Program of Studies 2000-2001
Program of Studies Index Page District Home Page Schools Services Who to Contact Information Center Other Links What's New Weather Bulletin Email Us	COURSE REGISTRATION Every effort will be made to offer students the courses they request. Specific procedures for registration are necessary; therefore, STUDENTS AND PARENTS SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS IN ORDER TO AVOID MISUNDERSTANDINGS. l. Students and parents must carefully consider courses before registration. Students should plan their individual program for the entire period of four years to be spent in high school, with the understanding that changes can be made in this long-range planning. A conference will be scheduled with a guidance counselor to assist in this planning. 2. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF STUDENTS TO CHECK COLLEGE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS. OUT-OF-STATE REQUIREMENTS MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM SOUTH CAROLINA REQUIREMENTS. STUDENTS WHO DESIRE TO COMPETE IN COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT THE CORE COURSES THEY SELECT ARE ACCEPTABLE BY THE NCAA ELIGIBILITY CLEARINGHOUSE. SEE YOUR COUNSELOR FOR THE APPROVED LIST OF COURSES. 3. A prerequisite is a previous course that should be taken and passed before students can enroll in a new course. Students who have not completed the prerequisite may not be allowed in the new course. The prerequisites are described throughout the Program of Studies to assist students, parents, teachers, and guidance counselors in the selection of students' courses for the next academic year. Variations from the prerequisites should be discussed with the appropriate teacher and administrator. Recommendations of variations from the prerequisites will be made by the principal to the Department of Instruction. 4. Students who have registered for courses and become ineligible to take these courses because of failure are responsible for changing their registration forms. THESE STUDENTS SHOULD CHECK WITH THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS FINAL GRADES ARE RECEIVED. 5. Students who fail to register during the period of registration will be assigned to classes by the guidance counselor. 6. It is impossible to allow students and parents to pick teachers and time schedules; therefore, requests of this nature cannot be honored. 7. Some important reminders: JROTC CAN BE SUBSTITUTED FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION. 8. Course offerings will be determined by enrollment figures that will be justified by the administration. Course offerings requested by fewer than fifteen students will be presented to the Office of Instruction by the school principal to be approved by the superintendent. Factors to be considered will include, but not be limited to, the needs of the students, sequence of courses, prerequisites for future courses, cross listing of courses with other educational institutions, teaching personnel, department load, graduation status of students, and availability to take the courses if offered at a later time. This process will begin thirty days after pre-registration and continue through the tenth day of enrollment.
	STUDENT COURSE LOAD Using semester block scheduling, students will take four courses per semester, for a total of eight per year. The variety of course offerings allows students to take advantage of a wide range of required and elective courses. Variations from the requirement of eight courses per year must be approved by the principal.  All students will take four courses per semester, or equivalent courses that include courses at Lander University, Piedmont Technical College, or other local colleges.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR A GREENWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT 50 HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
CLASS OF 2001 - 2003
ENGLISH	4 UNITS
MATHEMATICS	4 UNITS
NATURAL SCIENCE	3 UNITS
UNITED STATES HISTORY	1 UNIT
GOVERNMENT	1/2 UNIT
ECONOMICS	1/2 UNIT
OTHER SOCIAL STUDIES	1 UNIT
PHYSICAL EDUCATION OR JROTC	1 UNIT
COMPUTER SCIENCE	1 UNIT
OTHER*	1 UNIT
ELECTIVES	11 UNITS
TOTAL	28 UNITS
ALL STUDENTS MUST PASS ALL THREE PARTS OF THE EXIT EXAM - MATH, READING, AND WRITING - IN ORDER TO GRADUATE. *College Prep Students: One unit of foreign language *Tech Prep Students: One unit of occupational education Note: To qualify for a STAR Diploma, a college prep student must have two units of the same foreign language and a tech prep student must have four units of an approved occupational education program that leads to completer status.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR A GREENWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT 50 HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
CLASS OF 2004 AND BEYOND College Prep Students
ENGLISH	4 UNITS
MATHEMATICS	4 UNITS
NATURAL SCIENCE	4 UNITS
UNITED STATES HISTORY	1 UNIT
GOVERNMENT	1/2 UNIT
ECONOMICS	1/2 UNIT
OTHER SOCIAL STUDIES	2 UNITS
PHYSICAL EDUCATION OR JROTC	1 UNIT
COMPUTER SCIENCE	1 UNIT
OTHER*	2 UNITS
ELECTIVES	8 UNITS
TOTAL	28 UNITS
ALL STUDENTS MUST PASS ALL THREE PARTS OF THE EXIT EXAM -- MATH, READING, AND WRITING -- IN ORDER TO GRADUATE. *College Prep Students: Two units of the same foreign language. This is also necessary to qualify for a STAR Diploma.

