High School Program Of Studies - AJ Dimond High School

92 Pages·2007·2.2 MB·English

Anchorage School District
High School
Program Of Studies
Th is listing contains all courses approved by the
School Board as of the date below. Not all courses are
simul ta neously off ered at every high school.
Revised July 2007
ASD Non-Discrimination Statement:
It is the policy of the Anchorage School District to provide equal educational and employment opportunities, and to provide services and benefits to all students and
employees without regard to race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, marital status, change in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood or other prohibitions.
This policy is consistent with numerous laws, regulations, and executive orders enforced by various federal, state, and municipal agencies, including but not limited to
Executive Order 11246, Title 41, part 60-1, 60-2, 60-3, 60-20, Title VI and VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, and
Section 504.
Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the School District’s Equal Employment Opportunity Director, who also serves as the Title IX Coordinator, ASD
Education Center, 5530 E. Northern Lights Blvd., Anchorage, AK 99504-3135, [phone] or to any of the following external agencies: Alaska State Commission
for Human Rights, Anchorage Equal Rights Commission, Director of the Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education, Department of Health and Human
Services.
For information contact:
Anchorage School District Education Center
High School Education
5530 E. Northern Lights Blvd.
Anchorage, Alaska 99504-3135
[phone]

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Graduation requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inside front cover General Electives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iv
Anchorage High Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv KKKiiinnnggg CCCaaarrreeeeeerrr CCCeeennnttteeerrr .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 62
High School Alternative Programs/Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . iv KCC Alternative Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62-63
Non-resident Tuition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi Advertising, Art and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Alaska High School Graduation Qualifying Examination Alaska Railroad Tour Guide Training Program . . . . . . . . . .64
(HSGQE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi Automotive Maintenance Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
About Scheduling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi AAAvvviiiaaatttiiiooonnn MMMaaaiiinnnttteeennnaaannnccceee TTTeeeccchhhnnnooolllooogggyyy .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..64
Course Withdrawal Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vii Aviation Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Grading Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vii Body/Fender Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
High School Credit for Middle School Students . . . . . . . . viii Business Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Credit By Choice Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii Carpentry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Independent Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x CCCooommmpppuuuttteeerrr EEEllleeeccctttrrrooonnniiicccsss TTTeeeccchhhnnnooolllooogggyyy .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..66
Student Foreign Exchange Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x Computer Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA) eligibility for CCCooonnnssstttrrruuuccctttiiiooonnn EEEllleeeccctttrrriiiccciiitttyyy .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..66
sports and activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x Cooperative Work Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibilityxi CCCooosssmmmeeetttooolllooogggyyy .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..66
Tech Prep: college credits/trade organizations . . . . . . . . . . . xi Culinary Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Alternative Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi Early Childhood Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
How to read a course description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xii EEEmmmeeerrrgggeeennncccyyy MMMeeedddiiicccaaalll TTTeeeccchhhnnnooolllooogggyyy .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..67
High school four-year plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . inside back cover Health Occupations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Horticulture & Landscape Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Course Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Career Technology Natural Resources Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Applied Academics (see specific subject areas: On-the-Job Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
i.e., Math, Science, etc.) Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Carrr eeeeeerrr///TTTeeeccchhhnnnooolllooogggyy(After-school & Public Safety & Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
summer school courses) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Radio & Television Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Engineering & Innnddduuussstttrrriiiaaalll TTTeeeccchhhnnnooolllooogggyyy .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 RRReeessscccuuueee TTTeeeccchhhnnnooolllooogggyyy .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..69
Family and Consumer Sciences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 RRReeetttaaaiiilll MMMeeerrrccchhhaaannndddiiisssiiinnnggg .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..69
Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Small Engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
English as a Second Language (ESL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
International Baccalaureate(West HS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 WWWeeellldddiiinnnggg .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..70
JROTC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Work Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Language Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Ap pendix A – Common Paths in Science and Social Studies for
Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Incoming Freshmen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Physical Education/health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Ap pendix B – ASD English/Language Arts Graduation
Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Social Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Ap pendix C – ASD Mathematics Graduation Requirements .73
Theatre Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Appendix D – Conditions for Student Participation (ASAA) .74
Visual Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Appendix E – NCAA Eligibility Requirements . . . . . . . . . . 76
World Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Anchorage High Schools
Chugiak, World Discovery Seminar Program (WDS)
AVAIL, 425 C Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 742-4930
The World Discovery Seminar Program serves students at
Bartlett High, 25500 N. Muldoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 742-1800
Chugiak High School. WDS is an alternative, smaller learning
Benson Secondary, 4515 Campbell Airstrip Road . . . 337-0016
community and official ASD school-within-a-school. Rather than
Chugiak High, 16525 Birchwood Loop Rd., Chugiak742-3050
relying on textbooks, the program employs the Paideia method-
Continuation, 401 International Airport Rd. #27 . . . 742-1170
ology, a Socratic-based learning/technique focusing on in-depth
COHO High,,, 111666555222555 BBBiiirrrccchhhwwwooooooddd LLLooooooppp RRRddd...,,, CCChhhuuugggiiiaaakkk .. 742-3027
understanding of classic historical and literary materials. With the
Dimond High, 2909 W. 88th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 742-7000
teacher facilitating the discovery learning process, the students
Eagle River High, 8701 Yosemite Drive . . . . . . . . . . . 742-2700
answer real life questions about literature, historical documents
East High, 4025 E. Northern Lights Blvd. . . . . . . . . . 742-2100
and essay writing. Verbal and written expression of ideas coming
Polaris K–12 School, 6200 Ashwood St. . . . . . . . . . . 742-8700
out of the seminar process is emphasized over answering “end of
King Career Center, 2650 E. Northern Lights . . . . . . 742-8900
chapter” questions and taking quizzes. Interesting projects and
SAVE, 410 E. 56th Ave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 742-1250
hands-on activities are also fundamental to the class work.
