Blackford Junior-Senior High School

Core 40 courses/credits which will enhance or support the academic careersequence of the student’s graduation planGrade - Earn a grade of a “C” or better in courses that will count toward the diplomaRequirements - Have a grade point average of a “B” or betterOther Complete one of the following:Earn 4 credits in 2 or more AP courses and take AP examsRequirements A.B. Earn 6 verifiable transcripted college credits in dual credits courses frompriority course listC. Earn a minimum of 3 verifiable transcripted college credits from thepriority course list AND 2 credits in AP courses and corresponding APexams,D. Earn a combined score of 1750 or higher on the SAT critical reading,mathematics and writing sections and a minimum score of 530 on eachE. Earn an ACT composite score of 26 or higher and complete writtensectionTOTAL 47 Credits required for Core 40 with Academic Honors12

Core 40 with Technical Honors - Minimum 47 CreditsEnglish/Language 8 CreditsLiterature, Composition, and SpeechEnglish 9–12 fulfill this requirementMathematics 6 Credits (in grades 9-12)2 credits: Algebra I2 credits: Geometry2 credits: Algebra IIQuantitative For the Technical Honors diploma, students must take a mathematicsor a quantitative reasoning course each year they are enrolled inReasoning coursehigh school.Science 6 Credits2 credits: Biology I2 credits: Chemistry I, Physics I, or Integrated Chemistry/Physics2 credits: Any Core 40 science courseSocial Studies 6 Credits2 credits: U.S. History1 credit: U.S. Government1 credit: Economics2 credits: World History/Civilization or Geography/History of the WorldCareer-Technical 6 or more CreditsPathwaysEarn 6 credits in the college and career preparation courses in astate-approved College & Career Pathway and one of the following:1. Pathway designated industry-based certification or credential, or2. Pathway dual credits from the lists of priority courses resulting in six (6)transcripted college creditsPhysical Education 2 CreditsHealth & Wellness 1 Credit13

Electives 6 Credits: For the Class of 2024, one of the Electivecredits must be earned in Preparing for College & CareersCore 40 courses/credits which will enhance or support the academic careersequence of the student’s graduation plan which may include WorldLanguages, Fine Arts, or other academic coursesGrade - Earn a grade of a “C” or better in courses that will count toward theRequirements diploma- Have a grade point average of a “B” or betterOther Complete one of the following:Any one of the options (A-E) of the Core 40 with Academic HonorsRequirements A.B. Earn the following scores or higher on WorkKeys: Reading forInformation Level 6; Applied Mathematics – Level 6; Locating Information –Level 5C. Earn the following minimum score(s) on Accuplacer: Writing 80,Reading 90, and Math 75D. Earn the following minimum score(s) on Compass; Algebra 66, Writing70, Reading 80TOTAL 47 Credits required for Core 40 with Technical Honors14

General Diploma - Minimum 40 CreditsThe completion of Core 40 is an Indiana graduation requirement. Indiana’s Core 40 curriculumprovides the academic foundation all students need to succeed in college and the workforce.To graduate with less than the Core 40 Diploma, the student must follow the formalOpt-Out process .English/Language 8 CreditsArtsLiterature, Composition, and SpeechEnglish 9–12 fulfill this requirementMathematics 4 Credits2 credits: Algebra I2 credits: Any math courseQuantitative For the General Diploma, students must earn two credits in acourse or a quantitative reasoning course during theirReasoning mathematicsjunior or senior year.Science 4 Credits2 credits: Biology I2 credits: Any science course (at least one must be from a Physical orEarth and Space Science course)Social Studies 4 Credits2 credits: U.S. History1 credit: U.S. Government1 credit: any social studies coursePhysical Education 2 CreditsHealth & Wellness 1 CreditCollege and Career 6 Credits15

