REGISTRATION INFO
COURSE REGISTRATION
- GENERAL INFO
- REGISTRATION MATERIALS
- COMPLETING REGISTRATION WORKSHEETS
- DAILY SCHEDULES
- COURSE SCHEDULE GUIDELINES
- CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
- NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE REQUIREMENTS ((FOR INITIAL ELIGIBILITY AT DIVISION I OR DIVISION II COLLEGES)
- COLLEGE AND CAREER PREPARATION
- ADDITIONAL COURSE MODELS (HYBRID COURSE, CO-TAUGHT, ENRICHED, INDEPENDENT STUDY, & TESTING OUT OF A CLASS)
- ACADEMIC STANDING
- ACADEMIC TESTING
- OWATONNA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
- NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
GENERAL INFO
WHAT IS REGISTRATION?
Every year OHS students have the opportunity to choose their classes for the upcoming school year. Registering classes is a balance of selecting courses to fulfill graduation requirements and choosing courses that reflect your interest. Registration is an important undertaking, therefore students can benefit from family, counselor, teacher and advisor assistance to make their course selections.
WHEN DO I REGISTER?
Current 9th through 11th grade students will register for courses Online with the support of COMPASS. The registration window will open approximately two weeks before Registration Night and close the evening of the first Thursday in March. Compass (advisory) teachers will be available in Compass and by appointment to meet with their assigned students to register. As registration night draws near, students will receive specific registration information, relevant documents, and a review of the process during Compass meetings with their advisor.
Incoming 9th graders and families are invited to attend an informational meeting on the evening of February 20th. During the meeting, the OHS counselors will present general registration information and will be available to answer questions. The students will be given access to their registration materials to review. Students will complete the 9th-grade registration worksheet. Each school will communicate to students when to bring their completed form to school to register for their classes.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT CLASSES ARE REQUIRED?
Information about credit requirements for graduation are linked here. Additionally, there is a Graduation Checklist available in the career center.
Depending on your career plans and aspirations, additional course requirements need to be considered. See the following link to find a list of the minimum course requirements for admissions to Technical Colleges, Community colleges, and 4-year Universities. Identifying goals and developing a plan will help you make the best of your course selections.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION?
An Owatonna High School diploma requires the completion of 28 credits. Of those credits 16.5 credits are required in the core areas of Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Fine Art, Physical Education, and Health. For more information on graduation requirements follow this link.
REGISTRATION MATERIALS
The ROSE (linked here)is a student hub that allows students access to information and important documents. The word ROSE stands for Resources, Opportunities, Schedules, and Educational Info. The ROSE is a google doc that is comprised of a collection of hyperlinks that are arranged by category. Some of the categories include: Academic Support, Schedules, and Important Documents. This hub allows students have access to all these links in one place.
The Course Registration Documents such as the grade-level worksheets, playlist, and graduation check-list can be found there under the Registration header. This is located in the left hand column near the bottom of the document.
COMPLETING REGISTRATION WORKSHEETS
COMPLETING THE REGISTRATION
WORKSHEET (STEP-BY-STEP)
Each student is required to complete a registration worksheet for the grade they are entering.
STEP 1. Begin by entering your name and contact information on the grade-level appropriate form. If questions or issues arise with your selections you may be contacted. Please provide the best way that you can be reached.
STEP 2. Talk with your teachers and sign off that you have read and understand the importance of registering accurately. Since the master schedule and the number of sections run are based on the courses that are selected, it is important to register for classes that you are committed to taking.
STEP 3. Begin by selecting course options from the core offerings for your grade level. If you have a question about the correct course to register for, consult your current subject teacher to help make recommendations on the appropriate course you should register for. Circle or check the box to indicate the course number and name you intend to select.
STEP 4. Begin checking off and listing elective courses, and choose a combination of quarter and semester classes that total 8 credits including required classes. Remember that semester courses are 1.0 credits and quarter classes are 0.5 credits.
STEP 5. Please select 6 alternate elective courses. Take care to select both quarter and semester classes because these courses will be used if scheduling conflicts arise. Please note that all 6 spaces should be filled in, as some courses do not run if there are not enough students who register for a particular course.
ONCE COMPLETE Bring the appropriate completed (digital file or printed) OHS Registration Worksheet with you to your scheduled Compass meetings as outlined by your registration timeline or to your middle school as requested.
DAILY SCHEDULES
DAILY CLASS SCHEDULE
OHS is on a 4-period block schedule. The school day is divided into 4 class periods approximately 85 minutes each. Extended class periods support intensive study and provide teachers more time to use a variety of teaching techniques, allowing for more student engagement and authentic learning.
