PARENT INVOLVEMENT AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL ...
sponsored by Manchester Community College

Parent Involvement

Description of Levels

4-year Credit Planning Sheet

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

     Students currently enrolled as juniors and seniors need to accumulate 20 (twenty) credits. Freshmen and Sophomores must carry 6 (six) credits per year, while juniors and seniors must carry 5 (five) credits per year in order to be considered full-time students. Current freshmen, sophomores, and future enrollees need to accumulate 22 (twenty-two) credits in order to graduate and be enrolled for six credits per year. Credits are accumulated at the rate of one-half credit per semester.

     Keep in mind the requirements for graduation when selecting courses. If your child plans to attend college, the following suggestions may help choose courses. The number of courses available allows students with a wide variety of interests to choose courses that fit their educational goals.

CORE COMPETENCIES

     Students currently enrolled as Seniors need to accumulate 20 credits to graduate. Freshmen and Sophomores, and Juniors must carry 6 credits per year and Seniors must carry 5 credits per year in order to be considered full-time students. Current Freshmen, Sophomores , Juniors, and future enrollees need to accumulate 22 credits to graduate and carry 6 credits per year to be considered full-time students. Credits are accumulated at the rate of one-half credit per semester.

     Beginning in the 2008-2009 school year the State Board of Education will require that credits be given based on demonstrated mastery of core competencies. In the past students received credit for receiving 135 hours of instruction and getting a passing grade. Now students will be assessed in various ways to determine if they have actually learned the skills and information that was taught in the classroom.

     Parents should be aware that students will still receive an automatic failing grade (an E) if they miss more than 6 days of class. Also, be aware that when students are making their course selections, parents have the right to waive the placement recommendation made by the teacher and register students in a different level class

Parent Involvement

Parent involvement is still important in high school, but it is very different. The focus at this level revolves around keeping your child on track to graduate and helping them plan for the future. Here are some ways you can help your child succeed;

Attend Open House -- Each of the high schools holds an open house in October. Parents have the opportunity to meet each of their child’s teachers and speak privately for 5 minutes. Generally there are sessions in the afternoon and in the evening.

Learn about graduation requirements -- Make sure your child is taking required courses and is on track to graduate. Information regarding courses and requirements can be found on the high schools’ websites accessible at www.mansd.org

Career Planning -- Help your child learn about various career options and the educational requirements for pursuing them.

College Planning -- Help your child explore higher education options by planning college visits. Visit the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Fund website www.nhheaf.org to learn about financial aid and other ways to support your child’s interest in attending college.

Monitor their health -- Be sure to monitor your teenager’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Changes in behavior may signal serious problems. They still need you.

Communication -- Your teenager may not tell you everything you need to know to support him at school and in life. Develop your own channels of communication. Talk to other parents. Contact the school. Visit the website. Be nosy.

TOP

LEVEL 4 —
HONORS & ADVANCED PLACEMENT

This rigorous course of study is designed for those academically talented, college-bound students whose skills have progressed beyond the mastery level. These courses emphasize higher-ordered thinking skills, independent and self-directed research, and stress problem-solving in multi-disciplinary contexts.

LEVEL 3 —
ACCELERATED

These courses are designed for college bound students who have demonstrated previous academic success. Pace, depth of knowledge, and pursuit of critical skills charac¬terize courses at this level.

LEVEL 2 —
INTERMEDIATE

These courses are also designed for the college bound students but will allow a great deal of flexibility in career planning. They will provide continued exposure and reinforcement of those skills and knowledge necessary for understanding and success now and in the future.

LEVEL 1 —
FUNDAMENTAL

These courses, which meet gradu¬ation requirements, are designed to help students acquire fundamental skills necessary for success after high school.