High School Planning Guide

Preparing students for Graduation | College | Career

This publication is designed as a support for students and families to guide student experiences in high school and prepare them to achieve their dreams after graduation. This guide contains three main sections: Transitioning to High School, Graduation and Beyond, and Career Exploration and Experiences.

Each section provides an overview of what students can expect in high school in those areas including staff support, opportunities for students to try new experiences and planning their future.

This booklet also contains two planning charts that graphically show what students need to graduate, what opportunities are available for college credit during high school and possible career experiences.

The back of the guide features a roadmap of next steps for parents and students to explore to make the most of their high school careers. In the back folder are individual sheets from all eight of PSD’s high schools so parents and students can see what offerings are available at each high school.

I hope you find this publication informative and useful. If you have any questions about your child’s career and academic path in PSD or how he/she can achieve future aspirations, please contact your child’s school counselor.

Together, we can help students succeed in whatever they set their hearts and minds to.

Sincerely,Sandra Smyser, Ph.D. Superintendent

Welcome to Poudre School District’s High School Planning Guide.

Table of Contents

Transitioning to High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Graduation and Beyond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 & 4

Earning College Credit During High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

PSD’s Early College Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Credit and Course Planning Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Looking Ahead: Planning for Life After Graduation . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Career Readiness in High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 & 10

Colorado Career Cluster Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Steps to Success! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2

Transitioning to High School

The transition from middle school to high school can be a huge shift for students and their overall learning experience. PSD recognizes that freshmen need additional support to acclimate to the rigor and climate of high school. Our approach is a three-legged stool with students, families and the school supporting the desired outcome: graduation for all students. This philosophy involves a collaborative mindset where teachers and families partner to support students in exploring their passions and achieving at their highest academic potential. However, we also know social and emotional learning is critical to succeed in today’s world. So, PSD schools have a variety of programs in place to support students with their academic and personal maturity in high school including clubs, student leadership organizations, activities, the arts, technical courses and college-level classes. Along the way, schools also provide opportunities for

students to explore their passions and future career interests.

Social and Emotional Learning: Students may have a wide variety of emotions and experiences as they enter high school. High schools are committed to being intentional during this time of transition. Our goal is to ensure students have the support they need to cope with these changes and can use the experience to positively impact their behavior and success. Teachers collaborate with PSD’s mental health team and school counselors to support student emotional needs as necessary. Schools also work to partner with families to ensure students feel that support and are accessing the resources they need

to be successful.

Academic Planning: High school counselors proactively make connections with incoming PSD 9th graders in the spring of their 8th grade year. Students connect with counselors through information and events for both students and parents, as well as direct contact at feeder middle schools. Once in high school, freshmen work with their counselors to create a four-year plan that includes any high school credit-bearing classes taken in middle school and high school courses they would like to take in order to meet PSD’s graduation requirements. This planning can also include credit in career and technical courses on campus or at the local community college as well as the potential for college course work at their high school or on a local college campus. Music and the arts also play a prominent role in all PSD high schools, providing opportunities for students to explore their interests along

with core course study.

College and Career Exploration: As part of their four-year plan, students explore areas of aptitude and interest. They search colleges, trade schools and apprenticeships that can help them meet the requirements of achieving a career in their industry of choice. Education requirements, technical experience and certification opportunities are explored. Students also learn what types of jobs are available in a specific industry and what jobs typically

pay.

Clubs, Activities, Athletics: Each PSD high school prides itself on having unique club offerings and activities. Students can join school-sponsored clubs or start one of their own to meet with like-minded students. The choice is theirs and at some schools, those choices include hundreds of options from chess to ice cream to robotics and foreign language. Clubs and activities provide a structured way for students to meet with other students who share their passion(s) and to explore opportunities in areas outside of traditional academic courses. Clubs and activities are often the core social mechanism at high schools and are a great way for students to get involved and engage with their peers and the school itself.