SEARCH, 4515 Campbell Airstrip Road . . . . . . . . . . 337-0016
The basic concept is to assist young people to become avid,
Service High School, 5577 Abbott Road . . . . . . . . . . 742-8100
self-motivated, lifelong learners. Emphasis is placed on deeper
South Anchorage High School, 13400 Elmore Rd. . . 742-6200
understandings rather than general content. Self-expression is
Steller Secondary School,,, 222555000888 BBBllluuueeebbbeeerrrrrryyy .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 742-4950
highlighted through the many varied activities comprising the
West High, 1700 Hillcrest Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 742-2500
World Discovery Seminar approach. It is through the interaction
High School Alternative Programs/ of various opinions and responses that the classroom group is able
to draw conclusions and reach consensus on the significance of
Schools
great historical, literary, mathematical and scientific ideas.
The district has a number of special purpose programs for stu-
dents with special interests and needs and where individualization COHO High
is emphasized. Students earn credits and meet district require- COHO is an alternative high school program that primarily
ments in a variety of ways and these programs are characterized by suits the needs of students who are behind in credit, who are not
curricular innovation along with basic skills development. A brief being successful in their current educational setting, or who need
description is included here. If you have any questions, check a different approach to learning. Credit is earned at COHO via
with your counselor. successful completion of academically rigorous studies primarily
acquired through the Apex on-line learning program. Teachers are
AVAIL
available to assist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so that students
The AVAIL program is an alternative program to help school
may work at their own pace. The program is self-paced and works
dropouts return to school. Priority is given to those students who
best for students who are self-motivated. Elective credit may also
have been out of school for at least 90 school days and are at least
be earned through work experience. Students attend one half-day
16 years of age. The school is part of an educational/business part-
session and are expected to continue their work at home for addi-
nership. Emphasis is placed on developing self-esteem, remedial
tional time during the day.
educational skills, and readiness for work skills. Applications are
available by contacting the staff at 742-4930. Continuation Program
The Continuation School is an individualized online instruc-
Bartlett, Humanities Interdisciplinary Program (HIP)
tional program for middle and high school students expelled from
HIP is an alternative to traditional education at Bartlett High
the ASD for violations of school policy. The program provides
School. The curriculum is integrated each quarter around a
students with core academic instruction designed to meet the
theme. Each theme has an English, social studies and community
requirements for promotion to the next grade level and progress
component. This program is for tenth, eleventh and twelfth grad-
towards graduation. The programs allow a student to continue
ers of all abilities. HIP is coordinated by a team of three teach-
to receive academic instruction while he or she is completing
ers who write and teach the curriculum in the spirit of a shared
requirements for reinstatement into the school district.
philosophy. The HIP team is composed of an English teacher, a
social studies teacher and a vocational education teacher. Within Crossroads
HIP, there are a variety of seminars, workshops and integrated Crossroads is the Anchorage School District’s school for
activities. pregnant and parenting teens. Crossroads provides a supportive
instructional environment which allows students to continue
Charter Schools
their education while pregnant and/or parenting. A complete pro-
Opportunities to attend charter schools are available within
gram of instruction is provided with an emphasis on core academ-
the Anchorage School District. Please check with your home
ics. The program utilizes online instruction in conjunction with
school for a list and description of charter schools. Charter school
traditional coursework to meet the academic needs of students.
