Loveland City School District

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PLANNING A HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM

IMPORTANCE OF THE SCHOOL RECORD

A good student record is the best recommendation a graduate can offer a college or a prospective employer. All colleges require an exact transcript of courses while in attendance in high school, as well as a recommendation from the high school counselor or principal. Employers often will request similar information. Most employers are also interested in the student's record of attendance. A poor attendance record in school can have a marked effect on a person's chances competing for a job after graduation. It is important for a student to maintain a steady performance or improvement throughout the high school career. The pupil, who shows improvement, rather than tapering off or declining their last year, is in a much better competitive position.

LOVELAND HIGH SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS

The Board of Education of the Loveland City School district desires that standards for graduation from Loveland High School exceed the minimum standards established by the Ohio Department of Education of Colleges and Secondary Schools, and therefore establishes the following credit requirements.

1. Minimum requirements for graduation from Loveland High School.

Course	Units Required
English Language Arts	4
Mathematics	3
Science (Biology & Phy Sci)	3
American History	1
American Government	1
Social Studies	1
Business/Technology, Fine Arts or Foreign Language	1
Health	1/2
Physical Education	1 (2 half terms)
Electives	10 1/2
TOTAL:	26

2. Students completing a Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development program must earn a total of 21 credits for graduation from Loveland High School. See Requirements to Attend Vocational School for details.

3. Earning the required number of credits is simply a partial satisfaction of the graduation requirements. Graduation presumes that the student has fulfilled all academic and financial obligations. Diplomas will not be granted if deficiencies are present in any of these areas.

4. In order to receive a diploma from Loveland High School, 4 of the last 5 credits towards graduation must be earned at or approved by Loveland High School.

5. A student must complete eight terms (1 term = 90 days) of attendance in high school to be eligible for graduation, except in the most unusual of circumstances (approved in advance by the high school principal).

CHOOSING A PROGRAM
Students must realize that earning a diploma should be the result of a carefully planned path of class work that will provide the desired preparation for the next phase of life. Loveland High School has designed a "three-track" approach to help guide students in making course selections. These three programmed approaches center around:

The Tech-Prep Program, which allows for academic and technical preparation for students who desire technical and/or associate degree programs.

The Vocational Program for those who wish to pursue a specific vocation that can be achieved by attending Loveland High School and Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development.

The College Preparatory Program for those who desire to prepare for entrance to colleges and universities.

It is important to first consider your goals regarding these "three-track" choices before making random course selections and decisions. The following explanations will be of help, and of course do not hesitate to consult your guidance and/or administration department to help in your decision.

THE TECH-PREP PROGRAM
Those students who choose not to acquire a specific entry-level skill via vocational school or have not decided on a four-year college program of study may pursue a program of technical preparation. Those who choose the tech-prep program should take as much English, mathematics and science as possible (at least 10 credits). This basic core course of college preparation should be combined with technical education in one or more of the following areas: industrial technology, work and family, business, art, and/or computers. By taking the combination of academic and technical course work a student will build the foundation necessary for post high school technical schools, adult vocational programs and/or associate degree (2 year) programs.

THE VOCATIONAL PROGRAM
Career development programs offered by our affiliate Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development are available to students who meet certain requirements. The course offerings at the career development campuses are designed to develop the aptitude and skills of students for successful entry into the world of work or advanced technical training at 2 or 4 year colleges.

In general, most students choose to attend a two-year vocational-technical program during the junior and senior year. However, some students may be eligible to enter vocational-technical programs at the completion of their freshman year or enroll later for one-year programs offered to seniors. A study conducted by the Economics Department at Ohio University found that four years after high school, vocational graduates were earning 20% more than high school graduates without vocation training.

Requirements to Attend Vocational School
Enrollments in some vocational programs require passage of the ninth grade proficiency test.

Sophomores must be 16 by the start of the school year and must have earned the following credits:
English 1
Mathematics 1
Science 1
Social Studies 1
Health 1/2
Physical Education 1/2

Juniors must have earned at least 7 academic units of credit. The following courses are required prior to enrollment.
English 2
Mathematics 2
Science 1
Social Studies 1
Health 1/2
Physical Education 1/2

The above are minimum requirements (Most students will have 15 1/2 credits at the end of their Sophomore year).

Seniors should have an additional unit of English and 4 additional elective units for a total of 14 units of credit to enter the vocational program.

THE COLLEGE PREPARATORY PROGRAM
Students who graduate from Loveland High School are eligible to enter any of the state supported universities. Credits and recommendations will be sent to colleges and other types of schools at the request of the graduate.

