2024 – 2025

TOPEKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PROGRAM OF STUDIES

Topeka Public Schools Board of Education

MR. KEITH TATUM

Board President

785-250-5927

ktatum@tps501.org

DR. RANDALL SCHUMACHER

Board Vice President

785-633-0063
rschumacher@tps501.org 

MS. SUE BOLLEY

785-383-6638
sbolley@tps501.org 

MS. MELANIE STUART-CAMPBELL

785-969-4097
mstuartcampbell@tps501.org 

DR. C. RICHARD BONEBRAKE

785-231-7223
crbonebrake@tps501.org 

MR. LALO MUÑOZ

785-230-2957
lmunoz@tps501.org 

MS. LISA SCHMITT

785-230-9399
lschmitt@tps501.org 

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

DR. TIFFANY ANDERSON

785-295-3000

tanderson@tps501.org

Table of Contents

Career Pathway Opportunities in Topeka Public Schools

Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers (TCALC)

The Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers (TCALC) is an innovative high school program created in partnership with business and industry concentrating on four strands:  Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing; Bioscience & Biomedical; Business, and Human Services. The Center is all about students solving real problems with real tools used by real professional(s), being mentored by real employers, and leading to real contributions in the professional area.

Students enrolled in the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers Program fast forward into their future as if they already have a college degree and they are fully immersed in a professional culture. Students use industry-standard tools, which lead to substantial advanced contributions during the formative high school years. Students learn from global and local leaders, such as Westar Energy, Valeo Behavioral Health, Stormont Vail, and Meals on Wheels, who have chosen to partner with the district and share the program’s commitment to educating the future leaders of America. The Center is an example of how business, community, and public education can partner to produce personalized learning experiences that educate the needed workforce of tomorrow, especially in high-skill, high-demand jobs. Early career professional skills like project management, business ethics, time management, teamwork, creativity and instruction, role modeling, and measurement.

TCALC is not a Vocational Program.

The Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers provides students the opportunity to deeply explore professions of high interest through a profession-based, inquiry-based learning method. Local and global business partners participate with highly skilled instructors to provide authentic exposure and skill acquisition in high-demand/high-skill 21st-century professions.

Requirements for Enrollment

1. Attained junior or senior status and on track towards graduation
2. Desire to work in a profession-based real-world environment with other TPS high school students
3. Be willing to comply with business ethics (e.g., attendance) and dress codes as determined by the type of TCALC study they are involved in
4. Be willing to spend 2.5 hours a day (morning or afternoon) away from their home high school, 7:55 AM to 10:25 AM or 12:30 PM to 3 PM.
5. Be able to coordinate transportation either through the district or personally to TCALC sites and business partnership sites.

Types of Strands and Courses Offered

TCALC is driven by the changing workforce needs of the industry; therefore, instructors and TCALC Business Partners co-author all coursework. TCALC curriculum is dynamic, constantly evolving to follow industry trends and market changes using a copyrighted rapid prototyping curriculum development process. TCALC Pathways include:

• Animal Science
• Baking and Pastry Arts Management
• Building & Construction Trades Technology
• Engineering & Applied Math
• Law and Public Safety
• Medical Professions
• Sports Medicine
• Teaching as a Profession
• Web and Digital Communications

Transportation to TCALC Facility

Transportation may be provided in the morning and afternoon for students enrolled in the TCALC Program, Monday through Friday, from their home high school to TCALC. A bus will pick up and return students from the program and be able to attend the last or first 3 hours at their home high school. Students are required to provide transportation to and from internships, business projects, or observations.

Washburn Institute of Technology

Topeka Public Schools pays tuition at Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech) for current high school juniors and seniors in the district. Topeka Public School students attend Washburn Tech on a part-time basis, approximately a half-day schedule. Bus transportation is provided. Based on enrollment requirements for the program of interest, seniors may only attend the full second semester. Students who successfully complete a half-day schedule (a.m. or p.m.) of courses at Washburn Tech during a semester earn 2.0 credits at their home high school.

