LEVELING POLICY
Academic courses in Seymour High School are grouped according to ability. The prime difference between “levels” is that of breadth and scope of coverage and the pace of the class.
Counselors and teachers recommend levels based on a student’s past performance, teachers’ assessments of students’ class work, and scores on standardized tests. The proper placement of students in courses is one way in which teachers address the learning needs of students. Seymour High School believes that students should challenge themselves to reach their fullest potential by taking courses at the highest levels appropriate for them.
Students and parents should read the course descriptions carefully and consult with teachers and counselors when unsure if a level is appropriate. The courses at Seymour High School are classified as follows:
AP – Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment– These courses are designed for students to earn both high school and college level credit while in high school. These courses are more challenging and stimulating compared to other high school courses. They often require more work than honors classes, but give greater opportunities for individualized programming and accomplishments. Students are graded based on the level of a college freshman. Students enrolled in an AP level class do so fully committing to the class for the full year as well as to take the AP exam.
Honors – These courses provide instruction and learning experiences for those students whose academic performance has been of the highest caliber. Students enrolled in Honors courses will learn to analyze and synthesize content, to develop original and independent learning activities and to focus on abstract reasoning and critical thinking. Students enrolled in this instructional level will be expected to have exhibited superior reading, writing, and thinking abilities.
College Preparatory – These courses provide appropriate instruction and learning experiences to prepare students for college, business and technical school, or for employment upon graduation. The focus of this instructional level is to stress mastery and evaluation of content, to increase abstract reasoning and critical thinking skills, and to develop further independent learning activities. Students entering this instructional level would be expected to have exhibited an acceptable mastery of reading, writing, and thinking skills.