HSADV Course Selection 201617

SCHOOL OF ADVANCEMENT

2016-2017 COURSE SELECTION GUIDE

Graduation Requirements • High School Program Options • Course Descriptions
For Harmony School of Advancement Students, Grades 9-12

1

Dear Students and Parents,
Careful course selection is critical for a successful high school experience as well as a thoughtful
and effective approach to the college application and admission process. Admission counselors
will consider the courses you have selected, as well as your grades, as they review your academic
record. If you have the appropriate academic background and strong ability in a s u b j e c t ,
consider taking an Advanced Placement or Dual Credit courses. Remember that maintaining a
balance is the key. Do not risk jeopardizing your achievement in other classes by overloading your
schedule with too many of these courses.

Co-curricular activities are a vital element of your experience at HSAdvancement as well. Try
something new, whether in the arts, athletics, student government, or a club. Just as community
life is a vital part of your HSAdvancement experience, colleges value students who demonstrate
extracurricular commitment and concern for others. Take advantage of opportunities for leadership
in organizations or within the community that are available to you at Harmony School of
Advancement.

While building your schedule, please remember that it is important to enjoy the richness of what
you are learning today and challenge yourself to perform at your best in each of your courses. The
college process will be greatly enhanced if you know yourself, your strengths, and your interests.
Explore and learn as much as you can while challenging yourself with the most appropriate and
rigorous courses that are reasonable in light of your abilities. Please consult with your teachers
and your counselor as you consider your course selections.

Good Luck!

Counseling Department

For the digital form of the Course Selection Guide and more information, visit our counseling website:
hhttp://www.hsadvcounseling.com

Harmony School of Advancement (College Board CEEB code: 443598)
3171 N. Sam Houston Pkwy W. Houston, TX77038
Phone: 281-741-8899 Fax:281-741-8006

2

Graduation Requirements.....................................................................................................................4
Credit Requirements ...........................................................................................................................5-6
Grading Scale and GPA.......................................................................................................................7-8
Class Rank/Automatic College Admissions ................................................................................... 9-11
Scheduling and Course Selections ...................................................................................................... 12
Schedule Changes................................................................................................................................. 13
Credit by Exam (CBE/EA) ..................................................................................................................... 14
Required Academic Program ......................................................................................................... 15-17
Endorsements .................................................................................................................................. 18-23
Special Education Graduation Options ............................................................................................. 24
Advanced Placement (AP) Program ............................................................................................. 25-26

AP Qualification Table ..........................................................................................................................................................27
Dual Credit (DC) Program............................................................................................................... 28-31

Core Curriculum Table .....................................................................................................................................................32-33
Dual Credit Course Matrix ............................................................................................................................................34-37
Advanced Placement vs. Dual Credit ................................................................................................. 38
Community Hours Guidelines/x2VOL ................................................................................................ 39
Extracurricular Activities ................................................................................................................ 40-42
Athletics ................................................................................................................................................. 43
Course Descriptions......................................................................................................................... 44-59
Timeline for College and Career Planning ........................................................................................ 60

3

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

In order for a student to graduate at Harmony School of Advancement, students must fulfill:

1 High School Credit Requirement
2 Texas State Assessment (STAAR)
3 Admission to a 4 year college
4 Minimum 100 community service hrs.
5 Senior Capstone Project

Course-by-Credit Summary

Being a college preparatory school, Harmony School of Advancement recommends the following
course-by-credit plan to all students, regardless of the plan they choose tograduate:

Course Credits

English 4.0
Mathematics 4.0
Science 4.0
Social Studies & Economics 4.0
Physical Ed. 1.0
Languages Other than English 3.0
Fine Arts 1.0
Electives 5.0
Local Credit Courses 6 LC*
26 credits+6 LC
TOTAL

* This is the maximum number for local credits. Based on assessment data, students may be exempt
from a local credit course to receive another state credit course.

Refer to the detailed course by course requirements on pages:15-17

Students in 8th grade will begin the process of developing a Personalized Graduation Plan (PGP) for the
next 4 years in high school. A Personal Graduation Plan is a 4-year plan that each student makes to help
guide their course selection in order to meet the criteria of their chosen endorsement.

4

CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

Classifications of Students

Student classification is determined by the number of credits accumulated by the end of the preceding year.

To be a ninth grade student (Freshman) ................... *Completion of Eighth Grade Requirements
To To be a tenth grade student (Sophomore) .......................................................6 Credits Required
To be an eleventh grade student (Junior) .......................................................12 Credits Required
To be a twelfth grade student (Senior) ............................................................18 Credits Required
To Graduate from HSAdvancement ............................................................... 26 Credits Required

ATTENDANCE

Attendance Requirements: To Receive Credit for a Course 1. State law mandates that a student must be
in attendance for 90% of the semester to receive credit. 2. A student who has 5 or more absences in any
class per semester may be denied credit. 3. The Attendance Committee will make the ultimate decision
whether or not the student receives credit in a class. 4. Dual Credit students must meet the attendance
requirements set by local campus. 5. ARD and 504 committees might be considered as the attendance
committee for students with disabilities

HOW TO EARN CREDITS

Courses vary from one to two semesters in length. Students can earn a half credit for each semester
course and a whole credit for a yearlong course*. Students earn credits when they pass their courses
with the minimum of 70 average and meet the 90% attendance requirement. Each semester stands
alone. Semesters are not averaged together except in cases of student progression plan.
Progression Plan - A high school student who fails the first semester of any core course with a grade no
lower than 60, but who passes the second semester of the course, may receive credit if the average of the
two semesters results in a grade of 70 or above. Otherwise, to receive credit in a core course, the student
must utilize credit recovery to obtain a passing grade for any semester failed.

The followings are ways a student that can earn credit:
 Course is taken as a part of the student’s high school schedule.
 Dual Credit college course‐ approved by counselor, taken for high school credit and college credit.

Must be one of the approved courses listed on the dual credit list. Refer to the Dual Credit Policies.
 Credit‐by–Exam (CBE)/Exam for Acceleration (EA) offered through the UT Austin or Texas Tech

University, AP Exam, CLEP (College Level Examination Program).
 Online courses‐ approved courses through accredited online course providers.
 Summer School Opportunities

***
- Students and parents assume the responsibility of registering for, and completing courses

attempted outside of the regular school schedule.
- Students and parents assume the cost of taking courses outside of their regular high school

schedule.
- Students must talk to their counselor for information regarding alternate methods of acquiring credits

before signing up for any course.
*Some exceptions may apply to certain courses

5

CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM COURSE LOAD

All students are required to enroll in eight classes (or equivalent) each semester.

EXCEPTIONS:
1) Senior students enrolled in off campus Dual Credit courses can take the last period off in their high school
schedules. College course schedule verification and counselor/administrator approval is required.
2) Senior Students who have completed their graduation credit requirements and are enrolled in at least 15
College Credit Hours (including Dual Credit and AP courses), may be granted Independent Studies classes.
Counselor/administrator approval is required.

HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

By Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §74.26. (b), districts may offer courses designated for Grades 9-12 in
earlier grade levels. Students in middle school may be given high school graduation credit for passing
courses offered in middle school that are aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for each
course. Credit for courses for high school graduation may be earned only if the student received a grade
which is the equivalent of 70 on a scale of 100 (TAC §74.26. (c)).

TRANSFER STUDENTS

A student transferring into the District from a TEA accredited school will receive the numerical grade earned
in courses from that school. Weighted courses will be honored and converted to match our system.

Students Transferring from Schools Outside of the United States: Students from other countries will receive
Ps for passing in appropriate courses. Translation of out-of-country transcripts is the responsibility of the
parent/guardian. Awarding of credit will be determined by School administration after review of all
documentation.
Students from Home Schooling Programs: Credits earned through home schooling programs are NOT
accepted by the district. Students must provide documentation of enrollment and completion of
homeschooling courses in order to take credit-by-exam for prior instruction.

REPEATING A COURSE

The following guidelines apply if a student wants to repeat a course in which credit has been earned:
1) No credit is earned when a course is repeated.
2) The second grade appears on the transcript along with the first grade. However, only the original credited
average will be used to compute the student's overall grade point average.

*exceptions may apply to certain course

6

Grading scale and GPA
Prior to 2016-2017

GRADING SCALE

All classes followed a standard scale for assigning letter grades for nine-week periods and semester
work. Individual teachers will follow the HPS grading practices/guidelines for their classes, with
grades corresponding to the following scale:

GRADING SCALE: 90-100
80 – 89
A - Excellent 70 - 79
B – Above Average 69 - 0
C - Average
F - Fail

GPA CALCULATION

Grade Point Average is calculated by dividing the total amount of grade points earned by the
total amount of credit hours attempted. All semester grades for courses attempted counted

toward the student’s GPA. Courses were weighted as follows:

TABLE - GPA COMPUTATION DATA

Letter Grade Grade Regular AP & Dual Credit
A 90-100 & Pre-AP
B 80-89 5.0
C 70-79 4.0 4.0
F Below-69 3.0 3.0
2.0 0.0

0.0

7

Grading scale and GPA
Effective 2016-2017 School Year

GRADING SCALE

All classes will follow a standard scale for assigning letter grades for nine-week periods and semester
work. Individual teachers will follow the HPS grading practices/guidelines for their classes, with grades

corresponding to the following scale:

GRADING SCALE: 90-100
80 – 89
A - Excellent 75 - 79
B – Above Average 70-74
C - Average 69 - 0
D- Below Average
F - Fail

GPA CALCULATION

Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total amount of grade points earned by the
total amount of credit hours attempted. All semester grades for courses attempted will count
toward a student’s GPA. Courses are weighted as follows:
TABLE - GPA COMPUTATION DATA

Letter Grade Grade Regular Pre-AP AP /Dual Credit /PLTW
A 90-100 4.0 4.5 5.0
B 80-89 3.0 3.5 4.0
C 75-79 2.0 2.5 3.0
D 70-74 1.0 1.5 2.0
F 69-0 0.0
0.0 0.0

Weighted GPA is used to determine class rank. Unweighted GPA is used for admission to most
Colleges and universities and for scholarships at in-state schools.

8

CLASS RANK & AUTOMATIC COLLEGE ADMISSION

Harmony School of Advancement is a non-ranking school and only ranks students in the
top 10% of each class or if it is for the benefit of the student. Class rank indicates how a
student's grades compare with those of other students in his/her class. Semester averages (not full
year averages), beginning with the year student started taking high school courses, are used to
compute class rank. All numeric scores for regular and college classes, including distance learning
will be recorded and used to calculate GPA. Credit by Examination scores for which the student
earns credit toward graduation will be recorded numerically and used to calculate GPA.

Estimated class rankings are to be determined at the end of the junior year, and the first
semester of the senior year for the express purpose of college entrance requirements. A final
calculation of GPA and class rank is determined upon the completion of the senior year and willbe
reflected on the final transcript.
Attention juniors: Credits earned during the summer of the junior year will be entered to the junior
year course lists and be counted in the overall GPA and ranking computations. Any credits received
after September 1st will be entered to the senior course list and will not affect the ranking submitted
to colleges during the fall semester of the senior year. It is students’ responsibility to ensure that
summer credits are submitted on time and properly entered to their course lists.

ELIGIBILITY FOR AUTOMATIC COLLEGE ADMISSION

Explanation of Eligibility for Automatic College Admission Under the Automatic Admission policy (Texas
Education Code §51.803),

Under the Automatic Admission policy (Texas Education Code §51.803), Texas students may be
eligible for automatic admission to a state college or university as an undergraduate student if
they meet certain criteria. To qualify for automatic admission, a student must:
1. Earn a grade point average in the top 10 percent* of his/her high school graduating class,
2. Graduate from a Texas public or private high school (or, if the student is a Texas
resident, from a high school operated by the U.S. Department of Defense),
3. Earn the Distinguished Level of Achievement and/or a Performance Acknowledgment for
outstanding performance (starting from Class of 2018) OR successfully complete the requirements
for the Recommended High School Program (RHSP) OR the Distinguished Achievement Program
(DAP) (or the equivalent if enrolled in private school) OR satisfy ACT's College Readiness
Benchmarks on the ACT college entrance exam or earn a score of at least 1,500 out of 2,400 on the
SAT college entrance exam, and
4. Apply for admission to a state college or university within the first two school years
after graduation from high school.

