2024 Course Registration/Advanced Academics/Dual Credit Options

Agenda

• 2024-2025 Course Registration Process
• Advanced Academics
• AP
• IB
• PSEO
• College classes at WHS
• Other Dual Credit Opportunities
• Minnesota Bilingual and Multilingual Proficiency
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

People to Know

• Counselors
• Mr. Ferguson (A-Fl)
• Mr. Crowell (Fo-La)
• Mr. Pemberton (Le-Ra)
• Ms. Brackett (Re-Z)
• College Credit Coor. * CCC Coordinators
• Mr. Percy- Room 213A * Hana & Erin - Room 107

Course Selection Process

• Course Information Day: Tuesday, Monday, January 14th

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• Course Registration:
• January 15th - February 4th (in Science classrooms)
• Master schedule and teacher assignments based on course selections
• Students/Families may request a meeting regarding schedule April-June
• Changes accepted until last day of school

Course Selection Timeline

Course Selection Factors to Consider

• Graduation requirements
• Student interest
• Career & College plans
• Course load rigor (academic challenge)
• Learning environment
• Life balance
• Except IB Diploma, course selection is an à la carte process. There is no “track” or package of courses.

Graduation Requirements Overview

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Need to earn at least 21.5 credits by the end of 12th grade in the following subject areas:

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• English (4 credits)
• Math (3 credits)
• Intermediate Algebra
• Geometry
• Advanced Algebra
• Science (3 credits)
• Physical Science
• Biology
• Chemistry or Physics
• Social Studies (3.5 credits)
• Human Geography
• US History
• World History
• Economics
• US Government
• Ethnic Studies (0.5)
• Fine Arts (1 total)
• Physical Education (.5 credits)
• Health (.5 credits)

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**One quarter class = .25 credits**

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Why Advanced Academics?

• Better preparation for college �
• Recognition by college admissions�
• Potential credit articulation
• Potential savings on tuition
• Depends on receiving institution
• Question to ask: “Does the credit count toward graduation or used for placement in higher level classes?”

PSEO

Why PSEO?

• Dual credit (free college credits *)
• Adult learning environment
• Wider variety of courses
• Student works with WHS counselor to determine how credits are applied
• Can take required courses or electives
• Can be full-time or part-time
• Flexible scheduling

Considerations for PSEO

Typical Comments from PSEO Students

• “I don’t have “busywork”.
• “I am treated like an adult”.
• “It’s nice to not be in class for 7 straight hours”.
• “You better make sure you go to class and stay up on the reading”.
• “Tests and papers mean everything”.
• “You need to get your transportation figured out.”
• “No one cares if you pass or fail. It is all up to you”.
• “I feel a little disconnected to my high school life and friends”.

Local PSEO Programs �(about 100 WHS students currently participating)

• University of Minnesota
• Minneapolis College (MCTC)
• Normandale Community College
• Augsburg
• North Central University
• Concordia
• St. Kate’s
• Hamline
• Macalester
• Bethel
• St. Paul College
• Northwestern College
• MCAD
• Dunwoody

PSEO Criteria for Admittance

Varies by school

• University of Minnesota
• Typical admittee: 3.9 GPA and AP coursework
• Opens February 15, April 15^th deadline; One time per year
• (Virtual Info Sessions: Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 5:30–6:30 p.m. or Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 5:30–6:30 p.m.)
• Minneapolis College
• 3.0 GPA OR score in in the 70^th percentile on the PSAT, ACT, or SAT
• June 6th deadline for Fall 2025
• No need to reapply every semester
• Normandale College
• 3.0 GPA OR score in in the 70^th percentile on the PSAT, ACT, or SAT
• June 1st deadline for Fall 2025
• No need to reapply every semester

PSEO Application Steps

1. APPLY ONLINE AT THE COLLEGE’S WEBSITE. YOU CAN APPLY TO MORE THAN ONE.

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2. AFTER COMPLETING THE ONLINE APPLICATION(S):

• Notify your counselor in person or by email
• Counselor will give you/send you the NOSR form for YOU and YOUR PARENT to fill out send to the college’s PSEO office.
• Counselor will email your transcript to the college’s PSEO office
• You will need to complete the NOSR form each semester

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3. When you are notified of the school’s decision (likely in May) AND you have decided to attend, let your counselor know.

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4. You will be invited to an orientation by the college.

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5. Your counselor will contact you in August to meet at Washburn to go over and approve your course selection.

