High School Registration Course Catalog Class of 2016 and Beyond

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High School Registration

Course Catalog

Class of 2016

and Beyond

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Spring 2015

Dear Renton Students,

The Renton staff is passionate about ensuring that each of you graduate prepared for college,

careers and beyond. Selecting rigorous and relevant courses is an essential part of ensuring

every possible opportunity will be afforded to you upon graduation as you gain the critical

knowledge and skills that will be required of you in today’s workplace.

As you decide which courses to take, it will be important that you seek the guidance of your

school counselor, your family, and the expertise of Career Center staff. Now, more than ever,

education is the gateway to the career opportunity that you desire. We believe in you and

know that with hard work, perseverance, and a curious mind each of you will do incredible

things.

So, go for it! Take full advantage of the learning experiences afforded you during your high

school career. We commit to supporting each of you by providing “High quality instruction and

learning for EVERY child, EVERY day in EVERY classroom and environment."

Sincerely,

Dr. Tammy Campbell

Assistant Superintendent: Department of Learning and Teaching

Launching Learning to Last a Lifetime

300 Southwest 7th Street, Renton, Washington 98057-2307 | p.425.204.2365 | f.425.204.2363

www.rentonschools.us

Department of

Learning and Teaching

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Introduction/ Registration Procedure/ Student Services ... 3

State and District Graduation Requirements ... 4-7

High School Graduation Planning Forms – Class of 2015 & Beyond ... 8-19

Post-Secondary Education Planning ... 20

COLLEGE ADMISSION INFORMATION

Pre-College Testing Programs (PSAT, SAT, ACT) ... 19

Community and Technical College Admission Requirements ... 22

Minimum College Admission Requirements ... 23-25

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Worksite Learning Credits ... 26

Correspondence/On-Line Learning Courses ... 26

Running Start ... 26

Alternative Credits ... 26

Graduation Ceremonies ... 27

Classification of Students and GPA (grade point average) ... 27

COURSE OFFERINGS

Language Arts ... 30-32

Mathematics ... 33-37

Social Studies ... 38-39

Science ... 40-43

Health and Physical Education ... 44-45

Fine Arts (Performing & Visual Arts) ... 46-48

World Languages ... 50-51

Career and Technical Education ... 52-67

English Language Learners ... 67

Special Programs (Special Education) ... 68-72

Student Assistants or Aides; Peer Tutors ... 73

Index ……. ... 74-75

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INTRODUCTION

SUCCESS OCCURS WHEN PREPARATION AND OPPORTUNITY MEET!

The Renton School District wants to provide optimum learning opportunities for all students in order

to ensure success at whatever they choose to do in life. To that end, the main objectives of the

High

School Registration 2016 & Beyond

booklet are:

1.

to provide relevant information

2.

to function as a planning guide

3.

to identify and describe course offerings

4.

to assist in student planning

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

Specific registration procedures are developed by each high school and may vary slightly from school

to school. Pre-registration, computer-assigned scheduling and some in-person schedule building are

common components used in finalizing student schedules.

Between pre-registration and final scheduling, the staff determines the number of students who have

selected each of the course offerings. This procedure results in the building of a master schedule of

courses for the year; therefore, few schedule changes are permitted after pre-registration.

•

Keep this registration booklet for reference.

•

An important fact to remember is that course offerings vary among the high schools and from

year to year—however, required courses are offered every year in every high school.

STUDENT SERVICES

•

The

Student Counseling Center in each high school offers specialized individual and group

counseling services. A staff of professionally trained counselors is available to provide

confidential assistance on an individual basis to students regarding educational, vocational,

personal and social issues. Group counseling is also provided to help students improve their

ability to communicate and to relate effectively to others, as well as to consider educational

matters.

Each comprehensive high school maintains a Career Center with up-to-date materials on occupations

and post-secondary schools for students. The Career Specialist offers individualized assistance related

to post-secondary training/education including information on schools, colleges and universities and

on scholarship opportunities.

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STATE AND DISTRICT GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Each student is responsible for developing, updating as necessary, and having on file an education plan.

Counselors will provide assistance to incoming ninth graders and their families in developing these plans.

Changes in plans should receive parent/guardian consent and be submitted to the appropriate counselor.

Subject area and total credit requirement during the four-year sequence must satisfy state and local graduation

requirements. The following minimum requirements shall be applied:

Successful completion of the following:



Subject area and total credit requirements (see below)



High School & Beyond Education Plan



Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) or Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA)



Culminating Project

RSD Requirements for the Classes of

2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

English/Language Arts

4

Mathematics

3

Social Studies

3

Science

2

(1 lab)

Career and Technical

Education

1

Physical Education

2

(.5 Health)

Fine Arts

1

General Electives

6

Total Credits

22

High School and Beyond Education Plan

Students must craft a diploma and beyond plan by detailing their strategies to meet their graduation requirements and outline their high school and beyond (i.e., college, employment, etc.).