Pathway Courses Selecting electives in a deliberate manner to take full advantage ofcollege and career exploration and preparation opportunities.Flex Credit 5 CreditsTo earn 5 Flex Credits a student must complete one of the following:· Additional courses to extend the College and Career Pathway· Courses involving workplace learning, such as Work-BasedLearning· High School/college dual credit courses· Additional courses in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, FineArts, etc.Electives 6 Credits: For the Class of 2024, one of the Elective creditsmust be earned in Preparing for College & CareersTOTAL 40 Credits – Minimum Required for a High SchoolDiplomaGENERAL DIPLOMA: Opt-Out Process from Indiana’s Core 40 Graduation RequirementsThe Indiana General Assembly made completion of Core 40 a graduation requirement for all students.The legislation includes an opt-out provision for parents who determine that their student could benefitmore from the General Diploma. To graduate with less than Core 40, the following formal opt-out processmust be completed: (Indiana Code 20-32-4-7, 8, 9, 10)1.The student, the student’s parent or guardian, and the student’s counselor (or another staff memberwho assists students in course selection) meet to discuss the student’s progress.2.The student’s career and course plan is reviewed.3.The student’s parent or guardian determines if the student will achieve greater educational benefitsby completing the general curriculum or the Core 40 curriculum.4.If the decision is made to opt-out of Core 40, the student is required to complete the course andcredit requirements for a General Diploma, and the career-academic sequence that the student willpursue is determined.Core 40 Opt-Out ConditionsThe following conditions may trigger a discussion about opting-out of the Core 40Diploma requirements: A parent may request that a student be exempted from the Core 40 curriculum and be required tocomplete the General Diploma to graduate, or The student does not pass at least three (3) courses required under the Core 40 curriculum, or The students receives a score on the ISTEP GR 10 English/Language Arts or Math (GQE) thatis in the twenty-fifth percentile or lower when the student takes the assessment for the first time.16

ISTEP WAIVER REQUIREMENTSThere are two ways in which a student may meet the graduation waiver requirements:1.Fulfilling the requirements for an “Evidence-based” Waiver OR2.Fulfilling the requirements for a “Work-readiness” Waiver“Evidence-based” WaiverA student who does not achieve a passing score on the graduation examination may be eligibleto graduate if the student has done all of the following during high school:(1) Takes the graduation examination in each subject area in which the student did notachieve a passing score at least one (1) time every school year after the school year inwhich the student first takes the graduation examination,(2) Completes remediation opportunities provided to the student by the student's school,(3) Maintains a school attendance rate of at least ninety-five percent (95%) with excusedabsences not counting against the student's attendance,(4) Maintains at least a "C" average or the equivalent in the courses comprising the creditsspecifically required for graduation by rule of the state board,(5) Otherwise satisfies all state and local graduation requirements, and(6) Obtains a written recommendation from a teacher of the student in each subject area inwhich the student has not achieved a passing score on the graduation examination. Thewritten recommendation must be concurred by the principal of the student's school and besupported by documentation that the student has attained the academic standard in thesubject area based on (A) tests other than the graduation examination or (B) classroomwork.“Work-readiness” WaiverA student who does not achieve a passing score on the graduation examination may be eligibleto graduate if the student has done all of the following during high school:(1) Takes the graduation examination in each subject area in which the student did notachieve a passing score at least one (1) time every school year after the school year inwhich the student first takes the graduation examination,(2) Completes remediation opportunities provided to the student by the student's school,(3) Maintains a school attendance rate of at least ninety-five percent (95%) withexcused absences not counting against the student's attendance,(4) Maintains at least a "C" average or the equivalent in the courses comprising the creditsspecifically required for graduation by rule of the IDOE,(5) Otherwise satisfies all state and local graduation requirements, and(6) Completes the course and credit requirements for a General Diploma, including thecareer academic sequence, a workforce readiness assessment, and at least one (1) careerexploration internship, cooperative education, or workforce credential recommended by thestudent's school.17

