Graduation 101

1. Graduation 101 • Some tips on what to do and what Not to do to be sure you graduate this year and make the most of your life after High School.

2. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

3. What Credits do you need? • 24 CREDIT OPTION • ENGLISH/ESOL 4 credits (major concentration in composition & literature and reading for information) • MATHEMATICS 3 credits (Algebra I, Geometry, & 1 courses at the Algebra I level or higher) • SCIENCE 3 credits (Earth/Space Science, Biology, & Chemistry or Physical Science) • SOCIAL SCIENCE 3 credits (World History, American History, American Government, & Economics) • FOREIGN LANGUAGE Not required (foreign language credit is required for admission to State University .

4. What Credits do you need? • FINEARTS 0.5 credit • PRACTICAL ARTS/CAREER &TECHNICAL EDUCATION 0.5 credit • PHYSICAL EDUCATION 0.5 credit • PERSONAL FITNESS 0.5 credit • ELECTIVES 8 credits (4 credits must be in the student’s academy; remaining credits may be used for another academy, other elective courses, or intensive reading or mathematics courses) • GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) 2.0

5. Diploma Options:Standard Diploma • A standard diploma will be awarded to graduates, if the student has earned the required credits and attained the grade point average for the graduation program selected. • Also, students must pass the Grade 10 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) SSS. • The purpose of the standard diploma is to certify that the student has met all district and state standards for graduation. • A special education student will be awarded a standard diploma if all of the criteria for a standard diploma have been met by that student.

6. • Certificate of Completion • A student who is enrolled in the 4-year, 24-credit option and has met all requirements for graduation except passing the Grade 10 FCAT, or earning the 2.0 GPA required for graduation shall be awarded a certificate of completion. A student may make further attempts to meet the requirements for a standard diploma.

7. CPT – Eligible Certificate of Completion • Students who earn the 24 required graduation credits and achieve a GPA of 2.0 or higher, but do not pass the grade 10 FCAT, are eligible to receive the Common Placement Test (CPT) – eligible certificate of completion. • Students who receive the CPT – eligible certificate of completion may enroll directly into a Florida community college or postsecondary career and technical education program. • Based upon the score the student receives on the CPT, the student may enroll in remedial or credit courses at the community college.

8. If you have Not Passed the FCAT • In order to make sure you graduate you will: • Take the FCAT in October and then you will have one more chance in March there is also a June test for Seniors. • If you still don’t pass you may be able to use your SAT or ACT score to help you graduate. • If you have not taken the SAT/ACT sign up now! • Don’t wait until you get FCAT Scores to decide to take the SAT/ACT it may be too late.

9. SAT & ACT Test DATES • SAT ACT • Oct. 4 Oct. 25 • Nov.1 Dec.13 • Dec.6 Feb. 7 • January 24 April 4 • March 14 June 14 • May 2 • June 6 • www.collegeboard.comwww.act.org

10. SAT Facts • The SAT is offered seven timesa year in the United States and six times at international sites. The test: • Takes three hours and 45 minutes • Consists of 10 separately timed sections: • Three sections test critical reading (70 minutes total) • Three sections test mathematics (70 minutes total) • Three sections test writing (60 minutes total) • One variable (un-scored) section tests critical reading, mathematics, or writing (25 minutes total) • Assesses critical thinking and problem solving skills in three areas: • Critical reading • Mathematics • Writing

11. SAT Facts • Includes three kinds of questions: • Multiple-choice questions • Student-produced responses (mathematics only) • Essay question • Is machine-scored, except for the essay • Why should students take the SAT? • Students and parents often ask why it is important to take the SAT. Reasons include: • All colleges accept the SAT as an objective measurement of students' college readiness. • Used with GPAs and high school transcripts, SAT scores allow colleges to fairlycompare applicants. • Taking the SAT gives students access to scholarship opportunities. • Most colleges require an admissions test like the SAT

12. ACT FACTS • The ACT (No Writing) consists of four multiple-choice tests: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The ACT Plus Writing includes the four multiple-choice tests and a Writing Test. • The English test is a 75-question, 45-minute test, covering: Usage/Mechanics Punctuation, grammar and usage, sentence structure and Rhetorical Skills, strategy, and organization style. • The ACT Mathematics Test is a 60-question, 60-minute test designed to measure the mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken by the end of 11th grade.