students, with principal approval, may take courses at compre-
Maternity health is offered and community support contacts are
hensive high schools or King Career Center.
iv
available for students. The staff at Crossroads is committed to physical education, technology and vocational studies. Students
providing quality instruction in an environment that fosters regu- receive all resources that are appropriate through the Anchorage
lar school attendance and student responsibility for learning. School District. There is a school-wide Title I program and a full-
time bilingual tutor. On an as-needed basis, the school can use
East High, Elitnaurvik (EWE)
resources from other district programs such as Bilingual, Indian
Elitnaurvik-Within-East is designed specifically for Alaska
Education and psychologists. Residents are assisted in earning a
Native and American Indian students. Elitnaurvik in Yupik
high school diploma or a GED certificate.
means “a place to learn.”
Individual programs are developed for each student with the
This program helps Native students adjust to the large
goal of GED or high school diploma.
Anchorage schools. The primary emphasis is basic skills with a
secondary emphasis of improving attendance, cultural identifica- Newcomers’ Center
tion and family outreach. Elitnaurvik provides culturally-based The Newcomers’ Center offers students in grades 7–12 who
education, required courses with a Native emphasis, Native-based are monolingual speakers of languages other than English an
PE and after-school activities. EWE students take classes both in opportunity to enroll in a two-and-one-half hour block period at
EWE and the standard East High School program. the King Career Center. Certificated teachers, with the assistance
of a bilingual tutor and bilingual counselor, provide students with
East High, School-Within-A-School (SWS)
necessary survival skills in the English language as well as basic
East High School’s School-Within-a-School emphasizes stu-
concepts in language arts and social studies.
dent responsibility and productivity. Students are expected to
develop self-reliance, to cultivate intellectual curiosity and to seek Polaris K–12 School
academic challenge. Polaris K-12 School is for students, parents and teachers who
Students earn credit in a number of ways, including traditional want an emphasis on self-directed learning and active participa-
class work, independent studies and small group research. They tion in education. Students are in multi-age groups based on inter-
may take up to three classes in the regular East program (although ests, needs and developmental levels. Instruction methods focus
two is the recommended limit) or a class at the King Career on “doing,” the experiential approach to learning. In practice, this
Center. means extensive use of manipulative teaching materials, forming
The SWS program is open to students from throughout the and testing hypotheses, numerous field trips and classroom visits
District, but is limited to 200 students. Attendance zone excep- by a variety of resource persons. Community involvement and
tions are automatically granted to students accepted into School- parent participation are an integral part of the program.
Within-a-School. Students must provide their own transporta-
SAVE and Benson
tion.
SAVE and Benson are specialized programs for students who
King Career Center (KCC)
are behind in credit, highly motivated and want to graduate on
The Martin Luther King Jr. Career Center offers vocational/ time with their class. This is a work/study program that combines
technical training in 26 occupations for students in grades 11- work experience and regular high school academic requirements
12. KCC courses provide academic and elective credit, and some for completion of a high school diploma.
courses offer concurrent college credit through Tech Prep. KCC
Students age 16 and over who do not have enough credits
courses are hands-on learning with the latest technology and
to graduate, have failing grades, poor attendance or who have
equipment. At KCC students learn skills that will help them in
already dropped out of school are eligible for SAVE. Students
college or at a technical school, in a trade organization training
must be referred by their counselors. Final recommendation for
program or going directly to work. Our students tell us that they
acceptance into the SAVE program is determined after a student/
are better prepared for life after high school because of the skills
parent/ teacher interview.
and knowledge gained through their KCC classes.
There are two locations: SAVE, 410 E. 56th Ave. and Benson,
Students spend the equivalent of three periods at KCC and
4515 Campbell Airstrip Road. These programs integrate work
earn 1.5 credits for each semester class. Bus transportation is pro-
experience with regular high school curriculum requirements.
vided from students’ home schools or they may drive. Students
Credits are earned after students have completed contracts with
who meet requirements in their second semester may earn credit
their teachers. The student attends class for three hours a day. In
by doing on-the-job training with mentors throughout the city.
addition, each student must be involved in work experience or
Students may also earn credit toward graduation for working a
vocational training, for which they receive credit.
part-time job that relates directly to their KCC course. Please note
SEARCH
that KCC courses do not meet NCAA guidelines.
SEARCH is an individualized program designed for stu-
McLaughlin
dents who are experiencing attendance and discipline problems.