Athletics is governed by the Colorado High School Activities Association. Competitive athletic teams are offered at the four comprehensive high schools and include both varsity and junior varsity teams for cut and non-cut sports. Some programs also offer a third and even a fourth level of competition as well. Students who attend a 100% choice school (such as PGA or Polaris) may participate in athletics at the comprehensive high school located in their neighborhood boundary. Students pay a $100 - $120 per sport per season fee to participate in PSD athletics.

3

Graduation and Beyond

Graduation Requirements PSD’s graduation requirements are based on state guidelines and are designed to give students a wealth of experiences in different subjects. These experiences prepare students to follow their dreams after graduation; be that going onto college, entering the military, attending a trade school or going straight into the workforce.

Starting with 9th graders in 2017-2018, students must meet or exceed the District’s academic standards including College and Career Readiness Measures in English and in Mathematics (see below). See chart on page 11 for a list of graduation requirements by subject and area.

Contact your counselor with any questions about the College and Career Readiness Measures as well as PSD’s graduation requirements.

Approved College and Career Readiness Measures include:

Accuplacer assessment

ACT assessment

ACT WorkKeys assessment

Advanced Placement assessment

ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Battery)

International Baccalaureate assessment

SAT assessment

Concurrent Enrollment Course

District Capstone

Industry Certificate

4

Graduation and Beyond

Planning for the FutureA key component of the freshman year in high school is for students to set goals for their future, begin to explore careers, learn their strengths and weaknesses and compile a timeline to achieve these goals.

Milestones are managed through the Individual Career and Academic Planning (ICAP) process which helps students develop the awareness, knowledge, aptitudes and skills to create their own pathway for life after graduation. PSD manages the students’ ICAP process through software called Career Cruising.

Students enhance and modify their ICAP throughout their high school career as their interests and goals change. As seniors, the ICAP helps students through the application process for college and provides ways to enroll in apprenticeship programs. It also supports students in entering the workforce directly after graduation, if they so desire, with resume support, interview skills and leadership assessments.

ICAP* Activities and Skills:

Sending professional emails

Setting goals

Writing a resume

Documenting community and extra-curricular activities

Identifying learning style and interests

Exploring suitable occupations that match skills and interests

Researching college application requirements including SAT, PSAT, financial aid, FAFSA

Researching suitable colleges for areas of interest

Documenting college and career visits

GOBEYOND

*Career Cruising is the software that houses activities and assessments in the ICAP process.

5

Earning College Credit During High School

Students in PSD high schools can earn college credit as part of their high school schedule. These classes are taught either at local college and university campuses or by college professors and PSD teachers at PSD’s high schools. Students can take college, career and technical courses for free in most cases, earning high school and college credit at the same time (courses through CU Denver have a per-credit-hour fee).

Students can take as many courses as their schedule allows. With deliberate planning, students can even earn an Associate of Arts or Science degree before they graduate high school!

Benefits of taking college classes during high school include taking challenging or specialized courses in areas of interest as well as accumulating college credits early, saving tuition costs and finishing college early.

Please note: While all courses taken for college credit during high school will count towards graduation requirements, transfer credit is up to the receiving university. Students should check with their preferred college or university regarding the credit transfer process.

In the 2016-2017 school year,

2,117 PSD students participated in college credit-bearing

courses, earning more than

12,300 credits and saving more than

$1 million in tuition costs.

Other costs of attendance, including textbooks, are not paid for by PSD.

College/University:• Aims: Aims Community College

• FRCC: Front Range Community College

• CSU: Colorado State University, “CSU Ready” program (Math or World Language only)

• CU Denver: University of Colorado at Denver Extension, “CU Succeed” program (taught by PSD teachers)

Programs:• High School Select: FRCC, Aims, CU Succeed courses taught by

PSD teachers or college professors at PSD high schools

• Campus Select: PSD students attend classes at FRCC, Aims or CSU

College Credit Partners:

6

PSD’s Early College Programs (Concurrent Enrollment)

PSD students take accredited college level courses at their high school through:• Front Range Community College (FRCC)• Aims Community College• CU Denver Extension, “CU Succeed” program

These courses are taught by college professors or PSD teachers and are credit bearing. Courses from FRCC and Aims are typically transferable to Colorado colleges and universities, while courses from CU Denver are recognized by most unversities around the country.

