High School Program of Studies
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High School
Program of Studies
2021-2022
Portage Northern
www.portageps.org
Vision: An exceptional, continuously improving learning culture, committed to all!
Mission: Portage Public Schools will educate all students to achieve their potential
Portage Central and Northern High Schools
Program of Studies and Information
2021-2022
Mr. Mark Bielang, Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Randy VanAntwerp, President Rusty Rathburn, Trustee
Terri Novaria, Vice President Kurt Droppers, Trustee
Celeste Shelton-Harris, Secretary Keith Crowell, Trustee
Robert ‘Bo’ Snyder, Trustee
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL
Eric Alburtus, Principal Jim French, Principal
Jason Frink, Asst. Principal Kelly Hinga, Asst. Principal
Tama Salisbury, Asst. Principal Nate Ledlow, Asst. Principal
Joe Wallace, Athletic Director Chris Riker, Athletic Director
Eric Lancaster, IB Coordinator Rick Searing, IB Coordinator
COUNSELING COUNSELING
Lisa Jepson, Chair Amy DiMaggio
Karen Kreis Cindy Figueroa, Co-Chair
Shannon Schippers Krista Hovestadt, Co-Chair
Todd Tarnutzer Shari Smith
(269) 323-5283 (269) 323-5475
NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Portage Public Schools Board of Education has affirmed that “…no person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation
in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity…” and therefore encourages
students to take courses based on the interest, potentials and abilities rather than past stereotyping cast upon them due to gender.
Table of Contents
PAGE
General Information ...................................................................................................................... i
Graduation Requirements .............................................................................................................1
NCAA Approved Course List .......................................................................................................2
Career and Technical Education Courses Approved for Merit Academic Credit ........................3
Education for the Arts Courses Approved for Merit Academic Credit ........................................4
Early Middle College Programs of Study .....................................................................................5
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior & Senior Checklists .....................................................................6
Educational Development Plan (EDP) Student Worksheet for Michigan Diploma .....................7
Educational Development Plan (EDP) Student Worksheet for International
Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma .........................................................................................................9
IB Diploma Program Continuum ...............................................................................................11
Educational Pathway: International Baccalaureate Program ......................................................12
Educational Pathway: Michigan Diploma ..................................................................................13
Courses by Department ...............................................................................................................14
Science Course Pathways ...........................................................................................................37
Course Descriptions
Art .........................................................................................................................................16
Business/Computers ..............................................................................................................19
English ..................................................................................................................................23
Family & Consumer Science (FACS)...................................................................................27
Mathematics ..........................................................................................................................28
Music.....................................................................................................................................32
Physical Education ................................................................................................................35
Science ..................................................................................................................................39
Social Studies ........................................................................................................................46
Technology & Applied Science ............................................................................................50
World Languages ..................................................................................................................53
Other Courses........................................................................................................................56
Appendix .....................................................................................................................................57
Equivalent Credit for High School Courses................................................................................58
Your program of studies can help you…. Your counselor can help you…
• Review your progress • Recognize your aptitudes
• Plan your classes each year • Understand your abilities
• Find out about special programs • Identify your interests
• Plan classes in sequence for your success
Together, with your parent(s) and your counselor, we can create an educational plan that will lead you to your
goals for graduation and post-secondary education!
This course catalog is one of the many tools you may use to plan your high school program. It provides brief
descriptions of the courses, diploma requirements, and information on special programs available in our county.
Throughout the school year, you have access to test results, career information, college catalogs, college visits,
and counselors who want to help you succeed. We look forward to working with you.
General Information
This Program of Studies has been prepared as a listing of courses available to Portage high school students during
the 2021-2022 school year. Courses may be altered or deleted by subsequent Board of Education or administrative
action after this catalog has been published. Students should maintain close contact with the counseling office to
keep informed of courses available. An updated version is maintained online, which contains corrections and
modifications as needed.
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Eligibility Exclusion:
Secondary students who want to participate in During a Marking Period
extra/co-curricular activities will need to meet A student who is failing two (2) or more classes
specific academic standards set by the Board of becomes ineligible to participate for a minimum of
Education. A participation fee may be required. one week (7 days) beginning the Monday following
notification. Eligibility is reinstated at such time that
Highlights are given below: the grades in all of the failing classes are improved
to a passing status.
Standard:
A student is expected to pass all classes throughout At the End of Each Semester
the marking period and acquire no less than a 1.5 A student who fails to maintain a minimum of a 1.5
GPA for each semester. This standard is in addition GPA for a semester or has failed two (2) or more
to those established by the Michigan High School classes becomes ineligible to participate in the
Athletic Association. extra/co-curricular activities mentioned below for
the first 10% of the semester or season. After that
Eligibility Probation: time, the student will be reinstated upon passing all
During a Marking Period classes.
