INTRODUCTION

This section provides students and their families the necessary information for meeting the requirements for graduation, preparing a four-year program of studies and choosing the instructional learning pathway and electives to help you achieve your goals.  Additional information is provided on credits, grade point average, rank in class, class standing, fees, homework, early graduation, alternatives to high school attendance and courses.  If you have questions, ask your advisor and/or counselor.

Graduation Requirements

Perparing a Four-Year Instructional Plan

Selecting a Learning Pathway

-   Life Pathway
-   Integrated Pathway
-   College Preparatory Pathway
-   Technology Academy
-   Advanced Placement Pathway

College/Post Secondary School Admission Guidelines

NCAA Requirements

Building a Class Schedule

Class Load
Physical Education
Download Four-Year High School Plan Worksheet
Medical Excuses from P.E.
The Advisory Program

Additional Information

Homework
Fees
Early Graduation
Pass-Fail Course Options
Second Grade Options
Schedule Changes

Honors Recognition

Determining Grade Point Average
Grade Weighted Courses
Academic Letters
Honor Roll
Rank-In-Class

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for a diploma from this high school, a student must have completed eight semesters of full-time attendance with the final semester as a full-time student at Zion-Benton Township High School. In the course of eight semesters, students must meet the minimum graduation requirements of 22 credits. (Two exceptions to this condition are contained in the sections on Early Graduation and Alternative to High School Attendance.) Beginning with the class of 2007, all students must successfully complete a minimum of two years of math, one of which must be some level of geometry.
Starting with the class of 2009, all students must successfully complete three years of math, including Algebra 1 and some level of geometry.

CARNEGIE UNITS REQUIRED

*This requirement can be met by enrolling in NJROTC or Marching Band or participation in Varsity Athletics. See page v for details.

**This requirement can be waived for incoming freshmen by passing a proficiency test measuring keyboarding speed and efficiency, document
  formatting using MS Word, spread-sheeting using Excel, and presentation using PowerPoint.  Contact the Business Department Chair for details.

PREPARING A FOUR-YEAR INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

Each student is required to plan a four-year program of courses to achieve the desired educational and career goals (see page vi).  Selecting and following the sequences of courses for that pathway will meet graduation and learning pathway requirements.  Read and study carefully the explanation of each pathway and the requirements for the courses in that pathway.  Pay attention to course prerequisites and when semester and year courses are offered.  Planning a four-year program reduces the chance of missing courses and electives needed.  We know that students’ plans do change, and we encourage them to seek the advice of their parents, advisor and counselor throughout their high school career so as to maintain an updated relevant plan.

SELECTING A LEARNING PATHWAY

The Board of Education provides a comprehensive instructional program organized into Learning Pathways.
For incoming freshman, placement test scores determine the level of the student’s core academic courses.  Teacher recommendations and prerequisites determine student placement for those currently enrolled.  Instructional departments offer courses to meet students' needs in completing a chosen learning pathway.  The pathway you choose should help you toward achieving your goals after graduation.  All pathways meet or exceed the minimum graduation requirements.  However, students planning to attend college should pay particular attention to the entrance requirements of the colleges they are considering and be certain they are taking the right courses.
Students will enroll in one of the following pathways:
      1.   LIFE                           3.     College Preparatory        5.    Accelerated
      2.   Integrated                4.     Technology Academy

LIFE (STANDARD) PATHWAY
Learning for Independence, Family and Employment

The Learning for Independence, Family and Employment (LIFE), or standard, pathway is designed for students entering the work force on completion of high school.  It starts the student on the goal of LIFE long learning, whether it is to pursue a two year degree at a junior or community college, a certification program at a trade/technical school, preparation for the military, or planning for a job right after high school. The ultimate purpose of LIFE is making the most of the high school years
to help prepare for further schooling, employment and family life.  Students have a wide option of opportunities available by combining courses from across the curriculum, which may include "CP" or "AC" classes plus technical or applied academics. Course offerings allow students to select classes that are appropriate for their interests and abilities.  Beginning in the freshman year, it is imperative that students plan a four-year sequence of courses that will lead to future success.  Careers of today and tomorrow expect students to master the basic skills in order to compete in a very global, technical work environment. The LIFE or standard curriculum will prepare students for a productive life.