13. ACT FACTS • The Reading Test is a 40-question, 35-minute test that measures your reading comprehension. You're asked to read four passages and answer questions that show your understanding of: what is directly stated statements with implied meanings • The Science Test is a 40-question, 35-minute test that measures the skills required in the natural sciences: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving. You are not permitted to use a calculator on the Science Test. • The Writing Test is a 30-minute essay test that measures your writing skills—specifically those writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses.

14. SAT and ACT Fees • ACT regular deadline fee: $31.00 Late deadline fee: add $20.00 • ACT Plus Writing: $46.00 • SAT regular deadline fee: $45.00 Late deadline fee: add $22.00 • SAT Subject test fee: Varies. Basic registration fee is $20.00 plus cost of subject tests.

15. Some Myths • Your midterms and Finals don’t affect your grades-Wrong!!! • While they may not affect your grade for the nine weeks it does affect your final grade for the year in the class. • So if you fail some midterms expect to do better in the 3rd GP to make up for those F’s or you may not have enough points to pass.

16. Some Myths • An F in an elective PE, woodshop, Drivers Ed, art etc doesn’t count –False! • Or an F in an elective isn’t as bad as an F in the Core English math etc- So False!! • While an Elective credit can usually be made up by another elective not necessarily the same exact class, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t go into your GPA. • All F’s go into your GPA and count the same. • They are all Bad!!!!!

17. Some Myths • D’s are a passing grade. So as long as I get D’s I am ok-True and False. • While D’s are a passing grade and it means you got credit for the class D’s only give you 1 point for your GPA. • You need a 2.0 to graduate so getting all D’s or mostly D’s will give you a 1.0 GPA or something in the 1.0 range. • That will not cut it for graduation!!!! • If you have a lot of D’s you may need to start retaking some of those classes so that you can achieve a 2.0 • Aim for at least C’s and you will be safe.

18. A Rule to Follow • If your GPA is currently at a 2.0 be sure you get all C’s or better so that you will graduate. You can’t afford D’s or F’s. • If your GPA is below a 2.0 you will need to get A’s and B’s this year and try to retake some classes for forgiveness. • Otherwise you will not make the 2.0 mark by June. • Remember A’s and B’s boost your GPA C’s only keep your GPA at the same level, • D’s and F’s lower your GPA. • The better you do now the less you will have to worry about at the end of the year.

19. Passing your classes • In authorized semester courses, the student's final grade shall be determined as follows: 40 percent value for each of two nine-week grading periods and 20 percent value for the final examination. • In authorized annual courses, the student's final grade shall be determined as follows: 20 percent value for each of four nine-week grading periods, 10 percent value for the midterm exam, and 10 percent for the final exam. • In order to pass an annual course in grades 9-12, a student will earn a minimum of 10 grade points, of which a minimum of five must be earned in the second semester.

20. 10 Point Rule • According to Miami-Dade County Public Schools in order to pass a class for the year you must earn a total of 10 points in that class for the year. • However, at least 5 points must be earned in the second semester (Jan.-June) to pass. • This is how it is calculated: Whatever you earn in Grading Period 1,2,3,4 is doubled. Whatever you earn in the Midterm and Final counts only once.

21. 10 Point Rule • Get good grades every grading period so it all doesn’t have to ride on one test or on one grading period. • Be consistent. If you started the school year bad its important for you to know what grades you need from here on out to pass. • Study for Midterms and Finals THEY MAKE a DIFFERECE.

22. 10 Point Rule • EX: You earn a C in English in the 1st Grading Period you double that which equals 4 pts. You earn a D in the 2nd GP (x2)=2 pts. You earn a C in the midterm that equals 2 points. You earn a B in 3rd GP (x2) =6 pts. Earn a C in the 4th GP (x2) = 4 pts. Then a D on the Final = 1 pt. Add it all up. It equals 19 points.

23. 5 Point Rule • Use this formula with your own grades to know if you will have enough points to pass. • Many students fail a class because they do not earn 5 points in the second semester or because they have had low grades all year and NEED a high grade on the Final to pass the year and they don’t get it. • Don’t put yourself in that situation.