A student is placed on eligibility probation for a
minimum of two weeks (14 days) if he/she is: High School Areas Included:
• failing one (1) class at the weekly checkpoints, or Interscholastics, student council/senate, drama
• earning less than a 1.5 GPA at the conclusion of productions, all formally recognized clubs,
the marking period. forensics/debate tournaments and music
performances or activities not required for credit.
If a student fails to improve his/her grade to a passing Dances are not included.
status at that time, he/she becomes ineligible for a
minimum of one week (7 days) and on a weekly basis Monitoring of Eligibility:
thereafter, until the grade is sufficiently improved. Weekly eligibility checks for poor and/or failing
The probation may be extended for a longer period grades are monitored by athletic directors, coaches
of time, if necessary, in order for the student to and club sponsors.
improve the grade to a 1.5 GPA or better.
iThe intent of the Academic Eligibility Regulation receiving college credit. Independent Study courses
is to give students as much support as possible to are not weighted.
enable them to improve their academic standing
while continuing participation in extra/co-curricular Students’ grades are not altered, but the point value
activities. Regulations governing middle school or is increased for these courses which are reflected as
high school eligibility as established by the Michigan weighted only in a student’s GPA and class rank
High School Athletic Association apply to Portage which appears on the student’s transcript. The
Public School athletes by virtue of membership in weighted GPA and class rank is shown on the
that organization. High school regulations are listed, transcript side-by-side with the unweighted GPA and
but similar statements apply to middle school class rank.
athletes.
1. Enrollment – To be eligible for interscholastic Weighted Grade Values:
athletics, a student must be enrolled in a high A = 5.0 B- = 3.7 D+ = 2.3
school not later than the fourth Friday after Labor A- = 4.7 C+ = 3.3 D = 2.0
B+ = 4.30 C = 3.0 D- = 1.7
Day (1st semester) or the fourth Friday of B = 4.0 C- = 2.7 E = 0
February (2nd semester). A student must be
enrolled in the school for which he or she
PASS/FAIL GRADING REQUESTS
competes.
A parent may request Pass/Fail on one course per
2. Age – A student who competes in any semester if a formal request is approved in writing
interscholastic athletic contests must be under 19. by the student’s counselor by the third Friday of
If the nineteenth birthday occurs on or after each semester. That applies to all courses offered by
September 1 of a current school year, a student is Portage Public Schools through approved county-
eligible for the balance of that school year. wide programs, universities, independent study, and
3. Physical Examinations – No student shall be on-line. Students should refer questions to their
eligible to represent a high school without a counselor or teacher.
physician’s statement dated for the current
school year on file in the office of the principal. INDEPENDENT STUDY
Physician’s statement must certify that the Under special circumstances, a limited number of
student has passed a physical examination and is students are permitted to pursue course work for
physically able to compete in athletic practices credit on an independent study basis. Students
and contests. approved for this program will follow the prescribed
4. Semesters of Enrollment – A student shall not course of study for the subject and will be required
compete in any branch of athletics who has been to meet with the instructor on a daily basis.
enrolled in grades nine to twelve, inclusive, for Independent Study requires self-discipline, since
more than eight semesters. The seventh and students must monitor progress on a daily basis.
eighth semesters must be consecutive. Independent Study credit will follow school
Enrollments in a school beyond the fourth Friday Regulation.
after Labor Day (1st semester) or fourth Friday
of February (2nd semester) or competing in one As a basis for Independent Study, these criteria have
or more interscholastic athletic contests shall be
been identified:
considered enrollment for a semester under this
rule.
1. The subject is in the curriculum, but is not
5. Semesters of Competition – A student, once
being taught during the current semester and
enrolled in grade nine, shall be allowed to
probably will not be available to the student in
compete in only four first semesters and four
future semesters.
second semesters.
2. The subject is being taught, but a schedule
WEIGHTED GRADE AND CLASS RANK conflict (not based on individual preferences of
For a college admission, scholarship application, and teachers and/or hours) exists and the subject
other awards, certain courses have been designated probably will not be available to the student in
as “weighted.” These include courses that qualify as coming semester.
dual enrollment or dual credit and any courses
labeled as IB, AP, or Honors or are capable of
iiStudents must show that the request for Independent choices: the Diploma Program and the Certificate
Study falls within one of the criteria above. Students Option. Based on their expectations and goals, they
must receive approval of the instructor first and then choose the one that works best for them.