INTEGRATED PATHWAY

The Integrated Pathway is for those students who would benefit from working with a team of teachers who collaborate on lessons and allow flexibility for the students to complete their assignments. In the Integrated Pathway, some courses are blocked together so that the teachers and students can study their subjects with greater depth thus encouraging maximum success. The program is designed to allow those students who have motivation but need additional direction to achieve academically. The
courses are aligned with the Illinois State Learning Standards and designed to allow students the opportunity to meet those standards by the completion of junior year.

The courses that are thematically integrated at each grade level are:  freshman year ‑ English and social studies, sophomore year – English and biology; and junior year – English and United States History (American Studies). Each quarter, students in the Integrated Pathway produce a project that allows them to exhibit many of the skills learned in each class. Technology is a major component of the Integrated Pathway with at least one project at each of the three grade levels designed to utilize computer knowledge and the Internet.

This pathway is for students contemplating post high school education and those who are still unsure.

COLLEGE PREPARATORY PATHWAY

The College Preparatory Pathway is for the student who seeks a demanding academic load with emphasis on the development of analytical, critical thinking and communication skills.  This pathway provides the knowledge and skills required to successfully compete a four-year college or university program.
All students who are contemplating post high school education are encouraged to participate in this level.  The school tries to accommodate as many students in this pathway as possible.  If a student has a low grade point average but expresses a strong desire to begin pursuing academics seriously, that desire will be given serious consideration.
No single item is ever the sole criterion for selecting the college preparatory student.  Answers to the following three questions are basic in considering a student for admission:

a.     Does the student have sufficient general ability?
b.     Does the student have adequate academic preparation?
c.     Does the student have sufficient motivation and maturity?

Guidelines for courses in this pathway include:

1. A commitment to academic achievement.

2. A grade point average of C or better.

3. An understanding and acceptance of the time and effort these courses will require for study and homework.

4. A teacher recommendation may be needed with some courses.

5. A teacher-directed interview and/or a writing sample may be requested.

6. Ranking at the 60th percentile or higher on the Explore Tests administered to the 8th graders.

TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY

The Technology Academy is a four-year school-within-a-school opportunity.  Students enter the Academy their freshman year following an application and interview process.  The program places emphasis on the utilization of technology in the classroom through the daily use of a student-purchased laptop computer.  The Academy will offer a specified curriculum parallel to the College Preparatory Pathway, which will be presented by a team of teachers specially trained in
incorporating technology into teaching.  Students will participate in theme-based, student-centered projects that blend two or more subjects and utilize their laptops for research, production, and presentation of their projects. Graduates of the Academy will be well prepared for numerous opportunities, including: four-year colleges and universities, junior colleges, technical schools, special apprentice programs, or direct entry into the world of work. 
Students interested in the Technology Academy must minimally:

1. Apply for enrollment, complete the required screening process, and be accepted into the program.

2. Purchase/possess a laptop computer that meets the minimum requirements for the program.

3. Be concurrently enrolled in Algebra or have successfully completed Algebra previously.

4. Be committed to maintaining a record of excellent attendance and a minimum grade point average of “C”.

5. Be respectful of equipment, software, and other related materials.

6. Work well with peers, in groups, and with staff.

ACCELERATED PATHWAY

The Accelerated Learning Pathway seeks to challenge and stimulate the most able and ambitious students.  It is designed to provide excellent academic preparation for college and to offer students the opportunity to do college level work and receive college credit while still in high school.  This pathway is for self -motivated students who have demonstrated academic ability and a willingness to work. Students
electing courses in this pathway will be expected to think, read, write and perform at higher cognitive and creative levels. This pathway requires students to commit additional time to studies including regular homework. Guidelines for admission to courses in this pathway include:

1. A commitment to academic achievement.  Accelerated placement classes may not be taken with a pass/fail option.

2. An understanding and acceptance of the time and effort these courses will require for study and homework.

3. Students electing two or more advanced placement courses are encouraged to carry only four academic courses.  It is suggested they have at least one scheduled study hall.

4. A score at or above the 75th percentile on the Explore Test.

5. Teacher recommendations where feasible and/or necessary - either from previous instructors or the Accelerated Placement Pathway teacher when deemed necessary.

6. A commitment to pay for and to take the specific Advanced Placement exams after appropriate courses.  Each exam costs approximately $85.00.