Career Pathway ProgramsBlackford High School students are provided a variety of career preparation options throughcareer classes and programs offered at Blackford High School (BHS), as well as, at careercenters in the region located at the Muncie Area Career Center (MACC), Marion RegionalCareer Center (MRCC), and Area 18 Career and Technical Education programs (Area 18 CTE).Students attending the MACC are required to utilize the bus transportation provided by BHS.Students attending MRCC must provide their own transportation.A Career & Technical Education (CTE) Pathway is a series of classes focused on a specificcareer field. A CTE Pathway may also include opportunities for the student to earn dual credits,participate in an internship or work-based learning experience, and possibly earn industrycertification.CTE Pathways allow students the opportunity to learn more about a specific career field. Theseexperiences assist students with making a career choice that is right for them. Students with acareer focus prior to graduation are better prepared to select the right postsecondary options forthem: Apprenticeship, Associates Degree, Certification, Bachelor’s Degree, Military Training, orother.CAREER AREACAREER PATHWAY ricultureAnimal ScienceBHSArchitecture &ConstructionConstruction TechnologyMACCArchitecture &ConstructionElectrical TechnologyMACCBusiness & MarketingEntrepreneurship & Management FocusBHSEducation & TrainingEarly Childhood Education & ServicesMACCEducation & TrainingEducation CareersBHSHealth ScienceDental CareersMACCHealth ScienceHealth Science CareersBHSHealth ScienceBiomedical Sciences (PLTW)MACCHospitality & HumanServicesCulinary ArtsMRCC18

Hospitality & HumanServicesHuman & Social ServicesBHSInformation TechnologyComputer Tech SupportMACCInformation TechnologyNetworkingMRCCManufacturing & LogisticsAdvanced Manufacturing TechnologyBHSManufacturing & LogisticsWelding TechnologyMACCMilitary ServiceJROTCBHSPublic SafetyPublic Safety: Criminal Justice and FireScienceMACCTransportation & LogisticsAutomotive TechnologyMACCTransportation & LogisticsAviation Flight & Operations or AviationMaintenanceMRCC19

Grade Point Average (GPA) CalculationsGrade point average for all students is determined by the adding of the numerical value of eachgrade earned and dividing that sum by the number of classes attempted. Blackford High Schooloperates on a 4 point scale.A 4 pointsA- 3.667 pointsB 3.333 pointsB 3 pointsB- 2.667 pointsC 2.333 pointsC 2 pointsC- 1.667 pointsD 1.333 pointsD 1 pointD- 0.667 pointsF 0 pointsExample: At the end of a student’s 9 th grade year they have attempted 14 classes, earning3A’s, 5 B’s, 3 C’s, 2 D’s and 1 F.A – 3 x 4 12B – 5 x 3 15C–3x2 6D – 2x 1 2F–1x0 0TOTAL 3535 divided by 14 2.5Be aware that it becomes increasingly more difficult to affect the GPA later in high schoolbecause, as the number of credits increases, each semester’s grade points have less of aneffect. Therefore, it is very important to strive to do your very best and start out strong.20

Weighted Grade CalculationsFor students who have completed courses that are weighted, their GPA is adjusted using a 5point scale.A 5 pointsA- 4.667 pointsB 4.333 pointsB 4 pointsB- 3.667 pointsC 3.333 pointsC 3 pointsC- 2.667 pointsD 2.333 pointsD 2 pointsD- 1.667 pointsF 0 pointsSpecial Note: Weighted grades will only be awarded for courses that have been offered and areavailable through Blackford High School. Therefore, if a student transfers into Blackford withweighted grades, only those courses listed as a Weighted Course for Blackford High Schoolwould transfer in as a weighted grade.Weighted CoursesENGL 111 English CompositionENGL 215 Rhetoric and ArgumentCOM 111 Introduction to CommunicationMATH 211 Calculus IMATH 136 College AlgebraMATH 137 Trig w/ Analytic Geom.BIOL 104 Introductory BiologyHIST 101 Survey of American History IHIST 102 Survey of American History IIPOLS 101 Introduction to American Government and PoliticsSPAN 101 Spanish Level ISPAN 102 Spanish Level IISPAN 201 Spanish Level IIISPAN 202 Spanish Level IV21