will arrange Independent Study with their instructor,
in conjunction with a counselor. The Diploma Program:
Students will develop both breadth and depth in their
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE academic work by taking a majority of IB classes
PROGRAM during their junior and senior years. In order to earn
Portage Central and Portage Northern High Schools the IB Diploma, students must complete coursework
are authorized IB World Schools. in each of the six groups offered by Portage Public
Schools. The IB Diploma students are required to
The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), test in either 3 higher level (HL) courses and 3
a nonprofit, educational foundation based in Geneva, standard level (SL) courses; or 4 higher level (HL)
Switzerland, was established to provide an and 2 standard level (SL) courses. In addition, they
intellectually rigorous and academically demanding must fulfill the following requirements to receive an
common curriculum for students in schools around IB diploma:
the world. The International Baccalaureate is a
widely recognized two-year comprehensive program 1. Theory of Knowledge – Theory of Knowledge
for grades 11 and 12 encouraging critical thinking, stimulates and develops critical thinking and
research skills and service as a part of the learning evaluation skills. It challenges students to
process. The IB Program will prepare students for question the basis of knowledge, to be aware of
post-secondary success at any university, locally, biases and to develop a perspective based on
nationally or internationally. Students who choose to analyzing evidence discussed in rational
take IB courses or the full diploma program receive argument.
outstanding preparation for further academic study 2. Extended Essay – Students research and write
and career success. Successful completion of the an original essay of 4,000 words on a student-
program allows students to be considered for selected topic. Students will work with a faculty
preferred admission to many colleges and advisor to complete this Extended Essay. This
universities worldwide where they would generally introduces students to the type of research
receive advanced credit and/or placement. For projects expected in college.
information regarding college credit awarded for IB
coursework, please contact the high school IB 3. Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) –
Coordinator and/or the admissions office of the Students participate in supervised extracurricular
college/university of interest. school and community activities. This helps
students foster a responsibility to their
There are no prerequisites for participation in the IB community as well as become well-rounded
Program, although motivation, energy, the ability to citizens.
articulate one’s thoughts verbally and in writing,
open-mindedness, the desire for a global perspective, Students interested in pursuing the IB Diploma
and a willingness to cooperate with others will be of should communicate their intent to their counselor
great benefit to IB candidates. However, it is highly and the IB Coordinator as soon as possible. A two-
recommended that students take honors level courses year plan of IB coursework for the junior and senior
in 9th and 10th grade. It is important to remember years will be prepared. This plan will be monitored
that the goals of the International Baccalaureate go and possibly revised if there is insufficient
beyond academic preparation. The IB program enrollment for a desired course.
encourages a young adult to be informed, to be
tolerant, and to be communicative about a range of The Certificate Option:
topics. The course work always reflects a global Students who wish to take IB coursework but not
outlook. complete the entire IB Diploma Program are
encouraged to enroll in IB Courses. Students can
Unique Characteristics of IB: take one or more IB courses during their time at
Students in the Portage Public high schools have two Portage Public Schools. Students who successfully
iiicomplete the coursework can register to sit for IB For NCAA Certification, specific GPAs are required.
examination in that course area. With a successful Please review NCAA standards or consult the
examination and completion of the coursework, eligibility centers quick reference sheet:
students can receive college credit in the area of fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Quick_Referenc
study. Students should speak with their counselor or e_Sheet.pdf. No special values are allowed for “+” or
the IB Coordinator to determine potential college “-” grades. Students should check with the NCAA
recognition of the coursework at their website and their athletic director or counselor for
college/university of interest. specific requirements.
IB & AP Examinations: NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Students who have successfully completed all National Honor Society is an organization founded
requirements for the IB or AP exam associated with in 1921. It was and remains the purpose of the
a course do not have to complete the classroom final National Honor Society to encourage students to go
exam in the course unless attendance expectations or beyond personal academic goals and to become
other circumstances require the student to involved with the concerns of their school and their
demonstrate their learning. AP Government is the community. Candidates for membership must meet
only exception as it is a semester class and requires the minimum weighted grade-point requirements.
students to take the classroom final exam. Eligible junior and senior candidates will be sent a
letter asking them to complete an information form
HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARIES to verify interest in membership. Students selected
Library materials specifically chosen by the librarian for induction will be sent an acceptance letter during
support the high school curriculum, independent the school year.
reading, and inquiry. Students have access to a
variety of print and digital materials, including
PERSONAL CURRICULUM (PC)
academic databases. A Personal Curriculum is a documented process that
modifies certain requirements of the Michigan Merit
The librarian collaborates with teachers to instruct Curriculum and approval must be requested on an
students in research, use of reliable resources in an individual basis. To be approved, a Personal
ethical manner, and the process of becoming Curriculum must meet certain conditions.
