III. Passing the High School Competency Test (HSCT) for the Class of 2002 or the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT), beginning with the Class of 2003 and thereafter.

IV. Grade Point Average

Florida Statute 232.246 defines the cumulative grade point average needed for high school

graduation. For students entering ninth grade in 1997-1998 and thereafter, the cumulative grade

point average shall be 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Parents or guardians of students who have cumulative

grade point averages less than .50 above the required graduation level shall be notified that the

student is at risk of not meeting the graduation requirements.

A student enrolled in a semester course will receive one-half credit if the

student successfully completes either the first or the second half of the course

but fails the other half and the averaging of the quarter grades obtained in

each half would not result in a passing grade.

A student enrolled in a semester course will receive full credit if the student

successfully competes either the first or second half of the course but fails the other half and

the averaging of the quarter grades obtained in each half results in a passing grade.

V. Qualifications and Restrictions

A. A student unable to participate in a course requiring manual

dexterity or physical activity for more than fifteen days may be

dropped from the class and may re-enroll in the class during

another semester.

B. A student may earn no more than 1.5 credits in weight training and 1.5 credits in aerobics.

B. REQUIREMENTS FOR A STANDARD DIPLOMA:

PERFORMANCE BASED

The Performance Based Diploma Program (P.B.D.P.) is designed for secondary students who are in the traditional school setting, who have been identified as potential school dropouts or who have dropped out of school. Students enrolled in this program receive (1) teacher-prepared prescriptions based on the integrated learning system computer curriculum in English, mathematics, science, and social studies; (2) training in a vocational program; and (3) individual and small group counseling. Students must be at least sixteen years of age. A student will be selected for this program upon recommendation of the principal and with permission of the parents. To graduate from the P.B.D.P., the student must pass the HSCT or the FCAT and the GED test and earn vocational certification. This graduation option is not intended to encourage early exit from school for at-risk students and will be exercised only for students beyond the age for their grade level. This program does not require the student to achieve a certain number of credits, but rather master skills required for passing the GED test. In this program students do not receive credits and will not be given a GPA. This means the student will not be listed in the class ranking at the end of their senior year.

* Students in Performance Based Diploma Program must have completed at least 75% of the computer academic activities required for completion of the program. A minimum score of 45 in three of the five areas tested or a score of 220 on the pre-GED is required before a student may take the GED. The pre-GED must be administered under optimum conditions which includes a three-hour block of time. A student receiving a 220 or higher on the pre-GED may be exempt from completing all of the computer academic activities provided an accepted alternative plan has been developed.

* Percentage grades will be given in the Performance Based Diploma Program but no credit until such time as the student transfers out of the program. Permission for transfers with credit must meet the approval of a school-based review board and the principal and must meet school board policy. Transfers (with credit) from the program may be considered only after completion of one semester or more in the program.

* Students receive a numerical grade in their vocational courses based on mastery of performance standards.

* Students removed from the program for disciplinary or attendance reasons, prior to completion of a semester in the Performance Based Diploma Program, will not be eligible for credits to transfer out of the program.

* Students earn six vocational credits. It is recommended that all credits be concentrated in one program area. If this can’t be accommodated, then a minimum of four of the six must be in a core area. One ROTC credit may be used to help satisfy the credit requirements.

* Students show documented proof that they have completed a 2,000 word writing assignment.

* Students in vocational programs at SFCC will be removed from the Performance Based Diploma Program if satisfactory attendance and grades are not maintained. Students in Sebring High vocational programs will also be removed for non-attendance and poor grades. The student may petition for re-entry into the program at the start of a new semester.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A STANDARD DIPLOMA BEARING THE COLLEGE-READY DIPLOMA SEAL

I. The student must meet the general requirements for graduation, and his/her

credits must include the following:

4 credits in English/Language Arts

3 credits in Mathematics (including Algebra II)

3 credits in Science

3 credits in Social Studies

2 credits in sequential Foreign Language

1 credit in Physical Education

.5 credit in Life Management Skills

.5 credit in Practical Vocational Arts and .5 credit in Performing Fine Arts OR 1 credit in Practical Vocational Arts OR 1 credit in

Performing Fine Arts

9.5 credits in electives selected by the student

II. The student must earn a composite score of 970 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) or a composite score of 20 on the American College Test (ACT).

III. The student must earn a grade of “C” or better in each course used to qualify

for the Seal.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A SPECIAL DIPLOMA

FOR EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS

I. The student must have been enrolled in the special education program and

completed all requirements of federal and state guidelines governing place-

ment in the special education program.

II. An exceptional education student may earn a maximum of eight credits each

school year, including credits in both academic and work experience

programs.

III. All exceptional education students must complete the required number of

credits in a planned program of instruction with certain specific

requirements (see ESE department chairperson for details).

REQUIREMENTS FOR A CERTIFICATE

OF COMPLETION

I. A student must have met all other requirements for a Standard Diploma

except passing the High School Competency Test (Class of 2002) of the

Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (Class of 2003 and thereafter).