Advanced Placement CoursesAP Course Offerings:AP CalculusAP Studio Art (Drawing)What are Advanced Placement (AP) Courses?Through AP's college-level courses and exams, you can earn college credit and advancedplacement. From the moment you enter an AP classroom, you'll notice the difference—in theteacher's approach to the subject, in the attitude of your classmates, in the way you start tothink. In AP classrooms, the focus is not on memorizing facts and figures. Instead you'll engagein intense discussions, solve problems collaboratively, and learn to write clearly andpersuasively. AP courses can help you acquire the skills and habits you'll need to be successfulin college. You'll improve your writing skills, sharpen your problem-solving abilities, and developtime management skills, discipline, and study habits. Most four-year colleges in the UnitedStates and colleges in more than 60 other countries give students credit, advanced placementor both on the basis of AP Exam scores. By entering college with AP credits, you'll have thetime to move into upper level courses, pursue a double-major or study abroad.Is AP Considered Dual Credit?Advanced Placement (AP) refers to courses and corresponding exams offered in the highschool administered by the College Board. While AP courses are rigorous, they do not fit intothe Indiana Commission for Higher Education’s definition of dual credit, since AP courses arenot offered by a college and do not automatically result in college credit.However, starting with the 2011 AP exams, students who earn a score of 3 or higher shallreceive college credit toward their degree at any Indiana public institution of higher education;this includes all two-year and four-year schools and any accompanying satellites.Indiana public institutions of higher education may require a score higher than 3 to award creditfor a course that is part of a students’ major, but the student will still receive elective credit thatcounts toward his/her overall degree requirements.Indiana public institutions of higher education have detailed how each AP course and examscore will distribute within and outside of major fields. Information is available on the Transfer INwebsite: http://www.transferin.net/ap.aspxIf the college or university that partners with a secondary school approves, it is permissible toallow both AP and Dual Credit to be taught by the same teacher in the same course section.However the student should earn either the AP course credit or the Dual Credit course credit(i.e. one course cannot count as two different courses for high school credit).To earn the weighted grading scale at Blackford High School for an AP class, the AP Exammust be taken by the student.22

Dual Credit CoursesIvy Tech CourseCollege Course TitleIDOECourse #IDOE and BHS Course TitleCOMM 101 (3 credits)Intro toCommunications1078Advanced Speech andCommunicationHIST 101 (3 credits)American History I1562US HistoryHIST 102 (3 credits)American History II1562US HistoryENGL 215 (3 credits)English Composition1124Adv. English College CreditENGL 112 (3 credits)Exposition andPersuasion1124Adv. English College CreditMATH 136 (3 credits)College Algebra2544Adv. Math College CreditMATH 137 (3 credits)Trig. wi/ Anal. Geom.2544Adv. Math College CreditMATH 211 (4 credits)Calculus I2544CalculusSPAN 101 (4 credits)Spanish Level I2124Spanish IIISPAN 102 (4 credits)Spanish Level II2124Spanish IIISPAN 201 (3 credits)Spanish Level III2126Spanish IVSPAN 202 (3 credits)Spanish Level IV2126Spanish IVHLHS 100 (3 credits)Introduction to HealthCareers5282Health Science Education IHLHS 101 (3 credits)Medical Terminology5274Medical TerminologyHLHS 107 (5 credits)AGRI 103 (3 credits)AGRI 105 (3 credits)CNA PreparationAnimal SciencePlant and SoilScience528450085170Health Science Education IIAnimal SciencePlant and Soil Science23

What is Dual Credit?Dual credit is the term given to courses in which high school students have the opportunity toearn both high school and college credits. Dual credit courses are taught by high school facultyor college faculty either at the high school, at the college or university, or sometimes throughonline courses or distance education. Dual credit is offered by both state and independent(private, regionally accredited) colleges and universities.What is the Core Transfer Library?To enable you to transfer college credits, Indiana has developed the Core Transfer Library(CTL) – a list of courses that will transfer among all Indiana public college and universitycampuses, assuming adequate grades.All Core Transfer Library courses will meet the general education or free elective requirementsof undergraduate degree programs, and a significant majority of CTL courses will also count asone-on-one equivalents to courses taught at the college campusShould I Take a Dual Credit Course if I Plan to Attend a Private or Out-of-StateCollege?Courses listed on the Core Transfer Library are only guaranteed to transfer to a public college inthe State

Blackford Junior-Senior High School Course Description Guide 2020-2021 . T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S Blackford High School Administration 3 Diploma Requirements Class of 2020-2022 4 Diploma Requirements Class of 2023 5 Diploma Requirements Class of 2024 and Beyond 7 Core 40 Diploma Outline 9 .