Episcopal School of Acadiana Upper School Course of Study
2021-2022
What’s New for 2021-2022 1. Course descriptions may now be found on the ESA website under the Academics/Upper School menu. Scroll down to the Upper School Curriculum box, select a department, and you are on your way. 2. New marking period academic honors - see page 6 of this publication. 3. A description of the Academic Support Program - see page 9 4. Curriculum changes for 2021-2022 a. English IV: Beginning next year, seniors will fulfill their English requirement by taking two semester-long courses. These courses are designed to do “deep dives” into specific genres, themes, ages, and/or and topics in literature. This will permit seniors to explore aspects of literature that most interest them. Each course will be stand alone, meaning at the end of each semester the final grade for the course will be posted to the transcript and credit earned. Courses offered will vary from year to year, and their descriptions will be available on the ESA website. Though the AP English Literature & Composition course will not be taught, optional workshops will be held throughout the spring to prepare seniors for the AP exam should they desire to take it. b. Senior math: The ESA math department believes that exposure to both calculus and statistics before graduation is very important. Accordingly, a new course, Advanced Math - Calculus & Statistics, will be taught beginning 2021-2022 for students who choose not to take AP Calculus. This is a year-long course with introductory calculus being taught one semester and introductory statistics taught the other. This course is replacing the year-long courses of Calculus and AP Statistics. c. New elective courses: • • • •
Psychology (spring semester) World War I, World War II, & The Cold War (spring semester) Music Theory Leadership Colloquium (fall & spring)
Upper School Course of Study
Table of Contents Graduation Requirements TOPS Core Curriculum - Class of 2018 and beyond Awarding of Credit Grading System Computing Grade Point Average Academic Recognitions The Cum Laude Society Marking Period Honors Headmaster’s List Dean’s List Honor Roll Senior Spring Seniors’ Last Day of Classes Progress towards Diploma Academic Probation Athletic Eligibility Course Selection Process Special Note Regarding AP Courses Change of Schedule Independent Study Academic Support Program Traditional Course of Study Personal 4-Year Plan Worksheet
2 3 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 8-9 9 9 9 10 11
Contacts Dr. Movassaghi, Head of Upper School Mr. Chrysler, Academic Dean/College Counselor Mrs. Davis, Counselor Mrs. Roche, Director of Academic Support Mr. Bourgeois, Athletic Director
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kmovassaghi@esacadiana.com schrysler@esacadiana.com adavis@esacadiana.com lroche@esacadiana.com mbourgeois@esacadiana.com
Upper School Course of Study
Upper School Course of Study and Planning Guide Each ESA student should select a program of study that is both challenging and rewarding. While requirements for graduation will determine much of the course of study, there are options for each student to consider in planning his or her four year experience. As students plan for the upcoming school year, they should review their present transcripts, paying particular attention to graduation requirements. Students and parents may see a student’s unofficial transcript through myESA via the Progress menu. Students should consider their academic and co-curricular interests as well as college and future plans in choosing their courses. Extracurricular activities should be chosen carefully to achieve a balance between academics and extras. It is a common and recommended practice that students above the ninth grade have one unencumbered period during the day (i.e. a “free” period). Each spring students will make course selections for the following year and should keep in mind the following:
Ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students are required to be enrolled in at least 6 courses per semester. Twelfth grade students are required to be enrolled in at least 5 courses per semester. Seek the counsel of their faculty advisor, individual teachers, Academic Dean, College Counselor, or Head of Upper School as to what courses and levels are most appropriate.
Current year teachers will make recommendations for honors level and Advanced Placement courses
via myESA. These recommendations are based on what the teacher believes is in the best interest of the student to establish a strong foundation in the discipline as well as ability to perform to the student’s highest level. Students are welcome to have discussions with teachers and department chairs to discuss the possibility of taking an honors or AP course if they have not been recommended. All requests for honors level or Advanced Placement courses must be approved by the department chair. Please carefully consider the College Counseling Note below when considering making a request for accelerated courses.