Culminating Project

This multi-year integrated learning project asks students to think analytically, logically and creatively; integrate experience and knowledge to solve problems; and understand how their work ethic will affect future career and educational opportunities.

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STATE AND DISTRICT GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

State Assessments

High school students must pass tests, or state-approved alternatives, to be eligible to graduate. Required tests vary by expected year of graduation. A student’s expected year of graduation is set when he/she enters the ninth grade.

Exams Required for Graduation

Class of Subject Test

2016

English/ Language Arts

Choose 1:

 Reading AND Writing HSPE (Level 3 or 4 score)*

 Smarter Balanced ELA Exam (exit exam minimum score)+

Math

Choose 1:

 Algebra 1 (Level 3 or 4 score)*

 Geometry (Level 3 or 4 score)*

 Smarter Balanced Math Exam (exit exam minimum score)+

Science Biology EOC

2017 & 2018

Smarter Balanced ELA Exam (exit exam minimum score)+

Math Choose 1:

 Algebra 1 (Level 3 or 4 score)*

 Geometry (Level 3 or 4 score)*

 Smarter Balanced Math Exam (exit exam minimum score)+

Science Biology EOC

2019

Smarter Balanced ELA Exam (minimum score to be determined by State Board of Education)+

Math Smarter Balanced Math Exam (minimum score to be determined by State

Board of Education)+

Science Biology EOC

* Reading and Writing HSPEs will be available to 12th graders who have not met their graduation requirements in spring and summer 2016.

+ The Washington State Board of Education will set the exit exam cut score. The Smarter Balanced

Assessment Consortium will recommend to the Washington State Board a college- & career-ready cut score that, once approved, will be used for accountability in 11th grade. If a 10th grader meets the college- & career-ready cut score, he or she will not have to take the Smarter Balanced ELA test in 11th grade.

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Certificate of Academic Achievement and Certificate of Individual Achievement

 Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA): tells families, schools, businesses and colleges that an individual student has mastered a minimum set of reading, writing and math skills by graduation.

 Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA): Some students in special education have additional assessment options to earn a CIA instead of a CAA. These include passing state tests in reading, writing, math and science with either the “Basic” option, or taking state test at a different grade level; or taking alternative state assessments (WA AIM); or taking locally determined assessments.

State Approved Alternatives

 Students who have the skills but are unable to show them on state exams may use state-approved alternatives.  Students may access the CAA options after taking the state exam in every subject area at least once. Students must

take the state exam in that subject area at least once before accessing the Collection of Evidence.  The Certificate of Academic Achievement Options are:

 Collection of Evidence – Students compile a set of classroom work samples with the help of a teacher(s). Collections for students in Career and Technical Education programs can include work from their program. The state scores collections twice a year. Students must take the state exam at least once in that content area before attempting a collection.

 SAT or ACT – Students may use their math, reading or English and writing scores on college readiness tests. Fee waivers are available for eligible students to take the approved SAT, ACT and AP exams.

The minimum scores are: MATH: Algebra 1 SAT-390, ACT-16. MATH: Geometry SAT-400, ACT-17. READING: SAT 350, ACT 13. WRITING: SAT 380, ACT 15 (To qualify for writing, student must take the ACT Plus Writing Test).

SCIENCE: ACT 16

 Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) – Students may use a score of three or higher on select AP exams or 4 or higher on eligible IB exams: Math (AP: Calculus or Statistics; IB: Mathematics or Further Mathematics), Writing (AP: English Language and Composition); Reading (AP: English Literature and Composition, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Psychology, United States History, World History, United States Government and Politics, or Comparative Government and Politics; IB: Language A: Literature, Language A: Language and Literature, Business and Management, Economics, Geography, History, Information Technology Is a Global Society, Philosophy, Psychology or Social and Cultural Anthropology); and Science (AP: Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Environmental Science; IB: Biology, Chemistry or Physics)

 GPA Comparison – For 12th grade students only. A student’s grades in math courses and/or English courses are compared with the grades of students who took the same courses AND passed the high school SBA/HSPE/EOC. To access this option, a student must have an overall cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 grading scale AND must have taken the state exam at least once.

To learn more, please visit: http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/CAAoptions/default.aspx

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STATE AND DISTRICT GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Assessments for Students in Special Education

Students earn a Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) or Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA) by

passing state tests in English Language Arts (Reading and Writing), Math and Science. Both allow students to

receive a “regular” high school diploma.



Students in special education that take the high school state exams, with or without accommodations, and

meet the required proficiency score will receive a CAA.



The following options are available to receive a CIA:



SBA /EOC/COE-Basic – Students take the high school SBA /EOC/COE – with or without accommodations

– but IEP teams adjust passing criteria from Proficient (Level 3) to Basic (Level 2).



Off-grade level assessments– Students in grades 11 and 12 only take the SBA or EOC – with or without

accommodations – at a grade level that best matches their abilities. Students must meet the established

cut score for proficiency.



Washington Access to Instruction & Measurement (WA-AIM) – Students unable to take SBA or EOCs may

show their skills and knowledge through alternative assessments with access points matched to their

learning goals.



