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General Instructions & Curriculum Changes
Our high school delivery system is based on eighteen-week periods called semesters with seven periods per day. The semester system, combined with a seven-period day, provides the student with more variety and flexibility in subject choice. At the same time, it demands more thought and care on the part of the student in making appropriate class choices. Students are urged to discuss their choice of classes with their parents, teachers, and our guidance counselor. In selecting classes, students should give thought to their overall high school program and to their post high school plans.
**Note: Course offerings are dependent on the number of student registrations. Classes in this book may be dropped at the discretion of the school district.
Credit Requirements
Classes that are taught on the nine-week system each carry .5 credit while classes taught for a semester will receive 1 credit. For graduation students must successfully complete 50 semester credits, a combination of required courses and electives. It is the policy of the Little Falls Community High School not to discriminate on the basis of gender in its program offerings.
Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)
Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own admissions requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. Students who are in 11th and 12th grade may take PSEO courses on a full or part time basis; 10th graders are eligible to enroll in PSEO on a more limited basis (see note below). Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. If a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, she/he may continue to participate in PSEO on a term by term basis.
By March 1 of each year, or three weeks prior to the date a student registers for courses for the following school year, schools must provide PSEO information to all students in grades 8-11 and their families. To assist the district in planning, a student must inform the district by May 30 and October 30 of each year of their intent to enroll in postsecondary courses during the following school year.
There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course; however, students may incur fees for equipment that becomes their property when the course or program is completed, textbooks that are not returned to the postsecondary institution according to their policies, or for tuition costs if they do not notify the district by May 30 and the district does not waive this date requirement.
Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. For more information on these funds, access the PSEO Mileage Reimbursement Program Instructions.
Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school.
School districts must allow a PSEO student reasonable access to the high school building, computers and/or other technology resources during regular school hours to participate in PSEO courses, whether on-line or on campus.
All courses taken through the PSEO program must meet graduation requirements. Districts must transcript credits earned in PSEO by a ratio prescribed in statute. Districts have the authority to decide which subject area and standards the PSEO course meets. If there is a dispute between the district and the student regarding the number of credits granted for a particular course, the student may appeal the board's decision to the commissioner. The commissioner's decision regarding the number of credits will be final. Postsecondary institutions are required to allow PSEO students to enroll in online courses consistent with the institution's policy regarding postsecondary student enrollment in online courses.
Tenth-grade students may initially enroll in one Career and Technical Education (CTE) PSEO course if they receive a reading proficiency score of "meets"or "exceeds"on the 8th grade MCA. If 10th graders taking a CTE PSEO courses earn at least a grade C in that class, they may take additional CTE PSEO courses. If the student did not take the MCA in 8th grade, another reading assessment accepted by the enrolling postsecondary institution can be substituted. For students with disabilities, there is an alternative option to demonstrate reading proficiency. For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education's Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage.
College in the High School (CIHS) / Advanced Placement and Honors Program
The Enrollment Options program of the State of Minnesota has enabled high school juniors and seniors to enroll in college level courses and earn credits at no expense to the student. The CIHS Program provides a vital link between secondary schools and post-secondary institutions. The CIHS program offers college courses through Central Lakes College (CLC) and St. Cloud State University (SCSU). Faculty and program administrators from CLC and SCSU carefully monitor the courses to ensure that the CIHS program sections maintain standards identical to those of sections taught on the college campus. This program gives college-bound students a unique opportunity to gauge their ability to do college work in introductory freshman-level courses prior to full time college study. Seniors must have a 2.50 GPA and juniors must have a 3.00 GPA to be eligible to receive college credit. The college courses offered here at the Little Falls Community High School are:
Course No.
3126, 3127 College English/Intro to Literature (3)
3136 College Composition I (4)
3137 College Composition II (4)
3140 Practical Writing (3)
3230, 3231 College Algebra/College Pre-Calculus (8)
3232, 3233 College Calculus (5)
3320, 3321 College Chemistry (4)
3330, 3331 College Biology/Human Anatomy (3)
3332, 3333 College Physics (4)
3334, 3335 College Intro to Stats (4)
3334, 3335 AP Computer Science Principles
3400, 3401 AP American History
3422 College World History (3)
3567 Art Appreciation (3)
3593 Introduction to Graphic Design (3)
1754, 1755 Wind Symphony (1)
Central Lakes College has information on the CIHS program on their website at:
Bilingual Seals
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) award free college semester credits to enrolled students who have received a bilingual or multilingual seal as well as world language proficiency certificates. Students must request the college semester credits within three academic years of graduation from high school and upon enrollment in a Minnesota State college or university.