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Students who meet the criteria for automatic admission must submit an application before the
deadline set by the college or university to which they are applying. Students must also provide a
high school transcript or diploma that indicates whether they have satisfied or are on schedule to
satisfy the requirements of the Distinguished Level of Achievement and/or a Performance
Acknowledgment for outstanding performance, RHSP or DAP.

Curriculum Requirements
Not later than the end of a student’s junior year in high school, official transcript should indicate

whether he/she has satisfied or is on schedule to satisfy the requirements for the Distinguished Level
of Achievement and/or a Performance Acknowledgment for outstanding performance (starting with
the Class of 2018), RHSP or DAP. Students who are unable to satisfy the curriculum requirements of
the graduation requirements because the courses necessary to complete the requirements are
unavailable as a result of course scheduling, lack of enrollment capacity, or another cause not within
the student's control, are considered to have satisfied the requirements of the relevant program. In
such cases, the student must have successfully completed the portions of the graduation requirement
curricula that were available and the student’s official transcript or diploma must indicate this.
Admission and Enrollment

State colleges and universities may admit a student accepted under the Automatic Admission
policy for either the fall semester of the academic year for which the student applied or for the
summer session that precedes that fall semester. Additionally, the admitting college or university
may require that applicants in need of additional preparation for college‐level work enroll in
enrichment courses or programs during the summer immediately after the student is admitted.
Colleges and universities are required to admit an applicant as an undergraduate student if the
applicant is the child of a public servant who was killed or fatally injured in the line of duty and who
meets the minimum entrance requirements set by the college or university.
*The University of Texas at Austin

Beginning with admissions for the 2011‐2012 school year, The University of Texas at Austin
(UT) is no longer required to automatically admit applicants in excess of 75% of its enrollment
capacity for first‐time resident undergraduate students. The University has determined that it will
automatically admit all eligible 2017 summer/fall freshman applicants who rank within the top
7% of their high school graduating classes, with remaining spaces to be filled through holistic review.
Even applications from students who are automatically admissible are subject to holistic review to
determine the major to which the applicant will be admitted.

10

Valedictorian/Salutatorian & Cum Laude System

Selection method to determine the valedictorian for a graduating senior class:

1. The student who is selected as the highest-ranking graduate eligible to receive the Honor
Graduate Certificate and Declaration by the State of Texas will also serve as valedictorian.

2. In the event no student meets the criteria to receive the Honor Graduate Certificate, a
valedictorian will be selected who meets all of the following criteria:

3. The student must have been enrolled with the school campus for no less than three calendar
semesters or all semesters the school has been opened if less than three calendar semesters; and

4. By the date of graduation the student must have met all Texas State Graduation Requirements
applicable to him/her including meeting all state assessment requirements.

All calculations for this honor will be conducted at the end of the spring semester (before
graduation) each school year. An eligible student must have attended at least one of the calendar
semesters during the school year that the honor is granted. Grade Point Average will becalculated
in accordance with the existing policy adopted by the Board of Directors.

Cum Laude System

Harmony Public Schools recognize at graduation those students with weighted GPAs at or above
specific benchmarks. Benchmarks may require occasional adjustments as changes in curriculum
dictate. Currently, graduates are recognized as follows:

Summa Cum Laude Weighted average* of GPA = 4.0+
Magna Cum Laude exactly 128.0 or higher GPA= 3.8 to 3.9
Cum Laude GPA= 3.5 to 3.7
Weighted average of exactly
120.0 or higher

Weighted average of exactly
112.0 or higher

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SCHEDULING & COURSE SELECTIONS

Harmony School of Advancement uses Naviance Course Planner for graduation plans andcourse
selections. With Course Planner, students can access the school course catalog, choose courses
they want to take the next school year, know which courses are recommended by teachers and see
if their course plans satisfy high school graduation requirements, as well as college entrance
requirements for schools on their college application lists. Plus, they can identify areas where they
can increase academic rigor to improve their college admissions chances.

Course Selections and Scheduling Steps

1. Graduation and Course Selection Process – with the help of their counselors, studentsbuild
their graduation plans and select courses using Naviance Course Planner. The Course
Planner will be open for editing and review until March 14th, 2016. Students are highly
encouraged to consult with their teachers regarding recommended courses and discuss
their choices with their parents before submitting course plans for approval. No course
selections will be available after March 14th.

2. AP and Dual Credit Course Qualifications – Students go through the qualification and
selection process by April 1st.

3. Course Plan Approval – Counselors and teachers work collaboratively to review student
course plans. Counselors will contact students/parents with any questions or concerns.

4. Decision Making - After all course plans are reviewed and approved, decisions regarding
class cancellations, number of sections, and staffing are made.

5. Master schedule is built. Students are notified of conflicts and an alternate request is
considered.

6. Counselors review end-of-year grades and provide students with summer school/credit
recovery options. If students do not earn credit in a course during the school year and do
not attend summer school, the schedule will be reviewed and student will retake failed
courses in 2016-2017. This may change the student’s previous course request.

7. Finalized schedules are given to students during the orientation day of the new schoolyear.

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SCHEDULE CHANGES

.

Changes requested after the Course Plan has been submitted will be made only for the following
reasons per counselor approval:

 Senior needs to make up deficient graduation credits.
 Student received an F grade and needs to repeat the class for high schoolgraduation

requirements or to meet college eligibility requirements.
 Student is in the incorrect course level.
 Course requested will not be offered due to budgetary restraints or low class size.
 Student completed a course credit at summer school.
During the first 15 school days of academic year, students may request a schedule change
according to the following guidelines:
 Level change request, based on availability
 Placement recommendation based on academic performance
 Medical/health issues require adjustment in schedule
 Course needed for graduation requirement or to meet college eligibility requirement
 Spring Semester Changes: Yearlong courses will only be dropped for extenuating

circumstances with administrative approval.
After a semester, a student in a Pre-AP class may be transferred to on-level course if the student
has an average of 70 or lower for the first semester, or with a teacher’s recommendation.

Schedule changes based on teacher preference will not be honored. The administrationreserves
the right and has the responsibility to only make changes as necessary to meet graduation
requirements, balance class sizes, correct administrative or clerical error, reflect changes in school
personnel, or for other educationally appropriate reasons.

Dropping A Course

 A student who drops a course during the first 15 school days of the academic year may do
so without any entry on his/her permanent record card.

 Course dropping or schedule change requests will not be granted after the first 15 school
days of academic year.

13

CREDIT BY EXAM (CBE)/
EXAM FOR ACCELERATION (EA)

Credit by Exam (CBE) is available for students who failed a course and can be takenonly
for an original credit.

1. A student in Grades 6-12 will be given credit for an academic subject if the student scores
70% or above on each of the criterion-referenced examination for the applicable course.

1. It is not recommended to gain credit by such an examination if the course grade is less
than 60 in the course failed. Students maynot attempt to earn credit by examination for a
specific high school course more than two times.

2. If the student scores 70% or above, regular credit is given and the examination scoreis
entered on the student’s transcript.

3. Students who have already earned a credit for specific high school course can not take CBE
to improve her/his GPA.
Exam for acceleration (EA) is available for students who want to advance in the following

areas: language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
2. To earn a credit students need to score 80 or above for EA.
3. Student may take a specific examination only once during each window. Students maynot
attempt to earn credit by examination for a specific high school course more than two
times.
4. If a student fails to earn credit by examination for a specific high school course before the
beginning of the school year in which the student would ordinarily be required to enrollin
that course in accordance with the school district’s prescribed course sequence, the student
must satisfactorily complete the course to receive credit.
CREDIT BY EXAMINATION TESTING SCHEDULE

FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

MAY 28TH, 2016

SEPTEMBER 3RD, 2016

OCTOBER 29TH, 2016

Procedure: Students are required to register for CBE/EA at least one month prior to first dayof
testing (or CBE/EA window). Parents/Students need a counselor (and/or Campus CBE
coordinator) approval to order a CBE. Once approved, parents/students pay $45 (only forcredit
recovery/ fee subject to change) per semester at the front office. There is no fee for taking Exam
for Acceleration. It takes approximately a week for a test to arrive, another week or two to
receive the scores from UT Austin.

14

REQUIRED ACADEMIC PROGRAM

In accordance with House Bill 5, all students who entered high school in 2014-2015 and after are required to choose one endorsement
in order to graduate under the State of Texas Foundation High School Plan. “Foundation High School Plan with Endorsements and
Distinguished Level of Achievement” is the default plan all Harmony students are expected to follow. In order to earn a high school
diploma from any Harmony Public School, each student must fulfill the following core academic requirements:

CORE DISCIPLINE HPS High School Course Plan
= FHSP + Endorsements, Distinguished Level of Achievement Plan¹

26 CREDITS

English Four Credits must consist of:
4.0 Credits · English I or English I for Speakers of Other Languages
· English II or English II for Speakers of Other Languages
· English III or AP English Language and Composition or Dual Credit course
equivalent²
· College Prep English, English IV or AP English Literature and Composition or Dual
Credit course equivalent²

Mathematics Four Credits must consist of:
4.0 Credits · Algebra I
· Geometry
· Algebra II or Dual Credit course equivalent²
· An additional course for which Algebra II is prerequisite such as College Prep Math
or Algebraic Reasoning or Precalculus or AP Statistics or AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus
BC or any Dual Credit course equivalent or AP Computer Science or Statistics and Risk
Management (CTE) or Engineering Mathematics (CTE)

Science Four Credits must consist of:
4.0 Credits · A biology credit (Biology or AP Biology or Dual Credit course equivalent²)
· A chemistry credit (Chemistry or AP Chemistry Dual Credit course equivalent)
· A physics credit (Physics or AP Physics (I,II or C) Dual Credit course equivalent)
· After successful completion of a biology, a chemistry, and a physics course, the
fourth credit may be selected from the following: Anatomy and Physiology (CTE),
Forensic Science (CTE), Engineering Design and Problem Solving, Environmental Science,
AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics I & II or C, or AP Environmental Science or Dual
Credit course equivalent.

Social Studies & Three-and one-half credits must consist of:
Economics · World Geography or AP Human Geography (one credit) or DC course equivalent²
4.0 Credits · World History or AP World History (one credit) or Dual Credit course equivalent
· US History or AP US History (one credit) or Dual Credit course equivalent
· US Government or AP US Government (one-half credit) or Dual Credit course
equivalent
One-half credit must consist of:
· Economics or AP Macroeconomics or AP Microeconomics or Dual Credit course
equivalent²

15

Physical Education One credit must consist of any combination of the following one-half to one credit
1.0 Credit courses:
· Foundations of Personal Fitness Adventure/Outdoor Education
· Aerobic Activities
· Team or Individual Sports
· Dual Credit course equivalent²
• In accordance with local district policy, credit for any of the courses listed above may
be earned through participation in the following activities:

- Athletics - JROTC
Appropriate private or commercially-sponsored physical activity programs conducted on
or off campus
• In accordance with local district policy, up to one credit for any one of the courses
listed above may be earned through participation in any of the following activities:
-Drill Team -Marching Band -Cheerleading
• All allowed substitution activities must include at least 100 minutes per five-day
school week of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
• Credit may not be earned for any TEKS-based course more than once. No more than
four substitution credits may be earned through any combination of substitutions.
• A student who is unable to participate in physical activity due to disability or illness
may substitute an academic elective credit (English language arts, mathematics, science,
or social studies).

Languages Other Than Three Credits must consist of any three levels in the same language. An AP course or
English Dual Credit course equivalent² can also be substituted for each level (must also be the
3.0 Credits³ same language).

Fine Arts One credit from any of the following:
1.0 Credit · Art (I,II,III)
· Dance (I,II,III)
· Music (I,II,III)
· Theatre (I,II,III)
· AP Music Theory
· AP Studio Arts
· AP Art History
· Dual Credit course equivalent²

Electives + Endorsements Five credits from any of the following:
5.0 Credits • The list of courses approved by the SBOE for Grades 9- 12 (relating to Essential
Knowledge and Skills), including AP and equivalent Dual Credit courses².
Credit/Elective choices should be specific to at least one endorsement.