Locally Determined Assessments –12th grade students have the option to be assessed with one of

several approved published achievement tests that are to be administered at a local level. Students must

meet the designated cut score in order to meet the graduation requirement associated with the content

area.



Awareness Level Waiver – For students with disabilities at extreme low levels of cognitive interaction,

IEP teams and associated district personnel can pursue a waiver from further state testing and the state

graduation requirements linked to the state’s assessment program.

To learn more, please visit http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/alternativeassessment/default.aspx

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High School Graduation Planning Form

Class of 2016

Name: __________________________________________Grad Year: _________________ Date: _________



Minimum credits for graduation: 22 (16 required and 6 electives)



Each represents a semester class (.5 credit)

ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS (4 credits)

SOCIAL STUDIES (3 credits)

L.A. 1,2

World History 1,2

L.A. 3,4

U.S. History and PNW History 1,2

L.A. 5,6

American Government

L.A. 7,8

Contemporary World Issues

MATH (3 credits)

SCIENCE (2 credits)

Algebra 1,2

Geometry 1,2

3

rd

Credit Qualifying Course

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (1.5 credits)

CAREER & TECH ED (1 credit)

HEALTH (.5 credit)

FINE ARTS (1 credit)

ELECTIVE CLASSES CHECKLIST (6 CREDITS)

CULMINATING PROJECT/HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND PLAN MET

EXAMS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

English/

Language

Arts

Reading & Writing High School Proficiency Exam

(Level 3 or 4 score)

-OR-Smarter Balanced English/Language Arts Exam

(exit exam minimum score)

Math

Algebra 1 End of Course Exam

-OR-

Geometry End of Course Exam

-OR-Smarter Balanced Math Exam

Science

Biology End Of Course Exam

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High School Graduation Planning Form

Class of 2017

Name:

Grad Year: _________________ Date: __________



SOCIAL STUDIES (3 credits)

L.A. 1,2

World History 1,2

L.A. 3,4

L.A. 5,6

American Government

L.A. 7,8

MATH (3 credits)

SCIENCE (2 credits)

Algebra 1,2

Geometry 1,2

3

rd

HEALTH (.5 credit)

COMMUNITY SERVICE REQUIREMENT (Minimum of 20 hours)

EXAMS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

English/

Language

Arts

Smarter Balanced English/Language Arts Exam

Math

-OR-

Science

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Class of 2018

Name:

Grad Year: _________________ Date: __________



Each represents a semester class (.5 credit)

L.A. 1,2

World History 1,2

L.A. 3,4

L.A. 5,6

American Government

L.A. 7,8

MATH (3 credits)

SCIENCE (2 credits)

Algebra 1,2

Geometry 1,2

3

rd

HEALTH (.5 credit)

COMMUNITY SERVICE REQUIREMENT (Minimum of 20 hours)

English/

Language

Arts

Smarter Balanced English/Language Arts Exam

Math

-OR-

Science

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Class of 2019

Name:

Grad Year: _________________ Date: __________



L.A. 1,2

World History 1,2

L.A. 3,4

L.A. 5,6

American Government

L.A. 7,8

MATH (3 credits)

SCIENCE (2 credits)

Algebra 1,2

Geometry 1,2

3

rd

HEALTH (.5 credit)

EXAMS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

English/

Language

Arts

(minimum score to be determined by

State Board of Education)+

Math

Smarter Balanced Math Exam

(minimum score to be determined by State Board of

Education)+

Science

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English Language Learners

Class of 2016

Name: __________________________________________Grad Year: _________________ Date: _________



Intermediate or L.A.

World History 1,2

Advanced or L.A.

L.A.

American Government

L.A.

Contemporary World Issues

MATH (3 credits)

SCIENCE (2 credits)

Algebra 1,2

Geometry 1,2

3

rd

CAREER & TECH ED (1 credits)

HEALTH (.5 credit)

English/

Language

Arts

Math

-OR-

Science

ELPA LEVEL: 1

ST

Year _______

2

nd

Year ______

3

rd

Year ______

4

th

Year _______

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English Language Learners

Class of 2017

Name: __________________________________________ Grad Year: _________________ Date: __________



LANGUAGE ARTS (4 credits)

Intermediate or L.A .

World History 1,2

Advanced or L.A .

L.A .

American Government

L.A.

MATH (3 credits)

SCIENCE (2 credits)

Algebra 1,2

Geometry 1,2

3

rd

HEALTH (.5 credit)

EXAMS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

English/

Language

Arts

Math

-OR-

Science

ELPA LEVEL: 1

ST

Year _______

2

nd

Year ______

3

rd

Year ______

4

th

Year _______

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English Language Learners

Class of 2018



Intermediate or L.A .

World History 1,2

Advanced or L.A .

L.A .

American Government

L.A.