CLASS OF 2004 AND BEYOND Tech Prep Students
ENGLISH	4 UNITS
MATHEMATICS	4 UNITS
NATURAL SCIENCE	4 UNITS
UNITED STATES HISTORY	1 UNIT
GOVERNMENT	1/2 UNIT
ECONOMICS	1/2 UNIT
OTHER SOCIAL STUDIES	2 UNITS
PHYSICAL EDUCATION OR JROTC	1 UNIT
COMPUTER SCIENCE	1 UNIT
OTHER*	4 UNITS
ELECTIVES	6 UNITS
TOTAL	28 UNITS
ALL STUDENTS MUST PASS ALL THREE PARTS OF THE EXIT EXAM -- MATH, READING, AND WRITING -- IN ORDER TO GRADUATE. *Tech Prep Students: Four units in an approved occupational education program that leads to completer status. This is also necessary to qualify for a STAR Diploma.

Courses That Qualify as a “Computer Science” Course Required for Graduation
Business Computer Applications
Computer Technology I
Computer Technology II
Word/Information Processing
Computer Programming I
Computer Programming II
Desktop Publishing
AP Computer Science

Courses That Qualify as an “Occupational Education” Course Required for Tech Prep Graduation
Four Units in a Prescribed Program Are Needed for Completer Status
Accounting I
Accounting II
Business Computer Applications
Business Law
Computer Programming
Computer Technology I
Computer Technology II
Desktop Publishing
Entrepreneurship
Fashion Merchandising
International Business and Marketing
Marketing
Multimedia/Web Publishing
Office Procedures and Technology
Word/Information Processing
Automotive Collision Technology
Automotive Technology
Building Construction
Electricity
Machine Technology
Cosmetology
Child Care Services
Clothing Design and Construction
Introduction to Health Occupations
Health Occupations I
Health Occupations II

Note: A single course may not be used as the computer science course and a single occupational education course for graduation requirements.

LIFE SCHOLARSHIP

Students who graduate with an overall grade point ratio of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale and have scored 1050 or better on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or have the equivalent ACT score are eligible to receive the Life Scholarship. The Life Scholarship is available to eligible graduates who attend public and independent two-year and four-year colleges in the State, including technical schools. The SAT score does not apply to students attending technical schools. An SAT score of 1100 or better is required beginning with school year 2002-2003. Students may receive $2000 per year in four–year colleges or universities in the State, and $1000 per year in two-year colleges in the State. A student must also be eligible for a STAR Diploma before he/she is eligible for a Life Scholarship.

STAR Diploma eligibility for college prep students includes all requirements for graduation, including two units of the same foreign language. STAR Diploma eligibility for tech prep students includes all requirements for graduation, including four occupational units leading to completer status. A 3.0 GPA is required in order to receive a STAR Diploma.

GRADE PLACEMENT

REQUIREMENT FOR GRADE NINE PLACEMENT
Promotion to the ninth grade will be determined by Greenwood School District 50 Board Policy. The chart below shows the minimum number of units needed by a student in a particular grade in order to change classification to the next grade. The chart also shows the number of units needed to earn a District 50 diploma.

	Classes of 2001 and Beyond
Requirements to be classified as a 9th Grader	Current Policy for 9th grade placement
# of units to be classified as a 10^th Grader	6 units, including English I & completed one year of high school
# of units to be classified as an 11^th Grader	13 units, including English I, II, & completed two years of high school
# of units to be classified as a 12^th Grader	20 units, including English I, II, III & completed three years of high school
Total # of units needed to graduate	28

GUIDANCE/COUNSELING SERVICES
The Department of Student Services at the schools offers parents and students comprehensive guidance and counseling services. These services are available upon request to all students attending high school.

ACADEMIC COUNSELING
Course Selection - Counselors will meet with students and parents in order to make appropriate high school and occupational course selections for each succeeding year.

Academic Deficiencies - Counselors will guide students who may have course work problems and who may need schedule adjustments or tutorial assistance.

Standardized Tests - Counselors will interpret standardized test data for students and parents in order to provide a more complete picture of students’ aptitudes, interests, and post-high school potential.

Post-High School - Counselors will assist students and parents in making appropriate college or technical school applications, or in finding employment.

Career Planning - Counselors will explore career possibilities and alternatives with students and parents.