Enrollment Procedure

Enrollment is open to qualified students currently enrolled in high school. High school students who wish to enroll in a technical program at Washburn Institute of Technology must follow the following procedures.

1. Take the Admissions Test (free while in high school) at Washburn Institute of Technology or their home high school (when available).
2. Complete an online application
3. Discuss scores and programs of interest with an Admissions Counselor.
4. Submit an in-progress official high school transcript.
5. Enroll during designated enrollment periods. A $20.00 enrollment fee is required at registration to reserve placement in the desired program. Program registration is done on a first-come, first-serve basis. Many programs have limited enrollment capacity and/or are competitive programs. Admissions Counselors can provide program-specific information.

TPS Washburn Tech to High School Conversion

Credits are awarded after the successful completion of the spring semester each year.  

TPS Graduation Requirements

*Students who have been in state custody (JJA and DCF) as well as students who have endured hardship during their high school career may qualify for a 21 credit graduation plan.Students who may qualify should contact their principal and/or counselor.

Post Secondary Assets  (Class of 2028+)

• Youth apprenticeships
• 40 or more community service hours
• Client-centered Projects
• Workplace learning experience directly related to a student's IPS
• Industry-recognized certifications
• Seal of Biliteracy
• ACT Composite (score of 21 or higher)
• WorkKeys Level (Silver or higher)
• 9+ college hours  
• State assessment scores of 3 or 4 for math, ELA, science (demonstrating College Readiness)
• ASVAB per the requirements of the military branch selected
• SAT score (1200 or higher)
• Completing the Board of Regents Curriculum
• International Baccalaureate Exam (4+)
• Advanced Placement Exam (3+)
• CTE Scholar
• Eagle Scout or Gold Scout
• 4-H Kansas Key Award
• Two or more high school athletics/activities
• JROTC
• 95% attendance in high school
• Senior exit interview/senior projects
• CTSO officers

Kansas Qualified Admissions

The six state universities in Kansas--Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, The University of Kansas, and Wichita State University--use the standards below, set by the Kansas Board of Regents, to review applicants for undergraduate admission.

ACCREDITED HIGH SCHOOL

Freshman applicants, under the age of 21, who graduate from an accredited high school, will be guaranteed admission to six state universities by meeting the Qualified Admissions requirements designated by each university, as follows:

ESU, PSU, FHSU, & WSU:

• Cumulative High School GPA 2.25+ or ACT 21+ (SAT 1060)*

K-State:

• Cumulative High School GPA 3.25+ or ACT 21+ (SAT 1060)*

KU:

• Cumulative High School GPA 3.25+

OR Cumulative GPA 2.0+ and ACT 21+ (SAT 1060)*

ALL Institutions Require:

• Cumulative GPA 2.0+ for College Credits earned in High School

*If you do not meet the qualified admission requirements, you are still encouraged to apply. Your application will be reviewed individually. Contact the university admissions office for more information.

Enrollment Requirements

Students must be enrolled in a full schedule each year. Seniors may seek approval for a condensed schedule for the second semester.

Grade Level Classifications

Topeka Public Schools’ grade advancement policy is based upon the current requirement that a student earn 24 credits in order to graduate. A credit is earned for each subject carried successfully for a school year or the equivalent. The policy follows:

Students must earn the following number of credits to be classified per grade:

• A senior must earn twenty-four(24) credits by the end of the second semester to participate in the graduation ceremony (Appeals may be made to the building administrator.)
• A junior must earn seventeen (17) credits to be considered a senior for the next school year.
• A sophomore must earn twelve (12) credits to be considered a junior for the next school year.
• A freshman must earn six (6) credits to be considered a sophomore for the next school year.

Sometimes, a second-year student will not have attained sophomore status but is eligible for sophomore-level courses. Hence, courses are designated by year or level rather than class status to avoid confusion about eligibility. Likewise, a third-year student without enough credit to be considered a junior or a fourth-year student without enough credit to be considered a senior may enroll in junior- or senior-level courses, respectively.