Local Credits If not exempt, students take 6 Local Credits from ELA and MATH Lab Courses,
6.0 Local Credits designed to prepare students for EOC and College Readiness Assessments.

16

ENDORSEMENTS Students entering 9th grade must choose and complete curriculum requirements
from one of the following endorsements:
Performance
Acknowledgements · STEM (Examples: Engineering, Computer Science)
· Business and Industry (Examples: Business, Finance, Accounting)
State Assessment · Arts and Humanities (Examples: Literature, Art, Dance, Music)
Requirements For · Public Services (Examples: Hotel Management, Psychology, Teaching,

Graduation Health)
· Multidisciplinary Studies (Examples Business, Sociology, Art)

- Refer to HSAdvancement Endorsement Options below.

-Students can request to change their endorsements at the beginning or end of
each school year. Due to required sequence and curriculum timeline, not all
endorsements may be available.

For outstanding performance
· in a dual credit course
· in bilingualism and biliteracy
· on an AP test or IB exam
· on the PSAT, the ACT-Plan, the SAT, or the ACT
· For earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry
certification or license

Students must satisfactorily pass following STAAR End-of-Course assessments⁴:
· English I
· English II
· Algebra I
· Biology
· US History

¹Requirements do not apply to students exempt by the ARD Committee or IGC (Individual Graduation
Committee).
²Refer to Dual Credit Course Matrix Chart
³May be waived for students in special programs and transfer students with no LOTE credit in 8th grade.
⁴May not apply to students exempt by the ARD Committee or IGC. A student is not required to retake a course as a condition of
retaking an EOC assessment. Students who are taking any of these five high school courses in middle school will also take the
required EOC assessment. Students may not retake an EOC assessment that they have passed. EOC assessment scores are not
included in students’ course grades.

17

ENDORSEMENTS

STEM

Science, Technology, Engineering,& Math

Students may earn a STEM endorsement by selecting and completing the requirements
from among these 4 options.

Option 1: Engineering Pathway (CTE)

Students earn four (4) credits by taking following courses CTE Engineering Path:
 Concepts of Engineering
 Engineering Design and Presentation
 Adv. Engineering Design and Presentation
 Engineering Design and Problem Solving



Option 2: Computer Science
 Computer Science I
 AP Computer Science Principles
 AP Computer Science A
 Independent Studies of Technology Applications

Option 3: Math

Students take Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II AND two (2) of the following courses

for which Algebra II is a prerequisite.

Pre-Calculus Dual Credit Equivalent Course Options

Calculus AB or BC Statistics

AP Statistics and Risk Management

Option 4: Science

Students take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, AND two (2) of the following courses.

Chemistry AP Environmental Systems

Biology AP Anatomy & Physiology

AP Physics II Environmental Science AP

AP Physics I AP Physics C

Dual Credit Equivalent Course Options

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ENDORSEMENTS

Business & Industry

Students may earn a Business & Industry endorsement by selecting and completing the
requirements from among these 3 options.
Option 1: English
Students take four (4) English elective credits that include three levels in one for the following
areas.

 Advanced Broadcast Journalism I, II, III
 Advanced Journalism: Newspaper I, II, III
 Advanced Journalism: Yearbook I, II, III
 Debate I, II, III



Option 2: Information Technology (CTE) and Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications
(CTE)
Students take four (4) elective credits from the following courses.

 Web Technologies
 Digital & Interactive Media

 Audio/Video Production

 Advanced Audio Video Production

19

ENDORSEMENTS

Public Services

Students may earn a Public Services endorsement by selecting and completing the
requirements from among the following option:
Option 1: Health Science CTE
Students earn four (4) credits by taking following courses in PLTW Biomedical Science:

 Principles of Biomedical Science
 Human Body Systems
 Medical Interventions
 Biomedical Innovation
Option 2: Education and Training CTE
Students earn four (4) credits of the following course sequence:
 Principles of Education and Training
 Human Growth and Development
 Instructional Practices in Education and Training (Ready, Set, Teach I)
 Practicum in Education and Training (Ready, Set, Teach II)

20

ENDORSEMENTS

Arts and Humanities

Students may earn an Arts & Humanities endorsement by selecting and completing the
requirements from among these 3 options.

Option 1: Social Studies

Students take five (5) social studies courses for 5 credits. After 4 required social studies courses
the 5th credit can be taken from the following courses:
AP European History
Social Studies Advance Studies (Dual Credit Equivalent Course Options)
AP Psychology
Psychology Dual Credit

Option 2: Foreign Language

Students take four (4) levels of the same foreign language. OR Students take two (2) levels of one

foreign language AND two (2) levels of a different foreign language (two levels ineach of two

different foreign languages for 4 credits).

Turkish I Spanish I French I

Turkish II Spanish II French II

Turkish III Spanish III French III

Turkish IV AP Spanish Lang. AP French

Option 3: Fine Arts

Students take four (4) courses in the same fine arts area for 4 credits. OR Students take two

(2) courses in one fine arts area AND two (2) courses in a different fine arts area (two

courses in each of two different fine arts areas for 4 credits).

Music I: Orchestra Music I: Choir Art I Music I:Guitar I
Music II: Orchestra Music II: Choir Art II: Painting Music II:Guitar II
Music III: Orchestra Music III: Choir Art II: Drawing Music III:Guitar III
Music IV: Orchestra Music IV: Choir AP Studio Arts/Art IV:Drawing Music IV:Guitar IV

21

ENDORSEMENTS

Multidisciplinary Studies

Students may earn a Multidisciplinary Studies endorsement by selecting and completing
the requirements from among these 3 options.
Option 1: Four by Four (4 X 4)
Students take four (4) courses in each of the four core content areas.
▪ Four (4) English credits including English IV
▪ Four (4) math credit
▪ Four (4) science credits including biology and chemistry and/or physics
▪ Four (4) social studies credits
With at least one (1) advanced course (3rd year or higher course in the sequence).
Option 2: AP or Dual
Students take four (4) Advanced Placement (AP) courses for four (4) credits in English,
math, science, social studies, foreign language, or fine arts.
OR
Students take four (4) Dual credit courses for four (4) credits in English, math, science, social
studies, foreign language, or fine arts.
Option 3: CTE
Students take four advanced courses for four (4) credits that prepare them to enter the
workforce or postsecondary education without remediation from within one endorsement area
or among endorsement areas on a coherent sequence.

22

HARMONY SCHOOL OF ADVANCEMENT ENDORSEMENT OPTIONS

STEM Business & Industry Public Services Arts & Humanities Multidisciplinary Studies

Students may earn a STEM Students may earn a Business & Students may earn a Public Services Students may earn an Arts & Humanities Students may earn a Multidisciplinary
endorsement by selecting and Industry endorsement by selecting and endorsement by selecting and endorsement by selecting and Studies endorsement by selecting and
completing the requirements from completing the requirements from completing the requirements from completing the requirements from completing the requirements from
among these 4 options. among these 3 options. among these 1 option. among these 3 options. among these 3 options.

Option 1 Engineering Pathway (CTE) Option 1: English Option 1: CTE/PLTW Option 1: Foreign Language Option 1: Four by Four (4 X 4) Students
Students take four (4) English elective Students earn four (4) PLTW credits Students take four (4) levels ofthe take four (4) courses in each of thefour
Students earn four (4) credits by taking credits that include three levels inone of the Biomedical Sciences area same foreign language. core content areas.
following courses CTE Engineering for the following areas  Biomedical Sciences  Four (4) English creditsincluding
Path:  Human Body Systems OR
 Advanced Broadcast  Medical Intervention English IV
 Concepts of Engineering Journalism I, II, III  Biomedical Innovation Students take two (2) levels of one  Four (4) math credit
 Engineering Design and  Advanced Journalism: foreign language AND two (2) levels of  Four (4) science credits including
Newspaper I, II, III Option 2: Education and Training CTE a different foreign language (twolevels
Presentation Students earn four (4) credits of the in each of two different foreign biology and chemistry and/orphysics
 Adv. Engineering Design and  Advanced Journalism: following course sequence: languages for 4 credits).  Four (4) social studies credits
 Principles of Education and
Presentation Yearbook I, II, III Training Option 2: Fine Arts Students Option 2: AP or Dual
 Engineering Design and  Debate I, II, III  Human Growth and take four (4) courses in the same Students take four (4) Advanced
Development fine arts area for 4credits Placement (AP) courses for four (4)
Problem Solving Option 2: Technology  Instructional Practices in credits in English, math, science,social
Option 2: Computer Science Students take four (4) technology Education and Training OR studies, foreign language, or finearts.
Students earn (4) credits of the credits selected from of thefollowing (Ready, Set, Teach I)
following course sequence: courses.  Practicum in Education and Students take two (2) courses in one OR
 Web Technologies Training (Ready, Set, Teach II) fine arts area AND two (2) courses ina
 Computer Science I  Digital Art and Animation different fine arts area (two coursesin Students take four (4) Dual credit
 Audio/Video Production each of two different fine arts areas for courses for four (4) credits inEnglish,
 AP Computer Science Princ.  Adv. Audio/Video Production 4 credits). math, science, social studies,foreign
 AP Computer Science A language, or fine arts.

 Ind. Studies of Tech. App. Option 3: CTE Students take four
advanced courses for four (4) credits
Option 3: Math Students that prepare them to enter the
workforce or postsecondary education
take Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra without remediation from within one
endorsement area or among
II AND two (2) of the followingcourses Option 3 : Socail Studies endorsement areas not in a coherent
sequence.
for which Algebra II is aprerequisite. Students take (5) social studies

 Pre‐Calculus courses for 5 credits. After 4 required
S.S. courses the 5th credit can be
 Calculus AB or BC

 Statistics/AP taken from the following

 Dual Credit Math Courses  AP European History

Option 4: Science  Psychology/AP/Dual Credit
Students take Biology, Chemistry,and
Physics, AND two (2) of thefollowing  Sociology
courses.
 Chemistry AP  S.S. Advance Studies –Dual Credit
 Biology AP
 Anatomy & Physiology
 Environmental Science AP
 AP Physics I
 AP Physics C
 Environmental Systems
 AP Physics II
 Dual Credit Science Courses

`

GRADUATION OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Students with disabilities are provided an individualized educational program with various opportunities to succeed.
Annual meetings are held with students with disabilities and their parents in which an Individualized Educational
Plan (IEP) is developed and appropriate educational plan is determined. Students receiving special education
services follow the curriculum and credit requirements required of all students as determined by their prospective
Graduation Plan. Students with identified special needs will be provided appropriate accommodations in regular
classes. Should students need modification of the state standards, they may be served in specialized classes
according to their Individual Education Plan (IEP). ARD Committee referral is required for placement in any modified
course.

The general considerations for graduation options are as listed below:

Options that are the same for all other students
● Foundation Program
● Endorsement Program
● Distinguished Achievement Program

There are additional graduation options for students who receive special education services whose disabilities
interfere with successful completion of the 3 plans mentioned above. Each special education student's ARD
committee will work together to determine which plan listed above is appropriate or whether a modified or
alternate plan is needed.

Students who have modified curriculum, who take one or more modified or alternate courses may benefit from
the Foundation Program.

 Completion of IEP and access to services employment, or education outside of public education
 Completion of IEP and has full time employment with sufficient self-help skills to maintain employment
 Completion of IEP and has demonstrated mastery of specific employability and self- help skills
 Completion of IEP and has reached age 22

The course sequence for special education students is determined by the ARD committee as the graduation
plan for each student is developed. Final decisions of enrollment to College Level Courses (AP and Dual Credit)
has to be made by the ARD committee, considering the eligibility/availability of the accommodations required

for student success.

24

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PROGRAM

The purpose of the AP entrance and exit guidelines is to provide information to parents and
students and to facilitate students’ success in academically challenging courses. AP classes in Harmony
School of Advancement stimulate and challenge students to perform at an advanced academic level.
Therefore, AP coursework requires students to engage in more independent analytical reading and
writing assignments, both inside and outside the classroom.