24. 5 Point Rule • Let me give you an example of a senior who didn’t graduate last year because he thought he was passing English and he didn’t! • GP1= B, GP2=C MT=C GP3=D GP4=D Final=F Total Points for the year=16 • So why did he fail?

25. 5 Point Rule • He only had 4 points for the second semester!

26. Forgiveness Policy • For senior high school students the forgiveness policy for required courses is limited to replacing a grade of “D”or “F” with a grade of “C” or higher earned subsequently in the same or comparable course. • The forgiveness policy for elective courses is limited to replacing a grade of “D” or “F” with a grade of “C” or higher earned subsequently in another course. • In either situation when a student attempts forgiveness for a grade, the higher of the two grades will be used to compute the student’s GPA. • When it is replaced, the lower grade will not be used to compute the student’s GPA, but will remain on the student’s transcript and in the student’s permanent record. • Any course not replaced according to this policy shall be included in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average required for graduation.

27. Florida Virtual School • Senior high school students are eligible to enroll in the Florida Virtual School. • The courses offered are teacher facilitated and available throughout the state. • Courses are based upon the same criteria as those taught in the standard high school program and, therefore, generate the same credit for students. Students must visit the Florida Virtual School website at www.FLVS.NET to enroll in courses. • A guidance counselor and a parent/guardian must also visit the website to finalize the registration process for the student.

28. Adult Education/Night School • A good way to make up credits is by attending night school. • Falcons can attend night school in our neighborhood schools since we do not offer it here at Ferguson. • Braddock, Varela, and Sunset are the nearby schools that offer Night school. • The next semester starts in January the same week we return from Winter break so be sure to sign up with your counselor before the break. • Registration usually starts the first week of December so make an appointment with your counselor early so you can get a spot!

29. ATTENDANCE POLICY* • There is probably no factor more important to successful school progress than regular school attendance. • Students who are absent excessively from the instructional program will fall behind in academic achievement. • Excessive school absenteeism can result in course failure. • The attendance policy is established by the School Board. Highlights of the attendance rules are as follows: • A secondary student accumulating ten or more unexcused class absences in an annual course or five or more unexcused absences in a semester course will be subject to the withholding of final credit, pending a student/parent-requested administrative screening and/or review of all absences by the attendance review committee.

30. ATTENDANCE Review • An attendance review committee is established in each school. • The committee consists of three or more school personnel who have the responsibility to review student attendance petitions during the last week of the course(s) and recommend the: • • Issuing of final grades; • • Temporary withholding of final grades pending makeup assignments; or • • Permanent withholding of final grades and credit.

31. Excused Absences • The following are considered excused absences: • Student illness • Medical appointment • Death in family • Observance of a religious holiday or service when it is mandated for all members of a faith that such a holiday or service be observed • School sponsored event or activity previously approved • Educational or enrichment activity that is not a school-sponsored event, as determined and approved by the principal or designee • Other individual student absences or tardies beyond the control of the parent or the student as approved by the principal. • Subpoena by law enforcement agency or mandatory court appearance.

32. Absences Defined • Student illness: Students missing 5 or more consecutive days of school due to illness or injury are required to provide a written statement from a health care provider. • The written statement must include all days the student has been absent from school. • If a student is continually sick and repeatedly absent from school due to a specific medical condition, he or she must be under the supervision of a health care provider in order to receive excused absences from school. • Medical appointment: If a student is absent from school due to a medical appointment a written statement from a health care provider indicating the date and time of the appointment must be submitted.

33. Unexcused Absences • All other absences or tardies not listed above are considered unexcused. • The student is expected to: • Take advantage of his/her educational opportunity by attending all classes punctually on a daily basis. • Provide the school with a written explanation for any absence/tardiness. • Any student who has been absent from school will be marked unexcused absent until he/she submits required documentation, • Failure to provide required documentation within three school days upon the return to school will result in an unexcused absence. • Request the make-up assignment for all excused absences/tardies from his/her teachers upon his/her return to school or class. • It should be noted that all class work, due to the nature instruction, is not readily subject to make-up work. • Complete the make-up assignments for classes missed within a reasonable amount of time. • Failure to make up all assignments will result in lower assessment of the student’s academic and/or effort grade. • Submit a completed “Petition to Appeal Withholding of Final Passing Grades” to the individual responsible for the screening process if needed.

