Types of high school courses

Why do high school courses need to meet NCLB/HQT requirements?

Ø No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is a Federal law that all schools must comply with.

Ø Federal Regulations require that all students are taught by a Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT)

Ø A training video on NCLB/HQT is available for parents at the following link: http://skymountaincs.org/parent/parent_manual.htm

What is an a-g course?

Ø a-g courses are University of California approved course work.

Ø It is highly recommend students that are interested in attending a UC or CSU school out of high school should take a-g courses

Ø Students must start a-g courses in their freshman year.

Ø SMCS offers several a-g courses through our SME courses. Please ask your ES which a-g courses SMCS has available.

Ø a-g are categories:

o a-History/Social Studies

o b-English

o c-Mathematics

o d-Lab Science

o e-Language other than English

o f-Visual & Performing Arts

o g-College prep electives

What is an AP course?

Ø AP stands for advanced placement

Ø The student is responsible for researching, paying for and taking the AP test in their area.

Ø The student needs to pass the AP test

Ø If the student passes the AP test, the student will earn college credit for the course and test.

Ø SMCS does not offer AP courses or tests

Ø SMCS does not pay for or reimburse for AP tests

What is an Honors course?

Ø Courses that have to been approved by the same commission that approves a-g courses to be recognized as honor courses.

Ø SMCS does not offer honor courses.