effective and efficient inquirers, users and creators of A PC is intended for high school students seeking a
information. diploma who:
• Wish to modify the mathematics requirement
Our librarians are certified teachers with a • Need modified content expectations because
curriculum that is met through co-teaching with certain MMC content expectations are not
classroom teachers and working individually with practicable for them despite documented
students to provide a personalized learning interventions and in light of their Educational
environment and equitable access to resources. They Development Plan (EDP)
follow the American Association for School • Need other modifications of MMC requirements
Librarians (AASL) mission of an effective school due to the impact of a disability as identified in
library program, which is to ensure that all students the students’ IEP
and staff are effective users of ideas and information. • Transferred to a Portage Public High School
from a nonpublic school
NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC
ASSOCIATION (NCAA) PREPARATION To learn more about a Personal Curriculum and the
The NCAA suggests applying for certification before procedures for making the written request, please
graduation if you wish to participate in athletics as a contact your counseling office.
freshman at the college to which you will be
admitted. The Clearinghouse will issue a preliminary PORTAGE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
certification report when you have all materials Community High School is designed to assist
submitted. After graduation, the Clearinghouse will students who need an alternative to the regular high
review your final transcript to make a final school learning environment. Contact your
certification decision according to NCAA standards. counselor for information.
ivPOST-SECONDARY (DUAL) ENROLLMENT take two (2) courses per academic year and four (4)
Historically, school districts have allowed their courses in senior year, with a 10 course total limit.
students to attend courses at local colleges or Students first enrolling in the program in grade 10
universities, in addition to their own high school, in may take two (2) courses per academic year and four
an effort to meet students’ needs and interests. This (4) courses per year beginning their junior year, with
is called “post-secondary enrollment.” The State a 10 course total limit.
School Aid Act contains a provision that directs Students first enrolling in the program beginning
school districts to assist students in paying tuition grade 11 or 12 may take up to six (6) courses per
and fees for courses at Michigan public or private academic year, so long as they do not exceed the (10)
colleges or universities, if all of the following courses overall.
conditions are met:
1. Students must have earned sufficient credits to School districts are required to pay the lesser of (a)
be in grades 9 - 12. the actual charge for tuition and fees, or (b) the
2. Students should meet college readiness students’ state school aid foundation allowance,
standards as defined by the MDE on an adjusted to the proportion of the school year they
approved assessment. The MDE list can be attend the district. Students are no longer eligible
accessed here: https://ppsurl.me/dualscores when all high school graduation requirements have
and is also available from the school counselor. been met. Please see your counselor for additional
3. Students/parents have read and signed the Post- information.
Secondary Dual Enrollment
Guidelines/Procedures form. Eligible courses A student in a dual enrollment course will have their
are those not offered at either high school site, course grade and course title entered on their
impossible to schedule by the high schools, or transcript and the course grade will impact the
of a higher level than those offered and taken student’s grade point average. The student must
in the district (courses will be verified with follow the District guidelines for dropping dual
appropriate curriculum team leader if there is a enrollment courses and be aware of the potential
question of eligibility). impact on transcripts. The student is also responsible
4. Courses are not repeats of courses already for following the college/university guidelines for
taken in high school or college. dropping a course if his/her circumstances change. If
5. Course description(s) from the college catalog the student fails to do so, he/she will be responsible
are enclosed. for the tuition charges.
6. The course(s) the student is seeking
Students in this program should be aware that the
reimbursement for is not a vocational,
college/university calendar is different than the
recreational, hobby, P.E., theology, divinity,
district calendar and should plan accordingly.
religious education, or government course nor
is it offered in the Portage Public Schools. SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS
Course content has been verified by counselor Students who have learning needs that cannot be
or a department chairperson as not being fully met by the general education curriculum may
offered in Portage nor is it a repeated class take advantage of specialized programs. Certain
already taken in high school or at a post- courses are specifically designed for students who
secondary institution. have academic difficulties while others are designed
7. Counselor has completed Post-Secondary/Dual to meet the needs of academically talented students.
Enrollment Eligibility Verification Form. The following specialized programs are available to
Student has indicated that this course is to be meet specific students’ needs.
for high school credit, post-secondary credit, or
both. ATYP MATH/ ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS:
8. Student is enrolled in both the district and the A student taking and mastering ATYP Math or
post-secondary institution during the district’s English Language Arts will receive the appropriate
regular academic year and is in full attendance Michigan Merit credit for Math or ELA. ATYP’s
in at least one high school class. program is designed so that the pupil will complete
four years of math or ELA during two years of ATYP
Students first enrolling in the program in grade 9 may
vdelivery. Students may opt to take ATYP for a third in online high school courses to fully understand the
year, taking Advanced Placement courses. implication of online courses. Also be aware that
once enrolled, the NCAA may have additional
Students and families should research college requirements for completing the course.
admission requirements to determine if ATYP is
accepted. A list of available courses can be found at
www.michiganvirtual.org/students. If your child is
ATYP classes taken during middle school years will interested in taking an online course please contact
be transferred to the student’s high school transcript his or her counselor. Due to enrollment caps,
to meet the high school graduation Math/ELA requesting a course does not guarantee placement.
requirements, but will not impact the high school All requests must be approved prior to
GPA. registration.