7. Parental approval acknowledging the investment of time, work and dollars that will be expected of their son or daughter.

8. Students not enrolled in this Pathway but who wish to take an A.C. course must meet the prerequisites for that course.

9. To remain in Accelerated Placement courses, students must continually meet the guidelines and prerequisites set by the respective departments for the A.C. and C.P. courses.

10. Transfer students will be individually counseled into this pathway on the basis of the transcripts, grades, achievement test scores, and any accompanying recommendations from their previous schools.  Tentative status in Accelerated Placement will be granted until official records are received by counselors and subject to meeting the stated requirements by the next enrollment period.

COLLEGE/POST SECONDARY SCHOOL ADMISSION GUIDELINES

These guidelines provide direction in planning for college or post high school instruction and career decisions.  Students must choose pathway courses and electives that will help them meet the entrance requirements of the college or post secondary school of their choice.  Not all schools and colleges have the same admission requirements.  Parents, counselors, and advisers must work jointly with students to help them choose the proper courses to achieve their desired goals for entrance to the institution of their choice and their career objectives.

Students planning to attend college will generally have to meet the following admission requirements:

NCAA REQUIREMENTS

Students who plan to practice and play their freshman year at an NCAA Division I or Division II College must satisfy the requirements of NCAA Bylaw 14.3, commonly known as Proposition 48. Some courses within our school curriculum, night school, and correspondence may not satisfy NCAA requirements. See your counselor or Athletic Director. For additional information, see the Career/College Counselor or Athletic Director.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
for building a class schedule . . .

BUILDING A COURSE SCHEDULE

Listed below are guidelines for requesting courses. As you select courses, keep in mind such things as career goals, teacher recommendations, test scores, and previous grades.

1. REVIEW classes and credits earned from previous years and current year class registration.

a. Review graduation and pathway requirements.
b. Develop or review your Four-Year Plan of Studies.
c. Check departmental course prerequisites and placement recommendations.
d. Each course is placed under the first year in which you may enroll. Students in upper grades may request courses indicated for lower grades if they meet the course prerequisites.

2. Generally, students are required to abide by course sequencing and prerequisites as noted in this Curriculum Guide. However, District 126 recognizes that each student has unique needs and desires. For students, who desire to accelerate their high school education, or who have unique talents in some academic areas, an individualized high school plan can be developed. In these cases, approval from a parent, the counselor, and the Assistant Principal of Student Services is required.

3. IDENTIFY and SELECT any special program requests, such as:

a. Lake County High School Technology Campus courses
b. Music courses
c. Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC)
d. Special Education

4. English, mathematics, science, and social studies courses are based upon placement tests and teacher recommendations.

5. Check departmental course offerings to select elective courses.

6. Select two alternative courses in case it is impossible to schedule all the first choice electives.

Opportunity is provided for students to be exposed to a variety of courses in addition to those required. Elective courses will help students focus on post-high school career decisions and guide the student in choosing other courses. Students should choose electives that will help them in their personal and career goals and not just to "fill out" a schedule of courses. Study each department listing of available electives carefully before making a decision.

CLASS LOAD

For all four years all students must request a "normal" schedule of SIX courses including Physical Education.  A study hall will automatically be added to a student's schedule.  Music courses may be taken as either part of the normal load or as an extra subject.

Students must obtain special permission to carry less than the normal number of subjects.  Students electing two or more Advanced Placement courses are encouraged to carry only four academic courses.  It is suggested they have at least one scheduled study hall.

Students with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher may petition to carry an additional course(s). Enrollment will be granted on a space available basis only. Students desiring to take an additional subject must have the permission of their counselor.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All students are required to take physical education. It is recommended that freshmen take physical education for the entire year.

Parents who desire that their student be excused from physical education for religious reasons must request special permission from the Assistant Principal for Student Services.

Students may request exemption from physical education for the following reasons:

A.    Enrollment in the Technology Academy will allow a two-semester waiver during the freshman year.
B.  A junior or senior student enrolled in two or more Advanced Placement courses may request a waiver.