The State of Ohio Board of Regents made strong recommendations to Ohio high schools regarding the curriculum that graduating students should have in order to be unconditionally accepted to state universities in Ohio. Although there will always be some universities who will vary in their exact requirements, and certain college programs will require slightly different courses, Loveland High School basically subscribes to the Board of Regents recommendations.

*Curriculum	Units of Credit
English	4 ( including English 12 or AP English)
Mathematics	3 (at least one unit to be taken during the senior year and should include Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry)
Science	3 (must include two lab sciences)
Social Studies	3
Foreign Language	2 (both in same language)
Fine/Performing Arts	1 (Band, Chorus, Art, Music Appreciation/Theory, Drama/Speech Photography I & II)

* In addition to units of credit listed above students need to meet Loveland High School general graduation requirements.

Recommendations for Students Considering Honors Level and AP Classes
AP Classes: Course work begins in June with required summer reading in some classes. (Any loss of points for work not completed will be spread over all four quarters.)

If a student drops one of these classes, his/her transcript will show W/F (Withdrawal/Failure). In some cases, Junior English for example, the class could be closed, causing the student who dropped the AP class to take Junior English during the senior year.

Students who take honors level classes should fit the following profile in order to assure success in these classes:

PERFORMANCE
The student:

consistently strives to meet high academic standards
demonstrates ability in abstract reasoning
possesses broad general knowledge
respects deadlines
puts forth “best effort”, not just “good enough” effort
demonstrates probing curiosity
acts with maturity in the classroom
participates actively in class discussion
demonstrates pride in work submitted
textbooks used will be generally above the grade level
may be expected to participate in extracurricular academic activities

ATTITUDE

assumes responsibility for own learning
possesses a strong work ethic
expects at least one hour of nightly homework in the honors class
comes to class prepared to work
seeks opportunities for enrichment
welcomes creative and challenging assignments
and, where applicable, suggest own assignments

BEHAVIOR
The student:

uses class time wisely
respects classmates and teacher
demonstrates personal integrity

ATTENDANCE
The student:

seldom misses class
arrives punctually
completes make-up work immediately

Generally speaking, students who sign up for honors classes should meet the following criteria in the appropriate subject area in grade 8:

Students should be scoring at the 90% in standardized tests
Students should be earning a minimum of a “B” letter grade in the appropriate grade 8 class
Students should have a teacher recommendation.

Students should not sign up for honors classes with the idea of dropping the class if they cannot earn the grade they want or find the class too difficult. Signing up for these classes is a yearlong commitment by both the student and the parents.

THE ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PROGRAM
The AP program is an offering of college level courses and exams for ambitious secondary school students. It is a special learning experience that takes a full year. AP courses are typically more challenging and require more work than other high school courses. At the end of the year, students should plan to take an AP exam. Over 90 % of the colleges that most AP candidates have attended give credit and/or advanced placement to students whose AP exam grades are considered acceptable. The exam fee is set by the College Board and must be paid for each exam selected.

At Loveland High School, AP classes are offered in these areas: biology, calculus, chemistry, physics, English and American history. Student selection for AP courses is based upon teacher recommendations and additional criteria as listed in the course description. To compensate for the increased amount of student effort in AP level courses, letter grades will be weighted one additional point (e.g. A=5 points, B=4 points, C=3 points, D=1 point).

Additional Notes

Fee reductions are provided for qualified candidates who are unable to pay the full cost for each exam. Contact the AP coordinator for the qualifications.
Students should remember that AP credit is awarded by the college or university, not by the College Board, that it is often awarded after analyzing the student's entire record rather than being automatic, and that some institutions specify particular exams.
By completing AP courses, students are more likely to persist and succeed in college. They save time and money by quicker entry into advanced courses of their choice. Finally, the time saved can be used in many satisfying ways: study abroad, honors, broader exploration, advanced study, independent learning, internships, or for work.

THE POST-SECONDARY ENROLLMENT OPTIONS PROGRAM
The Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program has been established to permit high school students to earn college and high school graduation credit through the successful completion of college courses. The program is intended to provide expanded opportunities for appropriately qualified high school students to experience course work at the college or university level. The high school student must meet special admission criteria set by the individual college or university. The high school student will be expected and required to perform at the same level as the institution's regular students. College courses should either contribute to or supplement the broad academic preparation needed by high school students. Credit for highly specialized content college courses generally should not substitute for important broader content college preparatory courses offered by the high school.

Nine rules, established by the State Board of Education, provide the guidelines and specify procedures necessary to implement the program. Specific rules and requirements are available through the guidance department. Students and/or parents must notify the school district of intent to participate in this program by the last school day of March.

It is imperative that the student, as well as the parent, clearly understands the implications of this option. Therefore, as mandated under this option, students and parents must attend a counseling session where the potential risks and consequences of participation will be explained. Parents will then be required to sign a form, stating they understand and accept the policies and implications of their student's participation in the post-secondary enrollment program.