ATYP courses taken during the high school years CREDIT RECOVERY:
will impact the GPA. Some ATYP courses are Credit recovery refers to credit that a student attempts
weighted in accordance with Administrative to earn after having failed on the initial attempt to earn
Guideline #5421A. that particular credit.
Students must still complete 26 credits after entering Portage Public Schools will accept the following for
9th grade. credit recovery following approval by the student’s
counselor and principal, when available:
ONLINE LEARNING OPTIONS 1. Online Courses/E2020/MVHS
Expanded online learning opportunities are now 2. KVCC or Western Michigan University classes
available for Portage Public Schools’ (PPS) middle KALAMAZOO AREA MATH AND SCIENCE CENTER:
school and high school students. PPS students who KAMSC offers a curriculum in accelerated
have taken advantage of online courses have done so mathematics, science, and computer technology to
to recover credit that they need for graduation. high school students. It educates the scientific and
However, a student’s participation with online technical leaders of tomorrow in a nurturing
courses may be for a variety of reasons. These environment focused on the technical and
reasons may include a desire to expand course intellectual needs of advanced math and science
opportunities or to meet high school graduation students. Students attend the KAMSC program on
requirements. one-half of each school day and take their math,
science and technology courses. All remaining
PPS is considering a full-time virtual program for all courses are taken at their own high school.
high school students. If a full-time virtual program Acceptance into KAMSC is based upon application,
is offered in the fall of 2021, a unique program of teacher recommendation, the results of the School
studies will be published. and College Ability Test (SCAT), and a timed
impromptu writing activity.
In our current program, students may select up to two
online courses per semester and are required to Some KAMSC courses are weighted in accordance
complete major tests and the final exam on site, but with Administrative Guideline #5421A.
may have some flexibility as determined by their
school principal for work outside of the school EARLY MIDDLE COLLEGE:
setting. Many Michigan Virtual High School courses The Kalamazoo County EMC program is for
are accepted for middle school and high school credit students to earn an associate’s degree or certificate
by PPS. Other providers may be approved if taken along with their high school diploma. Students are
outside of the school day and paid for by the student. enrolled in a specific program at Kalamazoo Valley
Laboratory science and physical education courses Community College. Students have an additional
are not accepted at this time, unless previously year of high school required for program completion.
approved by another school and on the student’s Registration for the EMC program begins in the 9th
transcript. grade year and course work begins in 10th grade with
Prospective student athletes must contact the NCAA the College Success Strategies Course. Students
Eligibility Center at 877-262-1492 before enrolling have a mentor assigned, and select an EMC program
viof study from the Portage EMC program list. by attaining a grade not less than C+ (77.5%) on the
Students need to meet program eligibility course’s comprehensive cumulative final assessment
requirements and college readiness standards. (generally the final exam). All test out attempts will
be recorded on the student's high school transcript
The application packet and other information can be with passes recorded as Credit (CR) and non-passes
found on the Kalamazoo County EMC website recorded as No-Credit (NC). Attempting to test out
www.kresa.org/emc. Please see your counselor for of a course will neither positively nor negatively
more information. affect a student's grade point average (either
weighted or unweighted).
Students in this program should be aware that the
college/university calendar is different than the Successful test-out courses will be noted as a Credit
district calendar and should plan accordingly. (CR) on the transcript and will not be included in the
grade point average. Credit will be counted toward
fulfillment of a required course sequence. Students
EDUCATION FOR THE ARTS:
may not receive credit thereafter for a lower course
EFA is a countywide program whose mission is to
in the subject area sequence. Successfully testing out
enhance arts education for all students in Kalamazoo
of a course will count toward the total credits
County, making dance, literary arts, media arts,
required for graduation. If a student enrolls in a
music, theatre and visual arts essential parts of a
course after a successful test-out, both the CR for the
comprehensive education. EFA offers intensive
test-out and the course grade will remain on the
classes in the arts and is designed to provide
transcript. Only the course grade entry will receive
especially talented and motivated students the
credit towards graduation.
opportunity to explore their abilities in depth.
Unsuccessful test-out courses will be noted as No-
Contact your school counselor for more information.
Credit (NC) on the transcript and will not be included
Students in this program should be aware that the
in the grade point average. If a student enrolls in the
college/university calendar is different than the
same course after an unsuccessful test-out the grade
district calendar and should plan accordingly.
shall overwrite the NC listed on the transcript. If test-
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (FORMERLY out credit is obtained in a course, students are not
KNOWN AS EDUCATION FOR EMPLOYMENT):
permitted to test-out of a lower course in the course
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a career sequence.
and technical educational program which is part of a Students must comply with the District’s guidelines
county-wide consortium. CTE provides students and procedures to qualify to be allowed to
with the foundation to obtain entry-level positions in participate in the test-out program.
the world of work as well as skills needed to pursue
advanced education. Work force entry can be TEACHER OF RECORD
obtained through co-op on-the-job training, For all high school programs, including extension
apprenticeships and internships. Contact your school programs, the teacher of record has the final
counselor for more information. authority to determine grade/credit for the course.