1. A junior or senior student who is participating in athletics may request a waiver.

D.  A student enrolled in Marching Band may request a waiver for the fall semester each year.
E.   A student enrolled in Naval Science 3 or Naval
      Science 4 may request a waiver.
F.   The student provides written evidence from an institution of higher education that a specific course not included in existing state or local school minimum graduation standards is required for admission.  School district staff must verify that the student's present and proposed schedule will not permit completion of the needed course.
G.  The student lacks sufficient course credit, or one or more courses required by state statute or local school board policies for graduation.  Students who have failed required courses, transferred into the district with deficient credits or who lack credits due to other causes will be eligible to apply for this exemption.

Each request for exemption from physical education instruction is to be verified and eligibility determined on a case-by-case basis by school district staff.  Every student excused from physical education course requirements will be provided with a schedule that meets minimum school day requirements and other policies of the district.  No credit is issued for P.E. exemptions or waivers.

Approvals of exemptions will be for one semester only, but may be renewed for additional semesters if circumstances warrant.  Please see graduation requirements on page i in the introduction.

MEDICAL EXCUSES FROM P.E.

A.  A parent may request in writing for their son/daughter to be excused from P.E. up to three days.

B.  Students who need to be excused from P.E. longer than three days must have an excuse from the doctor.

C.  Students who are excused from P.E. for more than nine weeks by a physician will be medically excused.  Credit for P.E. will not be given and the student will not have to make up that semester of P.E.

THE ADVISORY PROGRAM

Advisory is a “small school within a large school” that provides the more intimate relationship of a small school community during the four years of high school.  The advisor system strives to provide each student with an adviser/advocate in order to nurture, inform, protect, and promote each advisee’s best interest.  At the heart of the system is the relationship between advisor and advisee—where students have a person who:  knows them, cares about them, defends them, and will help them fulfill their educational and personal potential.

The advisor, a certified teacher, is paired with 30 students, and they meet each school day for 20 minutes during an “advisory period.”  Advisers serve several important functions for their advisees.  These include being a mentor, acting as a coach, and as an advocate.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOMEWORK

Homework done outside the classroom period is necessary and valuable. It helps students become confident and independent learners and thinkers. Completed homework maintains the integrity of the classroom.

It is essential that students complete their homework assignments honestly, carefully, and on time. Students must strive to eliminate personal distractions, have a personal area for study, and set aside time on a regular, daily basis for completion of homework.

From freshman through senior year, students must complete all assignments.

FEES

All students must pay a standard fee that includes: book rental, towel fee and purchase of a lock. The exact fee is announced in the Parent-Student Guide. Some courses require material fees, workbooks, and/or supplemental reading texts. As soon as your instructor informs you on what is needed, please pay the fee or purchase the materials.

 

EARLY GRADUATION

Students who choose to graduate in less than the required eight semesters (covering four calendar years) must meet the following conditions and have special/extenuating circumstances to warrant consideration.

A. Make application to the appropriate counselor for approval of a plan to complete high school in this manner. This must be done prior to the first semester of their junior year. This plan requires written parental permission unless the student is eighteen years old. The Assistant Principal of Student Services makes the final decision.
B. Have and maintain a "B" (3.0) grade average, based on all full-credit subjects, in the year immediately preceding the request for early graduation.
C. Pass all required subjects.
D. Earn sufficient credits in summer/night courses and by carrying extra full-credit subjects during regular semesters to meet minimum graduation requirements.

PASS-FAIL COURSE OPTIONS

In order to encourage students to explore areas of interest that might otherwise be avoided, a pass-fail course option is offered. The pass-fail option is not available for advanced placement courses and all required courses.

Pass-fail options generally benefit those students who fear a low grade might affect their rank-in-class, those who are apprehensive about taking a very difficult subject, and those whose fears about grades interfere with their ability to learn.

Pass-fail options available:

1. Physical Education.
2. One elective course per semester.

Rules and guidelines for the pass-fail option:

a. Pass-fail courses are considered as a part of the normal academic class load.
b. All course prerequisites remain in force.
c. Parental consent forms are required for any pass-fail course request. No changes will be permitted once the pass-fail option is approved and the course begins.
d. Students taking a pass-fail option will be subject to the same grading standards as any other student in the class. A student must earn a passing grade in order to receive a "P." The teacher will keep a regular grade record, but will report the quarter and semester grades as a "P" or "F."
e. Pass-fail subjects will count for credit toward graduation, but will not be used in computing grade point average or rank-in-class.
f. The student must declare in writing to the teacher the pass-fail course option within the first six weeks of the semester.