STUDENT SCHEDULES
Most students will have a schedule made up of four blocks each quarter. Block classes are offered as quarter or semester courses. However, some students might be scheduled for courses that are offered as a“period” (or half a block.) “Period” courses” create opportunities for more scheduling flexibility for our full-year course offerings.
Lunch is an additional component of a student's schedule. There are four lunch periods (A, B, C, & D) which begin after the second hour. A student’s lunch period is determined by their 3rd-hour class. Therefore, a student’s lunch period can change from quarter to quarter depending on their schedule.
COMPASS INTERVENTION DAYS SCHEDULE
Throughout the school year, students will meet periodically with their Compass Advisory teacher. Compass meetings are generally 25 minutes but can vary in length (depending on the purpose). Compass days include an intervention block at the end of the school day. To accommodate this schedule, class times are shortened on Compass days but follow the same sequence of courses and lunches. Students can find information about Compass dates and times on the school calendar.
PEP-FEST SCHEDULES
Additionally, Owatonna High School’s Student Council (STUDCO) organizes pep fests throughout the academic year. A Pep fest can occur at either the beginning or end of the day. For a full list of our schedules please check the school website or the STUDCO social media outlets.
COURSE SCHEDULE GUIDELINES
STUDENT SCHEDULES
Most students will have a schedule made up of four blocks each quarter. Block classes are offered as quarter or semester courses. However, some students might be scheduled for courses that are offered as a“period” (or half a block.) “Period” courses” create opportunities for more scheduling flexibility for our full year course offerings.
ONCE SELECTED, A COURSE SHOULD BE CONTINUED FOR ITS DURATION. Your course choices are important. Consider graduation requirements, career interests, and your strengths as you plan your academic year. Once you complete your registration for the next school year, there will be little or no opportunity to change your schedules. All non-substantive requests for schedule changes such as: changing hours, “I prefer to take it next year”, “I want to have a class with my friend”, etc., will not be considered.
STUDENT SCHEDULE CHANGES: DROP AND CHANGE POLICY
SCHEDULE CHANGES SHOULD BE LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS
We are aware that occasionally circumstances change between the time of registration and the beginning of class next year that necessitates changing a schedule.
A student may change their schedule to add a class for any of the following reasons before the week prior to the end of the previous quarter:
- Medical or Physical Restrictions—medical documentation required (example—student has a broken bone which prevents full participation)
- Computer Error (example—student is scheduled in English 12 Lang & Comp before English 11 Lit & comp)
- Academic Misplacement—A student who has a scheduled course for which they have not completed a prerequisite (example—student is scheduled for Spanish 2, but has not yet passed Spanish 1).
- A Junior or Senior Registered for PSEO Classes who needs a schedule adjustment to accommodate college classes.
- Repeated Course- A student who has a scheduled course they have already completed.
- Incorrect Placement- A student whose teacher has indicated that placement in a course is inappropriate.
- Graduation Requirement- A senior who needs a specific requirement for graduation or college admissions.
SCHEDULE CHANGES REQUESTS MUST BE INITIATED AT LEAST 1 WEEK PRIOR TO THE START OF THE QUARTER. ANY REQUESTS MADE OUTSIDE OF THIS TIME-LINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
ALL APPROVED CHANGES MUST BE PROCESSED THROUGH THE COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER FOLLOWING THESE STEPS (NO CALLS OR APPOINTMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED)
- Set up a meeting with your Counselor to discuss request.
- If your request meets the Schedule Change Policy you will receive a “Schedule Change Form” from your counselor.
- Fill out the Schedule Change Form, collect the necessary signatures, and return the form to the Career Center.
- Your counselor will review your request and will contact you via e-mail or phone with any questions/concerns.
- If your request is approved you will receive an updated schedule.
WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS:
All students may elect to withdraw from a class to which they have been assigned, for academic reasons only. Students must begin this process by:
- Meeting with their counselor to review their academic status.
- Students schedule may not drop below 7 credits.
- Students who have been given approval to withdraw by their counselor and must complete a Withdraw Request form.
- Obtain a parent signature and teacher signature and return the form to their counselor for processing.
- Students will be placed in a study hall.
All withdraw requests made within the first 10 days of a class meeting will not show up on a student’s transcript. Students who withdraw will be placed in a study hall.
All withdraw request made after the 10-class meeting will result in a Withdraw Fail mark on their transcript. The withdraw/fail mark (WF) will count as a 0.0 and be included in the GPA and class rank calculations. Additionally, students who withdraw late will be placed in study hall.
CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
LANGUAGE ARTS 4.5 credits
English 9 (or Enriched English 9)......................................................................................................1.0 credits
English 10 (or Enriched English 10) .................................................................................................1.0 credits
English 11 Lit/Comp (or AP English Lit & Comp/College Lit 100).......................................................1.0 credits
English 12 Lang/Comp (or English 12:Career Pathways or
AP English Lang & Comp/College Eng 151)......................................................................................1.0 credits
English Elective Class.....................................................................................................................0.5 credits
SOCIAL STUDIES 4.0 credits
Economics.....................................................................................................................................0.5 credits
World History 10 (or Enriched World History 10)...............................................................................1.0 credits
Early American History 11 (or AP Early American History 11)............................................................1.0 credits
Modern American History 12 (or AP Modern American History 12)....................................................1.0 credits
Civics/Political Science (must be taken 11th-12th grade) .................................................................0.5 credits
SCIENCE 3.0 credits
Geoscience or Enriched Physical Science or Physical Science ..........................................................1.0 credits
General Biology...............................................................................................................................1.0 credits
General Chemistry or General Physics or AP Chemistry or Food Chemistry or
Practical Chemistry or AP Physics)..................................................................................................1.0 credits
MATHEMATICS 3.0 credits
Intermediate Algebra (or higher)......................................................................................................1.0 credits
Geometry (or higher).......................................................................................................................1.0 credits Algebra II (or Higher).......................................................................................................................1.0 credits
PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH 1.0 credits
Personal Fitness..............................................................................................................................0.5 credits
Health.............................................................................................................................................0.5 credits
ARTS ELECTIVE 1.0 credits
Arts Elective....................................................................................................................................1.0 credits
PERSONAL FINANCE ELECTIVE 0.5 credits
Personal Finance Elective................................................................................................................0.5 credits
ELECTIVES (total include Personal Finance and Arts Elective).............................. .....................11.5 credits
TOTAL CREDITS……………………………….…………………………………….……..............................................…28.0 credits
NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE REQUIREMENTS ((FOR INITIAL ELIGIBILITY AT DIVISION I OR DIVISION II COLLEGES)
Division I & II Requirements
- All prospective Division I or II college-bound student athletes must be registered with and be certified as eligible by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse to practice, compete, or receive athletics (scholarship) aid in their first year at a NCAA Division I or II college or university.
- It is the student’s responsibility to make sure the Clearinghouse has the documents it needs to certify them. These documents include a completed online registration and fee payment, sent directly from the testing agency, and transcript(s) from all high schools or programs attended.
- Any student planning to attend a four-year college and participate in athletics please contact Margo McKay (OHS counselor) 444-8822 or contact NCAA at 1-877-262-1492 or www.ncaaclearinghouse.net regarding NCAA requirements.
Course |
Division I |
Division II |
English |
4 years |
3 years |
Math |
3 years |
2 years |
Science* |
2 years |
2 years |
Social Studies |
2 years |
2 years |
Additional Math, English, & Science |
1 year |
3 years |
Additional Courses ** |
4 years |
4 years |
Total Units Required |
16 |
16 |
GPA |
2.3 (in core classes) |
2.2 (in core classes) |
COLLEGE AND CAREER PREPARATION
CAREER PREPARATION
Owatonna High School allows students to explore a potential career path and envision their future. In partnership with SteeleCo Works, students can find support to explore hands-on work experiences right in their neighborhood.
CAREER-FOCUSED OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:
- Internships, Mentoring, Job Shadowing
- Jobs Searching, along with the Application process, resume, and interview help
- Paid and unpaid work experiences
- Youth Skills Training
CAREER COUNSELING:
A message to Students
My name is Brian Coleman, Career Pathways Navigator for Owatonna High School students. My goal is to help better prepare each student for life after high school. Although you may think you are too young to worry about your future career, it is important that you start thinking about your life after high school right now so you can take the steps necessary to get into your career. Some of these steps include enrolling in the necessary courses, earning good grades, participating in programs, getting work experience and building a resume.
There are a lot of different factors that go into choosing a career path. To determine the career/occupation you want to enter you need to consider your interests, how long you want to be in school, how much money you want to make, the type of work you want to do, the potential for job growth and job trends in the industry. The sooner you begin to think about potential careers, the more chances you will have to explore them before making major decisions. Luckily, there are a lot of tools, programs and people available to help decide what you want to do.
Owatonna High School is dedicated to providing career planning services to students in grades 9-12. The Career Navigator will help students explore options, discover a wide variety of occupations, provide opportunities for job shadowing and meeting with professionals in career fields of interest while exploring options and finding the right career path for each student.