McLaughlin Youth Center provides short-term and long-term
Generally these students are in grades 7, 8 and 9. The program
residential care for institutionalized delinquent adolescents from
utilizes behavior modification techniques.
throughout the state. The Anchorage School District administers
a comprehensive educational program for McLaughlin residents. Service High, AVID Program
Students receive instruction in the basic academic areas, The mission of AVID is to ensure that all students, and
v
especially the least served students who are in the middle, will multi-cultural student body with a variety of learning styles. This
succeed in rigorous curriculum, complete a rigorous college pre- academic program features an enriched course study, binding lan-
paratory path, enter mainstream activities of the school, increase guage arts and world history with the visual and performing arts.
their enrollment in four-year colleges, and become educated and Students also visit artists, plays and other community events.
responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society.
World Languages Immersion Programs
Service High, The Seminar School (TSS) Japanese for Fluent Speakers (I, II, III, IV) courses are offered
The Seminar School serves 200 students and is character- at Dimond High School for heritage speakers of Japanese and stu-
ized by the use of the Socratic seminar method, a strong sense of dents who are continuing from the Sand Lake Elementary School
community and a learning environment that emphasizes inde- and Mears Middle School Partial Immersion Japanese Program.
pendence, trust, personal responsibility and an open mind. The Pacesetter Spanish, Spanish for Fluent Speakers (I, II) and
TSS curriculum is built on the consideration of classic texts that Advanced Placement Spanish Language are courses offered at
span the history and breadth of human experience. Students of Chugiak High School and West High School for heritage speak-
the Seminar School are diverse in character and ability and work ers of Spanish and/or students who are continuing from the
together in a multi-grade level setting (9-12) for a portion of their Chugiak Elementary–Mirror Lake Middle School or Government
classes. Students can fulfill all language arts and social studies Hill–Romig Middle School Partial Immersion Program.
requirements along with some science and math requirements
Non-resident Tuition
through TSS classes.
By state law, all non-resident students attending schools of
Steller Secondary School this district shall pay in advance the regular school tuition rate.
Steller is a school that provides students with opportunities (AS 9.030) This law pertains to students whose parents are not
to be self-directed, independent and responsible learners. Steller residents of the Municipality of Anchorage and who are not in the
offers a personalized education for grades 7 through 12 where custody of a district resident. (ASD Policy Section 431.21) For
students can define their own educational goals with the help of more information about non-resident tuition, please contact the
parents and staff. Steller Secondary School fosters an educational school principal.
environment based on student responsibility and freedom. Alaska High School Graduation
Steller classes focus on educational process and provide oppor-
Qualifying Examination (HSGQE)
tunities for the development of leadership skills, problem solving
In 1997, the Alaska Legislature enacted a law requiring all
proficiency, self-assessment abilities, decision-making skills and
Alaska high school students to pass an examination before they
goal setting. Self-directed learning is a vital part of the Steller
can receive a high school diploma. This is in addition to complet-
program. Active involvement within both the Steller community
ing all course requirements. Students who have met the credit
and the community of Anchorage is also important. Steller fol-
requirement but have not passed the examination will receive a
lows the ASD guidelines for educational content and graduation
certificate of achievement but not a diploma. This requirement
requirements.
began with the graduation class of 2004.
West High, International Baccalaureate (IB) The HSGQE consists of three subtests: reading, writing and
The IB Diploma Program is a rigorous two-year college prepa- mathematics.
ratory set of classes for juniors and seniors. Diploma candidates Students must take the grade 10 SBA/HSGQE for the first
must take seven core classes: English, a second language, math, time in the spring of the 10th grade. The SBA/HSGQE at the
science, social studies, an art elective and philosophy. West High 10th grade will generate a score for the HSGQE graduation
is the only IB program in the Anchorage School District. More requirement and a score for assessing the student’s performance
than 25 West staff have had specialized IB training. IB is taught based upon the Grade Level Expectations for a 10th grader.
The HSGQE Retest is offered twice a year, once in the spring
in more than 1500 schools in over 115 countries. For additional
and again each fall, for 11th and 12th graders. Eleventh and
information, go to West’s IB Web page at hypothetic.org/ib/ .
12th-grade students who need to retake one or more subtests of
West High, Kanakngaq
the HSGQE must retest at least once each year until they meet
Kanakngaq is a Smaller Learning Community at West High the proficiency requirement. Students receiving a certificate
School specifically designed for Alaska Native and American of achievement can retest twice each year until they meet the
Indian students. Kanakngaq in Inupiaq means “west wind.” The proficiency requirement. Once the student with a certificate of
program emphasizes Native heritage and offers a camaraderie that achievement has passed all three subtests of the HSGQE, he/she
provides support for students to achieve academic excellence. will be awarded a diploma.
