four-year elective program are going to have to plan very, very carefully," said Sara McAndrew, Executive Director of Secondary Instruction.
As a result of the new graduation requirements, Northside is working to expand credit-taking opportunities for all students. The District is planning to expand summer school course offerings, and students can take extra classes before school at the "zero hour" and after school at the "ninth hour."
Students should also consider taking algebra and a foreign language in middle school to free up opportunities to take electives in high school.
It's important that planning for graduation start well before high school, McAndrew said. All eighth graders meet with a counselor to develop a four-year plan that serves as their road map through high school.
Eighth grade students should take the time to think about their interests and learn more about the courses that will be offered in high school, Healy said. Many middle schools sponsor "Elective Nights" to provide students with information.
Students also need to think strategically as they plan their course schedule, Healy said. For example, some Career and Technology classes will satisfy the physical education credit requirement.
In addition, parents play a very important role in the success of their children and should be an active partner during the planning process, Healy said. Parents should also utilize the Curriculum Management System via Parent Connection to make sure their children are staying on track with their graduation plan.
