HONORS PROGRAMS IN JUNIOR HIGH

SPBS provides Accelerated/Honors Math and Literature classes for students in Grades 6 through 8. Evaluation for both the SPBS Accelerated/Honors Programs is on-going throughout the entire school year. Recommendations for the Accelerated/Honors Programs are made in collaboration with the grade-level subject teacher and the Accelerated/Honors teacher, using the criteria outlined below. ​

MATH CRITERIA

For Students New to the Honors Math Program:

• Sound foundation in basic computation facts
• Strong critical and interpretive thinking skills
• Ability to handle a faster-paced class
• Recommendation of Math teacher
• Maintain a high cumulative average for the previous year
• Strong STAR Enterprise standardized test scores – above ACC Benchmark
• Independent worker - Maintain a G or better in Work Habits and Behavior
• Completion of the Summer Work Packet according to guidelines
• Actively participates in class discussion when called upon by teacher

Both the student and the parent must sign the “Honors Math Contract" sent home in September, or when the student enters the Honors Mathematics Program. Evaluation of a student's placement in this program is at the discretion of the Junior High Math teachers and the Principal. 

There is a one-Trimester probation period for all students accepted into the Honors Math Program. During this probationary Trimester, the student must maintain an average of 85% or above and must exhibit above-average Behavior and Work Habits, as well we fulfill any conditions indicated on his/her contract.

ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS CRITERIA

For Students New to the Honors ELA Program:

• Recommendation of literature teacher
• Maintain a high cumulative average for the previous year in their ELA class.
• Performs at or above benchmark level on STAR Reading reports of the current academic school year
• Strong higher-level critical thinking skills
• Independent worker with a strong work ethic
• Maintain a G or better in Work Habits and Behavior
• Meets or exceeds the Renaissance Reading goal every trimester
• Above average grammar skills
• Actively participates in class discussion when called upon by teacher
  
  

Both the student and the parent must sign the “Honors ELA Contract" in September or when the student enters the Honors ELA Program. Evaluation of a student's placement in the program is at the discretion of the Junior High teachers and the principal.

There is a one-Trimester probation period for all students accepted into the Honors ELA Program. During this trimester, the student must maintain an average of 85% or above and must exhibit excellent Behavior, Work Habits, and cooperation in the course, as well as fulfill any conditions indicated on his or her contract.​

For Students Already in the Honors ELA or Math Program:

• Honors Contract signed by parent and student in September
• Maintenance of an 85% average or above each Trimester
• Cooperation with the Honors teacher and the group
• Adequate participation in discussions
• Written work that adheres to all steps of the writing or mathematics process and the assignment as directed in class
• Independent worker – Has a strong work ethic
• Maintain a G or better in Work Habits and Behavior and meet or exceed the Renaissance Reading goal

• Completion of summer reading/math work according to guidelines and strong performance on summer reading work assessment 
• Actively participates in class discussion when called upon by teacher
  
   
  
  Parents will be informed of all assessment information by letter in the Family Envelope. A contract will be sent home for parent and student signatures. A parent/teacher conference may be requested.
  
   

Assessment Outcomes for the SPBS Honors Program:

• Approved
• Approved with Recommendations:
• Reasons will be outlined on the Contract, with placement in the Honors class
• Not Approved:
• Reasons outlined on the Contract, with placement in Standard Math/ELA Program

Academic Contract for Honors Programs:

A student will be put on contract if he or she fails to maintain the criteria above. Students are evaluated for contract at mid-Trimester and at Trimester's end. A conference will be scheduled with the student, parent, and teacher to address any deficiencies and ways to improve the performance. A contract will be signed at this time. Failure to accomplish the contract goals by mid-Trimester or Trimester's end may result in transfer of the student to the Standard Math/Literature course. Parents will be notified of student's progress and outcome prior to any transfer.

Notice: Eligibility for the Honors Programs is at the discretion of the Honors Teachers, in collaboration with the Principal: evaluation of students is ongoing. ​

​