Grades 9-12 Course Catalog - Plano Independent School District

952501
952591
Grade Placement: 10, 12
(PAL) Peer Assistance
and Leadership
(PAL) Peer Assistance
and Leadership
(NO STATE CREDIT, NO
GPA)
Prerequisite: Application and Interview
Credit: 952501: 1
952591: 0
952491 Academic Decathlon
(NO STATE CREDIT, NO
GPA)
Grade Placement: 11 – 12
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor
Credit: 0
This course provides selected students an opportunity to work in a
helping role with students on their own campus and/or with students
from feeder middle schools and elementary schools, in order to
facilitate a more positive school experience and more informed and
responsible decision-making. PAL students will receive training in
areas such as communication and listening skills, tutoring, group
dynamics and other means of helping younger students deal with
issue of concern to them. Students can only earn one credit in four
years.
Academic Decathlon is a unique national scholastic competition
designed for high school students in a broad scope of academic
areas. It provides an opportunity for students to experience the
challenges of rigorous academic competition through participation in
ten academic areas. Teamwork, communication, and self-assurance
are attributes that are all essential elements found in Academic
Decathlon. The purposes of the program are to encourage students
to develop a greater respect for knowledge, to promote wholesome
inter-school competition in academic areas of study and interest, to
stimulate intellectual growth and achievement, and to encourage
public interest and awareness of outstanding programs in our
schools. The United States Academic Decathlon format includes
students from all academic backgrounds. The final team to represent
each of Plano’s senior high schools consists of nine members; three
students whose grade point average falls into the “C” or Varsity
category, three in the “B” or Scholastic category, and three in the “A”
or Honors category.
Plano ISD’s talent pool from the three senior high schools participates
in two district practice meets at a senior high school. The coaches
work with students on a daily basis and at specified times after
school. In late November/early December the final nine-member team
from each senior high is selected. Team competition levels are
regional, state, and national.
Academic Decathlon class – 7th period
Each senior high school’s Academic Decathlon coaches and
counselors work with students to rearrange students’ class
schedules, if possible. Other arrangements are handled on a per
campus basis. Students are required to spend some weeknights and
weekends for preparation for competition.
77
All courses may not be offered on every campus.