34. Recognition at Graduation • The levels of the Academic Recognition Program are as follows: • Cum Laude: the upper 15% of the graduating class, excluding the Summa and Magna Cum Laude students, using a weighted GPA or students who have a 4.0 GPA or higher. • Magna Cum Laude: the upper 10% of the graduating class, excluding the Summa Cum Laude students, using a weighted GPA. • Summa Cum Laude: the upper 5% of the graduating class using a weighted GPA.

35. Superintendent's Diploma of Distinction • This diploma will be awarded to students who are enrolled in the 4-year, 24-credit option and complete an academically rigorous course of study. • The requirements include at least four honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and/or Advanced International Certificate of Education courses; • Completion of 75 hours of community service, which includes identification of a social problem of interest, development of a plan for personal involvement in addressing the problem and, through papers and other presentations, evaluate, and reflect upon the experience. • All students must earn a 3.5 GPA (weighted scale) by the end of the first semester of the senior year with no final grade less than a "C."

36. CAREER PLANNING / COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS • In completing their postsecondary education plans, students may find it advisable to complete one or more of the standardized tests listed below which are used for college admissions, career planning, placement in college courses, and/or eligibility for scholarships. • Recommended grade levels during which tests should be taken are shown in parenthesis ( ). • 1. ACT: American College Testing Program (11, 12) • 2. ASVAB: Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (11, 12) • 3. PLAN : Preliminary ACT (10) • 4. PSAT: Preliminary SAT (10, 11) • 5. SAT I: Reasoning Test – formerly the Scholastic Assessment Test (11, 12) • 6. SAT II: Subject Tests – formerly the Scholastic Assessment Test (11, 12) • 7. CPT: College Placement Test (10, 11, or 12)

37. Florida's Bright Futures Scholarship Program • The Bright Futures Scholarship Program establishes a lottery-funded scholarship for Florida high school graduates based on academic achievement, who enroll in eligible Florida postsecondary institutions. • The scholarship may be used for either full-time or part-time enrollment and is renewable. • Requirements for all scholarship levels include: • Be a Florida resident and a U. S. citizen or eligible non-citizen; • Authorize the release of eligibility information to the Florida Department of Education;

38. Florida's Bright Futures Scholarship Program • Earn a Florida high school diploma or its equivalent from a Florida public or private high school; • Successfully complete certain courses while attaining the grade point average specified in the scholarship type; • Be accepted by and enroll in an eligible Florida postsecondary education program; • Be enrolled for at least six (6) semester credit hours or the equivalent; • Not have been found guilty of, nor pled no contest to a felony charge; • Apply for a scholarship from the program prior to high school graduation by completing the online Florida Financial Aid Application. • Use the award within three years of high school graduation.

39. Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) • 15 College Preparatory Credits • 3.5 Weighted GPA (based on the Statewide Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program Weighting • System) • 1270 SAT or 28 ACT • 75 Community Service Hours • Students who earn the Florida Academic Scholars award and attend a Florida technical center, community college, or university will receive: Public Institution – 100% of tuition and fees (including lab fees up to $300 per semester) plus $300 for college-related expenses (excluding summer term) prorated by terms and hours.

40. Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) • Private Institution – Fixed award amount based on 100% of the average tuition and fees covered at a comparable Florida public institution including the $300 per semester provided for college-related expenses prorated by term and hours. • Academic Top Scholars Award – The high school senior with the highest academic ranking in each county shall receive a $750 award per semester (excluding summer term), in addition to the Florida Academic Scholars Award, prorated by term and hours.

41. Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV) • 3.0 weighted GPA (based on the Statewide Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program Weighting System) in the 15.5 core credits required for high school graduation • A minimum of 3 Career Technical Education Job-Preparatory or Career Technical Education credits in one career technical education program • 3.5 un-weighted GPA in a minimum of 3 vocational credits in one vocational program • Earn a minimum score on each subsection of the CPT (Reading-83, Sentence Skills-83, Algebra-72), SAT(Verbal-440, Math-440), or ACT(English-17, Reading-18,Math-19)

42. Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV) • Students who earn the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars award and attend a Florida technical center, community college, or university will receive: • Public Institution – 75% of tuition and fees (including lab fees up to $300 per semester). • Private Institution – Fixed award amount based on 75% of the average tuition and fees covered at a comparable Florida public institution prorated by term and hours.