High School and Beyond Plan - Graduation Plans
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students of 2008 and beyond,
Selecting the right classes during high school can give students a competitive edge in the post-high school world. The state requires all high school graduates (beginning with the Class of 2008) to develop a High School and Beyond/13th Year Plan. This plan is intended to guide students through the process of developing an academic plan that starts in high school and reaches beyond. This piece along with activities presented in advisory and other core classes becomes the High School and Beyond Plan portion of the Master Portfolio.
Please examine and discuss the following three general graduation plans. Choose the plan that is right for your student. Throughout the high school years, your student will use this plan to guide their course selections. As your student progresses through high school we encourage you to take the opportunity to periodically review this plan.
Your student’s dreams and plans for the future are important. We look forward to your student’s success!
Plan A
This 4-year graduation plan is designed to prepare students to meet the graduation requirements of the State of Washington and the Federal Way Public Schools.
This graduation plan will prepare students for entry into the military, attendance at a skills center, certification in an area such as Computer Technology, many entry positions in the apprentice workforce, such as auto technology and carpentry, and of course for direct entry into the workforce upon graduation.
Admissions to community or technical colleges is also possible with this plan, however transferring to four-year colleges will require very intensive course work at the community college. This plan does not meet the requirements specified by the four-year colleges of the State of Washington or most other conventional colleges and universities.In order to accomplish this Graduation Plan, students must:
- Meet the state's Reading, Writing, and Math testing requirements. Beginning with the class of 2015 and beyond, students must also meet the state's Science testing requirements,
- Obtain 23.5* credits including several mandatory classes in English, Mathematics, & Science, and
- Complete a High School and Beyond Plan and Culminating Project.
The courses will have a strong emphasis on fundamental communications skills and on concepts that are essential. They usually contain much practice and reinforcement. Assignments will be regularly given and fully structured.
Plan B
This 4-year graduation plan is designed to prepare students to meet the graduation requirements of the State of Washington and the Federal Way Public Schools, and the proposed requirements of the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) of the State of Washington that specifies the admissions requirements for entry into the Washington State’s public four-year colleges.
This plan includes elective courses and courses designed to prepare students to continue their education. They will require well-developed reading, writing, verbal, conceptual, mathematical, and study abilities, as well as substantial outside preparation.
This graduation plan will prepare students for entry into many of the 4-year colleges of this country if the student’s achievement levels are adequate. If financial aid is sought, this plan may not be adequate to attract substantial aid grants.
In order to accomplish this Graduation Plan, students must:
- Meet the state's Reading, Writing, and Math testing requirements. Beginning with the class of 2015 and beyond, students must also meet the state's Science testing requirements,
- Obtain 23.5* credits including several mandatory classes in English, Mathematics, & Science, and
- Complete a High School and Beyond Plan and Culminating Project.
- The proposed HECB requirements also include a minimum of 2 years of a Foreign Language and a minimum of 3 years of laboratory Science and Mathematics.
- Take the PSAT, SAT and are encouraged to take the ACT exams.
Plan C
This 4-year graduation plan is designed to prepare students to meet the graduation requirements of the State of Washington and the Federal Way Public Schools and the proposed requirements of the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) of the State of Washington that specifies the admissions requirements for entry into the Washington State’s four-year colleges.
Since many institutions of higher learning have more stringent requirements than the HECB, this plan addresses the needs of these institutions, as well as preparing students for increased possibilities of receiving financial aid and scholarships, including the Byrd Scholarships and the Academic Competitiveness Grants from the Federal Government. In addition, this plan will make students eligible for the State Scholars Initiative.
This plan contains highly challenging material, presented at an accelerated and more intensive pace than the typical college preparatory courses. These courses require advanced reading, writing, verbal, conceptual, and mathematical ability as well as extensive outside preparation.
In order to accomplish this Graduation Plan, students must:
- Meet the state's Reading, Writing, and Math testing requirements. Beginning with the class of 2015 and beyond, students must also meet the state's Science testing requirements,
- Obtain 23.5* credits including several mandatory classes in English, Mathematics & Science, and
- Complete a High School and Beyond Plan and Culminating Project.
- The proposed HECB requirements also include a minimum of 2 years of a Foreign Language and a minimum of 3 years of laboratory Science and Mathematics.
- Take a minimum of four Advanced Placement Courses or the International Baccalaureate program
- Take the PSAT, SAT and are encouraged to take the ACT exams.