Students will receive a grade on their transcript and
Students in this program should be aware that the report card and the course will affect the students’
college/university calendar is different than the grade point average.
district calendar and should plan accordingly.
TESTING OUT
Any student may attempt to test out of a high school
course. Test-Out Authorization forms must be
submitted to the high school counseling office at
least six weeks prior to attempting to test out of a
course. Test out exams will be administered at the
high school only during high school exam weeks.
Students need to exhibit mastery of the subject matter
viiGraduation Requirements
Based on Policy and Administrative Guideline #5460
In order for a student to qualify for a diploma in this district one must have satisfactorily completed 26 credits required for graduation,
18 core* credits, outlined below, and 8 elective credits.
In order for a student to participate in the commencement ceremony, one must meet the criteria as established in the Student
Code of Conduct.
English Language Arts .................................................................................................................................................4 credits
Mathematics Core.........................................................................................................................................................3 credits
Algebra I................................................................................................................................................................... 1 credit
Geometry or Honors Geometry................................................................................................................................ 1 credit
Algebra II or Honors Algebra II ˦............................................................................................................................. 1 credit
Mathematics or Mathematics Related Course in the Senior Year ........................................................................... 1 credit
Science ˦˦ .........................................................................................................................................................................3 credits
Chemistry 1 or Honors Chemistry 1˦˦˦ ................................................................................................................. .0.5 credit
Physics 1 or Honors Physics 1 ............................................................................................................................. .0.5 credit
Biology 1 or Honors Biology 1 ............................................................................................................................... .1 credit
Earth Science 1 or Honors Earth Science 1 ......................................................................................................... .0.5 credit
Chemistry 2 or Physics 2 Options ........................................................................................................................ .0.5 credit
Social Studies.................................................................................................................................................................3 credits
Modern American History or Honors Modern American History .......................................................................... 1 credit
U.S. Government or A.P. U.S. Government ........................................................................................................ 0.5 credit
Economics or Honors Economics ......................................................................................................................... 0.5 credit
Contemporary International Studies (and Elective World History) or IB 20th Century World History. ................. 1 credit
Physical Education ..................................................................................................................................................... 1.5 credit
Fine or Applied Arts ...................................................................................................................................................... 1 credit
Health .......................................................................................................................................................................... .0.5 credit
Online and/or Technology Integration Experience .................................................................................................... 1 credit
(Embedded in other courses)
World Language ˦˦˦˦ …………………………………………………………………………………………….. ....2 credits
• Full time attendance for four years**
• Students shall complete all sections of the Michigan Merit Exam or another required test by the Michigan Department of Education
(MDE) before end of senior year to be eligible for graduation from Portage Public Schools (PPS).***
• Parents may request a personal modification to the core credit requirements as outlined by MDE.
Students receiving Special Education services within a categorical program shall complete the requirements as recommended by the
Individualized Educational Planning Team and must request a personal curriculum as outlined by the MDE.
*Waivers, substitutes, or courses recognized to fulfill specific requirements shall be reviewed, published and distributed to students annually.
**A student may, under specific circumstances, and upon the recommendation of the building principal and the approval of the Board of
Education, complete minimal graduation requirements in fewer than four years. However, no commencement ceremony other than the
traditional one held at the end of the regular school year shall be conducted.
***Students who transfer to the District after the testing window will be granted special consideration.
˦
Algebra II credit: Additional option of a formal CTE program that covers Alg. II assessed benchmarks on the MME
3 Science credit: Additional options of a formal CTE program (regardless of content) or 1 credit of Computer Science
˦˦ rd
2 credit Chemistry or Physics: Additional option with Anatomy, Agricultural Science, or a course that covers assessed benchmarks for
˦˦˦ nd
either physics or chemistry assessed benchmarks on the MME
Foreign/World Language: Additional options include fulfill 2 credits of grade-appropriate language instruction grades K-12; for 2015-
˦˦˦˦
2020 graduates only; 1 credit of formal CTE program or 1 credit VPAA
1NCAA Approved Core Course List for 2021-22
English Courses
English 9 & 9/H English Prep 12 Creative Writing
English Prep 10 English 12 Debate
English 10 & 10/H English I HL/IB/H Journalism 1
English Prep 11 English II HL/IB/H
English 11
Social Sciences Courses
Ancient World History IB 20th Century World History SL Government US Gov’t & Politics
Comparative World Religions IB History of the Americas HL AP US Gov’t & Politics
Contemporary International Studies IB Psychology II HL Modern American History/H
Eastern World Studies IB Psychology SL Psychology
Economics/Economics H IB/AP Psychology I SL Sociology
European History IB Theory of Knowledge
Mathematics Courses
Algebra 1 Geometry AP Calculus
Algebra 1 A/B/C Geometry A/B AP Statistics
Algebra 2 Honors Geometry IB Math Applications & Interpretation SL
Algebra 2 A/B/C Pre-Calculus IB Math Analysis & Approaches SL/HL
Honors Algebra 2
Natural/Physical Science Courses
An asterisk (*) denotes a course with a lab requirement.