Kanakngaq promotes the development of positive self-esteem by
About Scheduling
integrating Native culture and values in academic classes, PE and
Scheduling for the year is done beginning in February with
after-school activities.
juniors and continuing with sophomores, freshmen and current
West High, School Through the Arts
8th graders.
At West High all students can benefit from an arts-based cur- A school’s master schedule is developed by taking all student
riculum. The School Through the Arts is designed to attract a course requests (from a list of all approved ASD courses) and cre-
vi
ating sections to accommodate the maximum number of student “B’’ This mark indicates that the student is doing work in
requests. quality and quantity above the standards set forth for a
Some requested courses will not have sufficient demand to passing grade in the course.
permit the class to be offered so students must be prepared with “C’’ This mark is a satisfactory passing grade. It indicates that
alternate requests. the student is acquiring the necessary information to
To assure success in scheduling, each student and parent can: proceed in the subject. He/she is meeting the standards
1. Explore careers with a counselor or career resource person set for a passing grade in the course.
and identify education needs. “D” This mark indicates that the student is not effectively
2. Plan a four-year program (grades 9-12) that is based on mastering the work assigned but has sufficient under-
tentative career choices.
standing of the subject to justify the opinion that more
3. Select courses carefully with a counselor. Parents are
growth will result from advancement than from repeti-
encouraged to consult a counselor before helping students
tion of the course.
select courses.
“F’’ Insufficient progress in the subject to merit granting of
a. Be fully aware of course content for each course being
credit in the course.
considered.
“WF ’’ Student has been withdrawn from the course “failing.’’
b. Know the graduation requirements and make a check
“““JJJ’’’’’’ A A Auuudddiiittt——IInnddiiccaatteess aa ssttuuddeenntt iiss aauuddiittiinngg aa ccoouurrssee ffoorr hhiiss//hheerr
list for meeting those requirements.
benefit. This does not count towards credit for graduation
c. Be aware of the entrance requirements at potential post-
and must be approved prior to the 10th day of the course.
secondary schools and NCAA requirements if athletic
Students are still required to complete course work.
participation is contemplated at a Division I or II col-
lege. Weighted Grades
d. Have an alternative plan before coming to scheduling. The Anchorage School Board has approved weighted grades
Course Withdrawal Procedures for Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate
(IB) courses. While an “A” is normally worth four points in cal-
The following are the procedures regarding withdrawing or
culating a student’s grade point average (GPA), a weighted “A” is
changing a course:
worth five points; a weighted “B” is worth four points; a weighted
1. Once students have selected their courses, there will be no
“C” is worth three points; a weighted “D” is worth two points
schedule changes, including withdrawals, after the begin-
and an “F” is worth no points. The Anchorage School District
ning of the grading period except as determined by the
does not offer weighted grades for college course work except
principal or his/her designee.
for the following courses: APU Early Honors Calculus and APU
2. Any student whose absence is unauthorized for the first
three days of a course may be withdrawn from the course Early Honors Physics.
and must reschedule. Transcripts
3. No record shall be kept on a student who withdraws from
High school transcripts are legal documents and may not be
a course with the principal’s permission prior to the end of
amended, except to correct grade errors, once courses and grades
the 10th day of the course. Students who, after 10 days in a
have been entered. Prior to requesting inclusion of Credit by
course, withdraw with the principal’s permission will have
Choice grades, including high school credit for courses taken dur-
WF (withdraw failing) recorded on their transcripts. The
ing middle school, consider the effect these non-weighted grades
WF counts in the calculation of the Grade Point Average
will have on class rank.
(GPA).
Honor Roll
Grading Procedures
High school students earning a 3.5 grade average will be eli-
Reporting periods are nine weeks in length although courses
gible for the honor roll. Any “F’’ or “D’’ grade will disqualify a
are taken by semester. In high school, the first report or grade is
student for that grading period. A high school student must be
a notice of a student’s progress up to the middle of the semester.
enrolled in a minimum of four subjects and grades in all courses
The final semester grade is based on the total amount of contribu-
will be considered.
tion a student has made to the course during the entire semester
and is the grade recorded on the transcript. In high school, if a Anchorage School District Academic Letter
student fails one semester of a full-year course and successfully
To earn an ASD academic letter, a 3.5 GPA must be main-
completes the other semester of the same course, credit is granted
tained for two consecutive semesters. These semesters need not
for the semester successfully completed. Physical education classes
fall in order of fall and spring semester, but may be considered
are an exception because they are nine weeks in length and the
consecutive if the GPA is earned spring semester and the follow-
quarter grade is recorded on the transcript.