- Mr.Coleman, Career Pathways Navigator
COLLEGE & CAREER PREPARATION
As the workforce becomes more technically oriented, it is increasingly important for all students to spend some serious time thinking about education beyond high school. The traditional pathway from high school to college is not the only viable option. Students should consider all of their options.
Whether you plan on attending a Vocational College or a 4-year University, you have options! What path you choose to follow in high school will be directed by where you are setting your sights. It is important to plan because each post-secondary school sets its own standards for admission.
The following chart is based on minimum college admission recommendations. It should be noted that there may be other factors beyond academics considered in the college admissions decision. Selective schools look at participation in activities, leadership potential, and work experience.
What is your goal? |
Career & Technical: Certificate, Diploma, Associates Degree |
Community College: Associates Degree Career & Technical: |
Traditional 4 Year College or University |
Selective 4-Year College/University Bachelors Degree |
Example: |
Riverland Community College, Dunwoody |
Riverland Community College, South Central College |
MN State University, NDSU, Iowa State |
Carleton, U of M, Northwestern, U of WI |
English |
4 years |
4 years |
4 years |
4 years |
Social Studies |
3 years |
3 years |
3 years |
3 years |
Mathematics |
3 years + |
3 years + |
3 years + |
4 years + |
Science |
2 years + |
2 years + |
3 years + |
4 years + |
World Language |
No recommendation specified |
No recommendation specified |
2 years + (of single language) |
3-4 years (of single language) |
Physical Education |
1 quarter |
1 quarter |
1 quarter |
1 quarter |
Health |
1 quarter |
1 quarter |
1 quarter |
1 quarter |
Fine Arts |
1 year |
1 year |
1 year |
1 year |
Electives |
Choose electives that will prepare for career or broaden your interest |
Choose electives that will prepare for career or broaden your interest |
Choose electives that will prepare for career or broaden your interest |
Choose as many AP classes as possible. |
COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE LInk
ADDITIONAL COURSE MODELS (HYBRID COURSE, CO-TAUGHT, ENRICHED, INDEPENDENT STUDY, & TESTING OUT OF A CLASS)
WHAT ARE HYBRID COURSES?
Hybrid learning uses both in-class and online activities to transform the classroom experience. On some days, you may be participating in a Schoology discussion or completing an online simulation. Other days may find you in a classroom discussion or working on a group project. Hybrid classes can allow for a more flexible learning schedule, however, you should understand the activities involved and the requirements for success. The following are some examples of hybrid courses that we offer: Business Top Team, English 12 Lang & Comp, AP English Lang & Comp/ENG 151, Women’s Health Issues, and Intro. to Education.
Hybrid Courses:
- Combine both in-class and online learning.
- Allows the teacher to set a flexible schedule to match the activities in the classroom.
- Incorporate discussion, labs, and group activities with web research, collaboration, simulations, and multimedia.
- Requires motivation and organization to track meeting times, due dates, and progress.
- Is similar to the structure of many college courses, which gives you experience and preparation for college life.
Key Ingredients for Success:
- Motivation to complete tasks independently.
- Organization skills.
- Ability to work in group settings, both in and out of class.
- Desire to have an active role in guiding your own learning.
- Comfortable using technology to communicate and express yourself.
- Ability to access the Internet to participate in class activities and complete assignments (owning a computer is not a requirement, but access to technology is essential).
- Ability to follow/meet requirements for Hybrid approval.
WHAT’S REQUIRED FOR AN INDEPENDENT STUDY?
Independent Study provides senior-level students with the opportunity to learn about an academic topic of their interest which is not offered at our high school. Students work with a volunteer teacher to plan and propose this personalized educational experience before the application deadline and complete the independent study course during the quarter/semester. For more information, see the Independent Study policy in the student handbook.
TESTING OUT OF A COURSE: CAN I SKIP A COURSE FOR MORE CHALLENGE?
Yes, In accordance with the guidelines of the Minnesota Department of Education, Owatonna High School offers a process for high school students to test out of some courses in order to enroll in a higher-level course within the subject area.
A student who demonstrates proficiency will receive an indication on their transcript and will be registered for the subsequent class for the coming school year. This indicates the student tested out of the class but did not receive credit for the class. Students will still need the full number of credits within the content area to graduate from Owatonna High School.
If the student has not earned an overall test score of 90% or higher on the test, no indication will be made on the transcript and the student will be registered for a corresponding course for the coming school year.