ENTRANCE GUIDELINES

Academic Considerations

AP curriculum is designed two grade levels above traditional curriculum. Instruction is fast- paced
and much of the work is done outside of class. Therefore, AP students should be independent learners
who have demonstrated prior success in the subject area as outlinedbelow:

GPA: Students’ overall academic standing is important to measure AP course readiness.
Prerequisite Course Grades: Students are expected to have mastered required prerequisite
knowledge for the course.
Standardized Test Scores: Due to the fact that AP's are college level courses,PSAT/SAT/TSI scores
are used as a college readiness index to assess student AP potential
AP Qualifying Exam: Departments may choose to administer AP Qualifying Exams to assess
student AP readiness.
Summer Package Completion: As for some courses summer work is a part of the qualification and
selection process, some may consider it as a major grade.

Performance Considerations

AP classrooms are fast-paced and challenging environments, with most lesson preparation done
out of the classroom. Therefore, students taking these courses should be self-motivated learners
willing to invest time and energy into their activities and assignments. AP students should be
independent learners who demonstrate:

 Motivation and Commitment
 Time Management skills
 A positive attitude toward challenging coursework
 A strong work ethic

AP Enrollment Committee

AP Enrollment Committee, consisting of the AP coordinator, student counselor and related
teacher, will serve as an ultimate decision making authority in granting AP placement for students
in conflicting qualification situations.

25

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PROGRAM

Students in AP Courses are expected to:
 Be independent learners that are willing to read, learn, and ask questions as well as pursue outside
reading and research
 Discuss and share material relevant to the course in a collegial manner
 Spend adequate time every week studying or in tutorials to avoid falling behind
 Accept that enrollment in an AP course does not guarantee an A or B grade
 Openly accept assignments, suggestions, & coaching from the teacher
 Maintain a level of academic integrity that reflects the college level of an AP Course
 Thoughtfully select their course load
 Prepare to take the AP exam in May for the course(s) in which they are enrolled
 Comply with any amendments to these expectations that their AP teacher chooses to implement.

Students are expected to take the following action in order to avoid falling behind an AP course:
o Confer with their AP teacher weekly before/after school or via email
o Take immediate action in coordination with their AP teacher; this could include attending tutorials,

completing supplemental work or other appropriate action.
It is the student’s responsibility to track his/her grades, missing course work and absences and to contact
with the AP teacher in regards tothese.

Remember: By registering for an AP course, students are making a commitment for the entire length of the
course. Students should understand that registration for multiple AP courses is a commitment to undertake
a challenging academic schedule.

Students Withdrawal Guidelines from AP Course

Students may withdraw from AP Courses without any penalty if withdrawal is submitted on or before 3
weeks/15 school days (the 90% attendance requirement) after the start of the AP Class. Students will
need the current AP teacher, counselor, and/or parent to agree with this.

Additional AP Guidelines
 Students are expected to maintain their school attendance for classes and AP Testing days.
 Students are encouraged to attend after school, practice AP test and Saturday tutorial sessions if
provided.
 If the summer work is a part of an AP course qualification and selections process, work must be
completed prior to the beginning of second week of the school year and students who fail to meet
the standard may be moved to a regular class in the same content area during the second week of
school.
 Students and parents must sign an AP contract and agree with the AP guidelines for AP courses.

26

HS-Advancement AP Placement Policy

AP Course Qualification Chart

Students are expected to meet at least 3/5 of qualification criteria to be approved for an AP course.

AP Course GPA Prerequisite Course- Min. Min. Entrance Elimination on
Min. Grade PSAT PSAT Exam Summer Package
ERW Math
1 AP English 3.0 PreAP English II – 90 Y Y/N
Composition 550 NA N
Y (major grade)
2 AP English 3.0 AP Lang.-80 or English III- 550 NA NA N
Literature 90 550 NA (major grade)
550 NA
3 AP US Govt. and 3.0 US History-85, Y
Politics English III-85 500 NA
N
4 AP Comparative 3.0 AP World Hist -80 or 500 NA (major grade
Govt. and Polit. World History-90 500

English II- 90, WHAP - 80 500
500
4 AP US History 3.0 or on level World History - 550 NA Y
550
90 550

5 AP World 3.0 World Geography-90 NA NA Y
History

6 AP Human 3.5 8th grade S.Studies - 90 NA Y N
Geography (major grade)

7 AP European 3.0 World History-90 or NA NA N
History WHAP-80 (major grade)

8 AP Psychology 3.0 English I-85 NA NA Y

9 AP Calculus 3.75 PreCal-90 600 Y Y
AB/BC Algebra II-85

10 AP Statistics 3.0 600 Y Y

11 AP Biology 3.0 Biology-90, Chemistry-90, 530 Y N
Algebra I-80 (major grade)

12 AP Chemistry 3.0 Pre-AP Chemistry - 85 550 530 Y Y

13 AP Physics I 3.75 PreAP Physics-90 or PSAT 550 600 Y N (readiness)
MATH-600, Algebra II-90

14 AP Physics II 3.5 AP Physics I-85 550 600 Y N (major grade)

15 AP Physics C 3.75 PreAP Physics- 90 NA NA NA N
Precalculus-90 Y
Y
16 AP Env. Science 3.0 Biology-90 550 530 NA
Chemistry-80 Y

17 AP Computer 3.0 Algebra I-90 and Computer 550 530 NA
Science Princpl. Science I-85

Algebra II- 90

18 AP Computer 3.25 Computer Science-90 or 550 530 Y
Science A AP Computer Science

Principles – 85

19 AP Art History 3.0 Art I and World Hist - 80 500 NA NA Y

20 AP Studio Art 3.0 Art I and Art II in painting NA NA NA Y
or drawing

21 AP Spanish 3.5 Spanish II-85 or placement test NA NA Y Y
Language

22 AP Spanish 3.5 AP Spanish Language -85 NA NA Y Y
Literature

*Other College Readiness standards (SAT, TSI) can be considered for qualification purposes.

Campus AP Committee has the right to process appeals and make collaborative enrollment decisions.

27

PreAP Qualification Chart

Enrollment Pre-AP Eng-1/2 Pre-AP Alg-I(9th Pre-AP Bio Pre-AP Phy Pre-AP Chem
Criteria Grade)/Pre-AP
Geo/Pre-AP Alg-II

Eligible Min. 950 PSAT Min. 950 PSAT Min. 950 PSAT Min. 950 PSAT Min. 950 PSAT
PSAT score combined score or combined score or combined score combined score or combined score or
for min. 450 on ERW min. 450 on Math min. 500 on Math min. 500 on Math
enrollment

may decide to may decide to may decide to may decide to may decide to

offer Pre-AP for offer Pre-AP for offer Pre-AP for offer Pre-AP for offer Pre-AP for

the students who the students who the students who the students who the students who

Eligibility scored in the 900- scored in the 900- scored in the 900- scored in the 900- scored in the 900-
Through 949 range. AP 949 range. AP 949 range. AP 949 range. AP 949 range. AP
AP committee should committee should committee should committee should committee should
Committee look into PSAT look into PSAT look into PSAT look into PSAT look into PSAT
Decision ERW score , TSI, ERW score , TSI, ERW score , TSI, ERW score , TSI, ERW score , TSI,
GPA, teacher GPA, teacher GPA, teacher GPA, teacher GPA, teacher

recommendation recommendation recommendation recommendation recommendation

to decide on to decide on to decide on to decide on to decide on

enrollment enrollment enrollment enrollment enrollment

DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM

“Dual credit is a process through which a student may earn high school credit for successfully completing a
college course that provides advanced academic instruction beyond, or in greater depth than, the Texas
Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for a corresponding high school course. The “dual credit” earned is
college credit and high school credit for one course.” “TEA Dual Credit Frequently Asked Questions.” Texas
Education Agency.

DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM GUIDELINES

★ Courses offered for dual credit from agreements between Lone Star College System and
HSAdvancement whereby a high school student enrolls in a college course and simultaneously earns
college credit and high school credit for the course.

★ HSAdvancement Dual Credit program is designed towards helping students complete 42 hours of
Texas State College Core Curriculum (refer to core curriculum chart). Courses taken as dual credit
will transfer to Texas public institutions according to their transfer policies; however, if the student
completes the core curriculum, the entire core will transfer towards a Bachelor Degree in Texas
Public Institutions. Private and out-of-state institutions choose which courses to accept and whether
credit for Dual Credit coursework will be honored.

★ To ensure that students are taking meaningful dual credit courses, they need to be aware of the two-
year partner’s core requirements and degree/certification requirements in their field of interest and
between their two-year college and their future four-year college. By tracking students’ college
coursework along with their high school graduation plan, students should be aware of their
progress toward the college goals.

★ College courses offered for dual credit may be offered online, taught at the college campus or the
high school campus by credentialed instructors. Courses offered for dual credit include the same
content and rigor as courses taught to other college students, utilizing the same instructors,
curriculum and policies.

★ Number of Dual Credit courses students can take will depend on course load and schedule
availability of each student. A student taking 15 college credit hours per semester, including AP
and Dual Credit courses, has the course load of a full-time college student. Considering the workload
and the importance of academic success, students cannot be enrolled in more than 15 college
credit hours per school semester.
COST/PAYMENT FEES

Although tuition fee for Dual Credit courses is waived, there are fees associated with the delivery of the
courses. Below are the price estimates:

Per 3 hr class (one semester course) –Fees are $66 (embedded at the high school)
Per 3 hr class (one semester course) – Fees are $86 (taken at a LSC campus)
Per 3 hr class (one semester course) –Fees are $111 (taken online)
HSAdvancement will not cover costs for Dual Credit courses. It is students’ responsibility to look for
payment options and make them directly to Lone Star UP campus.

28

BENEFITS OF DUAL CREDIT
The benefits to high school students who participate in dual credit courses are numerous. At many colleges,
students are able to earn 12 or more hours of college credit prior to graduating from high school.
Additionally, a college course offered for dual credit has a guarantee of being transcribed for college credit at
Texas Public Institutions.
Advantages for dual credit students include the following:

★ Receive high school and college credit for courses in which they earn a “C” or better
★ Fast-track their undergraduate degrees by completing the required core courses at high school
★ Save on tuition and fees by accelerating time to complete a degree
★ Reduced cost of enrolling in higher education courses
★ Opportunity to access college facilities and resources such as tutoring services, computer labs and counseling

services

HOW TO QUALIFY FOR DUAL CREDIT

To enroll in dual credit courses, students must show college readiness in reading, writing, and/or math as
applicable to the course(s) the student plans to take.

All students in Texas public colleges are required to demonstrate college readiness through the Texas Success
Initiative (TSI), which is a state program designed to promote student success by assessing students' academic skills
through the TSI Assessment (TSIA). Students may either take the TSIA or show scores from other accepted
assessments approved for placement. Approved assessments are the TSIA, ACT, SAT, STAAR, PLAN/ACT Aspire.

1. TSI- TSI assessment is a program designed to help your institution determine if you are ready for college-level
work in the general areas of reading, writing and mathematics. If you are an incoming college student in
Texas, you are required to take the TSI Assessment – unless you are already exemept (read below)- to
determine your readiness for college level work .
A high school student is eligible to enroll in Dual Credit with the following TSI Assessment
Scores:

Reading: score of 351-390 Writing: score of 363 -390 and 4 on essay or 5+ on essay Math: score of
350-390

2. You may be exempt from taking TSI Assessment and be eligible for Dual Credit enrollment by meeting one of
the following requirements:

a) SAT: Composite score of 1070 (math and reading), with a minimum score of 500 in Math and minimum
score of 500 in Reading.

b) ACT: Composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 in both the Math and English portions of the test.
c) STAAR (EOC): minimum score of Level 2 on the English III shall be exempt from the TSI Assessment

required under this title for both reading and writing, and a minimum score of Level 2 on the Algebra II
EOC shall be exempt from the TSI Assessment required under this title for the mathematics section. Scores
must be less than 5 years old.
d) PLAN: a composite score of 23 on the PLAN with a 19 or higher in Mathematics and English

29

LSC-University Park and HSAdvancement
Dual Credit Student Checklist

2016-2017

Step 1: Admissions
 Visit with your high school Counselor to determine Dual Credit Eligibility.

 Complete the LSC application. Go to: lonestar.edu/admissions

 Meningitis Vaccination: Required for all Dual Credit students taking a course held on a LSC campus.