Contemporary World Issues

MATH (3 credits)

SCIENCE (2 credits)

Algebra 1,2

Geometry 1,2

3

rd

HEALTH (.5 credit)

English/

Language

Arts

Math

-OR-

Science

ELPA LEVEL: 1

ST

Year _______

2

nd

Year ______

3

rd

Year ______

4

th

Year _______

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English Language Learners

Class of 2019



Intermediate or L.A.

World History 1,2

Advanced or L.A .

L.A .

American Government

L.A.

Contemporary World Issues

MATH (3 credits)

SCIENCE (2 credits)

Algebra 1,2

Geometry 1,2

3

rd

HEALTH (.5 credit)

English/

Language

Arts

Math

Education)+

Science

ELPA LEVEL: 1

ST

Year _______

2

nd

Year ______

3

rd

Year ______

4

th

Year _______

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Special Education Department

Class of 2016



9

th

Grade

World History 1,2

10

th

Grade

11

th

Grade

American Government

12

th

Grade

MATH (3 credits)

SCIENCE (2 credits)

9

th

Grade

10

th

Grade

11

th

Grade

12

th

Grade

CAREER & TECH ED (1 credits)

HEALTH (.5 credit)

English/

Language

Arts

Math

-OR-

Science

IEP Team may determine necessary adjustments to graduation requirements

Diploma Option: CIA _______ CAA ______ Summary of Performance Completion Date: _______

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Special Education Department

Class of 2017

Name: __________________________________________Grad Year: _________________ Date: __________



SOCIAL STUDIES (3 credits)

9

th

Grade

World History 1,2

10

th

Grade

11

th

Grade

American Government

12

th

Grade

MATH (3 credits)

SCIENCE (2 credits)

9

th

Grade

10

th

Grade

11

th

Grade

12

th

Grade

HEALTH (.5 credit)

COMMUNITY SERVICE REQUIREMENT (Minimum of 20 hours)

English/

Language

Arts

Math

-OR-

Science

IEP Team may determine necessary adjustments to graduation requirements

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Class of 2018



Minimum credits for graduation: 22 (16 required and 6 electives)



9

th

Grade

World History 1,2

10

th

Grade

11

th

Grade

American Government

12

th

Grade

MATH (3 credits)

SCIENCE (2 credits)

9

th

Grade

10

th

Grade

11

th

Grade

12

th

Grade

HEALTH (.5 credit)

English/

Language

Arts

Math

-OR-

Geometry End of Course Exam

Science

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Class of 2019



9

th

Grade

World History 1,2

10

th

Grade

11

th

Grade

American Government

12

th

Grade

MATH (3 credits)

SCIENCE (2 credits)

9

th

Grade

10

th

Grade

11

th

Grade

12

th

Grade

HEALTH (.5 credit)

English/

Language

Arts

Math

Education)+

Science

Diploma Option: CIA _ CAA Summary of Performance Completion Date: ___

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POST SECONDARY EDUCATION PLANNING

It is a goal of the Renton School District that each student will graduate with the necessary skills and

appropriate plan to continue to post-secondary options.

In order to be well-prepared for any of the post-secondary options below, students should:



Enroll in a rigorous academic program with emphasis on Math, Science, Language arts, and Social

Studies



Participate in a comprehensive career guidance program



Identify and explore options and courses in an approved Career/Educational pathway



Participate in programs offered through the Career and Technical Education department



Participate in a service learning experience in the community



Develop a portfolio highlighting high school experience

Post-secondary options include:

Apprenticeship Programs:



Direct and specific job training with Community College component



Participants enter into a relationship with an employer and develop a training and educational plan with a

local Community or Technical College

Community College and Technical College



Offers a comprehensive liberal arts educational transfer program



Offers a wide range of technical programs



Awards a variety of degrees (AA, AAS) and certifications



Provides students the opportunity to enroll in career development and/or Career and Technical Education

preparation programs

University



Comprehensive liberal arts and a multitude of degree programs



Awards Bachelor’s degrees (BA, BS) masters degrees and doctoral degrees



Provides opportunities for professional development leading to work

Military



Specific job training with scholarship opportunities at completion of commitment

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COLLEGE ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

P.S.A.T. (PRELIMINARY SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST) and N.M.S.Q.T. (NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

QUALIFYING TEST)

Tests subject area strengths. Finalists qualify for National Merit Scholarships. The results are used by colleges

and others for scholarship consideration. A fee may be charged.

When:

October

Grade Level:

Sophomores and juniors (but only juniors qualify for NMSQT)

Why:

1.

Results used to determine National Merit Scholarships/ and achievement scholarships awarded in

the spring;

2.

Used with other records, these scores are generally valid predictors of academic achievement in

college and provide a comparison with other college-bound students;

3.

Provides a basis for taking other college entrance tests; Gives students the opportunity to

participate in Student Search Service of the College Board;

4.

Selected African American students may compete for national achievement scholarship awards.

Hispanic students may compete to be considered for Outstanding Hispanic Scholarship Awards.