ing fall semester. Each semester subsequent to the awarding of
Grading System the academic letter that a student earns 3.5 to 4.0 GPA, a silver
“A’’ This mark indicates the student has done work in quality star is awarded. Any semester subsequent to the awarding of the
and quantity far in excess of the standards set forth for a academic letter that a student earns a 4.0 GPA, a gold star is
satisfactory grade in the course. awarded.
vii
Honors Group summer school courses). Once the CBC course is recorded
on the transcript, it will be included in calculating eligibility
To give recognition for high scholastic achievement, the
when the next eligibility establishment date occurs. Since
Anchorage School District has established standards for the
CBC registration is recorded only upon program comple-
selection of members of an Honors Group. A student who has a
tion, CBC is not a course that can be included for calculat-
cumulative GPA of 3.5 by the semester prior to graduation will be
ing eligibility for full-time student status.
eligible for membership in the Honors Group.
Honors graduates will be given recognition at graduation and 6. The grade received will be incorporated into the student’s
on their transcript in the following manner: high school grade point average (GPA) and will be counted
1. Students with a GPA of 3.50 to less than 3.76 will be desig- to determine class rank and valedictorian. When comput-
nated as having graduated cum laude; ing valedictorian status, the ratio of weighted advanced
2. Students with a GPA of 3.76 to 4.0 will be designated as placement to regular graded classes is significant.
having graduated magna cum laude; 7. Credit By Choice is not available to meet the requirement
3. Students with a GPA of greater than 4.0 will be designated of Alaska Studies or Lifetime Personal Fitness.
as having graduated summa cum laude. Program No. 1 – Educational Travel
High school credit for middle school Credit may be earned for a planned learning experience gained
students through participation in a travel/study tour. The curriculum assis-
tant principal must approve both the specific tour and teacher/
Students may earn high school credit for taking certain high
sponsor before students may apply. Questions concerning specific
school-level coursework while in middle school. These credits will
credit requirements during travel/study tours should be directed
count toward high school graduation. Specific information is avail-
to the teacher/sponsor.
able from your counselor by requesting a Credit by Choice packet.
A three-week tour program is eligible for 0.5 unit of credit and
Credit By Choice program (CBC)
a six-week program may earn 1.0 unit of credit.
The Credit By Choice Program is designed to give students the Travel supervisors must submit a completed application with
opportunity to choose enriching learning experiences that are tai- supporting materials to the curriculum assistant principal for
lored to their personal educational needs and have them recorded approval by April 15. Proposals must outline the type of edu-
on their high school transcript. This program is open to students cational travel, travel supervisor’s name, past experience with
currently enrolled in ASD high schools. student travel, name of sponsoring company/affiliation, dates of
An overview of each program option is given below. While departure and return, estimated number of student participants,
the curriculum assistant principal and counselors can respond goals and objectives, proposed itinerary, evaluation criteria,
to questions, it is the responsibility of the student to work inde- information on liability/medical coverage for participants, parent
pendently to complete the application and carry out a program information forms and copies of releases. Forward a copy of the
according to the prescribed guidelines once it is approved. approved “Request for Out-Of-District Travel” (Form J- available
1. Students proposing a Credit By Choice (CBC) program from the Activities Office), taking care to specify names of spon-
must have prior written approval of their parents and the sors/chaperones.
principal. A student desiring credit for approved educational travel
2. A certificated staff person must sponsor and/or supervise must complete the Credit By Choice application and submit it to
the student’s program. In the case of a waiver, this will be the curriculum assistant principal in advance of the trip. Upon
the principal. completion of the travel, the supervisor must provide the curricu-
3. ASD is the accrediting institution and sets standards for lum assistant principal with grade reports and submit supporting
issuing credit. ASD is not the sponsoring agency for off- grade book and legend to the registrar.
campus programs and is not responsible for the student’s
Program No. 2 – Correspondence Course
personal or financial liability. Program expense is the
responsibility of the individual. The purpose of correspondence is to meet the special needs of
4. CBC courses will be titled as such on the student’s tran- students as approved by the school’s administration. Paramount
script. Programs 1 (Educational Travel) and 6 (Community consideration will be given to the student’s record in completing
Service/Field Study) may be taken for elective credit only. independent studies. To be approved, correspondence programs
Specific curriculum area credit will be recorded for pro- must be accredited. Courses must be proctored by certificated
grams 2 (Correspondence Course), 3 (College Course staff.
