Abington Junior High School Course Selection Guide 2012-2013 ...

Purpose of the Course Selection GuideThis Course Selection Guide has been developed to assist you in the course selectionprocess. Please read this guide carefully. A meaningful school experience is dependentupon the courses you select. The most appropriate program of study is best achievedthrough the active collaboration of students, parents, counselors and teachers.Course availability will depend on the number of student requests and the availability ofhighly-qualified, certified staff. Every effort will be made to meet the individualeducational aspirations of Abington Junior High School students.ACADEMIC GUIDELINESCourse Selection InformationRecognizing that students differ in talents, interests and skills, some courses are offeredwith different academic requirements and expected student achievement. Honors coursesare intensive, accelerated and enriched. They frequently require self-direction on thepart of students to budget time, manage workload, and meet class requirements.Required curriculum courses offer considerable challenge to students. Abington has ahistory of sending a large majority of its students to further educational experiences andin response to that need and expectation, a demanding program will be provided for all ofits students. These courses are carefully balanced between the self-direction of thestudent and the structure provided by the teacher.Teachers, counselors, and administrators carefully guide students with theirrecommendations for course placements. Students are advised to listen to this counseland seriously consider the recommendations of these professionals.Students and parents ultimately have the responsibility to decide on an appropriateprogram of studies. Students are not restricted to a particular course. Over time, manystudents are able to take greater and greater challenges. Some students may benefit froma more reduced pace; taking a mastery approach that will produce equal success. It is thegoal of Abington Junior High School to provide that flexibility for all students.The school day is divided into eight class periods of instructional time. To make the mostefficient use of coursework available at Abington, students are required to request afull course load of 32-35 class periods. Each year, students must register for courses inEnglish, Math, Science, and in Social Studies. Additional courses in World Language, andArts and Humanities are strongly suggested.Course Request & Schedule Change PolicyThe master schedule and the assignment of faculty are based on students’ courseselections made during the spring. Students are encouraged to make their courserequests consistent with their planned program and long-range educational goals. When5