II. A student must have been counseled and made aware of the alternatives

available.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A SPECIAL

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

I. A student must have met the requirements for a Special Diploma except

the demonstrated mastery of state minimum requirements as defined above.

II. A student must have been counseled and made aware of the alternatives

available.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

TO ALL UNIVERSITIES

IN THE STATE SYSTEM

Examples: UF, FSU, UCF, USF, etc.

In order to be eligible to apply to a state university, 19 academic units are required by the Board of Regents of Florida.

I. Fifteen academic units must be earned in the following areas:

Language Arts 4 credits

Mathematics 3 credits (Algebra I and above)

Science 3 credits (two must have substantial

lab requirements)

Social Studies 3 credits

Foreign Language 2 credits (sequential)**College Option

***See page 7A for details concerning the Bright Futures Scholarships.***

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

1. Class Rankings

For class rankings, GPA’s will be calculated in March (end of the third quarter) of the senior year. To be named Valedictorian (first) or Salutatorian (second) in the graduating class, a student must have attended Sebring High

School a minimum of five consecutive semesters by the end of the first semester of his/her senior year. If there are ties, placement will be determined by District policy.

2. Honors Classes

To be enrolled in an Honors level class, a student must have at least a

3.0 GPA in that subject area or a 3.0 overall GPA.

3. Advanced Placement Courses

To be enrolled in an Advanced Placement Course, a student must have at least a 3.0 GPA in that subject area or a 3.0 overall GPA. Students must pay a fee to take the Advanced Placement Exam. College credit for AP courses are determined by individual college/universities standards.

4 . Dual Enrollment

Principal-approved credits earned at the college level in dual enrollment

programs may be applied to graduation requirements. The same standards

for course content and performance that apply to credits earned in the

regularly assigned school apply to credits earned in dual enrollment

programs. Tuition and cost of textbooks may be paid by the Highlands

County School Board. Some of out-of-state universities/colleges may

not accept Dual Enrollment credit. A 3.0 overall GPA is required. In addition, students must earn qualifying scores on the ACT, SAT, or College Placement Tests as determined by S.F.C.C. Students must have placement test scores on file prior to their registration. The ACT, SAT, and CPT scores are acceptable as long as they are within the last two years and are at or above the cutoff scores. Letter grades for both high school and college credit will be determined based on the high school’s numerical scale.

5. Early Admission

Early admission allows the student to enter college following completion

of grade 11, substituting two semesters of college for the fourth year of

high school. The student is responsible for making application and must

meet all entrance requirements as stated by the college involved. A student who meets eligibility requirements may access Bright Futures Scholarship money during their early admission year.

6. Grade Point Average for Extra-Curricular Activities

All students participating in extra-curricular activities must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the end of each semester.

7. Computation of Grade Point Average (GPA)

In computing the high school cumulative grade point averages on the local

level for class rank and graduation, a modified four-point Grade Point

Average Scale will be used. A student may re-take a course in order to

improve his GPA during the regular school year. Beginning with the school year 2000-2001, a student can only retake a course with a final grade of D or F depending on availability. The higher grade will be used in calculating the GPA.

A student successfully completing an Honors course, an Advanced Placement Course, or a Dual Enrollment course (which has been approved for both high school and college credit) will have an additional .04 added to his/her cumulative GPA for each term passed.

8. Grading Practices

Achievement will be measured according to the following scale. Nine-weeks

grades will be expressed in numerical values with the following equivalencies.

GPA

Outstanding A 94-100% 4 points

Above average B 85-93% 3 points

Average C 77-84% 2 points

Lowest acceptable D 70-76% 1 point

progress

Failing F 0-69% 0 points

Incomplete I’s will be converted to the numerical average with

0's instituted for missing grades 10 days after the

end of the nine weeks if work is not made up or

other provisions are not made and approved by the

principal.

9. Vocational Education Course Substitutions to Fulfill Graduation Requirements

Any student in grades 9 through 12 who enrolls in and satisfactorily completes a job preparatory program may substitute credit for a

portion of the required academic credits.

Practical Keyboarding Skills may be substituted for the first semester of Business Systems and Technology I.

10. Changing Classes

Beginning with the first day of each term, students are allowed five days

in order to change a class. Changes after five days are subject to Administrative review and decision.

11. Credit Requirement for Promotion

9th -- 0-6.5 credits

10th -- 7.0-13.5 credits (Must include 1 credit of Level 2 English and 1 credit of Level 2 Math.) Must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA in core-curricular beginning ‘98-’99 freshman class.

11th -- 14.0-20.5 credits (Must include 2 credits of Level 2 English, 2 credits of Level 2 Math, and .5 credit of Life Management.) Must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA in core academic classes.

12th -- 21 credits and up (Must include 3 credits of Level 2 English and 2 credits of Level 2 Math). Must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA overall.

Graduation -- 27 credits

12. The Florida High School

The Florida High School is online instruction available through an Internet connection. The Florida High School offers 52 courses, which are individualized and highly interactive. Grades are based on assignments and on face-to-face testing. For information, visit their website at http://fhs.net or phone them directly at 407-317-3326.