Students taking Dual Credit classes ONLY at their high school or online are exempt. For more info. visit:

lonestar.edu/meningitis. NOTE! - Hold must be removed before student is allowed to register for classes!

Step 2: Test Prep & Testing/Placement

 If placement testing is required, your Counselor will notify you.

 HSAdvancement is the official TSI testing center. Contact your counselor for testing dates and times.
 Here are some resources for test prep (see “Online Tests and Reviews” at bottom right of page):

http://www.lonestar.edu/test-preparation.htm.

Step 3: Registration for classes

 After you have tested, visit with your counselor to determine eligibility and if approved select course(s).

Your counselor will give you an Exceptional Admissions/Dual Credit form which needs to be signed by

Counselor, YOU AND YOUR PARENT.

 Turn in SIGNED form to your Dual Credit Counselor. All registrations for DC classes have to go through

Dual Credit Coordinators at HSAdvancement and LSCS University Park.

Step 4: Pay your Fees- Options:

If you are taking class as DUAL CREDIT, LSC pays tuition, student pays all fees (unless otherwise indicated).

 TO PAY ONLINE: Goto: lonestar.edu and click on myLoneStar and login using your User ID and

password.

 Or visit Cashier Office at any LSC campus to pay in person.

 Be aware of PAYMENT DEADLINES ! If you do not pay on time, you risk being DROPPED!

 If you find you need to DROP your dual credit class(es), you MUST talk with your DC counselor, obtain a

DROP form and submit form, in-person, to LSC-University Park DC advisor.

 Important Dates:

DEADLINE to enroll in DC classes for Fall 2016 term………………………………..................May 2nd

DEADLINE to enroll in DC classes for Summer I and II 2016 ………………………………. May 16th

DEADLINE to pay for Summer 2016 Registration ……………………………………….……..June 3rd

DEADLINE to pay for Fall 2016 Registration ……………………………………………...August 15th

DEADLINE to enroll for Spring 2017 Registration …………………………………........... Dec. 16th

Lone Star College- Summer Semester Begins ………………Summer I- June 6th, Summer II- July 14th

Lone Star College- Fall Semester Begins ………………………………….............................August 28th

30

DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM

Disability Services and Accommodations

All students enrolled in classes at Lone Star College who intend to request academic
accommodations must register with their college Disability Services Office or the Office of
Accessibility at System Office. This includes students who enroll in dual credit classes.

Dual Credit classes are not remedial and course work must reflect college-level work customarily
required of all students at the same college level. All Dual Credit Students must complete the same
quality of work as any college student, regardless of their disability. Course modifications will not be
allowed, but individual accommodations, as appropriate, will be implemented just as they would in an
on-site LSC course.

The Office of Civil Rights recognizes that postsecondary institutions have the prerogative to
define their educational programs and the College does not have to change, lower, waive, or eliminate
essential academic requirements, nor must the College modify any policy, practice, or procedure,
where the modification would fundamentally alter the nature of the program.

Appropriate accommodations will be determined, based on disability and individual needs,
through interactive meetings with the LSC Disability Service Provider. The Dual Credit instructor,
even if employed by a student’s school district, is expected to follow the same requirements as any
other Lone Star College faculty member.

31

Harmony School of Advancement

High School Graduation with

COLLEGE CORE CURRICULUM COMPLETION

Prepares for transfer to a Texas public university with 42 hours of core curriculum completed

Pre-Core College Requirements: TSI Compliance/College Readiness

1 College Course = 3 college credit hours = 0.5 (one semester) high school credits

AREA CREDITS CORE CURRICULUM ALIGNED HIGH

REQUIRED COURSE OPTIONS SCHOOL COURSES

ENGL 1301 DC ENGL III A/ENGL IV A
/AP ENGL Lang.
COMMUNCATION 6 hours

MATHEMATICS 3 hours SPCH 1315,1318 Communication APP.
MATH 1314, 1316, 1324, DC Algebra II / Ind. Study in
1325, 1342, 2412, 2413, 1332, Math/AP Calculus AB, BC/AP
1350, 2318 Statistics

BIOL 1406 or 1408; 1407 or DC Scientific Research & D/AP
1409; 2401, 2402, 2404 Biology/Anatomy and Physiology

LIFE & PHYSICAL 8 hours* CHEM 1405, 1411, 1412 DC Chemistry /Sci. R&D/AP
SCIENCES Chemistry.
PHYS 1410, 1401, 1402,
2425, 2426 DC Physics/Sci.R&D/AP Physics
I,II,C

CREATIVE ARTS 3 hours ENVR 1401, 1402 DC Env. Systems/AP Env. Science
ARTS 1301, 1303, 1304 DC ART I -Art Appreciation/AP
Studio Arts
MUSI 1306
ENGL 2322, 2323, 2327, DC Music Appreciation
2328, 2332, 2333 DC ENGL IV A,B/AP English Lit.

LANGUAGE, PHILOSOPHY, 3 hours HUMA 1301, 1302 DC Humanities
& CULTURE FREN 2311, 2312 AP French Lang.

HISTORY 6 hours SPAN 2311, 2312 AP Spanish Lang.
GOVERNMENT 6 hours HIST 1301 and 1302
GOVT 2305 and DC US HISTORY/AP US Hist.
SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL 3 hours
SCIENCES GOVT 2306 DC US GOVERNMENT/AP
ECON 2301, 2302 GOVT.

PSYC 2301 DC Special Topics in S.S.
DC Economics /AP Macro
Econ/AP Micro Econ.

DC Psychology/AP Psychology

SOCI 1301 DC Sociology
ENGL 1302 ENGL III B, ENGL IV B/
AP ENGL Lit.
COMPONENT AREA 4 hours
OPTION

PHED 1164 (1 credit hr.) PE (Foundations of Personal Ftns)

TOTAL 42 hours

*Science courses include 1 extra hour of lab requirement

For the detailed course and credit alignment information, refer to the Dual Credit Course Matrix Form
32

Harmony School of Advancement

High School Graduation with
COLLEGE CORE CURRICULUM COMPLETION
Prepares for transfer to a Texas public university with core curriculum completed

You and the Texas Core Curriculum
If you first enrolled at a Texas public university or college in Fall 1999 or more recently, your degree requirements include a
General Education Core Curriculum. Every public institution in Texas has a Core, which is designed to provide a solid
foundation for your college education and to make transfers between and among Texas institutions of higher education as
smooth and seamless as possible.

How the Core Curriculum Works
Each institution's Core Curriculum applies to all academic degrees. They range from 42 to 48 credit hours, depending on the
college or university. Each Core Curriculum is divided into 8 or 9 categories that are common across the state. If you take the
approved Core natural science courses at institution A, they are annotated on your transcript with a Core code by A and must
be accepted as fulfilling that portion of the Core at institution B or any other Texas public institution. If Astronomy is a Core
natural science at A and is not at B, it must still be accepted at B. This is a whole new way of doing things because the school
where you take the course decides how it will transfer. And that decision is binding on any Texas school to which you transfer.

Watch Out!
You may choose a major which has some more rigorous or more specific requirements than the Core. Most science majors, for
instance have more intensive math and science requirements. In these cases, the major requirements have priority. So, switching
institutions has become easier, but changing majors may still involve taking some extra courses.For those and other reasons,
no one should enroll in courses, Core Curriculum or otherwise, without consulting with a trained academic advisor or counselor
at the appropriate institution.

One more thing to know: If you finish a 42-credit Core and transfer to a college or university that has, for example, a 47-
credit Core, you may be required to complete those additional 5 credits. But you will never be required to complete a course or
category you have already completed, unless one of those more rigorous major requirements intervenes.

DUAL CREDIT

Dual Credit Courses (through Lone Star College Systems) – opportunity for high school students to earn high school and
college credit simultaneously. College credit is earned by passing courses with “C” and above. The student must maintain a
grade of "C" or better in each class to remain in the program. Credits are transferrable among all Texas Public Colleges.
Transfer of credits to private and out of state institutions is not guaranteed. For more details, refer to the

For Dual Credit Enrollment Eligibility and Enrollment Process refer to LSCS Dual Credit Policy at
www.lonestar.edu/dualcredit.htm and www.hsadvcounseling.com

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)

AP Courses – college credit is earned by passing AP exams with the score of 3 and above. Colleges have different AP score
requirements to award college credits.

To check the AP transfer policies of different colleges, refer to :
https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/creditandplacement/search-credit-policies

For the school AP Course Eligibility and Enrollment Process refer to the course selection guide at
www.hsadvcounseling.com

33

Dual Credit Course Matrix

LSC Courses Title College College Harmony Course Credit High TEA
Credit PreReq School Peims Code
PreReq

ARTS FINE ARTS 0.5 03500110
ARTS 1301 Art Appreciation 3.0 CLR in Reading Art I, Art

and Writing Appreciation

MUSI 1306 Appreciating 3.0 CLR in Reading Music Studies, Music 0.5 03155600

Music and Writing Appreciation I

ENGLISH ENGLISH

ENGL 1301 Composition & 3.0 CLR in Reading ENGL III A 0.5 ENGL I and 03220307

Rhetoric I and Writing ENGL IV A II 03220400

ENLG 1302 Composition & 3.0 ENGL 1301/AP ENGL III B 0.5 ENGL I and 03220307

Rhetoric II Lang Score 3 ENGL IV B II 03220400

ENGL 2322 Survey of British 3.0 ENGL 1301 and ENGL IV A 0.5 ENGL III 03220400

Lit-A.S.thru 18 ENLG 1302

cent.

ENGL 2323 Survey of British 3.0 ENGL 1301 and ENGL IV B 0.5 ENGL III 03220400
ENGL IV A 0.5 ENGL III 03220400
Lit –Romantic ENLG 1302

thru Present

ENGL 2327 Survey of 3.0 ENGL 1301 and

American Lit. - ENLG 1302

Exploration thru.

Civil War

ENGL 2328 Survey of 3.0 ENGL 1301 and ENGL IV B 0.5 ENGL III 03220400
ENGL IV A 0.5 ENGL III 03220400
American Lit. - ENLG 1302 ENGL IV B 0.5 ENGL III 03220400

Civil War thru.

Present

ENGL 2332 Survey of World 3.0 ENGL 1301 and

Lit. - Ancient ENLG 1302

World thru. 16th

Century

ENGL 2333 Survey of World 3.0 ENGL 1301 and

Lit. - 17th ENLG 1302

Century thru.

