| THE COURSE SELECTION PROCESS It is very important that students and parents carefully study the available course options. Each student is required to have six full credit courses or their equivalent each year. Two semester courses (1/2 credit each) are considered the equivalent of a full credit course. Students are encouraged to select the most challenging courses including those of an exploratory nature. We urge that this booklet outline a general four-year plan, keeping track of the subjects taken and making sure that both the high school graduation requirements and prerequisites for further training, employment or education are fulfilled. Normally the course selection process begins during the second semester and includes: --A presentation to all classes by the Guidance Department outlining course options, scheduling deadlines, and distribution of course syllabus and course selection worksheet to each student. --Parents and students complete the course selection sheet and indicate courses the students would like to take. --Students have classroom teachers approve course selections and levels for the following year during a "scheduling day" at school. --Students (and parents if they wish) meet individually with a counselor, reviewing the course selections for necessary prerequisites, teacher recommendations, graduation requirements, and goals of the student's program. Parent involvement is essential in this process. Parents are urged to call the Guidance Office at any time during the scheduling process if they have any questions. Parents must sign the scheduling request forms. These forms will not be processed without a signature. ****************************************************************************** Once scheduling is completed, changes are normally made only if there is a conflict in the student's schedule; if a course is eliminated, changed, or added; if the student fails a prerequisite course; or if there is a significant change in the student's educational goals. In general a change in course placement must be made within the first two weeks of the beginning of the year (for semester 1 and full year courses) or the first two weeks of semester 2 for semester 2 courses. ****************************************************************************** COURSE SELECTION AND FUTURE PLANS If you are considering pursuing a post-secondary education, the following are general recommendations (in some cases required) for course selection: Massachusetts Board of Higher Education Standards Policy The following table outlines the high school academic units requirements to meet minimum eligibility standards for admission to the public four year colleges and universities in the Commonwealth. To qualify for admissions eligibility, courses listed under Unit Requirements must be on the college preparatory level. *Units are courses. One unit is a one year course. In some instances two half year courses can be combined to make one unit. High School Unit Requirements English..................................... Courses emphasizing reading, writing, composition and literature. (required units�4) Students must be able to comprehend and communicate ideas to succeed in college. Mathematics............................. Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II. In addition Trigonometry (required units�3) and Analysis is recommended for students interested in college physics or engineering. Natural and Physical Science........ Earth Science & Biology or Biology H & Chemistry. (required units�3) Beginning with the class of 2007 � all students must take a year of Biology and two elective credits. Social Sciences...........................Includes one year of U.S. History. These courses are essential (required units�3) for students to become effective citizens in a democratic society. Foreign Language..................... Two years of a single foreign language is a minimum. Three or (required units�2) more years are recommended. Electives.................................. Students must choose from specified groups�English, (Required units�3) Mathematics, Natural and Physical Sciences, Social Science, Foreign Languages, the Visual and Performing Arts, the Humanities � that expand their educational experience. Total Units�16 Note: some colleges require additional and/or specific units for special program such as engineering or nursing. Please consult college admissions officers for details. NCAA Division I Eligibility Requirements The student athlete must meet specific eligibility requirements. The minimum requirements include 2.0 GPA (4.0 system) in 13 core courses and 850 combined SAT scores. The student athlete should meet with the LHS Athletic Director, his/her coach and guidance counselor to determine eligibility. Core courses are college preparatory courses. Recommended Courses for Four-Year Colleges and Universities Recommended Courses for Two-Year Colleges and Vocational/Technical Schools Recommended Courses for Business and Office Career Schools Recommended Courses for Nursing Schools and Health Career Schools These are general recommendations. Please consult your guidance counselor concerning specific education and career plans. PLEASE NOTE: For students considering college, the following tests are recommended: P.S.A.T. (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude) l0th/11th grade S.A.T. I (Scholastic Aptitude Test) llth/12th grade (typically a spring of junior year/fall of senior year) SAT II Subject test Upon completion of a subject area (typically end of grade 10, grade 11 and December of senior year) Many competitive private colleges will ask for 3 tests A.P. (Advanced Placement) Test* Usually in 12th grade (English, Calculus, French, Spanish, Latin, Chemistry) C.L.E.P. (College-Level Exam Program)* 12th grade � Contact the Guidance Office for detailed information about these tests |
| English Social Studies Science Mathematics Foreign Language Fine or Applied Arts |
| 4 years 3 years 3 to 4 years (depending upon program) 3 to 4 years (depending upon program) 2 years minimum (3 to 4 years preferable) 1 year |
| English Social Studies Science Mathematics Fine or Applied Arts |
| 4 years 2 years 1 year 2 years 1 year |
| English Social Studies Science Mathematics Computer Skills Business Electives |
| 4 years 3 years 2 years 3 years 1 year 3 years |
| English Social Studies Science Mathematics Fine or Applied Arts |
| 4 years 3 years 3 years (including Chemistry) 3 years (college sequence) 1 year |
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