What level is right for me??
Choosing freshman classes at HHS- Jan. 2019
FAQ's about levels
- No- Each student needs to consider their individual strengths and weaknesses to find the right fit for each core area. You may really excel in Math but not in reading and writing.
Can I change levels?
-Yes- Students can work with their high school teachers and school counselors to move up or down if they feel the level they are in is not a correct fit. Students often mature and learn to handle work load. Level changes typically occur at semester or mid-term. Request what you think is the best fit- your middle school teachers are a great resource if you are not sure. They will also look over your requests and work with your school counselors if they have concerns about placement.
Do I need honors level courses to go to college?
-No- all of our levels will prepare you for college. The goal is to find the right fit to challenge but not overwhelm yourself. We want to push students to learn and grow as much as possible. Students from all levels go onto and are successful in college. It's really about finding the right fit.
Who can help with determining levels?
-The 8th grade teachers are a good resource. Also consider extracurricular involvement, time management and organization. Students will need to study and do homework at the high school.
Core level information
English
English 1: This is where most of our students fall. You will work on grammar and writing skills. Students read different stories and novels and complete papers and projects.
Honors English 1: Students are required a placement test for this level. Students will be required to do summer work and rigorous reading and writing projects.
Math
Algebra 1: Most students take this level. Students would move on the Geometry, Algebra 2 and PreCalc or Stats.
Honors Geometry: Must have taken Algebra in the 8th grade. Students need a strong Algebra foundation for all other math courses. Sometimes students who took Algebra in 8th grade choose to retake Algebra to ensure mastery of skills. They may double up with teacher approval during sophomore year to get back on the honors track. Students move on to Honors Algebra 2, Honors PreCalc and AP Calculus.
Science
Science has extensive vocabulary and math computations. Students should consider which level of English and math they are in to determine science placement.
Conceptual Biology: Students in Basic English and/or Basic Algebra should request this level. This class works to develop a student's critical thinking, data analysis and organization while studying Biological concepts.Biology: This college prep class requires students to read and comprehend biological texts, apply biological concepts to new situations, analyze data and investigate biotic topics in lab.
Honors Biology: Recommended for students who are in honors math and have strong vocabulary skills. This college prep, Pre- AP course challenges students with complex abstract topics like cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology and ecological studies. Students will be expected to have a drive for science to solve complex problems, design labs to test a hypothesis and apply what they have learned to new situations. Students should expect to apply math concepts and statistical analysis to lab data, as well.
Social Studies
Basic World History: Students will have similar units to that of our regular World History, but the reading level and pacing is more appropriate.
World History: Students will learn about the basic geography, early and modern history, and cultural characteristics of those living in such major world regions as Russia, Africa, India, China, the Middle East, etc.
Honors World History: After being introduced to the major river valley civilizations of the Nile, Tigris-Euphrates, Indus, and Huang He, students will learn in-depth material related to Europe's first major civilizations. Included in our studies will be ancient Greece, the Roman Republic and Empire, Europe's decline during the Middle Ages, and Europe's rebirth during the Renaissance.
HHS- 8th Grade Parent Night
Wednesday, Jan 30, 2019, 06:30 PM
Highland High School, Troxler Avenue, Highland, IL, USA
Highland High School Counselors
Students Last names Hi-O: Mrs. Mary Jackson
Students Last names P-Z: Mrs. Carrie Lieberman
Website: hs.highlandcusd5.org/home/counseling-department
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Highland-HS-Counselors-457089831001208/timeline/
Twitter: @HHSCounselors1