Students may take an accelerated test consisting of multiple choice, T/F, numeric response, matching, etc questions. The purpose of a test-out program at Owatonna High School is to provide students the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for a more advanced class. In order to be successful, the student must score 90% or higher on the test. Students must initiate their desire to test with their counselor and further testing information will be provided by the instructors within the department offering the course.
Test dates and times are directed by the teacher and will only be offered to the student once within the current school year. Courses available for accelerated testing are: Spanish 1, 2, 3; French 1, 2, 3; Intermediate Algebra; Geometry; Algebra II.
There will not be an opportunity to retest during the current school year if the student is not satisfied with the exam grade.
CO-TAUGHT COURSES
Co-teaching is a collaborative teaching model that allows teachers to have additional support in meeting the needs of all students. We currently have Co-teaching Partnerships in the Language Arts, Science and Math departments.
ENRICHED CLASSES
Accelerated courses in English, Math, Social Studies, Science, and Foreign Languages allow high-achieving students to better prepare for Advanced Placement courses.
ACADEMIC STANDING
GRADING SYSTEMS
GRADING SCALE CHART
Grade |
Grading Scale |
Point Value |
Weighted |
A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F I W/F |
100% - 94% 93% - 90% 89% - 87% 86% - 84% 83% - 80% 79% - 77% 76% - 74% 73% - 70% 69% - 67% 66% - 64% 63% - 60% 59% - 0% 0% 0% |
4.000 3.670 3.330 3.000 2.670 2.330 2.000 1.670 1.330 1.000 0.670 0.000 0.000 0.000 |
4.400 4.037 3.663 3.300 2.937 2.563 2.200 1.837 1.463 1.100 0.737 0.000 0.000 0.000 |
VIEWING GRADES
Students, parents, and guardians can now track student progression on the Campus Portal. If you do not know your login information you can contact the main office and they will help you set up an account on the portal.
CALCULATING GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)
Each grade received in a grading period is assigned a numerical value dependent upon its credit value for the grading period. The sum of the values are divided by the number of credits attempted that given grading period to determine a GPA. A GPA is calculated for each student at the end of the grading period.
The following formula can be used to compute quarterly and cumulative GPA:
The sum of grade for each course X its course weight
The sum of the course weights
Students can also utilize the OHS GPA Calculator to help them determine their current GPA and calculate their potential future GPA.
CUMULATIVE GPA & CLASS RANK
All final semester grades from 9-12 are averaged to form a cumulative GPA. Students are ranked numerically in their graduating class according to their cumulative GPA. Most post secondary institutions and scholarship sponsors take class rank and cumulative GPA into consideration when determining admissions or awarding scholarships.
GRADUATION WITH HONORS
Honor students will be recognized at an honors recognition program and at our commencement ceremony. This comprises the top 15% of the class.
High Distinction: The top 5% of the graduating class or attainment of a 3.95 GPA*
Distinction: The next 10% of the graduating class or attainment of a 3.60-3.94 GPA*
*Note: Foreign Exchange students will not be included in class rank or honors recognition program for seniors.
ACADEMIC LETTERING
OHS will recognize student academic achievement for lettering. The purpose is to reward students for academic excellence. The following criteria are guidelines for receiving an academic letter:
Letters shall be awarded based on Cumulative GPA for all completed courses
After three consecutive semesters in 9th and 10th grades to students with a GPA of 3.80. The letter may be earned after either the first or second semester in 10th grade.
After the first semester in 11th grade to students with a cumulative GPA of 3.7
After the second semester in 11th grade and after the first semester in 12th grade to students with a cumulative GPA of 3.6
Students must abide by the Minnesota State High School League rules and those of the Owatonna Independent School District #761. Any violations of the rules will disqualify the student from lettering in that time period.
ACADEMIC TESTING
WHAT TESTS SHOULD I BE TAKING FOR COLLEGE ENTRANCE?
In addition to the general entrance requirements, most colleges and universities require the student to take one or more national standardized tests. The information concerning these tests is available at the high school, but all testing and scoring are carried out by the accredited testing agency. All are optional and it is the student’s responsibility to sign up for tests in which he/she is interested. Fees are designated by test agencies and are subject to change. The following tests are available to students:
PSAT
The PSAT allows 11th grade students to practice for the SAT college entrance exam and enters juniors into the National Merit Scholarship competition. This multiple choice test of reading, writing and math and is given in October. Registration and more information will be available at school in September.
ACT
The ACT is a test of academic achievement required to apply to many most colleges. It consists of multiple choice tests in English, math, reading and science, plus an optional writing test. Most students take the ACT for the first time in spring of the junior year and many students take it more than once. The school district will schedule a day in April, during school for juniors to take the ACT test. The district will pay for this one specific day of testing.