● LHSAA rules require the following for academic eligibility: Fall semester - Pass 6 units the previous academic year with a C average Spring semester - Pass 6 subjects in the fall semester (no grade stipulation) Note: a senior who has accumulated 20 or more units may take five subjects/units for the fall semester and must pass all five. Questions regarding specific eligibility requirements should be addressed to the Athletic Director. College Counseling Note Throughout Upper School, the general rule of thumb is to pursue the five major subject areas—English, math, history, science, and world languages—for as long as possible and to the highest level successfully attainable. It is detrimental, however, to “over challenge” yourself. Taking an honors or AP course, struggling, and earning a low grade is not helpful either to a student’s learning or the student’s chances of admission to colleges. Colleges want students to take the toughest course that they can handle and in which they can do well. Students do themselves a great disservice by accelerating or taking honors and/or AP courses when it is inappropriate to do so. ESA does not track students. Accordingly, a student may receive the recommendation to take an honors or AP course in the future if academic performance indicates such a recommendation is appropriate. 1
Upper School Course of Study
Academics Grades 9-12 Diploma Requirements To comply with the TOPS University Diploma curriculum adopted by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Episcopal School of Acadiana requires that a student earns a minimum of 24 units or credits to receive a diploma. Of these 24 units, 21 units are in specifically required courses and 3 may be in courses of a student’s choice while adhering to the required distribution of units among the disciplines.
Discipline
Required Units Required Courses
English
4.0 units
English I, II, III, and IV
Mathematics
4.0 units
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus
Social Studies
4.0 units
World History, Western Civilization, U.S. History, Civics
Science
4.0 units
Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, 1 additional unit in a science course of choice
World Language
3.0 units
Through level III in one language
Health & Physical Education
2.0 units
Health & Physical Education I & II
Visual and/or Performing Arts
1.5 units
Additional Units in course of choice
1.5 units
Notes on Required Units: ● Eighth Grade Algebra I - Successful completion of this course, at the recommendation of the Mathematics Department,
fulfills 1 required unit of mathematics for graduation
Middle School World Languages - Successful completion of the Middle School World Language sequence, at the recommendation of the World Language Department, fulfills 1 required unit of world language for graduation equivalent to French I or Spanish I.
Western Civilization may be substituted with AP European History U.S. History may be substituted with AP U.S. History Civics may be substituted with AP U.S. Government & Politics/AP Macroeconomics Enrollment in Health & Physical Education is required of all 9th and 10th grade students ● Units earned in any course beyond those fulfilling a discipline’s graduation requirement can count as an course of
choice unit.
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Upper School Course of Study
TOPS Core Curriculum
For Opportunity, Performance, and Honors Awards For High School graduates of 2018 and thereafter Units
Courses
ENGLISH = 4 Units 1 unit
English I
1 unit
English II
1 unit from the following:
English III or AP English Language & Composition
1 unit from the following:
English IV or AP English Literature & Composition
MATH = 4 Units 1 unit
Algebra I
1 unit
Geometry
1 unit
Algebra II
1 unit from the following:
Algebra III; Advanced Math - Functions and Statistics, Advanced Math - Pre-Calculus, or Pre-Calculus; Calculus or AP Calculus AB; AP Calculus BC; Probability and Statistics or AP Statistics; AP Computer Science A
SCIENCE = 4 Units 1 unit
Biology I
1 unit
Chemistry I
2 units from the following:
Earth Science; Environmental Science; Physical Science; Agriscience I & II (1 unit combined), Chemistry II, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, Physics I, AP Physics B, AP Physics II, AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism, AP Physics C: Mechanics; AP Physics I & AP Physics II; Biology II, AP Biology, Human Anatomy & Physiology
