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Planning Guide
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Garner Magnet High School's programs provides students many options based on their career goals, needs, and individual interests. Students may choose from a wide array of courses and programs. Choices that students make in high school impact the options they have for future education and job opportunities after high school.
Students may select courses from Arts Education, Career and Technical Education, English Language Arts, English as a Second Language, Healthful Living, JROTC, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages.
Students must meet all course, credit, and test requirements to earn a high school diploma. Courses are designed to prepare students for post-secondary opportunities from entry-level career options to highly technical fields, from community colleges to four-year colleges and universities. Students are expected to pursue the most challenging course of study in which they can be successful.
This planning guide is provided to assist students and their parents or court-appointed custodians in the planning and registration process. It is the responsibility of all students and their parents or court-appointed custodians to help make sure that students are registered for the courses they need in order to meet graduation and college or university admissions requirements.
General Information
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Graduation Requirements
Garner Magnet High School operates on a four-period A/B Day schedule. This schedule allow students to earn eight credits each year of high school. GMHS students need 26 credits to graduate.
Students following the Occupational Course of Study must complete 22 credits, required work hours, and present a career portfolio to earn a full diploma. OCS Students must also earn a total of 600 work hours.
Students must satisfy all course, credit and testing requirements for at least one diploma type in order to earn a diploma and must meet the graduation requirements that were in effect the year they entered ninth grade for the first time. The chart below lists specific course requirements for graduation.
Students who entered ninth grade for the first time in 2014-2015 must pass the following courses and earn at least 26 credits:
Four sequential English credits which shall be:
- Starting with English I
- English II
- English III
- English IV
Four Mathematics credits which shall be:
- NC Math 1, 2, and 3 and a fourth mathematics course to be aligned with the student’s post high school plans
Three Science credits which shall be:
- a Physical Science course
- Biology
- Earth/Environmental Science course
Four Social Studies credits which shall be:
Entering high school Fall 2019 or before:
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- World History (or AP World History), American History: Founding Principles: Civics & Economics (or Civic Literacy), AND American History I, American History II (or AP US History & 1 additional social studies elective)
Entering high school Fall 2020:
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- In addition to the requirements for students entering in Fall 2019 or before, students must also earn a credit in Economics & Personal Finance.
Entering high school Fall 2021 or after:
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- World History (or AP World History), Founding Principles of the US/NC: Civic Literacy, American History (or AP Us History), and Economics & Personal Finance.
One Health and Physical Education credit:
- Students are required to successfully complete CPR instruction to meet Healthful Living Essential Standards as a requirement for high school graduation.
Two Elective credits of any combination from either:
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) or
- Arts Education or
- World Language
Eight elective credits from the following (four-course concentration recommended):
- Career and Technical Education (CTE)
- ROTC
- Arts Education (e.g., dance, music, theater arts, visual arts)
- Any other subject area or cross-disciplinary courses (e.g., mathematics, science, social studies, English and dual enrollment courses)
NC Math I is a graduation requirement for all students. The only exception to this requirement is for students that have an Individual Education Program (IEP) that identifies them as Learning Disabled (LD) in math and states that the disability will prevent them from mastering the mathematical content in Math I and above. Once a student is exempt, the exemption holds until the student exits public school. Documentation of the exemption will be written in a present level of performance statement on the student’s IEP.
Students who complete all graduation requirements receive a diploma.
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Diploma Endorsements
Beginning with the graduating class of 2014-15, students have the opportunity to earn Endorsements to their High School Diploma (GRAD-007). Students must meet all requirements set forth in State Board Policy GRAD-004: State Graduation Requirements related to earning a high school diploma. Endorsements identify a particular area of focused study for students. Students may earn a Career Endorsement, a College Endorsement, a Global Languages Endorsement, and/or a North Carolina Academic Scholars Endorsement. The requirements for each type of endorsement are listed on the following pages.
Career Endorsement Requirements
- Except as limited by NCGS §115C-81(b), the student shall complete the Future-Ready Core mathematics sequence. Acceptable fourth math courses for the Career Endorsement include any math course that may be used to meet NC high school graduation requirements including applied math courses found in the Career & Technical Education (CTE) domain.