SAT
The SAT is a test of critical reading, writing and mathematical reasoning skills which is accepted by many colleges as an alternative to the ACT. Students taking the SAT usually do so late in their junior year or early in their senior year.
SAT SUBJECT TESTS
SAT Subject Tests are hour-long, multiple-choice, content- based tests. Students choose from 20 Subject tests to demonstrate their achievement in specific areas. Some colleges require subjects for admission and some use them to place students in advanced courses.
ACCUPLACER
The ACCUPLACER is taken to determine course placement at a 2 years community or placements at a 2 year community or technical college. Juniors will have the option in April to take the the ACCUPLACER instead of the ACT.
OWATONNA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
WHAT ARE THE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS?
ALL OHS & ALC Students are allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony if they meet all credit and state testing graduation requirements established by the Owatonna Public School District Board of Education.
Determination about meeting requirements for participating in the ceremony will be completed by the end of the last student contact day of the school year.
In compliance with the Minnesota State Board of Education and the Owatonna School Board, the following graduation requirements are as follows:
- Students must pass the identified required courses and accumulate 28-32+ credits.
- A student must complete a semester (4 credits) at OHS before a class rank is established.
WHAT IS COMMENCEMENT?
Commencement is a public ceremony recognizing students who have completed the requirements for an Owatonna High School diploma.
In order to participate in the commencement ceremony,
students must:
- Carry a minimum of 7 credits for the senior year in which a student is to graduate.
- Qualify as a student in good standing.
This means that the student will:
- Complete all assigned detention time
- Pay all fees
- Not be serving any in or out of school suspension or exclusion during the scheduled event.
- Not have a record of repeated behavioral violations. Such a record may result in loss of commencement participation as determined by school administration.
- Not have excessive unexcused absences at school.
- Senior “pranks” or “skip days” may result in loss of various privileges, including participation in the Commencement Program.
HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS
Home-schooled students must complete at least half or more of their educational program at Owatonna High School (or other accredited high school programs) in order to receive an Owatonna diploma. They will receive credit for classes taken, but no grades other than “pass” or “fail”. This will allow for credit transfer and graduation but will not for any determination of grade point average or academic recognition.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING
- COLLEGE IN THE SCHOOLS AND CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT (CIS)
- PSEO vs CIS vs AP
- COLLEGE IN THE SCHOOLS (CIS) - CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT CRITERIA
- ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)
- COLLEGE LEVEL EXAM PROFICIENCY (CLEP)
- PROSTART
- POST-SECONDARY ENROLLMENT OPTIONS (PSEO)
- AVANCEMENT VIA INDIVUDUAL DETERMINATION (AVID)
- REACH
COLLEGE IN THE SCHOOLS AND CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT (CIS)
The following table includes a comprehensive list of all the college-level classes currently offered at OHS. Students taking College in the Schools (CIS) courses can gain credit for classes at OHS while also earning credits in the partnering college. This table shows the OHS course name, the participating college’s course name, and the credit amounts for each of the courses. The following page explains the differences between the college credit opportunities available to students.
HIGH SCHOOL CLASS NAMES |
OHS CREDITS |
COLLEGE COURSE NAME |
COLLEGE CREDITS |
MNSU- MANKATO STATE |
|||
Human Development (KSP235) |
1 Credit |
Human Development |
3 Credits |
Spanish 4 (SPAN201) |
1 Credit |
Intermediate Spanish I |
4 Credits |
Spanish 5 (SPAN202) |
1 Credit |
Intermediate Spanish II |
4 Credits |
Intro to Education (KSP150) |
1 Credit |
Explore Career-Education |
3 Credits |
Public Speaking (COMM102) |
0.5 Credit |
Public Speaking |
3 Credits |
Intro to Psychological Science (PSYC101) |
1 Credit |
Intro to Psychological Science |
4 Credits |
US History to 1877 (HIST190) |
1 Credit |
US History to 1877 |
4 Credits |
HIGH SCHOOL CLASS NAMES |
OHS CREDITS |
COLLEGE COURSE NAME |
COLLEGE CREDITS |
SMSU -SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE |
|||
AP Biology ( BIO100/BIOL100L) |
1 Credit |
Biology in the Modern World |
3 Lecture Credits / Lab Credit |
AP Calculus I (MATH 150) |
1 Credit |
Calculus I |