work), 4 (Early College Admissions Program), and 5 As of June 1, 2000, approved correspondence programs
(Credit by Examination). Credit by Examination may not include: University of Nebraska, University of North Dakota
be done for physical education credit. and Brigham Young University. Others may be approved upon
5. Any CBC course (first course attempt, grade improvement, request. Application for approval of other programs may be done
credit recovery) completed during the fall or spring semester through the curriculum assistant principal.
will be recorded on the transcript the semester it is complet- Correspondence courses may be used for both makeup and
ed. Any CBC course completed during the summer will be acceleration.
recorded on the transcript for the spring semester (as with A copy of the correspondence school application must accom-
viii
pany the Credit By Choice application and must be received by curriculum assistant principal of the results and submit the test
the curriculum assistant principal prior to beginning the course. materials to the registrar.
Upon completion, the student must arrange for an official If credit is denied, a student may not reapply for credit by
transcript to be submitted. examination for the same course.
Program No. 3 – College Course Work Program No. 6 – Community Service and Field Study/
This program is designed to give eligible students currently Physical Education Waiver
enrolled in the Anchorage School District the opportunity to Credit may be earned through a planned community service
receive credit for certain courses through accredited institutions program that provides learning experiences in the community.
of higher education. The course should correlate with the career Students may also propose field studies in the community, such as
needs of the individual. Students must submit applications within a research project using the community or a unique educational
two weeks after the beginning of the class. College courses must opportunity only available in the field. One hundred twenty
be 100 level and above. Students must register for at least three (120) hours of acceptable service will earn 0.5 unit of credit.
semester hours to receive 0.5 high school credit and six semester Program approval may be done at individual school sites, but pre-
hours for 1.0 high school credit. approved district programs include [as of March 2007]:
When the student has completed their college coursework, the • Anchorage Youth Court
student must arrange for an official transcript to be submitted. • Johns Hopkins Institute for the Academic Advancement of
Youth
Program No. 4 – Early College Admissions Program
• LEAP (Learning Enrichment Adventure Program)
This program would allow outstanding students with a grade
• Western Alaska Council/Boy Scouts of America Explorer
point average of 3.5 or above to leave high school for college work
Program
prior to having the time and credits for graduation. The student
• Allegro
would have the option of receiving his/her high school diploma
• Peer Education Teen Trainers
after successfully completing the first year of college. The program
• RARE-T (Reduce AIDS Risk in Teens) Peer Education
would serve the student who has made definite plans for master
• Anchorage Youth Symphony (pass/fail only - therefore does
and doctoral work.
not count in GPA calculation)
To be considered, a student must have maintained at least a 3.5
• Prudential Youth Leadership Institute (with additional
GPA during the first three years of high school and all required
hours to 120)
grade level courses must have been completed prior to application
• Alaska Native Heritage Center Courses
for this Credit By Choice program.
• Cook Inlet Tribal Council
Tentative acceptance by a college or university must be in
• Big Brother/Big Sisters High School Big Program
evidence.
• Alaska Theatre of Youth – Summer Conservatory
Upon completion of 24 undergraduate semester hours of
• Going Places - Alaska Tourism Curriculum
credit at the college level, the student must furnish a transcript to
• Trio Talent Search Upward Bound Program/Upward Bound
the curriculum assistant principal so that a high school diploma
Summer Program
may be granted.
• Youth Employment in Parks and Recreation Program
Program No. 5 – Credit by Examination Concordia Language Institute is independently accredited
Credit by examination is an opportunity for the advanced stu- by North Central Association of Schools as an intensive world
dent to progress at his/her own learning rate in courses approved language experience for high school students. Transcripts from
in the ASD’s Program of Studies. Credit may be awarded on dem- Concordia should be sent to the home school for inclusion of
onstrated proficiency through an examination process. The test credit on the student’s transcript.
will be developed by a teacher selected by the curriculum assistant Physical education programs will be approved on a case-by-
principal and will be equivalent to a final examination of a given case basis where the program covers four of the six recognized
course. A ninety-percent score is required to receive credit. A fee components of fitness. The six components of physical fitness are
of $85 is required in advance to compensate the teacher for creat- cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance,
ing, administering and evaluating the test. flexibility, body composition and stress reduction. One hundred
A student cannot be granted credit by examination for a course fifty (150) hours of acceptable activity/records will earn an equiv-
in which he/she has previously earned credit nor may he/she alent 0.5 credit waiver.
