Catalog Definitions
AVID
Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) is an academic program at Athens High School that strives to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)
Advanced Placement courses are accelerated in rigor and pace. Advanced Placement (AP) allows students to complete college-level studies while in high school. Participation in the AP exam is a requirement for any AP course.
BLENDED COURSE
A course offered in an environment that is both traditional and digital. These courses require administrator approval.
BLOCK SCHEDULE
A schedule based on four semester-long classes that last until the end of each term.
CORE COURSE
Those courses required for graduation (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) for all students.
COURSE
A unit of instruction.
CREDIT
A unit of academic work (Carnegie Unit).
DUAL ENROLLMENT
Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit allows eligible high school students to enroll in college classes concurrently with high school classes to receive both high school and college credit.
EAGLES STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM (SST)
A school-based problem-solving support group. Team members discuss issues related to the specific needs of students and offer teachers assistance in resolving problems. The team is composed of regular education teachers, administrators, counselors, and other individuals as needed.
GRADING SCALE
A 100-90
B 89-80
C 79-70
D 69-60
F 59-0
GRADUATION COHORT
The student’s graduation year.
HONORS/ADVANCED CLASS
Honors courses are designed for college-bound students. The curriculum is covered at an accelerated pace and provides students with opportunities to take advanced-level courses in English, math, and science. These courses follow the Alabama College and Career Ready Standards and include enrichment activities, project-based learning, research, and/or laboratory experiences. These classes are weighted for GPA purposes. Honors/Dual and AP English classes require independent reading activities.
INDEPENDENT READING
Students enrolled in Honors, Dual, and AP English classes are required to participate in independent reading activities. These assignments are due in the fall no matter when the Honors, Dual, AP English class is scheduled on the student's schedule. The independent reading assignments can be found on the school website, counselor's office, or students may contact teachers directly through email.
PARENT PORTAL (POWERSCHOOL)
The digital Student Information System (SIS) used by Athens City Schools to store student data and records. Parents are given information regarding access to student accounts at the beginning of the school year.
PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE
ACS Portrait of a Graduate prepares students not only for academic achievement but also for success in their personal and professional lives beyond the classroom. Locally developed and globally positioned, the Portrait of a Graduate serves as a North Star for preparing students for the incredible opportunities and challenges of today and tomorrow. Learn more about Portrait of a Graduate at www.acs-k12.org/portrait.
REMOTE COURSE
Courses conducted via web-based instruction and collaboration. Courses are offered through a software platform and designated for those students who are participating in remote learning. Remote learning requires a nine-week commitment.
SCHEDULE CORRECTIONS
Schedule corrections will be made and only when approved by the following criteria: duplication of courses, courses out of sequence, or Sports PE/Band, etc. to be entered due to auditions.
SEMESTER (FALL)
The first and second nine-week term of the school year (18 weeks).
SEMESTER (SPRING)
The third and fourth nine-week term of the school year (18 weeks).
TEACHER APPROVAL
Approval is required when there is a definite screening process (audition or application).
TRADITIONAL COURSE
Traditional classroom environment where the instructor and the students are not separated by geographic space or time.
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA EARLY COLLEGE
The University of Alabama's Early College program allows high school students in grades 10, 11 and 12 with 3.0+ GPA's to take online classes and earn college credit. Students are responsible for tuition and completing all necessary steps for enrollment and earning credit. For more information, visit the website at www.uaearlycollege.ua.edu.