5 Credits |
AP Calculus II (MATH151) |
1 Credit |
Calculus II |
4 Credits |
College Algebra (MATH110) |
1 Credit |
College Algebra |
3 Credits |
AP English Lit and Comp (LIT100) |
1 Credit |
Literature: Human Diversity |
3 Credits |
AP English Lang & Comp (ENG151) |
1 Credit |
Academic Writing |
4 Credits |
AP Pre-Calculus (MATH135) |
1 Credit |
Pre-Calculus |
5 Credits |
HIGH SCHOOL CLASS NAMES |
OHS CREDITS |
COLLEGE COURSE NAME |
COLLEGE CREDITS |
RIVERLAND |
|||
Food Chemistry (FSCI1000) |
1 Credit |
Principals of Food Science |
3 Lecture Credits |
Firefighter I (FSCI1101) |
1 Credit |
Firefighter I |
5 Credits |
Firefighter II (FSCI1106) |
1 Credit |
Firefighter II |
2 Credits |
Animal Science (AGSC1050) |
1 Credit |
Introduction to Animal Science |
c |
Medical Terminology (BUSO1668) |
1 Credit |
Medical Terminology |
2 Credits |
Nursing Assistant (HCNA1200) |
1 Credit |
Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide |
4 Credits |
College Biology (BIOL1030) |
1 Credit |
Human Biology |
2 Lecture Credits /1 Lab Credit |
PSEO vs CIS vs AP
COLLEGE IN THE SCHOOLS (CIS) - CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT CRITERIA
Minnesota State University- Mankato Criteria
Seniors - need to meet the following requirements:
- a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or) ACT composite of 21 or higher (or) be in the top 1/2 of class-rank.
- Students in AVID are eligible for college credit regardless of GPA or class ranking.
Juniors - need to meet one of the following requirements:
- Juniors require a cumulative GPA of 3.3 (or) be in the top 1/3 of class-rank (or)
- ACT composite score of 24 or higher
* See Ms. Langlois if you wish to appeal.
Southwest Minnesota State University Criteria
Seniors - need to meet one of the following requirements:
- a 3.0 GPA or above in high school
- be in the top half of their graduating class
- score in the 50th percentile on a nationally standardized test
Juniors - need to meet one of the following requirements:
- a 3.0 GPA or above in high school
- be in the top third of their graduating class
- score in the 70th percentile on a nationally standardized test
Sophomores - need to meet one of the following requirements:
- a 3.5 GPA or above in high school
- be in the top 10% of their graduating class
- have scored in the 90th percentile on a nationally standardized test
Transcripts must be sent to the College Now Office to verify sophomore eligibility.
Students will utilize the Sophomore Documentation form to submit their required paperwork.
Riverland Criteria
- Participating student scores 242 on Accuplacer Reading or higher (or)
- 16 or higher on ACT Reading (or)
- Score of 1042 or higher on the MCA.
*Application Deadline is April 16th & 17th, 2024
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)
WHAT IS AP?
Advanced Placement (AP) is a national program that allows students in high school to take college-level classes. The curricula for these classes are the same as those taught on a college campus; therefore, it is important students understand that an AP course is significantly more difficult than a high school course. Since students may take AP Exams that could qualify them for college credit, students are expected to think, analyze, and produce at a college level. AP courses require significantly more work outside of class than non AP courses. The tests and types of assignments in an AP course require students to plan their schedule carefully so they can give the course the kind of time it will demand to be successful. Students should consider not only their own academic background and commitment, but also their overall course load, job responsibilities and co-curricular activities when deciding to register for AP courses.
AP Exams are offered in May. Students who take AP courses are encouraged to take the exams. Selective colleges and universities look favorably upon students who have challenged themselves in high school through a rigorous academic program such as AP. Students who score high enough on AP Exams are often given college credit for these classes at the college of their choice.
Fee waivers are available for those who qualify. We allow any student who wants the challenge of an AP course to enroll. Students and parents/guardians should discuss this choice with their counselor if they have concerns about the student’s ability to handle the level of work required in the AP course.
OHS AP COURSES
- AP Studio Art
- AP Biology
- AP Physics
- AP Chemistry
- AP Calculus I & II
- AP Computer Science A- Java
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP Pre-Calculus
- AP Economics
- AP Political Science
- AP Lit & Comp/Lit 100
- AP Lang & Comp/Eng 151
- AP Spanish IV & V
- AP Statistics
- AP US History
COLLEGE CREDIT MAY BE EARNED IN THE FOLLOWING WAY
College credits are determined by scores on AP Exams and individual college scoring criteria.