- The student shall complete a CTE concentration in one of the approved CTE Cluster Areas.
- The student shall earn an unweighted grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.6.
- The student shall earn at least one industry recognized credential. Earned credentials can include Career Readiness Certificates (CRC) at the silver level or above from WorkKeys assessments or other appropriate industry credential/certification.
College Endorsement Requirements
Option #1
- The student shall complete Future-Ready Core mathematics sequence. The fourth math course must meet the University of North Carolina system Minimum Admission Requirements or be acceptable for earning placement in a credit-bearing math class under the North Carolina Community College System’s Multiple Measures Placement Policy.
- The student shall earn an unweighted GPA of at least 2.6.
Option #2
- The student shall complete the Future-Ready Core mathematics sequence and a fourth math course that meets the University of North Carolina Minimum Admissions Requirements that include a mathematics course with either Algebra II, Math III, or Integrated Mathematics III as a prerequisite.
- The student shall complete three units of science including at least one physical science with a lab, one life science, and one additional science course.
- The student shall complete US History or equivalent coursework.
- The student shall complete two units of a world language (other than English).
- The student shall earn a weighted GPA of at least 2.5.
Global Languages Endorsement
- The student shall earn a combined unweighted GPA of 2.5 or above for the four English Language Arts courses required for graduation.
- The student shall establish proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English, using one of the options outlined below in accordance with the guidelines developed by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction:
- Pass an external exam approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction establishing “intermediate low” proficiency or higher per the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scale.
- Complete a four-course sequence of study in the same world language, earning an overall unweighted GPA of 2.5 or above in those courses.
- Establish “intermediate low” proficiency or higher per the ACTFL proficiency scale using the Credit by Demonstrated Mastery SBE policy.
- Limited English Proficient students shall complete all the requirements of the two bullets above and reach “developing” proficiency per the World-Class Instruction Design and Assessment (WIDA) proficiency scale in all four domains on the most recent state identified English language proficiency test.
North Carolina Academic Scholars Endorsement
Students who complete the requirements for this academically challenging high school program are named North Carolina Academic Scholars and receive special recognition. Students must:
- Complete all the requirements of the North Carolina Academic Scholars Program
- English I, II, III, IV
- NC Math I, II, III, and a higher-level math course with NC Math 3 as a prerequisite
- and Earth/Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics
- Civic Literacy, Economics & Personal Finance, American History, World History
- Two (2) elective credits in a second language required for the UNC System; Four (4) elective credits constituting a concentration recommended from one of the following: Career & Technical Education (CTE), JROTC, Arts Education, Second Languages, and other subject areas
- Three higher level courses taken during the junior and/or senior years which carry 4.5 or 5 quality points such as: AP/IB, Dual enrollment or college equivalent courses, online courses, other hors or above designation courses
- Have an overall four-year unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Complete all requirements for a North Carolina high school diploma.
Note: Where any conflicts may exist between this document and the State Board of Education Policy GRAD-007 regarding Endorsements, the State Board Policy will take priority.
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UNC: Minimum Admission Requirements
While these are minimum requirements in the University of North Carolina system, some campuses require a more competitive transcript for final admission. Starting in Fall 2013, Students admitted to the UNC system will have to show a minimum of 2.5 high school grade point average and at least 800 (old test) or 880 (newer test) on the SAT or 17 on the ACT. Private colleges may have different admission requirements. Students should consult their school counselors and college websites for further information.
Six (6) Credits in language, including:
- Four (4) credits in English emphasizing grammar, composition, and literature, and
- Two (2) credits in a language other than English
Four (4) credits in mathematics in any of the following combinations:
For students entering high school prior to 2012-2013
- Algebra I and II, Geometry, and one credit beyond Algebra II
- Algebra I and II, and two credits beyond Algebra II, or
- Integrated Mathematics I, II, and III and one credit beyond Integrated Math III
For students entering high school in 2012-2013 and beyond:
- NC Math 1, NC Math 2, NC Math 3, and one credit beyond NC Math 3
It is recommended that prospective students take a mathematics credit in the 12th grade.
