April 12, 2010 - School is beginning to look very different from the way it was delivered and the courses that were taken when many of us were in school. Kiddos now, have the opportunity to take courses over the internet, by video conferencing from another school district or college, they can take college courses delivered by our own teachers, or they can take career and technology courses that include wind technology, allied health, or culinary arts. Technology has created a world of possibilities for our students in regard to the variety of graduation credits.

Our students are currently beginning the pre-registration process for their classes for the coming school year. For the most part, every student graduating from high school now will be required to graduate on the 4 x 4 plan. What does this mean? This means that students must graduate with at least 26 credits and of those credits each student must take 4 math, 4 sciences, 4 social studies and 4 English classes. Along with these classes, students must take 2 to 3 Spanish courses, depending on the graduation plan, a fine arts, technology, health, speech, physical education, along with the student’s choice of elective credits. Elective credits range from Ag., Family Consumer Sciences, Technology, Industrial Trades, Fine Arts, and other academic and college classes to name a few.

Along with the graduation plans and credit collection, students must pass an Exit level TAKS test at the 11th grade to complete their graduation requirements. In the very near future, when our current 7th graders become high school students, they will be required to pass end-of-course exams, each year rather than a test at the completion of their 11th grade year. Students definitely have a rigorous path to completing their high school years. The most important thing at this time of year is to consider one’s future career choice or career field and consult with high school counselor, Dana Pannell, regarding the best possible course / career pathway that will prepare the student. Parents and students must give some true thought to the students future plans and take advantage of the variety of courses offered at San Saba High School.

Please visit www.san-saba.net to view events and find information you need to know about SSISD. If you have any question about this article or any other question about school happenings please contact me at 325/372-3144 or email me at lglaze@san-saba.net . We are San Saba! We are together!