It is pre-registration time at San Saba High School and a good time to revisit some of the state requirements and beneficial programs available at SSHS. For many of us, graduation from high school was not anything like it is for the students now. Students at SSHS have basically, 2 options: the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) or the Recommended High School Program (RHSP). For the current 9th grade class and beyond, the DAP and the RHSP become even more difficult as with this class and with future classes, students must take 4 math classes, 4 science classes, 4 English classes, and receive 4 credits in social studies. This new plan is commonly referred to as the 4 x 4 plan. Other requirements that accompany the 4 core areas of math, science, social studies and English that students have to take include Spanish, technology, speech, health, physical education, and fine arts. What type of math and science make up the 4 x 4 plan? The current 9th graders and the other students entering high school will be required to take Algebra I, II, geometry and pre calculus or math models with applications as an alternate to pre calculus. However, math models can only be taken prior to Algebra II and not after Algebra II has been attempted. College algebra and trigonometry are also offered to advanced math students. Science courses include Biology I, chemistry and physics. An additional science course will be added in the near future to complete the requirements of the 4 x 4 plan. Dual credit anatomy and physiology and Biology II are also available as science courses. What is the difference in the DAP and the RHSP? The distinguishing factors in the DAP and the RHSP include the requirement of Spanish III and the achievement of “higher measures” for the DAP. Higher measures are achieved by taking dual credit classes. San Saba High School is unique among small 2AA school districts in its ability to offer college credit to its students. Currently, SSISD is blessed with many masters degreed teachers throughout our school system. Specifically we have masters degreed teachers in Spanish, English, science and technology and a teacher with a doctorate in mathematics teaching in the dual credit program. These teachers along with courses received via video conferencing provide SSHS students with the opportunity to take 60 hours of college courses before ever graduating from high school. As you prepare to help your high schooler select courses for the 2008-2009 school year, please carefully consider taking dual credit courses. Although students do pay tuition for these classes, it is at fraction of the cost of regular college tuition. Some of our students graduate and enter college as a junior, thus saving the family a tremendous amount of money. San Saba ISD provides all the required course books and a completion scholarship awarded at graduation based on the number of college credit courses completed. Please contact San Saba High School Counselor, Dana Pannell or Principal, Dave Underwood if you have questions about the graduation requirements or the dual credit program.

If you have any questions about this article or any other question about school happenings please contact me at 325/372-3144. Don’t forget to check the website regularly for new updates – www.san-saba.net