Three (3) credits in science, including:
- At least one (1) credit in a life or biological science (for example, Biology),
- At least one (1) credit in a physical science (for example, physical science, chemistry, physics), and,
- At least one (1) laboratory course
Two credits in social studies, including,
- One (1) credit in United States History
An applicant who does not have a credit in US History may be admitted on the condition that at least three (3) semester hours in the subject will be passed by the end of the sophomore year.
Reference: UNC Minimum Admission Requirements
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Promotion Requirements
Promotion Requirements
High school students shall be promoted by attaining credits that are earned through successful completion of specific courses as illustrated in the following charts. Note that the appropriate English credit is required for promotion each year.
From Grade 9
- English I; two credits in the areas of mathematics, social studies, or science; and three additional credits
- 6 credits
From Grade 10
- English II; one credit in mathematics; one credit in social studies; one credit in science; and two additional credits
- 12 credits
From Grade 11
- English III; enrollment in a program which, if successfully accomplished, will result in the completion of graduation requirements
- 18 credits
Students should check with their counselors for information on additional promotion requirements.
Reference: WCPSS Board Policy 3420, Student Promotion & Accountability
Course Requirements
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Course Loads, Course Selection, and Course Withdrawal
Course Loads
In the high schools, each student shall carry a course load equal to the number of instructional periods in the school day, unless special permission is given to the student by the principal. Students approved for Career & Technical Cooperative Education programs or for dual enrollment in post-secondary schools are exempt from this policy.
Course Selection
No two required English courses may be taken concurrently except in extenuating circumstances as approved by the principal.
Each student served by the Wake County Public School System may request any course listed in this program guide. The system has the potential of offering each course, subject to sufficient minimum student enrollment and adequate staffing and materials. Additionally, due to facility limitations, some courses can be taught only in certain schools. A student who wants to pursue a program of study not available in the school to which he/she is assigned should request a transfer through the Office of Student Assignment. Students granted a transfer for course selection must provide their own transportation.
Course Withdrawal Penalty
Students are not allowed to drop a course after the first ten days of school. If a student withdraws after the ten-day period, a failure (WF) is noted as the grade and the course is counted as a course attempted with no quality points earned. This action will result in a lower grade point average for the student.
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Grades, Grade Point Average (GPA), Class Rank & Honors
Grading System
The grading system for all WCPSS high schools is established in WCPSS School Board Policy 3400 R&P. Quality points for students entering 9th grade in 2015-16 and beyond are as follows:
Letter Grade Standard Course Honors Course AP or IB Course A 4 4.5 5 B 3 3.5 4 C 2 2.5 3 D 1 1.5 2 F 0 0 1 Students will receive one extra quality point for Community College courses approved by the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA). Independent college and UNC system courses will also earn one extra quality point. Official AP and IB courses will earn one extra quality point.
Students in selected Project Lead the Way courses will earn one extra quality point. Extra weighting is indicated in the course description.
Reference: NC State Board Policy GRAD-009 (section 3)
Grading Scale
The following grading scale applies to all high school courses.
A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 70-79 D = 60-69 F = less than 60 I = Incomplete WP = Withdraw, no penalty WF = Withdraw, with penalty Grading Period, Interims, and Report Cards
Report cards are issued to students every nine weeks. Per WCPSS School Board Policy 3400, interim reports will be issued to all students at the midpoint of each quarter.
Final Exams & NC Assessment Requirements
As outlined in WCPSS Board Policy 3410, the Wake County Board of Education believes that an effective testing and assessment program evaluates the progress of individual students and helps ensure that educational goals and objectives are being met for every child. A testing and assessment program also assists in the continued refinement of the instructional program.
High school students must take all end-of-course (EOC) tests, Career & Technical Education state assessments (CTE Post-Assessments), and other tests as required by the State Board of Education. The results of EOC and CTE post-assessment exams will count as 20 percent of a student’s final grade in each high school course for which there is an EOC test or CTE Post-Assessment. This requirement does not apply to EOC tests for students following the Occupational Course of Study. In courses without a state assessment, the final exam will also count as 20 percent of the student’s final grade.