Astronomy IB Chemistry I*HL/II HL Forensic Science 1/2
Biology 1, 1H & 3 Earth Science 1* & 1H* Michigan Geology/Meteorology
IB Biology*SL Ecology & Environment Physics 1, 1H, 2, 2H, & 3
IB Biology I HL/II HL IB Environmental Systems IB Physics I HL/II HL
Chemistry 1, 1H, 2, 2H, & 3* & Societies SL IB Sports Exercise & Health Science SL
Additional Courses
French I Latin I Spanish I
French II Latin II Spanish II
French III IB Latin I SL Spanish III
IB French IV SL IB Latin II SL IB Spanish IV SL
IB French V HL IB Spanish V HL
Further questions about the NCAA and approved courses should be directed to your athletic director. The NCAA
website is a good reference for students and parents. https://web3.ncaa.org/hsportal/exec/hsAction
Legal Disclaimer: The list of NCAA courses, and courses contained within, are maintained as a guide for prospective
student-athletes seeking NCAA initial-eligibility. The list of approved courses does not, nor is intended to signify
accreditation, certification, approval or endorsement of any high school or specific courses by the NCAA or NCAA
Eligibility Center and is subject to change at any time and without notice. Core course information included on this
Web site (NCAA Eligibility Center) is provided for guidance purposes only and should not be solely relied on as an
indication of NCAA initial-eligibility. Certification of a prospective student-athlete is case-specific, and the
Eligibility Center has the authority to determine in its sole discretion whether the prospective student-athlete has met
all criteria. - NCAA Clearinghouse
2Career and Technical Education (CTE) 2021-2022 Courses
Approved for Michigan Merit Curriculum
Please refer to CTE/EFA coordinator/website for most current course listings and information
VPAA: Visual Performing Arts/Applied Arts, 4th Math: 4th Math Related Credit, Science: 2nd or 3rd Science Credit
2nd WL: 2nd World Language Credit, Online: Fulfills Online Requirement
KEY
Completion of any state-approved CTE program fulfills 3rd Science Credit regardless of content and one WL credit (**for
2016-2024 graduates only). Completion means two (*four where noted) full semesters. See instructor for trimester courses.
Arts and Communications Pathway Site MMC Credit
VPAA 4th Math Science 2nd WL* Online
Art and Design Career Skills K Central HS x x x x
Media Production PMN/Epic Center x x x
Business, Management, Marketing and Site MMC Credit
Technology Pathway VPAA 4th Math Science 2nd WL** Online
Accounting/Finance I, II, III P Central HS, P Northern HS x x x x
Banking & Finance Galesburg-Augusta x x x x
Business, Management & P Central, P Northern
x x x x x
Administration, (BMA)
Computer Science/Software Climax-Scotts, Gull Lake, and
x x
Engineering Vicksburg
Culinary Arts KPS Community Ed Center x x x x
Information Technology (formerly Loy Norrix HS
x x x
Computer Technology)
Marketing/Entrepreneurship P Central HS, P Northern HS* x x x x
Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Site MMC Credit
Technology Pathway VPAA 4th Math Science 2nd WL** Online
Automotive Technology Loy Norrix HS, Comstock HS x x x
Aviation Technology Air Zoo x x x
Computerized Manufacturing Vicksburg HS x x x x
Construction Trades Loy Norrix, construction site x x x x
Electronics & Robotics K Central HS x x x x
Engineering in Wood Technology P Northern HS x x x x
Mechatronics Vicksburg HS x x x x
Welding KVCC x x x x
Health Sciences Pathway Site MMC Credit
VPAA 4th Math Science 2nd WL** Online
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) TBD x x
Dental Assisting KVCC x x
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) KVCC x x
Fundamentals of Health Science KVCC x x
Health Science KVCC x x
Human Services Pathway Site MMC Credit
VPAA 4th Math Science 2nd WL** Online
Cosmetology/Barbering* West MI College of Barbering
x x x
& Beauty
Law Enforcement* KVCC x x
Teacher Academy* Gull Lake, Loy Norrix, P
x x x
Northern
Natural Resources & Agriscience Site MMC Credit
Pathway VPAA 4th Math Science 2nd WL** Online
Agriscience: Animals and Plants Vicksburg HS x x
Conservation Biology Kalamazoo Nature Ctr. x x
Horticulture Vicksburg HS x x
Veterinary Science Vicksburg HS x x
3Education for the Arts 2021-2022 Class Offerings
Approved for Michigan Merit Curriculum
KEY VPAA: Visual Performing Arts/Applied Arts, PE: Physical Education, Health: Health, Online: Fulfills Online Req.