Special Services

1. Homebound Teaching Services

Students who are physically unable to attend school for at least three weeks may receive free homebound teaching. An assigned teacher is sent to the home to help the student with lessons so that he/she may pass certain classes upon returning to school. The number of homebound classes a student may take depends on the nature and length of illness. Requests for homebound teaching should be made through the guidance office. A doctor’s statement is required.

2. Special Education Services

Highlands County School District offers an extensive program of special

education services for those students who require help beyond the scope

of the normal high school classroom. In order to be eligible for these

services, students must meet state and federal guidelines established

through testing programs. Referral for special education testing may

be made by parents, teachers, or counselors. Tests are administered

through the guidance department, social worker, school psychologist,

and special education staff. Placement and program planning are based

on test results and the individual needs of the student. Inquiries concerning

special education services can be made through the guidance office.

3. Teenage Parent Program

The Teenage Parent Program is a voluntary open entry program for

pregnant students and teenage parents (age 21 and under). The program

enables students to continue their academic/vocational progress by providing

day care for the children. Arrangements can be made through the guidance

office.

TESTING

Certain standardized tests are routinely administered. Other individual and

group tests are given whenever the situation calls for them. Counselors are

available to parents and students to interpret the results of these tests. The

following tests are given:

9th grade -- Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT)

10th grade -- Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT)

Pre-American College Test (PLAN)

Tenth Grade Writing Assessment (FCAT)

11th grade -- High School Competency Test (HSCT) Class of 2002 only

Pre-Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT/NMSQT)

National Merit Competition (Given only in October)

American College Test (ACT)

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I)

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

12th grade --American College Test (ACT)

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I)

Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

COURSE OFFERINGS

The courses listed in this section represent courses approved for students in the Highlands County Schools.

Sebring High School uses a block scheduling system. Courses are listed by subject areas.

Language Arts

Course Titles Prerequisites

English I None

English Honors I Recommendation

English II 1 English credit

English Honors II 1 English credit/

3.0 GPA requirement

English III 2 English credits

English Honors III 2 English credits/ 3.0 GPA requirement

Advanced Placement English 2 English credits/

Language and Composition III 3.0 GPA requirement

English IV 3 English credits

Dual/College English I 3 English credits/

Block Course 3.0 overall GPA /Qualifying test scores

Dual/College English II 3.0 overall GPA/

Block Course Dual/College English I

Advanced Placement English 3 English credits/

Literature and Composition I 3.0 GPA requirement

The following courses DO NOT meet English credit requirements. They may be used for elective credit only. Some courses are required for remediation.

Reading I Recommendation

Reading II Reading I

Reading III Reading II

Writing I Recommendation

Television Production I Grades 10 - 12

Television Production II Television Production I

Television Production III Television Production II

Television Production IV Television Production III

Dual/College Humanities Survey I 3.0 overall GPA/

Block Course Dual/College English II

Dual/College Humanities Survey II Dual/College Humanities Survey I

Block Course

Speech None

Block Course

Drama I None

Block Course

Acting I Drama I/Audition/

Recommendation

Acting II Acting I/Audition

Acting III Recommendation

Acting IV Recommendation

Journalism I None

Block Course

Journalism II Journalism I

Journalism III Journalism II

Journalism IV Journalism III

Contemporary Literature Grades 11 & 12

Block Course

Literature and the Arts(Film) ` Grades 11 & 12

Block Course

English I

This course is designed to provide instruction in English language skills and in literature. Students will write approximately 1500 words in this class.

English Honors I

This course is designed to promote academic excellence in English language skills and to provide students with enriched experiences in literature, composition, speech, and listening skills. Approximately 2000 words of writing will be required, including a research paper.

English II

This course is designed to provide instruction in English language skills and in the study of world literature. Approximately 2000 words of writing is required.

English Honors II

This course is designed to promote academic excellence in English language skills and to provide students with enriched experiences in world literature, composition, speech, and listening skills. Approximately 3000 words of writing will be required, including a research paper. Students must read two novels prior to the first day of class. Students are responsible for meeting with their teacher to obtain the summer reading list and to discuss the class syllabus.

English III

This course is designed to provide instruction in English language skills and in the study of American literature. Students will be required to read a novel outside of the textbook and write a research paper. Approximately 3000 words or writing will be required.

English Honors III

This course is designed to promote academic excellence in English language skills and to provide students with enriched experiences in American literature, composition, speech, and listening skills. A research paper and approximately 4000 words of writing are required. Students must read three novels prior to the first day of class. Students are responsible for meeting with their teacher to obtain the summer reading list and to discuss the course syllabus.

Advanced Placement English Language and Composition III

This course is a college class designed to study the language and rhetoric of various genres of literature. Students must write several essays, a research paper, and at least 6,000 words per nine weeks. Students must read three novels prior to the first day of class. Students are responsible for meeting with their teacher to obtain the summer reading list and obtain the course syllabus. Students must pay a fee to take the Advanced Placement Exam. College credit is determined by individual college/university standards.

English IV

This course is designed to provide instruction in English language skills and in the study of British literature. Students will write a research paper and produce approximately 3500 words of writing.