In 2022-2023, EOC tests will be administered in the following courses: NC Math 1, NC Math 3, Biology, English II.
Expectations for senior exam exemptions for 2022-2023 will be added to this document by August 2022.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
A student’s grade point average (GPA) is calculated by adding all quality points earned while in high school (grades 9-12) and dividing by the number of courses taken. The weighted GPA includes any additional quality points earned by taking Honors/AP/IB courses, while the unweighted GPA does not include any additional quality points. Courses that are assigned Ps and credits earned via Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) do not count towards the overall GPA. Students who have questions about how their GPA is calculated should meet with their counselor.
Class Rank
There shall be periodic compilations of class rankings in high school for the purpose of making an individual student’s class rank available to the student, his/her parent, and to other institutions, such as colleges/universities for the purpose of college / university admission and/or scholarships.
To determine class rank, each high school uses final course grades, dividing the total number of quality points divided by the total number of credits attempted. The results are rounded to the fourth decimal place. Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses, Community College courses included on the most recent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement Transfer List, and courses taught at four-year universities and colleges carry one (1.0) extra quality point. Honors courses carry one-half (0.5) extra quality point. This program guide designates courses with weighted credit with an “AP” or “HN.” To obtain information about which courses carry weighted credit, as well as general information about class rank, students should consult with their counselors.
A Senior Honors rank is calculated and awarded in accordance with Policy 3450, Class Rankings. For students graduating at the end of eight semesters, all high schools will determine senior honors using the GPA at the end of the 1st semester of the graduating year (semester 7). If any student believes that their last semester courses will impact their honors status, they can request that the school review their transcript and final grades. If final semester grades are likely to result in a new / different recognition, the school will honor that recognition. Please note that updates to honors status will only be able to be changed in the graduation program up until a certain date as those are printed well before graduation. No student who earns graduation honors will have their status altered if their final GPA falls in the last semester of study. For students graduating midyear, the school will use this same system for determining graduation honors using the weighted GPA from the last completed semester of study. The principal shall have final approval of honors designations.
Latin Honors
Beginning in 2018-19, the WCPSS will designate the following senior honors in lieu of naming a Valedictorian or Salutatorian:
- Students with a 3.75 - 3.99 weighted grade point average shall receive the distinction of cum laude.
- Students with a 4.0 - 4.249 weighted grade point average shall receive the distinction of magna cum laude.
- Students with a 4.25 or higher weighted grade point average shall receive the distinction of summa cum laude.
Reference: WCPSS School Board Policy 3450, Class Rankings
Transfer Credit
Students transferring into a WCPSS high school from another school (public or private, a home school, or an alternative school) may receive credit toward graduation for courses successfully completed in the sending school.
Students transferring from a non-magnet WCPSS school to another WCPSS school will receive:
- Credit for all courses approved by the sending school.
- Weighted credit for all courses designated as Honors and AP by the sending school.
Students transferring from a magnet WCPSS school to another WCPSS school will receive:
- Credit for all courses approved by the sending school.
- Weighted credit for all courses designated as Honors or AP in the non-magnet WCPSS High School Program Planning Guide that was in effect for the year the courses were taken or the magnet planning guide for the receiving magnet school.
Students transferring from another public-school system or from a charter school into WCPSS will receive:
- Credit for all courses approved by the sending school.
- Weighted credit for all courses designated by the sending school system as Honors or AP only if comparable courses are designated Honors or AP in the non-magnet WCPSS High School Program Planning Guide that was in effect for the year the courses were taken.
Students transferring from a non-public school accredited by one of the six regional accrediting associations* into the WCPSS will receive:
- Credit for all courses approved by the sending school.
- Weighted credit for all courses designated by the sending school system as Honors or AP only if comparable courses are designated Honors or AP in the non-magnet WCPSS High School Program Planning Guide that was in effect the year the courses were taken.