SOCIAL STUDIES = 4 Units 1 unit from the following:
U.S. History or AP U.S. History
1 unit from the following:
Civics, Government, AP U.S. Government & Politics: Comparative, or AP U.S. Government & Politics: United States
2 units from the following:
Western Civilization, European History, or AP European History; World Geography or AP Human Geography; World History or AP World History; History of Religion; Economics, AP Macroeconomics, or AP Microeconomics, AP Psychology
FOREIGN LANGUAGE = 2 Units 2 units
Foreign Language (2 units in the same language)
FINE ARTS = 1 Unit
1 unit from the following:
TOTAL = 19 Units
(800) 259-5626, Ext. 1012 custserv@osfa.la.gov www.osfa.la.gov P.O. Box 91202 Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9202
Performance course in Music, Dance, or Theatre; Fine Arts Survey; Art I, II, III, IV; Music I, II, III, IV; Speech III & Speech IV (one unit combined); AP Art History, AP Studio Art: 2D Design; AP Studio Art: 3D Design; AP Studio Art: Drawing; AP Music Theory; Drafting; Media Arts I, II, III, and IV; Photography I; Photography II; Digital Photography See note on next page
This core curriculum is accurate as of the date of publication and includes courses listed in TOPS statute. Updated : 09/26/2016
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Upper School Course of Study
Note on TOPS GPA Calculation beginning with the Class of 2018: Beginning with students entering the 9th grade in 2014-2015 and graduating in the 2017-2018 school year and thereafter, the calculation of the TOPS Core Curriculum grade point average (GPA) will use a five(5.00) point scale for grades earned in certain designated Advanced Placement (AP) courses; International Baccalaureate (IB) courses; Gifted courses; Dual Enrollment courses, Honors courses and Articulated courses offered for college credit by the Louisiana School for the Math, Science and the Arts used to complete the TOPS Core Curriculum. The courses currently designated to be calculated on the 5.00 point scale can be viewed at https://www.osfa.la.gov/5scale. For the designated courses, five quality points will be assigned to a letter grade of “A”, four quality points will be assigned to a letter grade of “B”, three quality points will be assigned to a letter grade of “C”, two quality points will be assigned to a letter grade of “D”, and zero quality points will be assigned to a letter grade of “F”. Note that students earning credit in courses graded on the five (5.00) point scale may earn a grade point average on the TOPS Core Curriculum that exceeds 4.00. Note on qualifying TOPS GPA beginning with the Class of 2021: Beginning with 2021 graduates, the GPA required to qualify for the Performance Award will be 3.25 and the GPA required to qualify for the Honors Award will be 3.50. Addendum: This revision was placed on hold the spring of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been no notification of when it will take effect.
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Upper School Course of Study
Awarding of Credit ● To receive credit in a course, a student must ear n a final gr ade of at least D-; however, ESA reserves
the right to require that any student earning a final grade of D+, D, or D- have tutorial summer work.
● Failing a course for the year in the Upper School will r esult in the student having to make up the wor k
for the year (as directed by the teacher, department chair, and Head of Upper School) or repeat the course. Any course taken at another academic institution must be pre-approved by the Head of Upper School if ESA credit is desired.
● Seniors must pass all cour ses scheduled in the senior year and may not fail the second semester of a
year-long course to graduate.
● Summer Program Credit All summer pr ogr ams taken as a cr edit cour se must be pr e-approved by the
Head of the Upper School and the appropriate department chair prior to the student's enrollment in the program. Grades earned at institutions other than ESA are not included in a student’s ESA GPA, though will be listed on the transcript noting the appropriate awarded credit if proper documentation is received by ESA at the conclusion of the program.