Present

34

LSC Courses Title College College PreReq Harmony Course Credit High School TEA
LOTE Credit
Beginning French 0.5 PreReq Peims Code
FREN 1411 I 3.0 0.5
FREN 1412 3.0 CLR in Reading LOTE 0.5 LOTE French 03410200
FREN 2311 Beginning French 3.0 and Writing LOTE FRENCH II/ A 0.5 I 03410200
FREN 2312 II 3.0 FREN 1411 0.5
SPAN 1411 3.0 LOTE FRENCH II/B 0.5
SPAN 1412 Intermediate 3.0 0.5
SPAN 2311 French I 3.0 FREN 1412 AP French Lang. A/ 0.5 03410300
SPAN 2312 3.0 LOTE FRENCH III A
Intermediate FREN 2312 AP French Lang. B/ 1.0/ 03410300
MATH French II 3.0 LOTE FRENCH III B 0.5
MATH 1314 Beginning CLR in Reading 0.5 LOTE 03440200
Spanish I 3.0 and Writing LOTE Spanish II A Spanish I 03440200
MATH 1316 Beginning SPAN 1411 0.5
Spanish II 4.0 LOTE Spanish II B
MATH 2412
Intermediate SPAN 1412 AP Spanish Lang A3440100/
Spanish I SPAN 2311 A/LOTE Spanish III A 03440300
A3440100/
Intermediate AP Spanish Lang B/ 03440300
Spanish II LOTE Spanish III B

College Algebra Placement testing MATH Algebra I & 03100600/
DC Algebra II Full Geometry 03102500
Trigonometry Year/ Ind. Studies in

Pre- Calculus Math A

MATH 1314 or DC PreCalculus A Algebra II 03101100/
placement testing Ind. Study in 03102500
Mathematics/A PreCal or
MATH 1314 and placement 03101100/
1316 or DC PreCalculus B 03102500
Ind. Study in test
placement testing Mathematics/B

MATH 2413 Calculus I 4.0 MATH 2412 or AP Calculus AB/Ind. 1.0/ PreCal or A3100101
placement /03102500
placement testing Study in Mathematics 0.5
test A3100102
A /03102500
Algebra II
MATH 2414 Calculus II 4.0 MATH 2413 AP Calculus BC/Ind. 1.0/ 03102500

Study in Mathematics 0.5

B

MATH 1324 Mathematics for 3.0 Placement testing Ind. Study in 0.5
MATH 1325 Business and S.
Mathematics/A
Science
3.0 MATH 1314 or Ind. Study in 0.5 03102500
Calculus for MATH 1324 or Mathematics/B
Business and placement testing
Social Sciences

MATH 1342 Statistics 3.0 Placement testing AP Statistics/ Ind. 1.0/ Algebra II A3100200/
MATH 2318 Linear Algebra 03102501
Study in Mathematics 0.5 03102501

3.0 MATH 2414 Ind. Study in 0.5

Mathematics

35

LSC Courses Title College College PreReq Harmony Course Credit High School TEA
SCIENCE Credit
BIOL 1406 PreReq Peims Code
BIOL 1407
BIOL 1408 Biology I for 4.0 CLR Reading, SCIENCE 0.5 Biology A3010200
BIOL 1409 Science Majors 4.0 Writing and Math AP Biology A/Scientific 0.5 Biology 13037200/
BIOL 2404 4.0 Research and Design (I- 0.5
BIOL 2401 Biology II for 4.0 BIOL 1406 Biology and 10/20
Science Majors 4.0 III) Chemistry A3010200
BIOL 2402 4.0 CLR Reading, AP Biology B /Scientific 13037200/
Biology I for Writing, Math Research and Design (I-
CHEM 1405 Non-Science 10/20
CHEM 1411 III) 13037200/
Majors Scientific Research 13037210/
CHEM 1412 Biology I for and Design (I-III) 13037220
PHYS 1410 Non-Science
PHYS 1401 BIOL 1408 Scientific Research and 0.5 13037200/
PHYS 1402 Majors Design (I-III) 13037210/
PHYS 2425 Intro. to Anatomy 13037220
and Physiology CLR Reading, Scientific Research and 0.5
PHYS 2426 Writing,Math Design (I-III) 0.5 13037200/
ENVR 1401 Human Anatomy 13037210/
ENVR 1402 and Physiology I BIOL 1408 or Anatomy & Physiology 0.5 13037220
BIOL 2404 A/ Scientific Research 13020600
1.0 13037200/
and Design (I-III) 0.5 13037210/
13037220
Human Anatomy 4.0 BIOL 2401 Anatomy and Physiology 0.5 13020600
and Physiology II B/ Scientific Research 1.0 13037200/
and Design (I-III) 1.0 13037210/
0.5 13037220
Introductory 4.0 CLR Reading, DC Chemistry/ 1.0 03040000
Chemistry 4.0 Writing, Math Full year 0.5
General CHEM 1405 or HS 0.5 Chemistry A3040000
Chemistry I Chemistry+ CLR AP Chemistry 13037200/
Reading, Writing , A/Scientific Research 0.5 13037210/
General 4.0 13037220
Chemistry II 4.0 Math and Design (I-III) 0.5
4.0 CHEM 1411 and A3040000
Elementary AP Chemistry B/ 0.5 13037200/
Physics MATH 1314 Scientific Research and
10/20
General Physics I CLR Reading, Design (I-III)
Writing and DC Physics 03050000
MATH 1316
General Physics 4.0 AP Physics I/ Scientific A3050003/13
II 4.0 CLR Reading, Research & Design (I- 037200
Writing and
Mechanics and 4.0 MATH 1316 III) A3050004/13
Heat 4.0 PHYS 1401 AP Physics II/ Scientific 037210
4.0 Research and Design (I-
Electricity, CLR Reading, A3050002
Magnetism and Writing and III) 13037200/
MATH 2413 AP Physics C A/ 13037210/
Light Scientific Research and 13037220
Environmental A3050002
Design (I-III) 13037200/
Science I
PHYS 2425 AP Physics C B/ 10/20
Environmental Scientific Research and
Science II CLR Reading, 03020000/
Writing and Math Design (I-III) A3020000

CLR Reading, DC Environmental 03020000/
Writing and Math systems A/AP Env. A3020000

Science A

DC Environmental
systems B/AP Env.

Science B

36

LSC Courses Title College College PreReq Harmony Course Credit High School TEA
Social Science Credit
Macroeconomics CLR Reading, Social Studies 0.5 PreReq Peims Code
ECON 2301 3.0 Writing and AP MacroEcon
Microeconomics /Economics with 0.5 A3310200/
ECON 2302 3.0 Math Emphasis on the F. E. 0.5 03310300
GOVT 2305 Federal 3.0 CLR Reading, AP MicroEcon/Econ 0.5
GOVT 2306 Government 3.0 Writing , Math 0.5 A3310100/
HIST 1301 3.0 CLR Reading, Adv. Studies 0.5 03310301
HIST 1302 Texas 3.0 AP Govt/US 0.5 A3330100/
PSY 2301 Government 3.0 Writing Government 03330100
US History to CLR Reading, Special Topics in S.S. 03380002
(First time)-elective
1877 Writing AP US History A/US A3340100/
US History from CLR Reading, 03340100
History A A3340100/
1877 Writing AP US History B/US 03340100
General CLR Reading, A3350100/
Psychology History B 03350100
Writing AP Psychology/
CLR Reading,
Psychology
Writing

SOCI 1301 Principles of 3.0 CLR Reading, Sociology 0.5 03370100
HUMA 1301 Sociology 3.0 Writing 0.5 03221600
Intro. to 3.0 Humanities 0.5 03221600
HUMA 1302 CLR Reading,
Humanities to 3.0 Writing Humanities 0.5 03240900
SPEECH/ Gothic 3.0 0.5 03241400
OTHER Intro. to 1.0 CLR Reading, SPEECH/OTHER 1.0/ PES00052
SPCH 1315 Writing 0.5
Humanities to Public Speaking I –
Present CLR Reading, elective only
Writing
Public Speaking Communication
CLR Reading, Applications-for
SPCH 1318 Interpersonal Writing Speech Credit
Communication DC Foundations of
None Personal Fitness
PHED 1164 Intro. to Physical
Fitness and
Wellness

College Level Readiness Standards/Assessments

3. TSI- TSI assessment is a program designed to help your institution determine if you are ready for college-level work in the general areas of
reading, writing and mathematics. If you are an incoming college student in Texas, you are required to take the TSI Assessment – unless you
are already exemept (read below)- to determine your readiness for college level work .
A high school student is eligible to enroll in Dual Credit with the following TSI Assessment Scores:

Reading: score of 351-390 Writing: score of 363 -390 and 4 on essay or 5+ on essay Math: score of 350-390

4. You may be exempt from taking TSI Assessment and be eligible for Dual Credit enrollment by meeting one of the following requirements:

e) SAT: Composite score of 1070 (math and reading), with a minimum score of 500 in Math and minimum score of 500 in Reading.
f) ACT: Composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 in both the Math and English portions of the test.
*TSI exemption criteria for SAT will be adjusted according to new SAT scores, when applicable.

37

Advanced Placement vs. Dual Credit

Knowing the difference between Advanced Placement and Dual Credit course will assist you in planning for both high

school and college courses.

Advanced Placement (AP) Dual Credit (DC)

Description The AP Program allows students to take Dual Credit allows high school

college-level courses and exams, and to students to simultaneously earn high

earn college credit by passing AP exams school and college credit by

while still in high school. completing courses at their high

school.

Credit College Credit is awarded for AP Exam College Credit is awarded when the

scores 3 and above. Every college has its student passes the course. Students

individual AP Credit Award policies. must pass a DC class with a C or

higher to remain in the dual credit

program.

Teachers/Instructors Taught by high school teachers trained Taught by college instructors and/or

by The College Board. high school teachers who serve as

adjunct professors.

College/University Accepted throughout the nation. See Accepted at public college and

Acceptance individual college for their AP Credit universities in Texas. Check with

Transfer Policy. individual colleges out of state for

Dual Credit transfer policies and your
intended major’s academic

requirements.

Location AP courses are taught at Depending on a course: Online,

HSAdvancement. Embedded at HSAdvancements or at

Eligibility Refer to the AP Course Qualification UP Lone Star.
• A PSAT score of 50 in Math, 50 in

Chart. Reading, at least totaling 107. OR
• An SAT score– min 500 in both

Math and Reading, and must total

1070. OR
• Take the TSI placement test at

HSAdvancement AND
• Course Prerequisites if any AND
• Lone Star application AND
• Admit Form submitted to the

Counselor

Cost AP Courses are free. Per Semester Course
AP Exam fees apply depending on $66 (embedded at the high school)
Textbooks students’ financial need status $86 (taken at a LSC campus)
Impact on High $111 (taken online)
School GPA Provided by the school Possible textbook purchase required,
depending on the class and teacher.
5.0 class
5.0 class

Please ask your Counselor if you have any other questions.

38

Community Hours Tracking System –x2VOL

In order to graduate from Harmony School of Advancement students are expected to completea
total of 100 volunteer hours. Volunteer hours are submitted and tracked through x2VOL,a
simple, fast, paperless way to find opportunities, track hours and generatereports.

The following volunteer projects are eligible for community servicerecognition:
• Volunteering at a non-profit organization
• A service-learning project in one of your classes
• A volunteer project required for a class (i.e. Life Skills volunteer hours)
• Community organizing including voter registration and political campaigns.
• Service learning projects outside of class including the training and preparation time. (Training
time must be directly related and cannot be greater than 50% of the number of direct service
hours.)
• Time served with a faith-based institution that does NOT include teaching or promoting one
faith. (Examples: serving food, fundraisers, banquets, volunteering at the facility.)

The following volunteer projects are NOT eligible for community service recognition:
• Hours spent teaching religion in a church, synagogue, mosque, or faith-based institutionwill
NOT be recognized because HARMONY schools are public, nonsectarian institutions. Therefore,
hours spent at religious pre-schools and day camps as well as hours served during religious
ceremonies (including choirs, bands, etc.) may NOT be claimed.

Record Keeping
It is the responsibility of the student to make sure that the hours are properly logged and
verified by the service provider in x2VOL. Community service hours cannot be verified by a family
member or relative.

HOW TO REGISTER TO X2VOL

1. Log on to your database account and click on the Naviance logo.
2. When you are in Naviance click on the x2VOL link located under the resource tab on the far left side
of the webpage.
3. This will lead you to Registration page of x2VOL with your personal information already inserted.
You will only have to fill in your email then click proceed.
4. This will lead you to a page that allows you to pick your interest for specific volunteer opportunities. If
you have any preferences select them here.
5. Then you will be instructed to make your own password.
6. After you form your password it will lead you to your x2VOL main page.
7. Refer to the X2VOL page at www.hsadvcounseling.com for more instructions.

39

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Students are given wonderful opportunities to explore their interests through our school’s
extracurricular activities. Clubs are formed upon student initiative and HSAdvancement

encourages students to propose and lead new clubs every year. Below are the extracurricular
activities offered in 2015-2016 school year. The list is subject to change depending on teacher

availability and demand.