Upon review and approval by the principal, students transferring into a WCPSS school from a non-public school not accredited by one of the six regional accrediting associations* or from a home school may receive credit toward graduation for courses successfully completed in the non-accredited, non-public school according to the following guidelines:
- Documentation must be provided to the receiving WCPSS School by the sending school as to the course of study the student followed, materials used, work samples, total number of contact hours per course, and scores of any standardized tests the student has taken.
- Grades will be recorded as "Pass" (P) or "Fail" (F) and will be identified on the transcript as non-WCPSS grades.
- Grades and credits will not be included in the calculation of GPA or class rank.
Per Wake County School Board Regulation Code 5535.7 R&P, students reentering a WCPSS school after being long-term suspended, suspended for 365 days, or expelled from the Wake County Public School System may earn credits toward graduation and/or promotion to the next grade for courses successfully completed during the period of suspension while enrolled in a private school, an institution of higher education, or a homeschool program. The principal will review the student's record as provided by the sending school to determine if credit should be granted for the courses successfully completed. If credit is granted:
- Grades will be recorded as "Pass" (P) or "Fail" (F).
- No quality points will be awarded for credits earned while the student is suspended or expelled from WCPSS.
- Credits will not count as credits attempted for purposes of calculating the student's GPA and class rank.
- The student will not be eligible for any school recognition or honor which is determined by the student’s cumulative GPA or class rank.
To the extent possible, students who transfer among schools in Wake County or who transfer into the WCPSS in the middle of an academic year will be enrolled in courses that are similar to those in which they had been enrolled at their previous school. In the event that, due to course offerings in the new school, a student is unable to enroll in a course that is similar to one in which he or she had been enrolled, the student will be given the opportunity to enroll in an alternate course that will not result in the denial of credit to the extent practical in the school setting; for example, if the student can "catch up" in class or perform adequately without having completed the first part of the class. Determination of credit for transfer students will be based on a review of individual circumstances. The school system does not guarantee course credit if a student is unable to complete a course due to a transfer.
* Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern, and Western Associations
Transcripts
WCPSS high schools use the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) Electronic Transcript as the primary method of sending senior transcripts to institutions of higher education in North Carolina. All North Carolina colleges, universities and community colleges accept the CFNC Electronic Transcript. These transcripts are free to current seniors and are sent within one day of the request through the student CFNC account online. More information can be found at www.cfnc.org.
WCPSS high schools provide each currently enrolled high school student access to official transcripts at no charge. After receiving written permission from the parent for students under the age of 18, these transcripts will be sent to any college, university, or organization requested.Transcripts may be requested online via your high school’s website or https://wcpss.scriborder.com.
In addition to the initial transcripts, there is no charge for the following:- Mid-year senior year transcript
- Final transcript after graduation
- Transcript for any scholarship or award requested by the high school scholarship committee. Consult your school counselor or registrar for more information on sending transcripts.
Program Details
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Drivers Education
Drivers Education is offered through a private contractor during after-school hours, holidays, and summer months. Enrollment information is available from site coordinators in each high school.
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NCAA Eligibility Requirements
The NCAA has established a central clearinghouse to certify athletic eligibility to Division I and Division II institutions. Students who intend to participate with or without a scholarship as a freshman in college must register with and be certified as eligible by the NCAA Eligibility Center. Please note that initial eligibility certification pertains only to NCAA requirements for participation in Division I or II athletics and has no bearing on admission to a particular Division I or II institution. Please note the following:
● It is best to register at the beginning of your sophomore year.
● Register online at www.eligibilitycenter.org. For Division III, contact your Division III college regarding its policies on financial aid, practice and competition.
● For the latest NCAA Division I or II requirements and current NCAA approved course lists, go to www.eligibilitycenter.org.
Programs for Exceptional Students
Students who meet state criteria for Special Education are eligible for special services. After the required evaluations have been completed by the appropriate staff, an Individual Education Program (IEP) is developed by an IEP Team that considers each student's strengths and weaknesses. The IEP is a document that specifically states the services a student receives, their goals and objections, and addresses high school transition planning. Special Education courses are included in the Course Descriptions section of this guide.