REFERRAL AND PLACEMENT PROCEDURES
School Intervention Team - Upon recommendation and/or request from parents, faculty, administrators, nursing staff, or students themselves, a team of school personnel will take a structured look at the student and the learning conditions in the student’s environment. This team will review the problem and make recommendations for interventions to be tried in and out of the classroom environment. If these interventions are not successful, the student may be referred for a psychological evaluation. Prior to evaluation, written parental consent will be obtained.

Evaluation and Placement - Following the psychological evaluation, if placement is recommended, a staffing will be held. Parents, teachers, administrators, the psychologist, and the student will meet to discuss the results and recommendations. If placement in a special program is recommended, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be written. Once the parent gives written approval to this plan, implementation will begin.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Programs for the Disabled - The courses in the special education program provide supportive, reinforcing, vocational, remedial, and social skills to the disabled students. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is designed for each student. It is used to provide appropriate instruction in the least restrictive environment as outlined in Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Services are provided in the following areas:
Educable Mentally Disabled
Emotionally Disabled
Learning Disabled
Orthopedically Disabled
Speech Disabled
Visually Disabled
Hearing Disabled
Other Health Disabled
Traumatic Brain Injured
Autistic

INTERSCHOLASTIC AND ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Specific requirements for academic eligibility are mandated by state law under the Education Improvement Act (EIA).

The following requirements are based on semester block scheduling. Students may take up to four courses per semester and receive up to four credits per semester. Eligibility for students will be determined by their previous semester’s work. However, any student expelled from school for a semester and readmitted to the same school will be required to complete a full semester’s work. Expelled students entering a different school are required to attend one full year before they can become eligible. Eligibility for upcoming ninth graders will be determined by their eighth-grade work. Students must be promoted academically.

To participate in interscholastic athletic activities, students in grades nine through twelve must achieve an overall passing average in addition to the following:

1. To be eligible in the first semester a student must pass a minimum of five Carnegie units applicable toward a high school diploma during the previous year. At least two units must have been passed during the second semester or summer school.

To be eligible during the second semester the student must meet one of the following conditions:
a. If the student met first semester eligibility requirements then he or she must pass the equivalent of 2 units.
b. If the student did not meet first semester eligibility requirements then he or she must pass the equivalent of 2 ½ units during the first semester.

2. Students must satisfy eligibility requirements in the semester preceding participation.
a. Eligibility will be determined on a semester basis for all semesters. Eligibility for upcoming ninth graders will be determined by their eighth-grade work. Students must be promoted academically.
b. Credits earned in a summer school approved by the State Department of Education may apply for first semester eligibility.
c. Students eligible for a first semester sport will be permitted to complete that sport even if it extends into the second semester. Under the current League program, this will apply to participants in basketball and wrestling.
d. Second semester eligibility will be determined by using the semester grade for courses taken during the first semester.

GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM
Academically gifted and talented students are those who are identified as possessing demonstrated or potential abilities for high performance in academic or artistic areas and, therefore, require services or programs not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. The district has adopted the state's identification procedures for academic and intellectual ability and the visual performing arts. Placement is based on IQ, achievement scores, and teacher nomination. For additional information, students and parents should contact the assigned counselor.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM
Advanced Placement courses are offered to students in Greenwood School District 50. The primary purposes of these courses are: (1) to prepare students for college level work and (2) to prepare students for taking Advanced Placement Exams developed by the Educational Testing Service and recognized by most colleges and universities for college credit. Students should seriously consider taking Advanced Placement courses as they prepare for future studies or employment. Students in Advanced Placement classes should expect to work beyond that which is required in other courses. Positive experiences can be gained through these courses. Students taking advanced placement courses MUST TAKE the Advanced Placement Exams.

EDUCATION AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
A high school diploma is not in itself a certificate of admission to institutions of higher education. Students should write to colleges or schools in which they are interested and request catalogues so that entrance requirements may be determined and course selections made accordingly. There is a file of college and other institutional catalogues in the guidance offices for reference. Counselors are available for assistance.

Most colleges require entrance examinations, usually the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). These examinations rely heavily on English and mathematics skills. It is recommended that students take the SAT or ACT as often as possible to improve their scores. Some colleges also recommend that eleventh-grade students complete a preliminary application late in their junior year.

COLLEGE COURSES
High school students are encouraged to take college courses. College courses may be taken with permission of the principal of the school and District 50 Office of Instruction. When possible, college level courses may be taught on the high school campus. College credit will be awarded to students meeting all requirements of the university or college granting credit.