SAT I

College-bound students take this test for admission to a 4-year college or university. Nearly all colleges accept

either the ACT or SAT I. The test measures academic aptitude in math, critical reading, and writing. Juniors

planning to apply to four-year colleges or service academies should take the test in May of their junior year;

some selective schools require SAT II tests which are subject matter tests. A fee may be charged.

Students are

responsible for registering and selecting their preference for the test site. The SAT may be given at your high

school.

When:

October

November

December

January

March

May

June

Grade Level:

Juniors and Seniors

Register:

www.collegeboard.com

School Code Numbers for ACT/SAT/PSAT

Hazen 480987 ~ Lindbergh 480985 ~ Renton High 480990 ~ Secondary Learning Center ~ 480989

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COLLEGE ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

ACT

Measures academic achievement in English, Math, Reading and Science Reasoning, plus an optional writing test.

Test contains analytical and problem solving exercises. Juniors may want to take the test in June of their junior

year. Students often take both the SAT I and the ACT test to increase chances for successful admission. A fee is

charged. Students currently receiving free/reduced lunch qualify for a fee waiver; see your school counselor

for more information.

Students are responsible for registering and selecting their preference for the test site.

When:

September

October

December

February

April

June

Grade Level:

Juniors and Seniors

Register:

www.actstudent.org

COMMUNITY and TECHNICAL COLLEGE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Contact your high school counselor, Career Center specialist, or the school itself for more information. See also

Alternative Credits, Running Start.

Steps to enroll:

1.

Visit the “How To Get Started” page at the Washington State Board for Community and Technical

Colleges website at

sbctc.edu/public/pe_index.aspx

to submit an application.

2.

Take the COMPASS test. The COMPASS test measures Reading, Writing and Math skills. Placement in

appropriate classes is determined by the colleges. A fee will be charged.

3.

Have official grade transcripts sent from all other colleges attended, the high school where the student

attended and/or the school granting the General Educational Development (GED).

STUDENT ATHLETES

Students who wish to participate in Intercollegiate Athletics (NCAA Division I, II, or III, NAIA, NJCAA, or

NWAACC) must meet the specific eligibility requirements which are listed in the links provided below. Refer to

your athletic director, coach, and/or school counselor for assistance and any additional information.

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA):

www.naia.org

National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA):

www.njcaa.org

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA):

www.ncaa.org

Northwest Athletic Conference

www.nwaacc.org

It is

highly recommended

that students consult

individual college catalogs for admission requirements.

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COLLEGE ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS TO ALL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

High School Transcript

The transcript must present the applicant's record for grades 9-11. Depending on the deadline, the transcript

may also reflect the 7th semester (first half of senior year). A transcript is official if it is sent directly by the

high school to the college/university

or

sealed by the school and mailed or delivered by the applicant. If the

applicant opens the envelope, it is no longer official.

Test Scores: SAT I or ACT

Test scores are official if they are sent directly from the testing agency to the institution

or

sent directly from

the high school (handwritten scores are not acceptable). To speed up processing of applications, applicants

should, at the time they register for SAT/ACT, request that their scores be sent directly to the institutions to

which they plan to apply.

Transfer Applicants - Contact each institution for specific instructions.

Applicants Expecting to Participate in Athletic Programs - Contact each institution for detailed information.

Running Start and College-in-the-High-School Participants - Consult each institution for detailed information

about its admission and transfer credit policies.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE):

If you are a resident of a WICHE (Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education) state, you are eligible to

request a reduced WUE tuition rate of 150% of the resident rate at more than 150 participating institutions in

the West. The WUE database includes which institutions participate, and which programs are available at the

WUE rate. More information, including how to request the reduced rate, can be found at the WICHE/WUE

website:

http://www.wiche.edu/wue

.

WICHE states include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico,

North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern

Mariana Islands.

Applicants with Disabilities - For accommodations in the application process, contact each institution or the

Washington State Relay Service TTY at 800/833-6388.

Freshman Admission to Public Baccalaureate Colleges and Universities in the State of Washington - Check

each college’s website for specific admission information and requirements.

MINIMUM COLLEGE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

New minimum college admission standards apply to students who aspire to enter a baccalaureate institution

directly from high school. They spell out the numbers and types of high school credits needed for college

admission.

Required courses are known as the College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR). Completing the CADR

Courses does not guarantee admission to college. The CADR Courses are one of a number of criteria institutions

consider when making admission decisions.

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PROGRAM INFORMATION

WORKSITE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Students have the opportunity to participate in the Worksite Learning Program and earn high school credit while

gainfully employed. This work experience connects knowledge and skills obtained in the classroom to those

needed outside the classroom and assists students in developing or fulfilling their educational plans. Students

earn .5 credits for 180 hours of successful work experience.

The following requirements must be met in order to receive credit:

a. Participating students must be at least 16 years of age and working in a site that meets all of the

requirements identified for “Teen Workers” by the Department of Labor and Industries.

b. A Worksite Learning Coordinator must supervise the worksite learning experience.

c. The student, parent, employer and Worksite Learning Coordinator must complete the required state

documentation prior to the work experience.

d. Students may either find their own worksite or be placed in a worksite that is appropriate to the previous

learning experience and educational goals.