Most PSD high schools offer AP courses, which have been identified by the College Board as college-level instruction. Many universities recognize AP courses and accept scores as demonstration of compentency in the subject area. IB courses are recognized around the world, based on accepted standards and rigor. The PHS IB diploma is recognized by many universities worldwide as an internationally accepted qualification for entry to higher education.

ASCENT (Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment) is a one-year program that allows students to remain enrolled in high school for a fifth year and take classes at Front Range Community College or AIMS Community College, paid for by PSD. To participate, students must have completed at least 12 college credits prior to the end of their senior year in addition to PSD’s graduation requirements.

Talk to your school counselor for more information about this program.

PSD students take college level courses at: • Front Range Community College (transportation is provided in some cases)• Aims Community College• Colorado State University, “CSU Ready” program (Math and World Language only)

High School Select

Advanced Placement / International Baccalaureate

ASCENT

Campus Select

7

Credit and Course Planning Worksheet

Required Category

Language Arts4 years

Mathematics3 years

Science3 years

Social Studies1 year

Government1 semester class

US History1 year

World Language/Culture1 year

Fine & Applied Arts1 year

Economics1 semester class

Personal Finance1 semester class

Humanities1 semester class

Wellness3 classes

ElectivesMinimum of 13 semester classes

College Credit at my high school(Core class or elective)

College Credit on a college campus(Core class or elective)

Total Credits

Credits

40

30

30

10

5

10

10

10

5

5

5

15

65

240

Examples of Courses

Any English class

Any Math class (Algebra I and higher)

Any Science class starting with Biology

World Geography, AP Human Geography,

Government, US History, World History

Spanish, French, German OR World History

Visual Art classes, Perf. Art classes, Tech Ed, Culinary,

and Computer Design courses

Economics, AP Economics, Business Economics

Personal Financial Literacy, Finance, Career and Financial Planning

Classical, Contemporary, or other Humanities

Health, PE OR other classes

Music, Arts, Career and Technical Courses (ie. Foods,

Business & Marketing, Computer Science,

Engineering)

High School Select from FRCC/Aims, CU Succeed,

AP/IB Courses

Campus Select at FRCC, Aims, CSU Ready

9th Grade*8th Grade/

Summer School

10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade

1st Semester

1st Semester

1st Semester

1st Semester

2nd Semester

2nd Semester

2nd Semester

2nd Semester

1 semester class = 5 credits *Parents have the option of declining high school graduation credit for approved courses taught at middle school. See your student’s counselor for details.

8

Looking Ahead: Planning for Life After Graduation

Test Score Tracker

Graduation Requirements (240 credits)

Additional Foreign Language Courses

Additional Math Courses

Additional Science Course

CTE Courses

AP/IB Courses

College-level Courses (FRCC, Aims, CSU, CU Denver Ext)

Work Experience (Internship etc.)

ASVAB Test

Accuplacer Test

SAT/ACT

Enter Workforce, Skilled Trade

Join MilitaryEnroll at

Community College

Graduate High School with an

Associate Degree

Attend 4-year University

= Required = Recommended/Encouraged

CMAS English

CMAS Math

PSAT 9

PSAT 10

SAT/ACT

9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade

Goal after high school:

9

Career Readiness FrameworkGRADE

6 7

Career Readiness in High School

Career ReadinessBeginning in middle school and throughout high school, students engage in four distinct phases of career planning: awareness, exploration, participation and training. These phases are designed to help students understand where their strengths and interests are, what careers involve those interests and what courses support careers in those fields. Students can then experience, and in some cases train for, jobs in the industry in which they are interested.