To find out the AP policies of the college you’re interested in, go to: http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp
*Participating students receive weighted grades on their OHS transcript
COLLEGE LEVEL EXAM PROFICIENCY (CLEP)
CLEP EXAM COURSES
Examples of OHS Courses * Suggested Exam
AP Biology ........................................................................Biology
AP Calculus I................................................................... Calculus
AP Calculus II.................................................................. Calculus
AP Chemistry.................................................................Chemistry
College Algebra.....................................................College Algebra
AP English Lit & Comp/LIT100...............................Anly & Interp Lit
AP English Lang & Comp/ENG 151...........................College Comp
AP Pre-Calculus ........................................................Pre-Calculus
*See http://clep.collegeboard.org for more info.
COLLEGE CREDIT MAY BE EARNED IN THE FOLLOWING WAY
The College Level Examination Proficiency (CLEP) demonstrates college-level achievement through exams in under-graduate coursework. CLEP offers 33 exams in five subject areas (general studies type courses). Students who pass the tests may earn college credit. The CLEP tests are recommended for academically-strong students. Visit www.collegeboard.com. Students are responsible for exam set-up and cost.
PROSTART
OHS COLLEGE CREDIT COURSES
- Foods I: Fundamentals
- Baking and Pastry
- Culinary
COLLEGE CREDIT MAY BE EARNED IN THE FOLLOWING WAY
ProStart® is a career and technical education program that unites the food-service industry and the classroom to teach high school students culinary skills and restaurant management principles, as well as employability skills such as communication, teamwork, professionalism, and time management.
POST-SECONDARY ENROLLMENT OPTIONS (PSEO)
PSEO
The Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Act was passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 1985. Its purpose was to provide a wider variety of options to high school students by enabling them to enroll full-time or part-time in eligible post-secondary courses not offered at local high schools for both high school and college credit.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Contact your counselor and let them know you are considering PSEO.
Work with your counselor to be sure you are taking courses that fulfill your requirements for graduation.
PSEO deadline is May 30th for fall enrollment.
You will need to complete and sign the post-secondary enrollment options forms.
Provide your counselor with your PSEO schedule.
Regardless of the student’s intent to do PSEO—OHS requires all students to register for 8 credits at OHS (for scheduling purposes).
Choose to Participate: Your decision to participate is an important one. You will be expected to be a responsible, self-starting, independent learner. Seek out additional information and counseling at the high school and at the post-secondary
institution to assure that you are making the best choice for you and your educational future. For further information regarding this program, talk with your counselor.
Be aware that not all out-of-state colleges accept PSEO credits as college-level credits.*
*Website: www.ncaaclearninghouse.org
COLLEGE CREDIT MAY BE EARNED IN THE FOLLOWING WAY
- The state of Minnesota provides the following guidelines for who is eligible for PSEO.
- 11th and 12th grade students may apply to, and if accepted, attend a Minnesota public post-secondary institution or a participating private, four-year, liberal arts degree-granting college or university located in Minnesota.
- Eligible 10th grade students may enroll in one Career and Technical course. If they earn a C or better in that class, they may take additional PSEO courses.
- A school district shall grant credit to a pupil who successfully completes and passes a post-secondary course or program. Students are not permitted to take courses that are not considered to be college level; this includes developmental and remedial courses.
- Post-secondary credits received shall count toward the graduation credits required by the home school district. The credits and GPA will be placed on your high school transcript and the grade will be calculated into the student’s cumulative GPA. The university or college shall also grant credit upon successful course completion.
- OHS does not have access to grades until the final grades are issued, which may impact credit earned toward graduation.
- Tuition, books, fees or any other necessary costs for the courses may not be assessed to the pupil. These are paid by the state through the school district.
- The start/ending date of high school classes and college classes may not coincide and classes may overlap. If the student is unable to attend or complete work for the classes at the high school, he/she needs to be aware that the loss of high school credit may occur due to the difference in schedules. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with his/her counselor to determine a plan for completing high school credits.
AVANCEMENT VIA INDIVUDUAL DETERMINATION (AVID)
WHAT IS AVID?
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), is a program dedicated to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and other postsecondary opportunities. AVID* teaches skills and behaviors for academic success:
Provides intensive support with tutorials and strong student/teacher relationships.
Creates a positive peer group for students
Develops a sense of hope for personal achievement gained through hard work and determination
*This class is available only to students recommended for the program by their counselor.
REACH
REACH is a class unlike any other. REACH is a course that puts its’ focus on assisting students in creating positive connections at school and in life. REACH is an elective that meets all year for a skinny (41 minutes) each day. In REACH, students engage in weekly discussions, participate in academic check-ins, and have access to social and emotional supports. The areas of study include: team building, academic and character/skill building, group discussions on relevant topics, and weekly goal setting/tracking in the following areas: academic, personal/character, and family. REACH can be taken for one or more consecutive years.