Interested students should talk with the Worksite Learning Coordinator at their high school or ask the career

specialist in the Career Center for more details.

CORRESPONDENCE/ON-LINE LEARNING COURSES

High school credit for correspondence courses/on-line learning courses may be granted provided the following

requirements are met:

a.

Prior permission has been granted by the principal or designee.

b.

The program fits the educational plans submitted by the student.

c.

Credit is granted from approved schools. The following are approved schools:

1)

Schools approved by the National University Extension Association.

2)

Community and technical colleges, four-year colleges and universities, state-approved private

schools in Washington State, and

3)

Other schools or institutions, which are approved, after evaluation for a particular course offering,

by the Renton School District.

RUNNING START

Running Start is a program whereby juniors or seniors in high school may apply to enroll in courses or programs

in a community or technical college. Both high school and college or vocational-technical credits may be

obtained. Evidence of successful completion of each course in a technical or community college will be included

in the high school records and transcripts. Students of junior or senior classification are eligible; if interested in

this option students should contact their school counselor for details.

The State Legislature has placed limits on the total FTE (full-time equivalency) funded for students. The total FTE

is limited to 1.2. This calculation is based on combined course load between high school and college. Any credits

taken in college beyond this 1.2 FTE limit will result in charges directly to the student or family. Additionally,

while tuition is free for a class load up to 1.2 FTE, there may be other fees associated with specific courses

(books, materials), which are the responsibility of student and his/her family.

ALTERNATIVE CREDITS

Renton School District graduation requirements are established to provide each student with the best possible

educational experiences, and to comply with Washington State statutes. The Renton School District

may

grant

credit toward high school graduation requirements or required minimum college admissions courses primarily

conducted away from the facilities owned, operated or supervised by the Renton School District that meet a

student’s particular needs. See your high school counselor for further information.

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PROGRAM INFORMATION

GRADUATION WITH HONORS

Distinct Honors: In lieu of identifying the two graduating seniors whose scholarship record would classify them

as valedictorian or salutatorian, the Board of Directors has chosen to use the term “distinct honors.” “Distinct

honors” shall be accorded to 7% of the senior class with the highest grade point average, based on their seventh

semester cumulative grade point, providing no one with a grade point average of less than 3.50 shall be included.

In determining class rank, a list is generated from the School District's data processing system, which combines

a student's G.P.A. with values of credits earned. Students being graded on a Pass/Fail basis are not included in

the ranking process.

Honor Cords: All students who earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or above are authorized to wear

an honor cord during the commencement ceremony.

PARTICIPATION IN GRADUATION CEREMONIES

(Found in Renton School District Procedure 2410P)

If students fulfill graduation requirements by the end of the last term of their senior year, they may participate

in graduation ceremonies. Each student will be awarded a diploma after satisfactorily completing local and state

requirements. Upon request, each graduating student will receive a final transcript. Graduation ceremony

requirements, credit deficits, and honors will be addressed in the following manner:

In order to participate in graduation ceremonies, a student must have been in attendance at least one of the last

two semesters unless the student has been enrolled full time in the Running Start program.

1.

All fines and obligations must be cleared prior to participation in the graduation ceremony rehearsal.

2.

Each participating student must participate in the graduation ceremony rehearsal.

3.

Each student who participates will purchase or rent the proper cap and gown as designated by the school

administration and the class advisor and officers.

4.

Caps and gowns will be worn in the proper manner as designated by the school administration and class

advisor.

5.

Each student who participates will be expected to cooperate with the class advisor and to participate in all

parts of the graduation ceremonies.

6.

Students on current suspension or expulsion will be denied participation in graduation ceremonies.

7.

All credit retrieval course work, whether online or independent study, to be counted toward graduation,

must be completed (including the end of course exam), and a grade received by the school no later than the

Friday prior to graduation. A student cannot be concurrently enrolled in a course as part of their high school

day and the same course for credit retrieval. In order to enroll in a credit retrieval course, the student must

have previously failed the course and withdrawn from the class. The student’s transcript will reflect a failing

grade and the credit retrieval grade.

Failure to comply with the above requirements will automatically forfeit a student

’s privilege of

participation in the graduation CEREMONIES.

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GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

GRADE POINT AVERAGE

The Renton School District grading structure shall adhere to the standardized Washington State high school

transcript pattern. The grading system shall be based on the following:

A

= 4.0

B+ = 3.3

C+ = 2.3

D+ = 1.3

A-

= 3.7

B

= 3.0

C

= 2.0

D

= 1.0

B- = 2.7

C- = 1.7

F

= 0.0

D (1.0) is the minimal passing mark. While Credit/No Credit, Audit = N, and Pass marks may also be used, they

are excluded from the calculation of a grade point average. Students and/or parents wishing to receive a status

report on current grades may contact the teacher or check online through Family Access. Information for

accessing this website and log-in/password information is sent to families in September of each year.