Kansas State High School Activities Association Eligibility

In order to be eligible for Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) events, a student must be currently passing five classes and have passed five classes the preceding semester. KSHSAA activities include sports, cheerleading, debate, music, and dance teams.

Post-Secondary Courses and Eligibility

Students desiring to enroll in college courses and participate in Kansas High School Activity Association sanctioned activities must adhere to the following guidelines and the Dual Credit policy.

• A 3-credit college course is counted as one high school 0.5-credit course.
• A 5-credit college course is counted as two high school 0.5-credit courses.
• A student must enroll in a minimum of 3 high school 0.5 credit courses and sufficient college courses to meet the 5-class eligibility ruling.

Examples:

• Three 0.5 credit classes at a high school and one 5-credit college course
• Three 0.5 credit classes at a high school and two 3-credit college courses
• Four 0.5 credit classes at a high school and one 3-credit college courses

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Eligibility

If a student wants to participate in Division I or Division II sports, start the certification process early, usually by the end of the junior year.

In general, to be certified, a student must:

• Beginning August 1, 2016, NCAA Division I will require 10 core courses to be completed prior to the seventh semester (seven of the 10 must be a combination of English, math, or natural or physical science.)

• Present a required grade-point average in core courses.
• Present a required score on ACT or SAT assessments.
• Complete the core courses listed below:
• Graduate from high school.

The following links are helpful resources from the NCAA:

• Core Course Information
• Division 1 Fact Sheet

Finals Opt-Out Criteria

All classes except dual credit courses that require a final from Washburn University will allow students to opt out of their final.Students must  have an A or B final grade and an overall attendance rate of 90%+ for the semester.

Honors, Pre-AP & AP Classes

Topeka Public Schools promotes an Advanced Placement (AP) program of studies that encourages equitable access for all students, reflecting the diversity of our district. AP students will engage in academically rigorous coursework that challenges their thinking and prepares them for success in a wide variety of postsecondary experiences.

In order to achieve success, AP students will experience the following opportunities:

• a teacher trained in AP methodology, whose instructional practices are aligned to expectations from the College Board.
• opportunities for additional support in AP coursework;
• the rigor and atmosphere of a college-level exam; and
• Enrichment activities that encourage and promote the pursuit of a postsecondary education.

The AP curriculum prepares students to take the AP examination (for a fee) for college credit. Students whose test scores are considered acceptable on the AP exam usually receive college credit and/or advanced placement in the course for which they tested. It is possible to take an AP exam without having enrolled in an AP course.

Honors and Pre-AP levels of required courses demand additional reading and writing from students, strong critical thinking and analysis skills, and real proficiency in the subject.

For more information on the rewards of AP Courses, see College Board.

Concurrent Enrollment Partnership (CEP) with Washburn University

TOPEKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS REGULATION 6150-4

1. Students wishing to take a college course shall make this request to the building principal the semester prior to enrollment in the course.
2. Students may enroll in a college course if that course is not offered at their attendance center or if the building principal grants an exception.
3. Dual credit may be approved by the building principal for college courses taken at an accredited institution. Credit shall be shown on the high school transcript as credit or no credit. This credit/no credit is to be in accordance with all provisions in Administrative Regulation No. 6150-1. College courses shall not be used in the calculation of the student's high school grade point average.
4. One-half (0.5) high school credit may be awarded for successful completion of at least a three-hour credit college course. No more than one-half (0.5) high school credit will be awarded per semester for college-level courses.
5. The building principal will have the responsibility of approving.

Topeka Public Schools and Washburn University (WU):

The goal of concurrent enrollment is to enhance the transition from high school to college by providing eligible students the option of earning WU academic credit at a reduced tuition rate for the successful completion of a select group of courses. The dual credit courses are limited to juniors and seniors who have at least a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA. Additionally, students enrolling in College Algebra must score 22 on the ACT Math Exam or the equivalent score on the COMPASS Math Test. Courses offered for concurrent credit are depending on teacher credentials, so each school offers different courses. Find current information for your school on Washburn’s CEP website.

