Frequently Asked Questions…
By Incoming 9th grade
families
How many
years of world language (foreign language) do I need to take to graduate from
high school?
You do not need to take a foreign language to graduate from high
school. However, most colleges require at least two years of the
same foreign language, preferably taken at the high school level. More selective colleges want to see three to
four years of world language on a transcript.
Honors Classes
How are
students chosen for Honors Classes?
Students are recommended for honors classes based on the
recommendation of their current (8th grade) teacher for that
subject. Students may be asked to submit
samples of work or complete questionnaires.
Standardized tests scores are also a component of consideration.
Here is some information we have received from our math department
regarding characteristics of successful honors students. These will likely help you determine if your
student is a good candidate for other honors classes as well.
Characteristics
of a Student Well-suited for Honors Courses:
1.
Works well independently. Seeks help only when necessary. Does not require detailed or repeated
directions from teacher in order to proceed.
(Math teachers tell us this is the number one criteria for honors math
students.)
2.
Is creative. Can think of things to try, or use original
methods, when faced with a problem situation.
3.
Readily applies learned principles to
new situations. Shows persistence in
searching for solutions. Finds
satisfaction in independently solving a problem rather than accepting another
person’s solution or help.
4.
Readily applies learned principles to
new situations. Can solve novel
problems. Responds well to guided
discovery.
5.
Likes to analyze, generalize, derive,
prove, abstract; to investigate relationships and alternative solutions.
6.
Has a strong intuitive sense for the
subject matter. Sorts out key
relationships quickly.
7.
Shows a high degree of interest and
motivation. Is intellectually curious
and a critical thinker.
8.
Has experienced high achievement in
past courses without undue stress. Has
not depended on rote learning or tutoring.
9.
Shows above average ability in oral and
written expression.
My child was
recommended for honors classes, but is nervous about taking on a workload that
is overwhelming for them, with the transition to high school and cocurricular
activities. Should they still take honors courses?
Based on past experience, if students are recommended for honors
classes, we believe they should enroll in these classes. Only extremely
rarely does an honors student request a change to standard classes
after 9th grade has begun because the classes are too
difficult. Far more commonly, recommended honors students who have
chosen the standard classes request the honors classes once the school year has
begun. This request may not be
possible to grant once the school year begins; however students have the
opportunity to join honors classes at the beginning of the next school year.
My child was
not recommended for honors classes, and I believe they should have
been.
You may wish to speak with the current (8th grade) teacher
in the appropriate subject.
Historically, we have found middle school teachers to be excellent
assessors of students based upon their knowledge of both students and our
honors curricula. You will likely
receive a more honest evaluation if the teacher knows you will respect their professional
judgment.
The middle
school teacher has not recommended honors classes, but my child really wants to
take them.
Students who wish to be considered for honors classes may enjoy the
accelerated learning in these classes, but should be open to the possibility of
less than an “A” grade in these classes.
GPA concerns will be a consideration.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I
hope this information has been helpful to you!
Appropriate registration for classes can be a challenge, and if you are
still really puzzled or have questions about selection of classes, please feel
free to contact me!
Mary Hanson
Guidance Counselor, Alpha A-D