Honors Class Selection

7th Grade Parent Night

This slideshow is online

● www.whs.tusd.org (West HS website)● Click on Academics● Click on Honors / AP● Click on 8th Grade Honors Program● The handouts, application, & slideshow

are all there.Mr. Hettinger–West High GATE Coordinator

Phone number: (310) 533-4299 Ext. 7703Email: Hettinger.Drew@tusd.org

Purpose of the Program

● Provide a more challenging course for high achieving students

● Allow students interested in science to take 5 years of high school science and math

WHS Classes Offered to 8th Grade Students

• Biology Honors• Geometry Honors• French 1• Japanese 1• Korean 1• Spanish 2• Spanish 2 Honors

Biology Honors

● Good indicators for success:● A's in Science, Algebra 1, Language Arts● “Standard Exceeded” in CAASPP for both Math and

English/Language Arts ● Homework nightly including weekends and holidays

– 30-60 minutes per night or more depending on the level of the student

● Assessments are challenging, testing critical thinking and authentic science skills and practices

● Curriculum aligned with Next Generation Science Standards; include laboratory investigations, research projects, collaborative teamwork

Science Pathway (typical)

• 9th Biology / Biology Honors

• 10th Chemistry / Chemistry Honors OREarth Science

• 11th & 12th Any of the following:– Chemistry AP

– Physics / Physics 1 AP

– Biology AP

– Environmental Science AP

– Anatomy & Physiology / Honors

– Astrobiology

– Biotechnology

Science Pathway (accelerated)

• 8th Biology Honors

• 9th Chemistry / Chemistry Honors

• 10th, 11th, 12th –Any of the following:

– Chemistry AP– Biology AP– Physics / Physics 1 AP– Environmental Science AP– Anatomy & Physiology / Honors– Astrobiology– Biotechnology

Geometry Honors

● Challenging 9th grade honors course● Faster pace and in more depth than regular

Geometry● CMASST is implemented differently at high

school than middle school.● No individual re-assessments, they are only

done as a class.● The most recent score is kept, not the best

attempt, or average of all attempts.

Geometry Honors

● Students are not allowed to take tests home● Geo Honors in 9th gr. is double acceleration

in math● Must have earned A's in Algebra 1● Having a very solid background in Algebra is

extremely important for success in all following math courses

● Summer school Algebra 1 will NOT allow a student to advance into Geometry Honors

World Languages

• French 1• Japanese 1• Korean 1• Spanish 2• Spanish 2 Honors

World Languages

• There is no need to rush.• You can take a level 1 language in 9th grade

and still take all possible courses in a language (up through AP) while in high school

• Teachers say the biggest jump between levels is the step from level 1 to 2

•

Is Your Student Ready for Honors?

• What are their interests?• Do they always complete homework on

time?• Do they study even when they don’t have

homework?• Are they personally motivated to

complete their homework or do you need to ask them each night if it is done?

Is Your Student Ready for Honors?• Do they close their books at the least

problem or do they seek help when necessary?

• Do they persevere even when it requires extra time and is quite difficult?

• Do they take responsibility for their work?

• Do they go above and beyond what’s required?

Is Your Student Ready for Honors?

• Are they active participants in class?• Are they successful in ALL their classes,

even those that seem less interesting?• If you answered “maybe” or “no” to

some of the questions, you may wish to have your student wait a year so they can work on their study habits.

Is Your Student Ready for Honors?

• It is better to have students develop self confidence in their abilities by waiting a year than to become overwhelmed and do poorly.

• Honesty in assessing their abilities is essential.

• As you read through the class offerings, study the prerequisite courses and recommendations for success.

Is Your Student Ready for Honors?

• It is worse to accelerate too quickly and struggle than to go at a normal pace and thrive.

• There is no reason to accelerate in a subject (go a year or more ahead) just to get a B.

What are AP Classes?

• Advanced Placement classes are equivalent to college level courses.

• Many colleges accept these courses for credit if students pass the AP test given in May.

• AP courses are rigorous and demanding. Expect to spend 1-2 hours per night to prepare for these classes.

Should you take summer school?

Summer school does NOT adequately prepare students for Honors or AP classes

• 6 weeks versus 40 weeks• Lacks the depth and breadth necessary for a

solid foundation• Summer school is good for classes which are

NOT prerequisites for other classes

In Selecting Classes with Your Student

• Discuss what makes a successful honors student with your child

• Base your decision on your student’s interests and abilities

• Fill out the following forms—available on West High Webpage

• Honors/AP Commitment Form • 7th Grade Honors Application• Assessing Strengths & Weaknesses

• Discuss success in these classes with the student’s math and science teacher who will fill out the recommendation form

Application ProcessAll forms are to be completed and returned to the middle school Principal’s office by March 13th.

Forms are available on the West High webpage under Academics-Honors & AP -8th grade program

Once Enrolled

• Students will be expected to remain in the honors or AP class for the entire year.

• The grade earned by the student will be posted on their official transcript.

• Students & parents need to make the course a first priority.

Program Logistics

● Students are responsible for arriving at West for their first class

● Students enrolled in two classes attend– Zero period 7 a.m. - 8 a.m.– 1st period 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.

● Students enrolled in one class may be assigned either zero or first period, there is NO choice

● At the end of West High classes, students are bussed back to middle school

Program Logistics

• Middle School Principals will receive notification of students accepted into these classes in June – Posted at the middle school in June

• August—Students receive WHS registration packet to be completed

• Late August—students bring registration forms, receive WHS student ID and books

For Questions about the Honors Program

● www.whs.tusd.org (West HS website)● Click on Academics● Click on Honors / AP● Click on 8th Grade Honors Program● The handouts, application, & slideshow

are all there.Mr. Hettinger–West High GATE Coordinator

Phone number: (310) 533-4299 Ext. 7703Email: Hettinger.Drew@tusd.org