Awareness

Exploration

Participation

8 9 10 11 12

Training

10

Career Readiness in High School

Career Awareness Awareness about potential careers and jobs begins with discussion in middle school about interests and activities to provide students with insight into their areas of passion and strength. Outcomes from these activities are discussed with teachers and counselors and are used to determine high school planning and course selections. Awareness continues in high school through the ICAP process and associated activities including:

• Career and skill assessments

• Career fairs

• Industry speakers

• Workplace tours

• Military visits

• AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination - a college preparatory program)

• College tours

Career Exploration Students are encouraged to explore a variety of career and post-secondary pursuits beginning in 8th grade. These activities include researching careers in areas they find attractive and using the results of assessments to determine potential interests and passions. Students are exposed to the Colorado Career Cluster Model (page 7) and are encouraged to align their high school course selection in the areas they are drawn to. During high school, counselors work with students through their ICAP activities to narrow down career choices and explore the intricacies of specific industries in greater depth. Activities and experiences students participate in during exploration include:

• ICAP assessments

• Information interview

• Mock interviews

• Career Cruising job exploration

• Colorado Career Cluster Model Pathway information (what types of courses align to specific job sectors as defined by industry)

• Elective courses

• Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses

Career Participation Once students are aware of different career possibilities and have explored the requirements and outcomes of that type of job in more detail, they are ready to experience jobs in the industry of their choice. These experiences build collaborative working relationships and provide necessary skills for success

after graduation. Work-based learning opportunities are available to juniors and seniors in high school and take on various forms:

• Job Shadowing (spend time with a local professional)

• PWR Internship (work with a local business for 75-150 hours)

• Professional and Community Experience (PaCE): (explore career industries through tours, engage in real-world professional experiences, build a professional network, receive credit for work, internships)

• Alternative Community Education (ACE): (students with disabilities gain employment skills, develop effective work habits, improve independent living skills and learn personal financial responsibility)

• Capstone Projects (culminating projects for courses or clubs that focus on career specific skills)

• Student-run Enterprises (coffee cart, sign shop, food truck, student store)

Career Training Students engage in qualified training programs within a specific range of jobs. Experiences help students demonstrate knowledge in that specific career field and learn new skills to support entry into the workforce. Activities and experiences that train students during high school include:

• PWR Internships

• PaCE and ACE Programs

• Subject-specific Internships (STEM, Bioscience, Service Learning, Arts academies)

• Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses at high schools and community colleges

11

Colorado Career Cluster Model

Career and Technical Education in Colorado is based on the National Career Clusters Framework with modifications based on the state’s workforce needs. The Colorado Career Cluster model features 16 career clusters that are grouped into six industry sectors. Courses in these sectors are based on accepted state standards and grouped according to the industry/careers they represent.

Postsecondary & Workforce Readiness (PWR)Entrepreneurial: Critical Thinking & Problem Solving, Creativity & Innovation, Inquiry & Analysis, Informed Risk TakingPersonal: Initiative& Self-Direction, Personal Responsibility & Self-Management, Adaptability & Flexibility , Learning Style AwarenessCivic: Core Academic Foundation, Collaboration & Teamwork, Communication, Global & Cultural AwarenessProfessional: Time & Work Management, Career Literacy, Grit & Resilience, Work Ethic, Dependability & ReliabilityAcademic: Application of knowledge & skills,, Evaluation, Discernment

+ CTE Pathway for Special Populations include: Alternative Cooperative Education (ACE) CTSO – (SC)²

Colorado Career Cluster ModelManagement and Administration• Administrative Services • Business Information

Technology• Corporate/General

Management• Human Resource

Management • Operations Management

Marketing• Marketing Communications • Marketing Management• Marketing Research • Merchandising• Professional Sales/Sales

ManagementCTSOs – DECA, FBLA, PBL

Finance• Accounting • Banking Services• Corporate Finance• Insurance• Securities & Investments

Government & Public Administration• Foreign Service• Governance• Legal Services• Planning• Public Management &

Administration• Regulation• Revenue & Taxation

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources• Animal Science*• Agribusiness Systems• Food Products & Processing Systems*• Natural Resource & Environmental Systems*• Plant Science*• Power, Structural & Technical Systems*

Energy• Electromechanical Generation & Maintenance*• Electrical Energy Transmission & Distribution*• Energy Efficiency & Environmental Technology*• Fossil Energy Extraction, Processing & Distribution*• Renewable Energy Production** STEM affiliated pathway CTSO – FFA