Special Education services are provided to an identified student with special needs within the following continuum:
● Special education/related services are provided in a regular classroom.
● Special education/related services are provided part time in a setting outside the regular classroom.
● Special education/related services are provided full time in a setting outside the regular classroom.
For more information about these programs, students should see their counselors. -
Study Abroad
For a student to take courses abroad and receive high school credit in Wake County, careful planning based on outlined procedures is required. Credit may be given for those courses that have substantial equivalency to a Wake County high school course in content and hours as documented by a syllabus from the school.
Grades will be recorded in accordance with Board Policy 3460 R&P. A notation of “Pass” (P) or “Fail” (F) will be made on the permanent record. This procedure, while resolving the problem of incompatible grading systems, may affect a student's ability to qualify as a “North Carolina Academic Scholar” and other academic recognitions.
A. Responsibilities of the Student
1. File “Request for Credit for Study Abroad” by July 1 of the year preceding the proposed study; approval cannot be granted until the student submits a copy of the syllabus of the course(s) for which credit is requested. The hours of study and grading system in the course(s) must be included.
2. Notify his/her principal and receive approval for any course changes by December 31 of the year prior to his/her study abroad.
3. Mail to his/her Wake County high school a copy of the first semester grade report received on approved courses.
4. Schedule and take required End-of-Course tests and teacher examinations of the Wake County course(s) for which substitution is to be made. This requires the student to be available one week prior to graduation from high school (June or August graduation is available).
5. Notify the school of any changes in permanent address and telephone numbers.B. Responsibilities of the School
1. Approve or deny “Request for Credit for Study Abroad” no more than two weeks after course syllabus is presented.
2. Administer required End-of-Course tests and teacher examinations to students.
3. Enter an E-1 on the last day of school on the principal’s monthly report for students studying abroad. -
North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS)
A student requesting to be enrolled in a district-approved online for credit course must meet with his/her school counselor to discuss online learning opportunities and determine eligibility. Once eligibility is determined, the student, along with his/her parent/guardian must submit a signed Online Course Enrollment Form to his/her school counselor for principal approval.
Course options and logistics around online learning is governed by WCPSS Board Policy 3102 and its related R&P. -
Credit Recovery vs Repeating a Course for Credit
NC State Board of Education Policy CCRE-001 defines “repeating a course for credit” as any high school course repeated via any delivery method when the entire Standard Course of Study is being taught for the second time. “Credit recovery” is defined as delivering a subset of the Standard Course of Study in order to specifically address deficiencies in a student’s mastery of the course and target specific components of a course necessary for completion.
When a student is completing a course via credit recovery, the following apply:
● The length of credit recovery courses will be dictated by the skills and knowledge the student needs to recover and not be a fixed length of time. For example, a student may only need a few weeks to recover the needed skills and knowledge and would not be required to take the course for the entire semester (or year).
● When credit recovery is exercised, the original record of the course being completed and failed will remain on the transcript.
● The grade for credit recovery is pass/fail and does not factor into the student’s GPA.
When a student is repeating a course for credit, the following apply:
● Students will receive a numerical grade and both grades will appear on the high school transcript.
● For students who initially fail a course and repeat the full course and earn a passing grade:
○ Prior to 2015-16, both grades will count towards GPA calculation.
○ Beginning in 2015-16, the new course grade will replace the failing grade in GPA calculation.
● For students who passed the course with minimal proficiency and are retaking it to build a stronger foundation:
○ Students will receive a numerical grade and both grades will appear on the high school transcript.
○ Both grades will count towards GPA calculation.
○ Students will not receive credit towards graduation for the second attempt with the course.
● Only grades earned in high school are included in a student’s high school GPA.
● Students will take any associated End-of-Course (EOC) assessment. Those students who have already scored at Level 3, 4, or 5 on the associated EOC assessment may elect either to retake the EOC or use the previous passing EOC score as 20% of their final grade. If the student retakes the EOC, the higher of the two scores will be used in the calculation of the final grade.