● Transfer of Credits When a student who has alr eady ear ned cr edits towar ds a diploma at another school enrolls at ESA, ESA will evaluate the credits awarded and apply them to the appropriate ESA diploma requirements. Grades earned at other schools will not be included in a student’s ESA GPA. ESA uses a standard letter scale (A,B,C, D, and F) with pluses and minuses. A+ = 97 - 100
B+ = 87 - 89
C+ = 77 - 79
D+ = 67 - 69
A
B
C
D
= 93 - 96
A- = 90 - 92
= 83 - 86
B- = 80 - 82
= 73 - 76
C- = 70 - 72
= 63 - 66
D- = 60 - 62
F = 0 - 59
Computing Grade Point Average ESA computes grade point averages using only grades earned at ESA. In computing GPA, ESA adds 0.67 quality points to grade points earned in Advanced Placement courses and 0.33 to grade points earned in Honors courses. These additional points do not change the grade earned in a course but give it an additional weight when GPA is calculated. The following formula should be used when determining quality points awarded: Quality points awarded for course = (Grade in course + Weight) x Number of credits earned. No weight will be given to a grade of F. ESA calculates a GPA including pluses and minuses. Letter grades correspond to the following numerical values and grade point equivalent on a student's transcript. A+ = 4.33 A = 4.00 A- = 3.67
B+ = 3.33 B = 3.00 B- = 2.67
C+ = 2.33 C = 2.00 C- = 1.67 F = 0.0
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D+ = 1.33 D = 1.00 D- = 0.67
Upper School Course of Study
Academic Recognitions Academic Ranking ESA does not academically rank students.
The Cum Laude Society ESA received its charter for a chapter of The Cum Laude Society December 2018. Founded in 1906, the Cum Laude Society is dedicated to honoring scholastic achievement in secondary schools. The founders of the society modeled Cum Laude after Phi Beta Kappa, and the presence of a Cum Laude chapter at a secondary school is an indication that superior scholastic achievement is honored. Each Chapter may elect up to 20% of the members of the Senior Class in the college preparatory curriculum who have an honor record. Beginning with the Class of 2022, half may be elected at the end of the junior year or at any time during the senior year and the remainder at the end of the senior year. To be considered for membership, a junior must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.20 and a senior a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.00. A student must also be in good standing with the school and attended ESA for at least four consecutive semesters to be considered.
Marking Period Honors Beginning with the 2021-2022 academic year, ESA will have three levels of academic honors a student may earn for a quarter, semester, and/or the year—Headmaster’s List, Dean’s List, and Honor Roll. As the highest attainable GPA varies greatly from ninth grade year to twelfth grade year, these recognitions have different qualifications depending if a student is in the ninth or tenth grade and if a student is in the eleventh or twelfth grade due to GPA weighting and the availability of honors and AP courses. To be considered for a marking period honor, a student must earn a grade of at least a B (83-86) for the grading period in all courses. Qualifying GPA 9th & 10th Grade
11th & 12th Grade
Headmaster’s List
4.00
4.20
Dean’s List
3.75
4.00
Honor Roll
No grade below B
Senior Spring Semester Spring Semester Exam Exemption Senior Spring Exam Exemption is a way for the school to recognize and encourage academic achievement as seniors come to the end of their time in upper school. Exam Exemption is a privilege that is earned by meeting obligations and working hard. The exemption applies only to course exams; it does not pertain to final projects, papers, Advanced Placement Exams, or other assessments. Exemption is determined on a course by course basis. For seniors who have a B (83) average or higher for the spring semester on the last day of classes for seniors, it is the student’s choice whether or not to take the course’s spring exam. However, teachers are welcome to offer guidance if the teacher feels it would be advantageous for the student to take the exam.
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Upper School Course of Study
Seniors’ Last Day of Classes The seniors’ last full day of classes will typically be the Friday directly prior to the date of the first Advanced Placement Exam administered on the ESA campus. A senior enrolled in Advanced Placement classes must be aware that teachers of those courses may request seniors to attend additional classes and/or review sessions up to the date of that class’ Advanced Placement exam. A senior who has not earned exemption from a course’s spring semester exam will be expected to attend that class until the course’s spring exam is administered.