SPECIAL EDUCATION
In addition to the curriculum options listed, Loveland High School offers programs to special needs students. The qualification of students for these programs is determined through special testing and procedures as prescribed by state guidelines, and administered b the Director of Pupil Services. Individual Educational Plans (Imps) are developed jointly with school and parent involvement.

Resource Support is flexible-use time where students on IEP's and 504 Plans can receive individual and small group support for their educational needs.

During the Consulting Block, a special education teacher will provide consultation to general educators.

In a Co-Teaching arrangement, a special educator works cooperatively with a general educator to instruct an entire class of both general and special education students.

Special Education Classes for basic academics are offered through the special education resource rooms. Some students may also receive more functional programming to learn the life skills needed for independent living.

Some students need Related Services (speech/occupational therapy, work study) in addition to the primary special education service plan.

Some students will need Paraprofessional Support from a teacher assistant when in general education or other school environments.

EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS
Educational options are offered to meet specialized student needs or interest. These options are in the form of college courses, educational travel, independent study, mentor programs and tutorial programs. These must be approved by the building principal and the superintendent/board. See your counselor for details.

PROFICIENCY TESTING
The Ohio Legislature has established a statewide high school proficiency testing program for Ohio high school students. Tests will be administered in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, citizenship, and science to verify student achievement at the ninth-grade proficiency level. Students will have eight opportunities (twice per year) to pass all sections of the test. Once a student has passed a section of the test, they will not be required to retake that part. Students who are not exempted by disability are required to pass all sections of the Ninth Grade Proficiency and meet all local requirements for a diploma.

HONORS DIPLOMA
To be awarded an honors diploma, students in a college prep curriculum must meet eight of the following nine requirements: 1) four units of English, 2) earn three units of math which shall include Algebra I, Algebra II and geometry or a three year sequence of courses which contains equivalent content, 3) three units of science which develop the concepts for physical, life and earth and space science, 4) three units of social studies, 5) three units of one foreign language or two units each of two foreign languages, 6) one unit of fine arts, 7) one unit of business/technology and two additional units in one through six; or earn three additional units in one through six, 8) a 3.5 grade point average, 9) a composite score of 27 on the ACT, a combined score of 1210 on the SAT or scoring high honors on four of the five sections of the twelfth grade proficiency tests.

To be awarded an honors diploma, students in vocational education curriculum must meet nine of the following ten requirements: 1) four units of English, 2) earn three units of math, which shall include algebra and geometry, or a sequence of courses which contains equivalent content, 3) three units of science which develop the concepts for physical, life and earth and space science, 4) three units of social studies, 5) two units of foreign language or business technology; or one unit of each, 6) three units of the student's vocational or technical education curriculum, 7) earn two additional units in one through six or fine arts, 8) a 3.5 grade point average, 9) complete a career passport that reflects achievement of the occupational proficiency established for the Ohio Vocational Competency Assessment or the equivalent, 10) a composite score of 27 on the ACT, a combined score of 1210 on the SAT or scoring high honors on four of the five sections of the twelfth grade proficiency test.

Under the approved rule, no student can be required to meet more than the specified number of criteria, and no student can be required to meet any one particular criterion.

EVENING SCHOOL
Credits may be granted for evening school courses if the student is enrolled in an accredited school and has been granted, in advance, permission to obtain this from the principal of Loveland High School.

CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOL
Credits for correspondence school courses may be applied towards graduation provided:
(1) Prior authorization to enroll in correspondence courses has been given by the high school principal or by a school official designated by the superintendent of schools.
(2) Courses and instructors must be in line with Ohio Department of Education, North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary School requirements.
(3) Students enrolled in the day school shall not study correspondence courses taught by the school.
(4) Maximum credits earned by correspondence study shall not exceed four units.

SUMMER SCHOOL
Summer school courses taken for remedial or make-up credit are readily approved. However, summer school courses for high school advanced placement credit or standing are strongly discouraged. Most summer school courses are not designed for original credit. As with evening and correspondence work, all summer school work must be approved in advance by the principal or designee.

ARMED FORCSE COURSES
High School course work offered through the United States Armed Forces Institute by cooperating colleges and universities will be accepted for credits toward graduation as follows:

A. An official transcript must be received from the school offering the course. Credits granted must be in line with State Department Regulations and North Central Associations of Colleges and Secondary School requirements.
B. No more than eight Carnegie units of credit or equivalent quarter hours will be granted towards a diploma.

GED CERTIFICATES/DIPLOMAS
Certificates - High School certificates, based on GED (General Educational Development) test results, may be earned through the State of Ohio Department of Education program, as outlined in the State Department Policies Handbook. Students desiring information regarding GED certificates should contact the high school principal.