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COURSE OFFERINGS

The following courses are Renton School District Board approved curriculum.

However, not all courses are offered at each high school every semester. Please

contact the counseling office in your high school for specific courses offered at that

building.

Each course listed in the course catalog earns .5 credits per semester, unless otherwise

noted.

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LANGUAGE ARTS

REQUIRED COURSES

LANGUAGE ARTS 1,2

Course Code: QLA901, QLA902

This year-long, first year Language Arts course emphasizes and develops reading, writing, and oral language and reinforces the use of basic language skills through the writing process. All students will participate in these activities. Individual needs will determine the degree of depth and the amount of time required to achieve course objectives.

LANGUAGE ARTS 1,2 HONORS

This year-long Honors class has more rigorous expectations of students. The learning pace is accelerated. More in-depth reading, writing, and thinking are required. Students must be highly motivated and capable of meeting course requirements.

Prerequisite: 10th_grade

The year-long, language arts course makes provision for further development in the major areas of Language Arts identified in the first- year course. An awareness of the structure of the English language especially, that involving the sentence, the paragraph and the multi-paragraph composition, will be developed by means of carefully prepared writing assignments. Literary themes offer excellent choices for study within the course.

LANGUAGE ARTS 3,4 HONORS

This year-long honors class has more rigorous expectations of students. The learning pace is accelerated. More in-depth reading, writing, evidence of critical thinking are required. Students must be highly motivated and capable of meeting course requirements.

In this year-long course, emphasis is on American Literature with selections from Colonial Period through Modern, and writing. The multi-paragraph essay will be stressed and based on analyses of the literary pieces.

LANGUAGE ARTS 5,6 HONORS

Course Code: QLA193, QLA194,

In this year-long honors course, the emphasis is on American Literature with selections from the Colonial Period through Modern, and honors writing. The multi-paragraph essay will be stressed and based on analyses of the literary pieces.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION

Prerequisite: Completion of LA 1,2 and LA 3,4

This course engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations and in subjects, as well as the way genre convections and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing. Advanced Placement exam with the potential for earning college credit. Also fulfills juniors Language Arts 5,6 requirements.

LANGUAGE ARTS 7,8

With a fourth year of language arts now a graduation requirement, this year-long course focuses on college and career readiness in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will read contemporary fiction and non-fiction, do projects and presentations, conduct research, and write narrative as well as evidence-based informative and argumentative essays. There is an emphasis on students understanding their future roles in a complex world.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION

Prerequisite: 12th grade

This intensive, literature-based study is modeled on college freshman literature classes. The writing strand of the course emphasizes college writing skills. Students who complete the class have the option of taking the Advanced Placement English Literature exam with the potential for earning college credit.

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LANGUAGE ARTS

HUMANITIES 1,2

Students will study what are regarded as the "traditional humanities" of western civilization. Literature, painting, music, sculpture, architecture and philosophy. These subjects are not studied in isolation but within the context of important developments in science, technology, economics and general history. The class is chronological in arrangement, beginning with prehistory and working up through the twentieth century. A major intent of the course is to help students understand their own world through careful examination of western cultural heritage. The work in this class is centered on reading, writing, note taking, projects, testing and discussion. Priority will be given to seniors.

UWHS ENGLISH 111: COMPOSITION AND LITERATURE

Prerequisite: 12th grade

This year-long college level course focuses on the study and practice of writing. Students will read several literary tests, as well as several essays that other people have written about those texts. As we examine and discuss not only WHAT these writes say, but exactly HOW they say it convincingly, students will write essays in which they practice using language effectively. High school students are able to earn 5 university credits for a reduced cost for this course, through University of Washington, within the familiarity of the high school setting.

ELECTIVE COURSES

READING LABORATORY 1,2

Course Code: QLA907, QLA908,

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and test results

This course is designed to help students with reading in the content areas. Diagnostic tests are given to determine individual needs. Specific work on building vocabulary, expanding comprehension, improving study skills and increasing reading rate may be covered. This course can be repeated in successive semesters for additional credit. This course does not fulfill a Language Arts credit requirement for graduation.

SPEECH

Course Code: QLA908

The course is designed for students with a wide range of abilities. The course also stresses improvement of the

student's speaking and listening abilities. Emphasis will be placed upon understanding the basic communication process including the speaker, the message, and the audience as well as those distractions, which interfere with that process. Practice will involve formal, informal and group presentations. This course does not fulfill a Language Arts credit requirement for graduation.

DEBATE

Course Code: QLA010

The principles of debate and the problem solving group discussion is the area of concentration in this course. The student will be involved in the research for and the preparation and delivery of debate cases on current problems. Preparation for and delivery in the individual forensic activities will be stressed. The student may elect to participate in league activities. This course does not fulfill a Language Arts credit requirement for graduation.

