Academic Planning at All Levels
Academic Planning at All Levels
Tonight’s Agenda
• Long-term planning
• Academic Planning Roadmap & Web Resources
• College & Career Readiness
• Short-term planning
• Middle School Options
• Navigating the Course Request Form (CRF)
Academic Planning
• Let’s develop a common understanding of academic planning…• When you hear the words
“Academic Planning,” what are the first thoughts that come to mind? Share with someone sitting at your table.
Academic Planning in Elementary School
Why are we talking about this now?• It should begin early (now!)• School counselors provide information on various options
in APS to families and students • In middle and high school the school counselor advises
students and families as they make informed decisions about what opportunities are available to meet rigorous graduation requirements in middle and high school
• Early planning and understanding the importance of taking challenging courses leads to more choices in post-secondary education
Academic Planning in Middle and High School
• School counselor discusses available course options, career interests, current achievement levels, credits earned and needed, rigorous courses of study, post-secondary plans and available academic supports
• Each year in middle school, counselors meet with students in classroom groups to complete the academic plan form
• Students meet individually with their high school counselor to review the academic plan annually
• Parents are invited to contact the counselor at all grade levels for individual academic plan meetings
• Academic planning forms are mailed home each year
6-year Plan : Example
What is the 6-year plan?
• Helps you understand requirements for graduation from high school
• Helps you understand the Standards of Learning (SOLs) and their impact on diplomas
• Helps you understand what course options are available
• Provides you with a roadmap for the next 6 years.
Highly competitive post-secondary institutions look for students who have completed:
• Advanced diploma• AP, IB, dual enrollment (DE)• Advanced level math & science courses• Multiple years of a world language• Proficient to advanced proficient on the SOL
assessments• College entrance assessments: Preliminary
Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), American College Test (ACT)
• Career interests & career pathways through Naviance
• Develop a post-graduation plan with educational & career goals
College & Career Readiness
•Begin with the end in mind
• 5th graders have completed Academic Planning Guide http://www.apsva.us/cms/lib2/VA01000586/Centricity/Domain/95/AcademicPlanning_Companion-3-5_revised.pdf
•Course Requirements for an Advanced Diploma—begins in Middle School
•Math Literacy
• Algebra I by 8th Grade
•World Languages starting in Middle School
•Rigorous and AP/IB Coursework
College & Career Readiness
Academic Planning Tools
www.apsva.us/academicplanning
• Pre-K to 12 Academic Planning Roadmap
• Student Academic Planning Guides
• Academic Planning Videos
• College & Career Corner
• Resources
Explore the Roadmap
Take a few minutes to explore the online resources.
• How to access: Oakridge > Counseling > Academic Planning > www.apsva.us/academicplanning
Helpful links:• Resources > Program of Studies• Academic Planning Map PK-12 • Academic Planning Map > Grades 3-5
Please ask questions/comment as you explore!
Standard v. Advanced Diploma
Key Differences +1 Mathematics+1 Laboratory Science+1 History and Social Science+3 Foreign Language
In addition: Verified Credits2 Math credits (+1)2 Laboratory Science (+1)2 History & Social Science (+1)
What Middle School Could Look Like
•Students can earn up to 5 high school credit classes while in middle school!•Parents have the option to waive credits taken in middle school from the high school transcript. This removes the credit and grade.
Math Pathways
High School Credit
High School Credit
High School Credit
High School Credit
6th Grade Math Course Placement
• In June, all 5th graders will take a placement exam
• Over the summer a team of Math Coaches will meet to discuss several data points
• The team will assign your child to Math 6 or Math 7
• Over the summer, a letter will be sent home with the class level that is suggested for your child
• Parents have input too!
Middle School Options
• Neighborhood School:– Gunston Middle School
• Transfer Schools (application was due 1/16):– Kenmore Middle School– Thomas Jefferson Middle School– HB Woodlawn
Course Request Form
• 6th Grade Programs– Grade 6 Program
• most common program– High Intensity Language Training Program
• for English Language Learners, teacher recommended– Montessori Program
• Typically just for students from the Montessori Program at Drew, but if you are interested, please contact Barry Leopold at [email protected]
– Spanish Immersion Program• Prerequisite is elementary immersion program (Claremont or Key),
but students can test into the program
Course Request Form (cont)
• Elective Choices– Exploratory Rotation/Wheel
• Students rotate through courses such as: Chorus, Art, Keyboarding, Tech ED, Family Consumer Science, Theater Arts, Journalism and World Language
– Band (beginning/intermediate) – Orchestra (beginning/intermediate)– Chorus
Upcoming Middle School Dates
• February 4th at 7pm– Kenmore Middle School Information Night
• February 9th – Elementary Counselors receive Course Request Forms – Ms. T will explain to student in classrooms throughout the month
• February 17th at 7pm– Jefferson Middle School Information Night
• February 24th
– Gunston visits Oakridge• April 9th or 10th
– Oakridge students visit Middle Schools
Comments/Questions
Thank you SO much for coming!
Please take a few minutes to complete a quick survey online to provide us for feedback.
Oakridge > Counseling > Academic Planning > Link at bottom
Thank you!
Contact Information
Anne [email protected]
Debra GaetaCounselor (M, W, Th)[email protected] 703-228-8165
Laura HarringtonCounselor (T, F)[email protected]
Dr. Marcia JacksonSupervisor of [email protected]
Gladis BourdouaneCommunications Coordinator: Family Engagement & Public [email protected]
Michael W. SwisherAsset LiaisonArl. Partnership 4Children, Youth & [email protected]