Concurrent Enrollment Partnership (CEP) Courses.

These courses are taught at the participating high schools during the regular school day and have the same requirements as those taught on the Washburn University campus. The courses vary by high school. A CEP program orientation and registration session is held at each high school in the fall and spring. Students should contact their School Counselor for specific times, dates, and course information.

Concurrent Enrollment Partnership National Equity Lab Courses  

These courses are offered through the National Equity Council at tier-one universities, including but not limited to Stanford University, Harvard University, Georgetown University, and Wesleyan University. These courses will be offered for weighted high school credit. Each course will be given a course number as these courses vary from semester to semester. These courses are limited to juniors and seniors.

*TPS also offers college credit opportunities through Allen County Community College, and most recently in partnership with Wichita State University Tech.

Credit/No Credit Options for High School Students

TOPEKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS REGULATION 6150-1

1. All students enrolled in the district-approved minimum course load (or more) may elect one of those subjects each semester on a credit/no credit basis. EXCEPTION: Any senior may elect one subject on a credit/no credit basis either semester without enrolling in the district-approved minimum course load.
2. A maximum of three (3) credits taken on the credit/no credit plan will count toward the graduation requirement.
3. Students electing a subject on a credit/no credit basis will have the same attendance and academic requirements as all other students enrolled in the subject. The minimum Standard for the lowest passing grade will be the determining factor for credit in the course.
4. Students electing this option will be required to indicate their decision in writing no later than the sixth week of the semester. A form for this request will be provided. Parental consent must be given and indicated by the parent's signature on the request form.
5. The letter grade for ''credit/no credit'' shown on the student’s transcript will be ''CR'' or ''NC'' along with the credit value earned. Credit for these courses will NOT be counted in computing the student's grade point average (GPA).
6. Once the student has declared a subject to be taken on the credit/no credit basis, the decision is irrevocable.

Note: The Kansas Board of Regents Curriculum does not recognize credit/no credit. The NCAA Eligibility Center will compute credit/no credit as a ''D''.

** The deadline for requesting Credit/No Credit is the end of the sixth week of the semester.

Weighted Courses and Grade Point Average

Weighted grade point averages will be calculated for the following courses:

Weighted grade points will be assigned only to the courses listed below:

Independent Study

Independent Study is open to those who wish to study subject matter of particular interest that is not offered in the regular curriculum. Refer to courses 1390 and 1395 in this document. Students with a Gifted Individualized Education Plan (IEP) refer to course 8590. Students with an IEP other than Gifted, refer to course 8490.

The deadline for the completed application is Nov. 15 for second-semester courses and April 15 for first-semester courses. Applications are available and should be submitted to your school counseling office.

Religion Program Credit

Coursework directed specifically toward religion will not be accepted for transfer credit. Non-doctrinal religious courses may be accepted for credit.

Home-Schooled Students

Topeka Public Schools reserves the right to request any type of validation necessary to help us determine the appropriate course and grade placement. Examples could be homework, tests, textbooks used, themes, projects, and any other materials showing the home-schooled students' progress. Classes approved for credit within the Topeka Public Schools policy guidelines will be entered on the transcript as a “CR” for credit or “NC” for no credit. Every effort will be made to enroll homeschooled students in an appropriate course of study. Contact counselors for additional guidelines.

Special Programs

Advancement Via Individual Determination - HPHS & THS

The AVID Student: AVID targets students in the academic middle - B, C, and even D students - who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. These students are capable of completing rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential. Typically, they will be the first in their families to attend college, and many are from low-income or minority families. AVID pulls these students out of their other elective courses and puts them on the college track: acceleration instead of remediation.

The AVID Elective: AVID students are expected to enroll in honors and/or Advanced Placement®, as well as AVID Elective. AVID Elective is one period daily where students learn organizational and study skills, work on critical thinking and inquiry, get academic help from peers and college tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities that make college seem attainable.

English Learners (EL/ESOL)- HPHS, THS, & TWHS

The EL programs support students in speaking, reading, and writing English in all school subjects.