Alternative Programs of Study
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International Baccalaureate Programmes
Garner Magnet High School is authorized to offer three of the four available International Baccalaureate Programmes—the Middle Years Programme (MYP) the Diploma Programme (DP) and, most recently, the Career-related Programme (CP). These complementary programs provide students with an educational environment that emphasizes intellectual challenge while encouraging them to make connections between their studies in traditional subjects and the real world. The programmes foster the development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement—essential qualities for young people who are becoming global leaders. A significant goal of the programmes is to help students see their education in the context of how they live their lives and how they interact with the world around them. To this end the programmes adheres to the foundational principals of classroom rigor, collaborative and cross-cultural curriculum, and an international-minded approach to understanding course content. The emphasis on these core principals have made the International Baccalaureate Organization a global leader in education.
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Academically or Intellectually Gifted Services
Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) students may be identified in English/Language Arts, mathematics, or in both areas. Students who qualify for the AIG program are served through self-selected courses within specified Honors and/or AP English classes and/or in specified advanced level mathematics courses. These courses are designed to provide challenges and appropriate instruction for very capable students through more frequent use of higher-level skills and concepts and development of advanced, independent research projects.
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Advanced Placement Program
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program offers students the opportunity to engage in rigorous college-level course work in a high school setting. AP courses support students in cultivating important skills and habits of mind that are essential for college and career readiness. Additionally, students may receive higher consideration for admission to colleges and universities, as well as possible college or university course credit and/or placement. WCPSS offers numerous AP courses throughout the district in the areas of Arts Education, World Languages, English Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, and Social Studies, and others. Specific course offerings vary from school to school.
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Dual Enrollment Opportunities
As outlined in Policy 3101, in its effort to provide a rigorous expanded curriculum that will adequately prepare students for future education and workplace endeavors, the Wake County Board of Education will support high school students who wish to enroll in an appropriate college course or combination of college courses outside the Wake County Public School System for high school credit. Principals shall award dual credit according to the Career & College Promise program guidelines established by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). Only courses that articulate to courses included in the Dual Credit Chart will be considered for credit on the high school transcript.
Any student who is dually enrolled must continue to be present at a WCPSS school for a minimum of 50% of the instructional day. The parent or guardian of the high school student must give permission for the course to be taken and then student and parent/guardian must complete the WCPSS dual enrollment form prior to enrolling in the course. Enrollment of a student in a course is the responsibility of the student and parent/guardian. The course must be approved in advance by the principal using the dual enrollment form.
General Policies, Eligibility Guidelines, and Application Process
1. The course must be part of the student’s comprehensive course of study.
2. The course must provide opportunities not currently available at the student’s school.
3. The student must be enrolled for at least 50% of the instructional day and progressing toward graduation at the base school.
4. The student must complete the Dual Enrollment form and have the signed approval of the principal or principal designee prior to registering for the course.
5. The student must contact the cooperating institution and complete all admission and registration, or other requirements as requested by the IHE, community college, or non-WCPSS secondary school. The student must provide their own transportation, be responsible for any fees, and follow all rules, regulations, and calendars as set by the cooperating institution.
6. The student will be responsible for providing an official grade report directly to the base school as evidence of dual enrollment course completion. The course will be added to the student’s transcript and an Incomplete (I) will be noted until the official grade is received. If a transcript is not received, the grade will convert from an Incomplete (I) to an F, and an F will be calculated on the transcript. Once a student is enrolled, the course cannot be dropped without permission of the principal and following proper procedures of the cooperating institution.
a. University or college transfer courses of three to give (3-5) hours will receive one credit at the base school.
b. Community college courses of at least forty-nine (49) contact hours will receive one-half credit at the base school. Community college courses of at least ninety-nine (99) contact hours will receive one-half credit at the base school.
7. The student must take IHE, community college, or non-WCPSS secondary school courses for graded credit in order to earn a high school credit.
8. Quality points will be calculated as defined in the WCPSS High School Program Planning Guide.Additional details and regulations are available in Policy 3101 and its related R&P.