Diplomas - The Loveland City School's Board of Education is authorized to issue a diploma on the basis of the GED tests to service personnel and veterans (non-veteran adults are not eligible) provided the applicant meets the following requirements:
1. Minimum test scores: A standard score of 35 or above on each of the five tests or an average standard score of 45 on all five tests.
2. Minimum age: 18 to receive diploma.
3. Residence: Must be a resident of Ohio or a former resident who attended school in Ohio.
4. Previous high school enrollment: Must have completed at least four units of high school and, in addition, must have one unit of credit in American History and Government. At least two units must have been earned in the high school granting the diploma.

PUPIL ADMISSION, PLACEMENT, AND WITHDRAWAL
The Loveland High School guidance office is responsible for the proper admission of new students. The process includes, but is not limited to, several counseling and information forms, the proper proof of residence, birth certificate, proof of parent/guardian/legal custodian and the most recently issued report card. The student will be placed in the appropriate Loveland High School courses to match (as closely as possible) the previous coursework and academic tracks of the sending school.

Upon receipt of an official transcript as provided by the previous school, Loveland High School will evaluate the transcript and honor credits and coursework that were successfully passed, and transfer those items to the current student record.

To withdraw a student, the legal parent or guardian must complete the withdrawal form and process which includes a parent/guardian signature, reason for withdrawal, city, state and school moving to (when appropriate) and a check-out for grades, book return, financial clearance from appropriate departments, and administrative approval if appropriate. Student withdrawals are to be processed through the guidance office.

ATTAINING CREDIT IN COURSES
The entire course must be completed before any credit will be given. Credit will be given in any course in which a D- or better grade is achieved. Credit may be withheld due to excessive absences. See the Attendance Policy.

THE SELSECTIONS OF COURSES
Students are eligible to select courses in accordance with the course offering charts, which appear at the end of this booklet. Any exceptions must be approved by the counselor with a teacher recommendation. Loveland High School will attempt to honor the course requests of all students. In some cases, this may not be possible and students will be advised of alternative options.

SCHOOL POLICY ON DROPPING CLASSES
Students are strongly discouraged from dropping classes. At registration time, students receive detailed information regarding course content, requirements, and program needs (based on each individual's plans). In addition, students are counseled by the guidance department in an effort to aid the student and parent in the selection of courses for the upcoming year. After these choices are made, and course requests are tallied, the student has the option to discuss any changes. This usually occurs in late May, just before the end of the school year. During the summer months, scheduling is completed and prepared for each student, based on the request agreement. Many times, the courses are offered and the teachers are employed, based on the students' original requests.

Schedule changes will not be made for the purpose of being with preferred classmates or teachers. Loveland High School encourages students to become exposed to as many different teaching styles as possible.

THEREFORE, changing courses after June will be permitted only in the following circumstances:

1. failure of a prerequisite course,
2. completion of a make-up course in summer school,
3. level change (when approved by the teacher, counselor, and principal),
4. staffing decision,
5. extraordinary circumstances requiring individual consideration by the administration.

When these circumstances are met the following steps are necessary:

1. Action for the course drop begins when the student meets with his/her counselor to determine the specific difficulty with the class. The student, counselor, and teacher work together to identify and resolve the problem. (The student must have shown some initiative in working with the teacher prior to requesting to drop the course. At no time are changes processed simply due to poor performance, if there has been no attempt to work out alternatives with the teacher.
2. If the counselor determines the need for a course change, the request must be in writing on the REQUEST FOR A SCHEDULE CHANGE form, which requires parent, teacher, and student signatures. Final permission for the drop can only be granted by the school principal or designee.
If acceptable options exist, a schedule change notification form will be issued to the student. Signatures from previous teachers and new teachers must be obtained. The form is then returned to the guidance office for the schedule change to be finalized in the computer system.

If acceptable options exist, a schedule change notification form will be issued to the student. Signatures from previous teachers and new teachers must be obtained. The form is then returned to the guidance office for the schedule change to be finalized in the computer system.

Important note to SENIORS: Once your college applications and transcripts are sent to colleges, changes in your schedule will be forwarded to these colleges. The change in senior curriculum sends a message to colleges regarding the student's ability to meet a challenge and follow through when difficult situations present themselves.

THE CLASS LOAD
All students must carry a minimum of four classes per term. Exceptions to this will occur in the case of student aides and/or special programs necessitating an open period during their day.

STUDENT AIDES
Student aides are used on a limited basis. Students must apply to be an aide in the guidance office. Under normal circumstances, only seniors are permitted to be aides. Students may only be an aide one block per year. Teachers can only have one aide per term. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the principal.

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