College courses may be earned and applied to the units required for a high school diploma by students in grades nine through twelve and/or adult education programs. The acceptance of credits for college course work shall be subject to the following conditions:

a. Local school boards may allow students to take college courses for Carnegie units of credit. Courses may be offered through distance learning and/or cooperative agreements with higher education.
b. A three-semester-hour college course shall transfer one-half Carnegie unit.
c. Transcripts for dual credit courses must be sent to the high school registrar. It is the responsibility of the student to request transcripts.
d. Only courses applicable to baccalaureate degrees, or to associate in arts or associate in science degrees, offered by institutions in the State which are accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools may be accepted for Carnegie units of credit.
e. Tuition and other college course fees shall be at the expense of the individual student or his parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) unless otherwise specified in local school district policy.

CHANGING COURSES OR LEVELS
Students may change courses or levels with the approval of the school principal.

GRADE EQUIVALENTS

A	93 - 100	Excellent
B	85 - 92	Above Average
C	77 - 84	Average
D	70 - 76	Lowest Passing Mark
F	69 and below	Failure
FA		Failure Due to Absences
I		Incomplete
W		Withdrawn

UNIFORM GRADING SCALE
All students taking courses for high school credit will be graded with the new uniform grading scale (see table, page 30) beginning with the 2000-2001 school year. Numerical grades will be used for report cards and transcripts. Grades earned previously in courses carrying Carnegie units will be converted to the new scale.

By special request, grading scales used prior to the 2000-2001 school year may be used for credits earned prior to the 2000-2001 school year to determine the grade point average for Life Scholarship eligibility. Grades for all courses taken during and after the 2000-2001 school year must follow the new uniform grading scale. After the 2003-2004 school year, only the new uniform grading scale may be used for all courses. Life Scholarship eligibility will be determined at the end of the eighth semester (end of the senior year).

When transcripts are received from out-of-state (or in-state from other than public schools) and letter grades are recorded, the following conversion scale will be used to transfer the grades into the student’s record.

A=96;
B=88;
C=80;
D=73;
F=65

This conversion process will also be used for all letter grades for which no specific numerical value can be determined prior to the 2000-2001 school year.

Grades lower than 70 received from another school, but which are indicated as a passing grade from the sending institution, will be converted to a 73 in the new numerical scale. A grade of “P” (passing) received from another school would be converted to a numerical grade based on information secured from the sending institution as to the approximate numerical value of the “P.” The receiving school will make the final determination regarding the conversion of a grade “P” into the uniform grading scale.

Dual credit courses, taken at the school site or off campus, will carry honors weightings. No correspondence or internet-based courses will carry honors weightings.

The grade point average (GPA) will be determined by the formula below. Students will be ranked from highest to lowest based on their GPA. Computations will not be rounded to a higher number.

GPR = [sum (quality points x units)] divided by [sum of units attempted]

Students may retake the same course at the same level under the following conditions:

· Only courses in which a “D” or “F” was earned may be retaken.

· The course in which the “D” or “F” was earned may only be retaken during the current academic year or no later than the next academic school year.

· The student’s record will reflect all courses taken and grades earned with the following exception: Students taking courses for a Carnegie unit prior to their ninth-grade year may retake any such courses during their ninth-grade year. In this case, only the ninth-grade retake grades will be used in figuring the student’s GPA and only the ninth-grade attempts will show on the transcript. This rule will apply whether the grades earned are higher or lower than the pre-ninth-grade attempts.

The grade conversion table below will be used to determine the grade point average for students.

GRADE POINT CONVERSION TABLE
Average	Grade	College Prep/ Tech Prep	Honors	Advanced Placement
100	A	4.87	5.37	5.87
99	A	4.75	5.25	5.75
98	A	4.62	5.12	5.62
97	A	4.50	5.00	5.50
96	A	4.37	4.87	5.37
95	A	4.25	4.75	5.25
94	A	4.12	4.62	5.12
93	A	4.00	4.50	5.00
92	B	3.87	4.37	4.87
91	B	3.75	4.25	4.75
90	B	3.62	4.12	4.62
89	B	3.50	4.00	4.50
88	B	3.37	3.87	4.37
87	B	3.25	3.75	4.25
86	B	3.12	3.62	4.12
85	B	3.00	3.50	4.00
84	C	2.87	3.37	3.87
83	C	2.75	3.25	3.75
82	C	2.62	3.12	3.62
81	C	2.50	3.00	3.50
80	C	2.37	2.87	3.37
79	C	2.25	2.75	3.25
78	C	2.12	2.62	3.12
77	C	2.00	2.50	3.00
76