Club Name Description/Purpose Day of Sponsors
Meetings Ms. Williams
1. Key Club* Students will develop leadership skills through service to the school Thursday, Rm.
and surrounding community. Key Club is a student led leadership 401 Mr. Ermek
2. Student Council organization that will meet weekly to discuss fundraising and
service projects as orchestrated by Kiwanis International Tuesday, Rm. 401 Ms.
(Do not join if not elected; fee local/district charters. Wadsworth
payment extended until 2 days Monday, Rm. 401 Mr. Dursun
after elections for Stu-Co only) Student government (students must be elected to the Council by Mrs. Taylor
their peers) The main purpose is to cultivate leadership skills. Stu- Friday, Rm. 206
3. Literary Speaking: Co will continue with 3 major projects: Blood Drive, Career Day, &
The Artistic Drama, Fence Painting. The meetings are biweekly where student proposals Monday, Rm. 420
Speech & Debate Club* will be discussed. Members will also attend District 13 TASC
meetings & Winter Leadership Camp.
4. Science Olympiad
Reading dramatic literature, delivering speeches, & practicing
5. Art/Cosplay Club* debates are some activities. Students can practice skills varying
from: literature interpretation pieces, argumentation and debate,
Socratic circles, drama readings that use acting, collaboration, &
directing skills. Learn the art of public speaking skills.
Students study and prepare for advanced science competitions.
Students meet weekly or bi-weekly to discuss, study, and practice
for different competition events in the fields of: science,
engineering, medicine, and technologies.
Students will learn how to create their own artwork & given the
opportunity to learn whatever media they choose. Students will
also learn to sew costumes & create their own Cosplay costume.
(Limit: 15 students)

6. Books For Harmony Student service organization dedicated to supporting and expanding Wednesday, Mrs. Swift
7. FBLA (Future Harmony libraries around Houston. Students will hold book drives Library (Students Bassett
Business Leaders of and fundraisers to acquire books for Harmony libraries.
America) must have own ride
Thousands of students across the nation are joining FBLA! FBLA home by 4:30 pm)
teaches students skills that are needed in everyday life. Students
have the opportunity to be recognized at the local, state, & national Monday, Rm. 402
levels. FBLA prepares students for “real-world” professional
experiences.

Students design, build, & program their robot. Every year FTC Monday- Friday; Mr. Maksat
Tournament releases new challenges & students are competing in Robotics Lab
8. Robotics Club* an alliance format against other teams. Teams are required to
develop a strategy & build robots according to this year’s challenge.

40

9. French Team & Bonjour et bienvenue! If you enjoy trying new foods, discovering Monday (weekly) Mrs. Richters
Culture Club* great movies & music, practicing your French and leaning about Thursday Ms. Walker
other cultures, you will love French Team & Culture Club. Members (Monthly), Rm.
10. National History will compete in the Texas French Symposium competition & have 413
Day Team* unique opportunities for festivals, field trips & volunteer work. Join
if you want to learn and have fun in French! Soyez les bienvenus! Monday &
11. National Garden Everyone is welcome! Friday, Rm. 308
Club*
Students will research a historical topic aligned with the National
12. Girls Who Code* History Day theme. Students will create museum exhibits, historical
papers, website design, or skits to demonstrate knowledge. The
13. Video Game projects will compete at the Regional level for a chance to compete
Design at the State & National level for scholarships! Students are
responsible for the materials needed to complete the project.
14. HOSA—Future
Health Professionals The Club’s mission is to stimulate knowledge and love of gardening Monday, Rm. 110 Ms.
Club* and to protect the quality of the environment through programs Zajaczkowski
15. Mu Alpha Theta and action in the fields of education, conservation and civic
Harmony Chapter* improvement. Students will learn how to grow flowers, vegetables, Ms. Aydin
etc.; help replant, restore and beautify a public area, trips to and Ms.
16. Rocket Club* Sheldon Lake Park & Botanical Garden, & other fundraising Tuesday, Rm. 404 Dogan
activities.
17. Cyber-Patriot Tuesday, Rm. 420 Mrs. Taylor
Club* In this club, community volunteers will come to teach girls how to
program and code. Some coding languages include: HTML, CSS,
JavaScript, Python, etc. At time, there will be video conferencing
with volunteers.

There are 3 basic area for creating video games: Programming, Art
Creation & Level Design. All area have their own goals &
contribution but they all work together. The student must write a
game design document & present it as a proposal. Students will
learn to design, analyze, evaluate, & create video games. (Limit 15
members)

HOSA is the only national student organization that exclusively Tuesday, Rm. 310 Ms. Arauz
serves secondary and post-secondary/collegiate student in pursuit Monday & Mr. Yucel
of a career in the health professions. In HOSA, students will prepare Friday, Rm. 408 Mr. Sengez
for competitions that show their knowledge in health science as Mr. Celik
well as have the opportunity to participate in medical school field Tuesday, Physics
trips, fundraising events, and volunteering. Lab

Students will come together twice a week to study and solve Tuesday, Rm. 204
problems to prepare for Math Olympiad competitions such as those
at UT, UH, & Rice University.

TARC is a nationwide rocket competition that has a qualification
round on April 2nd and a final round on May 10th in Virginia. As a
team students are going to design a rocket with a simulation
program on a computer; then they are going to build that rocket.
We are going to be going to NASA for our test flights! Student are
going to work on the rockets after school and on weekends. For
registration and to purchase materials for the rockets, we are
planning to have fundraising activities as well.

At the center of the Cyber-Patriot Club is the National Youth Cyber
Defense Competition. Student will learn the importance of cyber
safety & how to protect their personal devices from outside threats.
Students will attend a Cyber Camp, compete in the Cyber-Patriot
Competition, & visit colleges & related organizations. Students need
to bring their own laptop. (Limit 10 members)

41

18. ALPHAS— Students in this program are selected by an application process to Wednesday, Rm. Ms.
Advancement represent HSA, the students, and community in a wide variety of 401 or 312 Millspaugh,
Leadership Program, events. Students will plan and execute character wellness programs during Advisory Ms. Geisemann
Helping All Succeed!* such as No Place For Hate, Anti-Bully Events, & Anti-Drug & Alcohol
programs. Not all applicants will be accepted. This Program is Friday, Rm. 418 Mr. Miranda
(Students should not sign-up extremely time intensive and requires students to be self-motivated
or pay unless accepted) and academically sound. Students MUST be in grades 10-12 to
participate.
19. D20
The D20 is for anime and gaming enthusiasts. The purpose is to
introduce students to table-top gaming & to create a sense of
community among students. During regular meeting, members will
practice & learn how to run games. During club sponsored events,
members will host a game night for all students.

20. Advancement The purpose of the Spanish Club is to enrich students’ knowledge of Thursday, Rm. Ms. Coca
Spanish Club the Hispanic cultures & languages beyond the classroom setting. All 405
students are welcome. Members will host a Spanish language movie Coach Hall
21. Flag Football* night, participate volunteer activities in the Spanish community, & Most days after school/ Mr. Tran
cultural arts & celebrations. games on Saturdays
22. Table Tennis*
This is the HSA football team. It is a no-contact sport similar to Friday, Rm. 401
American Football. Tryouts are very soon. See Coach Hall for more
details!

This club is purely for fun and to develop strategies, physical
wellness, & mentally sharpness.

23. UNICEF High The UNICEF High School Chapter is designed to help educate, Thursday, Rm. Mr. Ersoy
School Chapter advocate, & to host fundraisers. We will educate our community on TBA Mr. Ermek
what UNICEF is, what it does, how it helps the community, etc. We
will advocate by raising awareness for issues that children across
the world face. This involves speaking with public officials, news
casts, hosting large events. Fundraising will aid developing nations,
provide emergency relief for natural disasters, & provide children
with an education, fresh water, & health care. (Limit 15 members)

24. Lead to College Members will help the counseling department with organizing Advisory Period Mrs. Oripova
(Senior girls only) events & leading students to college readiness. Meeting & help will & Fridays, Rm.
be during Advisory period where students will make 305
announcements & classroom visits.

DECA is an international association of high school and college
students and teachers

25. DECA— of marketing, management and entrepreneurship in business, Friday, Rm. TBA TBA
Distributive Education finance, hospitality, and marketing sales and service. The
Clubs of America* organization prepares leaders and entrepreneurs for careers and
education in marketing, finance, hospitality, management, and
other business areas. Members compete in various areas by

preparing & presenting case studies with written & oral portions.

*Note: Many Clubs may require additional fees/costs associated with the club/activity. Please contact the Club Sponsor for

information on additional fees. All clubs with an * will require additional fees to the registration fee.

Students may join up to three (3) clubs on this list. If students are a member of debate, they may select only one (1) additional club,
due to the rigorous time constraints of debate. All students who join the clubs listed above must pay a $15 registration fee per club, per
semester.

42

ATHLETICS

Harmony School of Advancement has a wide variety of athletic options, offering six
sports during three seasons. HS Advancement is affiliated with the Texas Association of Charter
Schools. TAPPS also offers a district schedule with a playoff format similar in nature to UIL public
institutions.

Sports in Competition

Fall Sports (Girls): Fall Sports (Boys):
Volleyball Flag Football
Winter Sports (Girls):
Basketball Winter Sports (Boys):
Basketball
Spring Sports (Girls):
Soccer Spring Sports (Boys):
Soccer

All sports conduct practices various times a week in preparation for completions, matches, or meets.
Practices are primarily after school, and most are one and a half to two hours in length. Winter Season
teams practice during Christmas break.

Mandatory Participation Forms

Bring the following completed forms to your tryout:

1. Permission slip
2. Transportation form
3. Athletic Policy
4. Texas Charter and UIL Student Acknowledgement of Rules form

All forms must have parent signatures to be accepted

43

COURSE
DESCRIPTIONS

2016-2017
ACADEMIC SCHOOL YEAR

Course offerings may vary based on enrollment.
Lone Star Dual Credit course classifications are determined by LSCS standards.

For complete AP course qualification information refer to Page 27.
44

English I
Grade: 9 Prerequisite: 8th Grade English Credit: 1.0
In English I, students begin developing college level skills in the use and interpretation of language to better understand
themselves and their world. Students read and analyze a wide variety of World Literature, including novels, short stories, plays,
essays, and poems. Reading instruction centers not on mere comprehension, but focuses on building higher level thinking skills to
evaluate the literary techniques of the author and interpret the themes of the work. Students learn literary forms and terms
associated with selections being read and apply these in analysis. Students refine their listening skills to better participate in
lecture, classroom discussion, and cooperative group activities
English II
Grade: 10 Prerequisite: English I Credit: 1.0
In English II, students continue developing college level skills in the use and interpretation of language to better understand
themselves and their world. Reading instruction centers not on mere comprehension, but focuses on building higher level thinking
skills to evaluate the literary techniques of the author and interpret the themes of the work. Students learn literary forms and
terms associated with selections being read and apply these in analysis.

Pre-AP English I
Grade: 9 Prerequisite: Grade above 80 in 8th grade Reading and Lang. Arts Credit: 1.0
In 9th grade, students may take Pre-AP English Language Arts. Pre-AP prepares students for high school AP courses in language
and literature by further emphasizing students’ skills in using and analyzing language. In addition to the goals of on-level language
arts courses, students read from more advanced texts and seek to offer more in-depth interpretations. Students compose more
advanced analytical papers using a college level rubric with appropriate formatting and documentation.

Pre-AP English II
Grade: 10 Prerequisite: Grade above 80 in Pre-AP English I or Commended on STAAR English I Credit: 1.0
In 9th and 10th grade, students may take Pre-AP English Language Arts. Pre-AP prepares students for high school AP courses in
language and literature by further emphasizing students’ skills in using and analyzing language. In addition to the goals of on-level
language arts courses, students read from more advanced texts and seek to offer more in-depth interpretations. Students
compose more advanced analytical papers using a college level rubric with appropriate formatting and documentation.
English III
Grade: 11 Prerequisite: English II Credit: 1.0
Students compose college level analytical papers using appropriate formatting and documentation. Students find the tools to express
their ideas through vertically aligned vocabulary development stressing mastery of Greek and Latin roots. Students learn to view
art and other visual representations as a compliment to the written word and determine an image’s connection with the
themes of the text. Students develop speaking skills to express their ideas clearly and effectively. Students refine their listening skills
to better participate in lecture, classroom discussion, and cooperative group activities.
English IV
Grade: 12 Prerequisite: English III Credit: 1.0
In English IV, students master college level skills in the use and interpretation of language to better understand themselves and their
world. Students read and analyze a wide variety of British literature, including novels, short stories, plays, essays, and poems, as well
as literature from othercultures.
AP English Language and Composition
Grade: 11 Prerequisite: PreAP English II with the average of 90 Credit: 1.0
Teachers create a course audit approved by College Board for accreditation. The goals of an AP English Language and Composition
course are diverse because the college composition course is one of the most varied in the curriculum. The overarching objective
in most first-year writing courses is to enable students to write effectively and confidently in their college courses across the
curriculum and in their professional and personal lives.