EDITOR PRACTICUM

Course Code: QLA123

(Elective or Career and Technical Ed credit)

Prerequisite: Journalistic Writing and Journalism

teacher’s approval – 10th_{through 12}th_grades

Editor Practicum is primarily a newspaper production course. Students are expected to fill editorial staff positions and take on final responsibility for paper production: managing staff, planning, writing, producing, and editing stories, writing headlines, layout, placement of advertising, copy editing, proofreading, and distribution of the school paper. Editor Practicum may be repeated for elective credit. See Journalistic Writing course.

JOURNALISTIC WRITING 1,2

Prerequisite: 10th_{through 12}th_grades

These semester courses cover the fundamentals of journalistic ethics, journalistic law, responsible journalism, news writing, copy editing, proofreading, make-up, caption writing, headline writing, features, editorials, columns, newspaper terminology, page layout planning and the background of the newspaper industry. Students will be responsible for production of the school paper including writing articles and editorials, designing layout, photojournalism, selling and advertising, and paper printing and circulation. See Editor Practicum course.

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LANGUAGE ARTS

TECHNICAL WRITING 1,2

Technical writers make complicated information easy to understand. Students will explore the field of Technical Writing as an exciting Career Pathway. Using clear explanations, graphic design principles, and real-life examples, the Technical Writing course solidifies the relationship between industry principles and written communications. Students will (1) learn about design and typographic choices, (2) learn how an industry’s objectives affect writing choices, (3) practice clarity in writing and speaking, and (4) develop techniques in grammar and structure.

COLLECTION OF EVIDENCE LA 1,2

This course is provided to seniors only who have not yet met standard on the Reading/Writing HSPE OR the English Language Arts Smarter Balanced state exam. Students will practice and complete the tasks needed to submit a “Collection of Evidence” portfolio to the state (OSPI) as an alternative way to meet standard on this graduation requirement. This course will fulfill Language Arts credits for LA 1-6 only requirements.

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MATHEMATICS

Mathematics Graduation Requirements

Students in the class of 2016 and beyond must:



Earn three credits from high school level mathematics courses. Students must earn one credit in each

of the three categories below:

o

Algebra 1,2

o

Geometry 1,2

o

Any one of a number of third-credit qualifying courses



Pass one state math exam. Students must either:

o

Pass the Algebra 1,2 End of Course Exam (EOC 1) or

o

Pass the Geometry 1,2 End of Course Exam (EOC 2) or

o

Smarter Balanced Math Exam or

o

Complete and pass a CAA* alternative option

---

Students who qualify for special education services under WAC 180-51-115 must:



Earn three credits of math designated by their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and



Pass the number of state math exams required of students in their graduating class. Students must:

o

Pass the exam required of non-special education qualified students OR

o

Successfully complete a CAA alternative option for either or both tests not passed OR

o

After grade 10, pass the Developmentally Appropriate Proficiency Exam in mathematics

(DAPE)

College Admissions Requirements

Students intending to go to a four-year college in Washington State must earn at least three credits in

mathematics that include Algebra 3,4. Additionally, students must, unless they have taken a course beyond

Algebra 3,4, take a “math-based quantitative course” during their final year of high school. This course does

not necessarily have to be a mathematics course. Students should familiarize themselves with admissions

requirements before making decisions about what courses to take during their senior year.

Students who plan to pursue post-secondary education in a community or technical college program should

take a strong math program. While successful completion of Algebra 3,4 is not generally a requirement for

admission to community or technical colleges, it is recommended.

*Certificate of Academic Achievement alternative options are described in the “Assessment” section of the

OSPI website. Please visit www.k12.wa.us.

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To be eligible to graduate, students in the class of 2016 and beyond must earn three credits in mathematics. Credit must be earned in Algebra 1,2, Geometry 1,2 and in a third-credit qualifying course. All courses in Levels 3 and above (see below) are third-credit qualifying courses. Students must earn 1.0 credit in Algebra 1,2 before taking a third-credit qualifying course if those credits are to be applied to the third-credit requirement.

Students entering high school having already completed Geometry and/or Algebra and choosing to not include those courses on their high school transcript have different requirements. Students starting high school with Geometry must earn credit in Geometry, Algebra 3,4 and one additional math course. Students starting high school in Algebra 3,4 must earn credit in Algebra 3,4 and two additional math courses.

Most four year colleges require that students complete Algebra 3,4 (commonly called Algebra II) to be eligible to apply for admission. Because of this, as per state law, parents/guardians must meet with a school representative and indicate that this is their choice should students wish to take something other than Algebra 3,4 as their third math credit. In general, students complete a course at the previous level before taking a course at the next level. Students may take courses within the same level concurrently. Students wishing to concurrently take courses at different levels should consult their current math teacher. Common course-taking sequences include:

Algebra 1,2 → Geometry 1,2 → Algebra 3,4 → Math Analysis/Trig and AP Statistics → AP Calculus Algebra 1,2 → Geometry 1,2 → Algebra 3,4 → Math Analysis/Trig → Calculus, AP Statistics or AP Calculus Algebra 1,2 → Geometry 1,2 → Algebra 3,4 → Advanced Quantitative Reasoning

Algebra 1,2 → Geometry 1,2