College Credit For High School Courses Through Articulation Agreements In Career & Technical Courses
Students may earn college credit toward CLC’s career and technical programs for courses taken in high school. An Advanced Standing Articulation Agreement is a contract with CLC that allows students who complete select high school level courses in a satisfactory manner to obtain free college-level credit for that course work.
CLC faculty members have worked with high school teachers to identify course competencies that are common at both the high school and college levels. Advanced standing courses are taught by high school instructors. College credit is obtained when the college receives the student’s certificate of completion and high school transcript for the high school Advanced Standing course.
Advanced Standing courses offer credit toward a career and technical program at CLC. This allows a student to earn college credit for achieving the technical skills while in high school. For more information, visit CLC’s website: http://www.clcmn.edu/cis/advancedstanding.html
Upon high school graduation, students should work with their high school instructor(s) and counselor to obtain the College Credit Award certificate. Students may earn college credit in the identified Central Lakes College career and technical programs by receiving a grade of a “B” (80%) or better in the following high school pathways:
Horticulture
Natural Resources
Television/Video
Broadcast Media
Computer Apps
Desktop Publishing
Digital Photography
Small Gas Engines Technology
Vocational Welding
Basic Vehicle Systems
Graphics & Animation
Automotive Technology
Accounting
Recommended Courses For College-Bound Students
1. Many colleges have admission requirements in academic subject areas. Some of the credits are in the required areas of English, social studies, mathematics, science and foreign language. Other colleges have admission requirements which combine various combinations of the above areas. Students should check with their counselor and college for more specific information on individual college requirements.
2. Recommendations usually involve at least three years of math including Higher Algebra, and one year of Geometry, four years of English, three years of science, three years of social studies, and two years of one foreign language.
3. Students entering the Minnesota State College and University System (MnSCU) may need to complete the following prep classes in order to be admitted:
A. Four years of English
B. Three years of mathematics (two years of Algebra, of which one class is Higher Algebra, and one year of Geometry). Four years of mathematics is required for the Universities of MN.
C. Three years of science (at least one year each of a Biological and a Physical Science and at least one course that includes significant laboratory experiences).
D. Three and 1/2 years of social studies.
E. Two years of world language.
F. 2 credits of fine arts
G. Exceptions: If students are admitted who have not completed all of the course requirements, they are required to make up deficiencies in the core requirements during the first year of enrollment and all other deficiencies during the second year of enrollment.
4. Biology, Chemistry and Human Anatomy are recommended for those who plan to pursue careers in nursing, health education, family and consumer science, pharmacy, medicine, or dentistry.
5. Agriculture and forestry students should have a strong background in biology and chemistry.
6. Engineering and architectural courses require Algebra, Geometry, Higher Algebra, and advanced mathematics (including Trigonometry). Physics, Chemistry, Calculus, and Mechanical Drafting are also recommended.
7. Business courses, especially Accounting and Marketing courses, are recommended for those who plan to go into any type of business or computer careers.
Flyer Flight Path - Academies, Pathways, & Partnerships
LFCHS is undergoing an organizational shift that sequences classes for students to pursue specific interests, skills, and aptitudes. The focus is on core curriculum combined with experiential learning through personally selected elective courses. Academies contain career pathways with a sequence of courses designed to help students explore career fields of interest to better prepare them for college and/or career after high school. LFCHS APPs will help students understand the career options they have in business and industry as they prepare for employment after high school. We are partnering with businesses and colleges to jumpstart a student’s education down a career path by providing hands-on opportunities to experience a career and equip students with the skills needed for a lifetime of success.
Our goal for Academies, Pathways, and Partnerships will help students experience the following:
Learning opportunities in small community environments that provide a supportive atmosphere
Curriculum that is sequenced and integrates academics and career-based learning
Better preparation for employment and/or college course work
Opportunity to earn dual credit (high school and college credits) that transfer to career programs
Opportunity to earn industry certifications
Opportunity to participate in a business and industry experience such as taking a tour, participating in a job shadow, or listening to an industry speaker
Opportunity to participate in a career pathway with a local businesses and/or industries
The benefits of enrolling in an Academy Pathway are that students will gain a solid academic foundation and a marketable skill. Students often enroll in college, but some enter the workforce with the skills they have learned in the Career Academy/Pathway courses. Students are studying in a high-skill and/or high-wage industry and develop an understanding of the work environment. Students who complete a Career Academy, will be recognized at their high school graduation ceremony.
Look for more information on LFCHS Academies, Pathways, and Partnership in the near future.
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