Progress Towards Diploma Episcopal School of Acadiana expects each of its students to make positive academic progress towards meeting diploma requirements each marking period. At the conclusion of each semester, each student’s grades and comments will be reviewed by the Academic Dean to assess overall progress. Should a student not be making positive progress, the following procedures have been established to help the family and the school evaluate if ESA is the most appropriate academic placement for the student. Academic Probation A student will be placed on Academic Probation if he or she receives the following or any combination of the following: 1. three semester grades of C- or below in any courses, 2. two semester grades of D+, D, or D- or below in any course, 3. a semester grade of F in any course. Academic Probation is a signal to the student and the family that the student must focus on academic preparation and commitment. A student placed on Academic Probation will have a meeting with the Academic Dean and/or Upper School Counselor to discuss the academic deficiencies and recommendations necessary to improve academic performance for the coming semester. A follow up meeting with the student’s parent(s), member(s) of the Upper School administration, the student’s advisor, and necessary teachers may be scheduled. At the conclusion of the next semester, the student’s grades and comments will be reviewed by the Upper School administration to determine if improvement has been made. If the student has not improved sufficiently, the student may be asked to withdraw from ESA. Students placed on Academic Probation for the spring semester will not receive a contract for the following academic year. Instead, most will receive an Intent to Re-enroll form. Completing this form and returning the appropriate enrollment deposit will the student a space in the class for the following academic year should the student come off of academic probation. Should the student not be issued a contract, the enrolment deposit will returned.
Athletic Eligibility LHSAA rules require the following for academic eligibility: Fall semester - Pass 6 units the previous academic year with a C average Spring semester - Pass 6 subjects in the fall semester (no grade stipulation); a senior who has accumulated 20 or more units may take five subjects/units for the fall semester and must pass all five. A student declared academically ineligible may still practice but is not permitted to travel with the team. Questions regarding specific eligibility requirements should be addressed to the Athletic Director.
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Upper School Course of Study
Course Selection Process Grades 9-12 Parent Approval During second semester, each student will select courses for the following year. Parents should discuss course choices with their child, confirm that the requests continue to appropriately progress the student through the curriculum and towards an ESA diploma, and, finally, sign the on-line form indicating their approval for the student’s course selection. A parent will approve student course request through myESA. Minimum/Maximum Course Load & Selection of Courses Students in the ninth, tenth, and eleventh grades are required to schedule a minimum of six courses each semester. Twelfth grade students are required to schedule a minimum of five courses per semester. Students planning to compete on an interscholastic team should know current LHSAA eligibility requirements to be sure LHSAA rules are met. LHSAA rules require the following for academic eligibility: Fall semester - Pass 6 units the previous academic year with a C average Spring semester - Pass 6 subjects in the fall semester (no grade stipulation); a senior who has accumulated 20 or more units may take five subjects/units for the fall semester and must pass all five. A student declared academically ineligible may still practice but is not permitted to travel with the team. Questions regarding specific eligibility requirements should be addressed to the Athletic Director. Unencumbered Periods Students are not required to have a scheduled class every period of the day. Having an unencumbered period for a semester or for the year affords students the opportunity to learn how to use free time to complete work, review for an upcoming class, meet with a teacher for out-of-class assistance, or begin homework. Recommendations for Honors and Advanced Placement Courses Current year teachers will make recommendations for honors level and Advanced Placement course via myESA. These recommendations are based on what the teacher believes is in the best interest of the student to establish a strong foundation in the discipline as well ability to perform to the student’s highest level. Students are welcome to have discussions with teachers and department chairs to discuss the possibility of taking an honors or AP course if they have not been recommended. All requests for honors level or Advanced Placement cour ses must be appr oved by the depar tment chair . All families should car efully r ead and consider the College Counseling Note on page 1 of this guide prior to requesting accelerated courses. Special Note Regarding Advanced Placement Courses Advanced Placement courses are college-level courses purposefully designed to culminate with a standardized exam. A student’s performance on this exam may enable them to earn college credit as well as advanced standing. Students should expect a college-level workload in an AP course as well an increased number of writing assignments—both timed and out of class. Teachers of Advanced Placement classes may require additional summer reading to prepare for the course, assignments over scheduled school vacations, and hold additional review sessions outside of scheduled class. Students choosing to enroll in an Advanced Placement course are expected to meet these obligations. Seniors should be aware that their obligation to an Advanced Placement course will extend beyond their last day of classes.