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AP English Literature and Composition
Grade: 12 Prerequisite: AP Lang- average 80 or English III –average 90 Credit: 1.0
This course includes the in-depth reading of texts drawn from multiple genres, periods, and cultures. In their AP course, students
should also read works from several genres and periods -from the sixteenth to the twenty-first century but, more importantly, they
should get to know a few works well. They should read deliberately and thoroughly, taking time to understand a work's complexity,
to absorb its richness of meaning, and to analyze how that meaning is embodied in literary form. In addition to considering a
work's literary artistry, students should consider the social and historical values it reflects and embodies. Careful attention to
both textual detail and historical context should provide a foundation for interpretation, whatever critical perspectives are brought
to bear on the literary works studied.
Journalism
Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: NA Credit: 1.0
In this class, students will learn the history of Journalism, the techniques used by journalists, the skills needed to be an effective
member of a journalism staff and basic elements of design. Students will be expected to complete all reading, writing, editing,
and designing assignments. Students must complete this class before they will be given the opportunity to be a part of either
production staffs.
Adv. Journalism Newspaper I ,II, III
Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Journalism Credit: 1.0
This is a workshop course in which students produce the school Newsmagazine, The Hawk’s Herald. The Hawk’s Herald is a print
news magazine created monthly by students for students. Students learn every aspect of news reporting, writing, editing,
publishing and advertising. Students will apply for positions within the staff and will be led by their Editor In Chief(s) and their Page
Editors. The Newsmagazine Staff will learn journalism concepts and terminology through hands-on work with each phase of news
magazine production. Students learn how to use computer software for desktop publishing, specifically InDesign and Microsoft
Word. All journalism students are required to master this software in order to perform the writing, editing, and layout phases of
news magazine publishing. All students interested in being on the Newsmagazine Staff must complete an application before they
will be considered.
Adv. Journalism Yearbook I, II, III
Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Journalism Credit: 1.0
This is a workshop course in which students produce the school yearbook. The school yearbook captures and preserves all
aspects of the academic year. All aspects of yearbook production will be taught. As a team, the students will combine their skills of
layout and design techniques, photojournalism, copywriting, and fitting, advertising graphics, marketing and ad sales to make the
yearbook staff function as an efficient business. The students will learn to work and plan toward deadlines and to work with each
other in the publication of a good yearbook. All students interested in being on the Yearbook staff must complete an application
before they will be considered.
Debate I,II,III
Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0
This course is an introduction to debate. Debate involves argumentation, literature and theatre interpretation, and public speaking
skills. In this course, you will attend up to five tournaments, while learning team building skills, improve public speaking abilities,
and will be given opportunities to serve in leadership positions. Students will leave the class with a detailed knowledge of domestic
and world politics, philosophy, and legal policy making the most of their high school experience

Advanced Broadcast Journalism I,II,III
Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: Journalism Credit: 1.0

This is a year-long course available to students who have already taken Audio Video Production. This course may be taken multiple
times at higher level proficiency for higher course credit. This class will provide the opportunity for students to delve deeper into
specific aspects of video production. The students will focus on creating live shows for broadcast on NEWSCAST and coordinating
with electives, extracurricular, athletics, and especially newspaper and yearbook students create content for the school website.
Advanced Students will also assist in the training and mentoring students in Audio Video Production on use of the studio and
equipment. Student work will be highly independent and result driven. Overall, this class will provide enormous potential for self-
directed student work and creativity.

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Writing for Academia
Grade: 12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0 (Local Credit)
Writing for Academia is a college preparation course in which students will work on their college applications, college essays, and
Capstone project. For the first semester, students will be given assistance in completing their college applications and their college
essays. Essay writing basics will be reviewed, and the instructor will work closely with the counselor to ensure college application
completion. In the second semester, students will be given the instructions for their Capstone project. The Capstone project will be
broken up into smaller portions for easier completion throughout the semester.

Algebra I
Grade: 9 Prerequisite: 8th Grade Math Credit: 1.0
In this two-semester course, students use algebraic methods to explore, model and describe patterns, relationships and
functions. There is a strong emphasis on writing, graphing, and solving linear equations. Students will use data collection and
analysis; statistics and probability to make inferences, decisions, and arguments as they solve a variety of practical problems.
The depth and breadth of the course will develop a strong foundation for the more theoretical and rigorous experience,
students will encounter at the Advanced Placement level. Algebra I provide a formal development of the algebraic skills and
concepts necessary for students who will take other advanced college-preparatory courses. In particular, the instructional program
in this course provides for the use of algebraic skills in a wide range of problem-solving situations. The concept of function is
emphasized throughout the course.
Pre- AP Algebra I
Grade: 9 Prerequisite: 8th Grade Math with the average of 80 and above Credit: 1.0
This course is an advanced version of Algebra I. Pre-AP Algebra I address the same material, but differ in pace, depth, and
complexity, and are intended to prepare students for AP levelcourses.
Geometry
Grade: 9-10 Prerequisite: Algebra I Credit: 1.0
In this course, students use geometric methods, properties and relationships as a means to recognize, draw, describe,
connect, and analyze shapes and representations in the physical world. Students will also apply algebraic models and
probabilities to physical applications. Students develop powers of spatial visualization while building their understanding of
geometric figures. Students develop an understanding of the deductive reasoning method. Through applications and
measurements, students use and strengthen their algebra skills. Geometry offers students, many opportunities to explore
geometric situations, develop conjectures and prove conjectures using a variety of methods. Geometry students examine the
properties of two-and three-dimensional objects. Proof and logic, as well as investigative strategies in drawing conclusions, are
stressed.
Pre- AP Geometry
Grade: 9-10 Prerequisite: Algebra I with the average of 80 and above Credit: 1.0
This course is an advanced version of Geometry. Pre-AP Geometry address the same material, but differ in pace, depth, and
complexity, and are intended to prepare students for AP level courses.
Algebra II
Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Geometry Credit: 1.0
This course reviews and builds on those concepts learned in Algebra I and Geometry. It places more emphasis on applying the
basic concepts of Algebra to rational numbers and irrational numbers. The course expands techniques in analytical geometry
and trigonometry learned in Geometry as a preview of the next two courses offered. Algebra II is a course which extends the
content of Algebra I and provides further development of the concept of a function.

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Pre- AP Algebra II
Grade: 10-11 Prerequisite: Geometry with the grade average 80 and above Credit: 1.0

This course is an advanced version of Algebra II. Pre-AP Algebra II address the same material, but differ in pace, depth, and
complexity, and are intended to prepare students for AP level courses
Algebraic Reasoning
Grade: 10-11 Prerequisite: Algebra II Credit: 1.0
Students will extend their mathematical understanding beyond the Algebra II level in a specific area or areas of mathematics such
as theory of equations, number theory, non-Euclidean geometry, linear algebra, advanced survey of mathematics, or history of
mathematics.
Pre-Calculus
Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Algebra II Credit: 1.0
In Pre-Calculus, students use symbolic reasoning and analytical methods to represent mathematical situations, to express
generalizations, and to study mathematical concepts and the relationships among them. Students use functions, equations, and
limits as useful tools for expressing generalizations and as means for analyzing and understanding a broad variety of
mathematical relationships. Students also use functions as well as symbolic reasoning to represent and connect ideas in
geometry, probability, statistics, trigonometry, and calculus and to model physical situations.
Pre AP Pre-Calculus
Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Algebra II with the grade average 80 and above Credit: 1.0
This course is an advanced version of Pre-Calculus. Pre-AP Precalculus address the same material, but differ in pace, depth, and
complexity, and are intended to prepare students for AP level courses
Statistics and Risk Management
Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Algebra II Credit: 1.0
Students are introduced to major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students collect,
organize, analyze, interpret, and report data using statistical formulas and processes. Students distinguish between random
sampling and biased sampling. Students use statistical measures to analyze real- world phenomena.
AP Statistics
Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Algebra II average grade min. 85 Credit: 1.0
Students are introduced to major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students collect,
organize, analyze, interpret, and report data using statistical formulas and processes. Students distinguish between random
sampling and biased sampling. Students use statistical measures to analyze real- world phenomena. Upon completion of this
course, students are well prepared and expected to take the Advanced Placement Statistics which can result in one semester of
college credit.
AP Calculus AB
Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Pre- Calculus average grade min. 90 Credit: 1.0
AP Calculus AB is roughly equivalent to a first semester college calculus course devoted to topics in differential and integral
calculus. The AP course covers topics in these areas, including concepts and skills of limits, derivatives, definite integrals, and the
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The course teaches students to approach calculus concepts and problems when they are
represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections amongst these representations.
Students learn how to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions.
AP Calculus BC
Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Pre- Calculus average grade min. 90 Credit: 1.0
AP Calculus BC is roughly equivalent to both first and second semester college calculus courses and extends the content learned in
AB to different types of equations and introduces the topic of sequences and series. The AP course covers topics in differential
and integral calculus, including concepts and skills of limits, derivatives, definite integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus,
and series. The course teaches students to approach calculus concepts and problems when they are represented graphically,
numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections amongst these representations. Students learn how to use
technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions.

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SAT Prep
Grade: 11 Prerequisite: NA Credit: 1.0 (Local Credit)
This course is designed to prepare students for SAT exams. The course will familiarize students with the format of the SAT, and
teach testing techniques and strategies. The classes will consist of timed practice tests, followed by discussions of any questions
the studentshave about problems they could not successfully work.
Local Credit Courses/Lab
Grade: 9-10 Prerequisite: NA Credit: 1.0 (Local Credit)
Local credit courses are courses in which students participate without receiving state credit towards graduation. Local credits
courses are, however, calculated as a part of the GPA and senior class rank. HPS offers additional Math and ELA labs at every
grade level to better prepare students for college level courses. Students are placed into an appropriate lab class at any grade
level. The labs are designed to prepare students for state EOC tests, TSI assessment, and the SAT. Please see the local credit
courses at each grade level. Based on assessment data (PSAT, SAT, TSI), students may be exempt from a local credit course at any
grade level.

Biology
Grade: 9 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0
Biology is designed to acquaint students with basic concepts in science process skills, laboratory skills, and the study of cells, DNA,
genetics, the living kingdoms of our earth and how they interact. A study of the fundamental concepts, including the origin and
development of life, the similarity of living organisms, the classification, characteristics, structure, reproduction and function of
plants and animals, as well as the interrelationships of plants, animals and the physical environment.
Pre-AP Biology
Grade: 9 Prerequisite: 8th grade Science with grade average 80 and above Credit: 1.0
Pre-AP Biology is designed to acquaint students with basic concepts in science process skills, laboratory skills, and the living
kingdoms of our earth and how they interact. A study of the fundamental concepts, including the origin and development of life,
the similarity of living organisms, the classification, characteristics, structure, reproduction and function of plants and animals,
as well as the interrelationships of plants, animals and the physical environment. The first semester’s study includes the study of
cells, DNA, genetics. The class can be considered college preparatory, suggested for the average to above average student.
Chemistry
Grade: 10 Prerequisite: Biology Credit: 1.0
Chemistry provides a broad survey of basic chemistry. The first semester examines chemical and physical properties, the
qualitative nature of chemical reactions, chemical periodicity, and bonding. The second semester continues with the quantitative
nature of chemical reactions, states of matter, gaseous behavior, solutions, equilibrium, and acid-base chemistry. Throughout the
year, the course makes use of laboratory investigations to develop the relationships between experiment and theory.
Pre-AP Chemistry
Grade: 10-11 Prerequisite: Biology – min. average 80, Algebra I - min. average 80 Credit: 1.0
Pre-AP Chemistry covers many of the same topics as Chemistry in greater depth. Special emphasis is placed on a rigorous
mathematical examination of chemical principles. The first semester focuses on basic concepts of chemistry, including the
qualitative nature of chemical reactions, atomic structure, chemical bonding and molecular geometry. The second semester opens
with stoichiometry and the quantitative nature of chemical equations. These concepts are then applied to various topics such as
the kinetic theory of gases, condensed phases of matter, reaction kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry and oxidation-
reduction chemistry.

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