Services are delivered to qualifying students in one or more of the following ways:

• Enrollment in an English Learner (EL) class to provide instruction in speaking, reading, and writing English, as well as assistance in the regular academic classroom
• Enrollment in an EL content class, where the academic subject matter is provided through “sheltered” or adapted instruction to teach both English and the academic content material
• Adaptations made by teachers to make the content understandable to the EL student
• The assistance of bilingual paraprofessionals to help make the content understandable to the EL student
• The use of computer programs to increase the EL student’s proficiency in English

Topeka High School International Studies Program

Topeka High School believes in educating our students to be college and/or career ready in a global society. An essential component of achieving this goal is educating students in Global Literacy, including critical thinking in a conscious and deliberate way and problem-solving on a global scale to be responsible global citizens.

Topeka High School has created an International Studies Program that will provide our students with the essential 21st Century Skills of Global Literacy. This program allows students to take coursework that will provide global engagement in such areas as world geography, international studies, international business, ethnic studies, humanities, world literature, and more while developing communicative competence in a Romance language (French, German, or Spanish), in addition to Mandarin Chinese.

Students will engage with this global curriculum by studying the relationship among different cultures' perspectives, practices, and products in meaningful contexts. They will learn skills that will allow them to function in a culturally and globally diverse world, learning to recognize different perspectives by analyzing real-world perspectives and events while acquiring information from various global sources.

To receive the designation with a focus on International Studies, a student must complete a minimum of the following:

• 3 units of World Language  (1 or more languages)

• For at least one language, students must

• Complete two units  OR
• Reach the proficiency level of Intermediate on the Foreign Language STAMP (Standards-based Measurement of Proficiency) test

• 3 units of designated International Studies Electives, including

• World Geography (.5 units)  AND
• International Relations OR AP Comparative Government & Politics (.5 units)

• The International Studies Senior Capstone Project (.5 units) in the student’s area of international interest*

*This course is still in development. One component will be a formal presentation to a panel of teachers, administrators, and community members.

To receive the designation with an emphasis in International Studies a student must complete a minimum of the following:

• 3 units of World Language  (2 or more languages required)

• For at least one language students must

• Complete 2 units   OR
• Reach the proficiency level of Intermediate on the Foreign Language STAMP (Standards-based Measurement of Proficiency) test

• 3 units of designated International Studies electives, including

• World Geography (.5 units) AND
• International Relations OR AP Comparative Government and Politics (.5 units)

• 2 units of either additional World Language and/or designated International Studies elective
• The International Studies Senior Capstone Project (.5 units) in the student’s area of international interest*
• 24 units are required for Graduation = 15.5 required units + 8.5 elective units
• 28 units are available prior to Graduation = 15.5 required units + 12.5 elective units

A student could complete the International Studies diploma designation program and still participate all four years in another program such as AVID, MJROTC, Trade and Industry, Band, Music, Art, etc, if they wish.

Elective courses that count toward the International Studies diploma designation are denoted by the symbol in the Program of Studies.

**Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors interested in pursuing this diploma designation must have a transcript review to determine their ability to complete this program prior to graduation.**

Topeka High School International Studies Curriculum Options

Topeka High School Dual Language Program

Topeka Public Schools’ dual language program has been nationally recognized by winning the Magna award for the only K-12 Dual Language Program in the State of Kansas.

The goals of the dual language program at THS:

• Provide grade-level academic performance in Spanish and English.
• Promote cultural awareness and an appreciation of our diverse community at THS and in Topeka.
• Expand social, professional, and lifestyle benefits that come from biliteracy.
• Successfully pass the bi-literacy examination and obtain the Bi-Literacy Seal designation upon graduation.

All dual language students will enroll in the required coursework. All dual language classes are weighted. Students will take the STAMP Bi-Literacy Exam at the end of the sophomore year. In order to graduate with the Seal of Biliteracy, students must pass the exam by the end of their senior year.