Students are cautioned to find out in advance if pass-fail courses will be acceptable to the specific college or university they plan to enter.

Pass-fail application blanks are available from a student's counselor. Counselors should be consulted before a pass-fail request is made.

SECOND GRADE OPTION

Students may repeat courses at Zion-Benton to improve a grade.

a. This option may be used only once per course.
b. Students may not repeat courses at other institutions and transfer the grade to Zion-Benton High School.
c. This option may be used only if the first grade was a "C" or lower.
d. Pass-Fail courses cannot be repeated for a grade.
e. This provision may apply to a maximum of two (2) units of credit per student.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

Students must take responsibility with their parents and counselor for the registration and scheduling process. It is not easy to change schedules once registration is completed.

Students should realize that a two-way commitment is made when they register for courses in the spring. ZBTHS makes a commitment to provide the classes for which there are sufficient enrollment and the students make a commitment to accept the classes in which they are enrolled.

In situations where compelling reasons exist to change spring registration for fall courses, counselor contact is required before July 1 to receive consideration.

Elective schedule changes may be made only if there is room.
The fee is $25.00.

Request for schedule changes may be made within the first fifteen (15) school days of each semester and should be for one of the following reasons:

A. Student failed a required course needed for graduation.
B. Course completed by attending Summer or Alternative School.
C. Error in a student's schedule requiring a change.

School Administrators may request schedule changes to be made at any time for one of the following reasons:

A. To balance class enrollments, student disciplinary problems and other.
B. Placement in Special Education (COP, LD, BD or ELS).

Students who drop a course after the first ten school days of a semester are warned that it may not be possible to add a replacement class to their schedule to meet the minimum class load requirement.

Students who drop a course after the first ten school days of a semester are also warned that they may, depending on the circumstances, be assigned a grade of "F" for that course.

Students who drop a course after the first quarter of each semester may be assigned a grade of "F" for that course.

Honors Recognition

DETERMINING GRADE POINT AVERAGE

Weighted Grade Point Averages are determined by averaging honor points awarded for grades earned. Earned Honor Points are based on the level of difficulty of the courses taken. Grades earned in driver education and courses taken on a pass/fail basis will not be used in computing grade point averages or rank-in-class.

GRADE WEIGHTED COURSES

Introduction to AP Studio Art
AP Studio Art

AC English 1
AC English 2
AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition
French 3/4
German 3/4
Spanish 3
Spanish 4

AC Geometry
AC Algebra 2
AC Pre-Calculus
AP Computer Science A
AP Calculus BC
AP Statistics

Physics
AC Biology
AP Biology
AC Chemistry
AP Chemistry
AP Physics

AC Social Studies
AP United States History
AP United States Government and Politics
AP Psychology

The table below illustrates honor points earned for grades:

	A	B	C	D	Pass	Fail
Normal Honor Points	4	3	2	1	0	0
Weighted Honor Points	5	4	3	1	0	0

ACADEMIC LETTERS

At the end of each semester, students who have earned a 3.60 grade point or higher for that semester are eligible for an academic letter.

HONOR ROLL

At the end of each grading period an Honor Roll and a High Honor Roll will be computed and published. Students achieving a 3.10 to 3.74 weighted grade point average will be listed on the Honor Roll. Students with weighted averages of 3.75 and above will be listed on the high honor roll.

First and Third Quarter Honor Roll will be based on grades for the respective quarters. Second and Fourth Quarter Honor Roll will be based on semester grades for the term.

Grades in Driver Education and pass/fail courses are not included in honor roll computations.

Students receiving "incomplete" grades may not have their name published although they may make Honor Roll status after the incomplete is removed. Also, any student earning a grade of "F" in any course will not qualify for the honor roll.

RANK-IN-CLASS

Class rank and honors at graduation will be based upon the seventh semester cumulative grade point average. Final rank is based upon the completion of all graduation requirements. Rank at the end of six semesters will be available as soon as possible so that students may audit and verify class rank computation. Seventh semester rank will be released as quickly as possible following the close of the seventh semester. Valedictorian and salutatorian recognition will be based on the top two seventh semester cumulative grade point averages. In the event of an exact tie, those students will be honored, as co valedictorians and salutatorian recognition will be dropped.

 

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