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)See also STEM affiliated pathways noted by *

• Research, Exploration & Innovation• Design, Development & Application

Arts, A/V Technology and Communication• Audio/Video Technology & Film• Journalism & Broadcasting• Performing Arts • Printing/Publishing• Visual & Design Arts^

Information Technology• Information Support and Services• Interactive Media• Network Systems & Telecommunications*• Programming & Software Engineering*

CTSOs – TSA, CCCSO, SkillsUSA, ^FCCLA

Architecture & Construction• Construction• Design & Pre-construction*• Maintenance & Operations

Manufacturing• Health, Safety &

Environmental Assurance• Logistics & Inventory Control• Manufacturing Production• Maintenance, Installation &

Repair• Production/Process

Technology*• Quality Assurance

• CTSOs – TSA, SkillsUSA

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics• Facility & Mobile Equipment

Maintenance• Health, Safety &

Environmental Management• Logistics, Planning &

Management Services• Planning, Management &

Regulation• Sales & Service• Transportation Operations• Transportation/Systems

Infrastructure • Warehousing & Distribution

Center Operations

* STEM affiliated pathway

Health Science• Biotechnology Research & Development*• Diagnostic Services• Health Informatics• Supportive Services• Therapeutic Services

Law, Public Safety~, Corrections & Security• Correction Services• Emergency & Fire Management Services• Law Enforcement Services• Security & Protective Services

CTSOs – HOSA & ~SkillsUSA* STEM affiliated pathway

Hospitality & Tourism• Lodging• Recreation, Amusements & Attractions• Restaurants, Food & Beverage Services• Travel & Tourism

Human Services• Consumer Services• Counseling & Mental Health Services• Early Childhood Development• Family & Community Services• Personal Care Services~

Education & Training• Administration and Administrative Support• Professional Support Services• Teaching and Training

+ FACS Core & World Of Work (WOW) CTSOs – FCCLA, ~SkillsUSA

Hospitality, Human Services & Education (+)

Business, Marketing & Public Administration

Health Science, Criminal Justice &

Public Safety

Agriculture, Natural Resources & Energy

Skilled Trades & Technical Sciences

STEM, Arts, Design & Information Technology

Updated October 2016- www.coloradostateplan.com + www.cccs.edu

Current Hot Career Field

CTSO = Career and Technical Student Leadership Organization

12

Steps to Success!

1

2

3

4

5

6

Participate in One-on-One MeetingPart of the PSD transition process is a one-on-one meeting between students and a high school counselor to discuss their proposed course schedule. This is automatic and occurs at students’ middle school when high school counselors come over to collect registration materials in late February or early March every year. Once students transition to high school, student/counselor meetings continue on an annual basis, at a minimum.

Identify Areas of InterestDiscuss areas of interest with your student and determine what courses your student would like to take during high school.

Select High SchoolDecide what high school your student will be attending.

Create Four-Year PlanBegin to discuss your student’s four-year plan for courses in high school looking at scheduling of electives and other considerations such as athletics, special programs, college course availability and credits needed to graduate.

Choose CoursesLook at the course guide (and sheet in back folder) to see what courses (core, graduation requirements, college credit, career experiences) your high school offers.

Enjoy the JourneyGet ready for a fantastic high school journey and life after graduation!

Centennial High School330 East Laurel Street970-488-4940

Fort Collins High School 3400 Lambkin Way970-488-8021

Fossil Ridge High School 5400 Ziegler Road970-488-6260

Polaris Expeditionary Learning School1905 Orchard Place970-488-8260

Poudre Community Academy 2540 Laporte Avenue970-490-3295

Poudre High School 201 Impala Drive970-488-6000

Poudre School District Global Academy 703 East Prospect Road970-490-3086

Rocky Mountain High School 1300 West Swallow Road970-488-7023

Poudre School District 2407 LaPorte AvenueFort Collins, CO 80521

(970) 482-7420email: info@psdschools.org

www.psdschools.org

Published November 2017