You qualify for the dual language program if you have been in the program during elementary and middle school. If you’d like to join the Topeka High program, you must take a Spanish fluency test to qualify.

The dual language program requires a commitment to complete the requirements throughout grades 9-12. If a student chooses to exit the program, they will return to their home school if they are at THS on a transfer.

Jobs for America’s Graduates - HPHS, THS, and TWHS

Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) is a state-based national non-profit organization dedicated to preventing dropouts among most at-risk young people. In more than three decades of operation, JAG has delivered consistent, compelling results - helping nearly three-quarters of a million young people stay in school through graduation, pursue postsecondary education, and secure quality entry-level jobs leading to career advancement opportunities. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Junior ROTC - HPHS, THS, and TWHS

Benefits of JROTC Program

Since its inception in 1916, the JROTC program has been viewed as a strong program that provides youth with much-needed skills in citizenship and leadership. Additionally, numerous studies have shown that students who participate in JROTC programs have better attendance, grades, and graduation rates than those in general academic programs. Principals and school administrators also maintain positive attitudes toward JROTC because of these programs:

 Highland Park High School  Air Force JROTC Mission:

• “Develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community.” The objectives of JROTC are to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship, promote community service, instill responsibility, character, and self-discipline, and provide instruction in air and space fundamentals.

• The AFJROTC program is grounded in the Air Force's core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. The curriculum emphasizes the Air Force heritage and traditions, the development of flight, applied flight sciences, military aerospace policies, and space exploration.

http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter/AFJROTC/AboutJROTC.asp

 Topeka West High School  Army JROTC Program Outcomes:

• Act with integrity and personal accountability as they lead others to succeed in a diverse and global workforce
• Engage civic and social concerns in the community, government, and society
• Graduate prepared to excel in post-secondary options and career pathways
• Make decisions that promote positive social, emotional, and physical health
• Value the role of the military and other service organizations

http://www.usarmyjrotc.com/jrotc-program/jrotc-program-information

 Topeka High School  Marine Corps JROTC Values:

• Motivate students to lead
• Foster a disciplined and constructive learning environment.
• Instill essential skills like time organization, responsibility, goal setting, and teamwork.

http://www.mcjrotc.org

Topeka West’s Leadership Program

Leadership is the skill of motivating, guiding, and empowering a team towards a socially responsible vision. Topeka West believes in The Social Change Model of Leadership. We believe that by fostering students' strengths and examining leadership theory, our students will begin to see their potential as leaders. We also believe that by implementing those newly found skills in community action projects, we can start growing leaders in Topeka for positive change.

Topeka West and Washburn University’s Leadership Institute have partnered to provide Topeka West Students with a unique opportunity. Topeka West Students may take Leadership Studies 3 as a dual credit option through Washburn University for a reduced fee. Students who elect to take the course for dual credit will have met the requirements for the entry-level course in Washburn’s Leadership Studies Certificate or Leadership Minor.

For more information, see: Leadership Studies Academic Programming

Leadership Studies Graduation Distinction Requirements:

Students at Topeka West can earn a distinction on their diploma denoting their completion of Leadership Studies Programming.

To receive the Leadership Studies diploma designation (a phrase equating to high honors, like emphasis on), a student must complete a minimum of the following:

1. Leadership Studies I
2. Leadership Studies II  (Leadership Studies I and II cannot be taken concurrently)

1. Applications due October 15th and March 15th

3. 25 Hours of Community Service Junior Year
4. 25 Hours of Community Service Senior Year
5. Leadership Studies students interested in receiving distinction must declare an academic focus area of leadership. To complete your focus area requirements, you must complete 4.0 credits in your focus area and maintain a B average in those focus area courses. Classes in your focus area must include TPS requirements and electives that would fulfill 4.0 total credits.

*Distinction will be available starting with the class of 2017.

Students may focus on one of the following disciplines to declare their academic focus in leadership.

The table below denotes a sample focus area curriculum:

Course Lists By Department

* = Course receives Speech Arts credit

Language Arts Electives are offered on a rotating schedule