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Upper School Course of Study
To schedule an AP course a student must have approval from with the appropriate faculty member. Present cost of each AP test taken is $94 and will be billed through the ESA monthly billing system. It is the expectation of ESA that a student enrolled in an Advanced Placement course will take the AP exam in May. Should a student not take the exam, the AP designation will be removed from the course and replaced with an Honors designation, the final grade weighted accordingly in the GPA, and colleges notified of the change in course of study as required. Scheduling Process Scheduling of courses is done on a priority basis by descending grade level with seniors having first priority. A student’s need to take a course to fulfill a mandatory course requirement for a diploma will supersede seniority. Change of Schedule All changes to a student’s course schedule must be approved by the Upper School Academic Dean and a parent. The student should obtain a Change of Schedule form from the Academic Dean only after fully discussing the proposed change with his or her teacher and parents. No schedule change will take effect until the completed form with all signatures has been approved by the Academic Dean. The Drop period concludes five days after first quarter interims are posted to myESA for full-year courses and five days after third quarter interims are posted to myESA for courses that begin in the spring semester. The drop period for an Advance Placement course concludes five days after first quarter grades are posted to myESA. Dropping or withdrawing from a course after this period will result in the course being listed on the student’s transcript with a grade notation of WP (withdraw passing) or WF (withdraw failing) as determined by the student’s cumulative achievement in the course as of the date of withdraw. Independent Study Students who have demonstrated academic distinction in a given discipline may propose an Independent Study within the field. The purpose of independent study is to give students the opportunity to work on a welldefined research project or to pursue, in detail, special topics of interest in the discipline under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Independent Study is study that supplements ESA’s regular curriculum and is not used as replacement for a course or credit required to earn an ESA diploma. An Independent Study does not count towards a student’s minimum course load. Independent Study Proposal forms are available from the Academic Dean and must be completed well prior to the beginning of the term for which the independent study is proposed. Academic Support Program The Academic Support program is a contracted service designed to meet the individual learning needs of students. Students schedule Academic Support as one of their courses within the ESA academic schedule and typically meet in same-grade pairs. Supporting the belief that students learn in different ways, the Academic Support staff work with students, teachers, parents and administrators to devise an approach to learning tailored to each student. Based on diagnostic test results and/or consultation with parents and teachers, Academic Support provides students with strategies to enhance learning through skill development with topics including but not limited to: generalized study strategies, organization, planning, and test preparation. Special assistance is provided for students with learning differences. If you are interest in participating in the Academic Support Program, speak with Mrs. Lahna Roche.
9
10
English III or AP English Composition
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4 credits of math
Pre-Calc or Advanced Math or AP Calculus
Algebra II or Pre-Calculus
4 credits of social studies
Civics or AP US Gov’t & Politics/AP Econ
U.S. History
Western Civilization
World History
SOCIAL STUDIES
1 credit = 1 year
4 credits of science
Biology II or AP Chemistry or Physics or Enviro Science
Chemistry
Biology
Physical Science
SCIENCE
3 credits of the same language
AP Language
Year IV
Year III
Year II
Year I
WORLD LANGUAGES
2 credits of health & phys. ed.
Health & Phys. Ed. II
Health & Phys. Ed. I
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
1.5 credits in the arts
Art Course of Choice ‡
Art Course of Choice ‡
Art Course of Choice ‡
Art Course of Choice ‡
Design Foundations or Music I or Theatre I‡
ARTS
Students are required to earn a minimum of 24 credits to earn an ESA diploma. The additional 1.5 credit not specified above are to be filled with courses of choice.
This is a traditional course of study; many alternatives courses of study exist that include honors sections, Advanced Placement courses, and/or subject acceleration
‡ = One semester (1/2 year) course
4 credits of English
English IV
English II
10
12
Algebra I or Geometry
English I
9
Geometry or Algebra II
Algebra I
MATH
8
ENGLISH
Traditional Course of Study toward an ESA Diploma
11
Total graduation credits for the year
Arts
Health & PE
World Language
Science
Social Studies
Math
English
8
9
10
My Planned Course of Study 11
12