receive credit for a prerequisite course if they are presently enrolled Student proposals must include the following information:
in or have previously earned credit in an advanced course. student name, coach’s name and contact number, description
Laboratory courses are excluded from credit by examination of coach’s qualifications, a detailed training outline with goals
procedure. and objectives from the coach including the description of how
Upon receipt of an approved application for Credit By Choice, four of the six components of fitness are addressed. Attach any
the curriculum assistant principal will appoint an examiner. available evidence of equivalence to ASD approved high school
The examiner will select or construct an examination which is courses.
consistent with the approved course description and objectives. Students desiring a physical education waiver must also submit
The examiner is expected to proctor the test, score it, notify the a journal documenting their workouts. At 60 hours, the journal
ix
must be reviewed and signed by the curriculum assistant principal return so decisions can be made regarding the awarding
or the physical education department chairperson. of credit:
a. A list of courses taken with an official course outline.
Program No. 7
This needs to be signed by an administrator at the
Students may elect to add to their transcript certain classes
exchange school for verification. The course out-
taken during middle school to their high school transcript. Math
line will be used by ASD to determine whether the
courses of Algebra I or higher that are taken during middle school.
course meets a core academic requirement or will be
The letter grades are entered on the transcript and calculated in
elective credit.
GPA and class rank.
b. An official accounting of time spent in each class.
The World Languages Incentive Credit is an opportunity for
This must include the length of each class, number
students who have studied two years of a language at the middle
of days per week and the number of weeks the class
school (courses 1A and 1B) to earn one “pass” elective credit.
meets. This must be signed by an administrator at
Upon successful completion of Level II of the same language
the exchange school for verification.
with a “C” or better (both semesters) as 9th graders, students are
C. Evaluation of an exchange student’s transcript when
eligible to request that the Incentive Credit be added to their high
returning from a foreign country and awarding of credit
school transcript. The “P” credit is non-graded and will not affect
will be based upon the following:
GPA or class rank. The “P” credit will count as one year (Level 1)
1. If the student provides an official transcript with
elective credit toward graduation requirements.
recorded grades, the student will be able to select either
Independent Study option “a” or “b” for recording of grades:
a. P = Pass
Senior high school students who have the self-discipline and
b. Letter Grade of A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79),
interest for working independently may design a course of study
D (60-69), F (below 60). Courses not completed
according to their interests, abilities and plans. The course of
will not be recorded.
study must contain requirements above the expected level of the
2. If the student is not able to provide an official transcript
regular class. Independent study is available at every high school
with recorded grades, an evaluation of the student’s
but is not intended to duplicate courses already in the master
work will be completed by the principal or designee
schedule. Students should contact their counselors for more
and credit awarded based upon the following:
information.
a. 1⁄4 credit = 37 contact hours
Student Foreign Exchange Programs
b. 1⁄2 credit = 75 contact hours
The following information is necessary in order for a student c. 1 credit = 150 contact hours
to go from the Anchorage School District (ASD) to another The course outlines and accounting of time spent in
country as an exchange student and return with credits that will each class will be used when making decisions about
count toward the student’s graduation. whether the course meets a core academic requirement
A. Prior to leaving for the exchange, a meeting between the or will be awarded elective credit. All credits awarded
student, parent/guardian and counselor must be initiated through an evaluation of course outlines and time spent
by the parent to prepare and complete the following: in class will be graded on a pass/fail basis.
1. Credit Check 3. Since there is such a wide variation in school calendars
2. Official transcript reflecting all courses completed in foreign countries, it is possible that the student may
3. Written plan for completion of graduation require- receive some grades and credits on an official transcript
ments upon return to the Anchorage School District and some that are still in progress. The student has the
that includes any correspondence courses the student option of receiving some of the credits through an offi-
may be taking during the exchange. cial transcript from the exchange school as well as some
B. During the student’s participation in the exchange pro- credits by providing the documentation of time spent
gram, the following two options are available for awarding in class and course outlines.
credits: If the student does not comply with the above requirements
1. The student is provided an official transcript by the and records are either not provided or are incomplete, the student
school they are attending in a foreign country which may risk losing credits needed for graduation. It is also possible
lists the course title, credit earned and grade. The stu- that the student may need to take a correspondence course(s)
dent will need to provide the Anchorage School District while on the exchange in order to complete all of the graduation
with a course outline for each course listed on the requirements.
transcript as well as a description of the official grad-
Alaska School Activities Association
ing policies. The course outline will be used by ASD to
(ASAA) eligibility for sports and
determine whether the course meets a core academic
requirement or will be elective credit. activities
2. If a student is not able to receive an official transcript Participation in middle and high school athletics is a privi-
with recorded grades, the following must be provided lege. All students are expected to comply with local, state, and
to the Anchorage School District upon the student’s
x