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PSEO Info Sessions

• If you want to hear more about PSEO and have specific questions, the Counseling Office and CCC will be hosting two PSEO info sessions:

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March 5th over lunch (in the CCC)

April 9th after school (in the CCC)

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• Sign up here if you’d like to attend:

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Advanced Placement Courses

Advanced Placement (AP)

• AP courses are college level classes that students take at Washburn
• More academically challenging than regular classes
• Great preparation for future advanced courses at Washburn and beyond
• Potential college credit based on test scores
• Classes offered at Washburn:
• AP Statistics (10^th- 12^th)
• AP Physics (10^th-12th)
• AP Calculus (10th-12th)
• AP Literature and Composition

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• Testing in May (score range: 1-5)

International Baccalaureate (IB)

What is IB?

• Holistic Education: The IB goes beyond traditional academics, focusing on developing students' intellectual, social, emotional, and ethical growth.
• International Perspective: Students learn about global issues, cultures, and perspectives.
• Rigorous Curriculum: The IB programs are challenging and demanding, requiring students to think critically and independently.
• Emphasis on Inquiry: Students are encouraged to ask questions, investigate, and develop their own understanding.
• Community Service: Many IB programs incorporate community service projects to foster a sense of social responsibility.

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IB and AP quick comparison

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Who is an IB Student?

• Anyone and everyone! The IB program at Washburn High School is primarily tailored for students at the 11th and 12th grade levels.  
• Students have the flexibility to take one, a few, or many IBDP classes.
• Students can choose to embark on the full IB Diploma Programme starting in 11^th grade.

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IB Courses at Washburn

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• Group 1 (Language and Lit)
• HL Lang and Literature (2 years)
• Group 2 (Language Acquisition)
• SL or HL Spanish (2 years)
• SL French (2 years)
• SL Arabic (1-2 years)
• Group 3 (Indiv. and Societies)
• SL Global Politics (1 year)- also Group 6
• SL History- Rights and Protest
• SL History- Move to Global War
• HL History of Americas (12 grade)

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• Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)
• SL Biology (1 year)
• SL Env. Systems & Societies (1 year)- Also Group 6
• SL Sports Exercise and Health Science (1 year)-Also G 6
• HL Biology (2 Years)- SL Bio Year 1
• HL Chemistry (2 Years)- AP Chem Year 1
• Group 5 (Mathematics)
• SL Analysis and App. (2 Years)
• SL Appl. and Interpretation (1 year)
• HL Analysis and App. (2 years)-AP Calculus Year 1
• Group 6 (The Arts)
• SL Visual Arts (1 year)
• HL Visual Arts (2 years)

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Take just a class or two! Earn the IB Certificate

Take a few more! Earn the IB WHS Medallion

Take the whole package! Earn the IB Diploma

Learning More About the IB Diploma

• During course registration, check “YES” to the question on the registration card that reads “I am interested in the IB Diploma”
• Counselor will help you fill out IB Pathway sheet to then transfer to your course card.

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• Fill out the Full Diploma Interest Form HERE —I>
• Yes, of course you can change your mind.

Other Dual Credit Options

• Technical Education at North, Roosevelt, Edison, or Online
• CTE courses can be taken at North, Roosevelt, Edison or Online
• Subjects include Engineering, Digital Media & many more
• Other elective courses for credit
• Minneapolis College Senior Year Math Course
• Applied Algebra Semester 1 (Developmental)
• Intro to Statistics Semester 2 (College Credit)
• IB SL Biology + Mpls College Biology Course
• Students can receive college credit for taking IB SL Bio from MCTC if they register at the beginning of the class with their biology teacher
• Minnesota Bilingual and Multilingual Proficiency Accreditation
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• 33 Exams, St Paul College

Credit Articulation Examples

University of Minnesota/University of Wisconsin

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• Accept IB Higher Level (HL) test scores of 5 or above for credits (8 cr)
• Accept AP scores of 3 or above for credit (3-4 cr)
• Accept some CLEP scores of 60 or above for credit ( 3-4 cr)
• Accept PSEO credits

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Minnesota State schools (i.e. St. Cloud, Mankato, Normandale)

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• Accept IB Higher Level (HL) test scores of 4 or above for 3 credits.
• Accept IB Standard Level (SL) scores of 4 or above for 2 credits.
• Accept AP scores of 3 or above for credit (3 cr)
• Accept CLEP scores of 50 or above for credit (3 cr)
• Accept PSEO credits

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Any Questions?

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