MMC Credit
EFA Class Class Location Cr. VPAA PE Health Online
DANCE (*per school district)
Trimester Offerings
Modern/Jazz Dance Studio Parchment HS 1.0 x x
Modern/Jazz Dance Studio Loy Norrix HS 1.0 x x
Modern/Jazz Dance Studio K Central HS 1.0 x x
Full Year Offerings
Modern/Jazz Dance Studio Comstock HS 2.0 x x
Intermediate Dance Studio (prereqs) K Central HS/Loy Norrix 2.0 x x
After School Offerings
Integrated Dance/Health/PE KPS Community Ed Center 2.0 x x x
MEDIA ARTS
Full Year Offerings
0.5/
x
Advanced Video Arts Studio Vicksburg HS 1.0
Film and Video Arts K Central HS 2.0 x
Film and Video Arts Vicksburg HS 2.0 x
Film and Video Arts Vicksburg HS 1.0 x
KVCC Media Arts KVCC: Center for New Media 2.0 x
3D Computer Animation/Game Design Epic Center 2.0 x
THEATRE AND MUSIC
Full Year Offerings
Adv. Musical Theatre Wksp. P Northern HS 2.0 x
Theatre Improv & Scriptwriting Comstock HS 2.0 x
VISUAL ARTS
Semester Offerings
Advanced 3-D Art: 1st semester KIA 1.0 x
Advanced 2-D Art: 2nd semester KIA 1.0 x
Semester Offerings – evening
Advanced 2-D Art: 1st semester KIA – Wed. Evening 0.5 x
Advanced 3-D Art: 2nd semester KIA – Wed. Evening 0.5 x
ONLINE AND BLENDED LEARNING
Semester Offerings
Creative Writing Online
x x
(Both Semesters) Online 1.0
Adv. Creative Writing Online
x x
(Both Semesters) Online 1.0
Digital PhotoArt: 1st semester Online & Mon. Eve 0.5 x x
Digital StudioArt: 2nd semester Online & Mon. Eve 0.5 x x
Comics, Manga and Graphic Novel
x x
Arts (Both Semesters) Online & In-school 1.0
Hip Hop 180 (2nd Semester) In-school (TBD) 1.0 x
4Early Middle College Programs of Study
Please refer to your counselor for more information regarding Early Middle College Programs and the latest
information on this program. Students must elect to participate in one of the following programs. To view more
details about each program, please refer to kresa.org/emc.
Transfer Degrees in Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS)
AA or AS degrees are for students planning to transfer to a four-year university. They require successful
completion of a minimum of 62 credit hours. The options listed below transfer to WMU. If you are considering
another four-year university, please discuss this with a KVCC Counselor to see if a transfer agreement is in place
for your program of interest. If you are planning to go to a four-year university out of state, the Early/Middle
College program may not be in your best interest due to transferability of coursework.
Associate of Arts (AA) Options
Business Administration
Studio Art
Associate of Science (AS) Options
Biological Sciences
Engineering
Degrees in Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
AAS degrees are occupational in orientation and are designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment.
They require successful completion of a minimum of 62 credit hours.
Accounting
Administrative Assistant
Graphic Design
IT Support Technician
Certificates (CERT)
Certificate programs prepare graduates for a specialized occupation. They require successful completion of 30
credits hours or more.
Administrative Support
Graphic Design
Machinist
Office Management
Certificates of Achievement (COA)
Certificate of Achievement programs requires fewer courses than a regular certificate program providing training
in a specific set of skills for employment in a specific occupation. They require successful completion of more
than 3 but less than 30 hours of credit.
CNC Operator
Desk Side Support
Machine Tool Operator
Network Manager
Office Support Specialist
PC Support Technician
Software Specialist
Word Processing Specialist
5Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior
Checklist Checklist Checklist Checklist
Use your student planner to Make an appointment with Make an audit appointment Maintain and improve
help improve your your counselor to discuss with your counselor to academic grades. Colleges
organizational skills. progress towards graduation. discuss your career goals, look unfavorably on failing
college plans and review grades.
Enroll in classes that are Enroll in classes that are your EDP and course
selections.
academically challenging academically challenging Enroll in classes that are
and will prepare you for and will prepare you for Enroll in classes that are academically challenging
your career path. your career path. academically challenging and will prepare you for
and will prepare you for your career path.
In your Freshman Focus Attend to your studies so your career path.
class, complete an interest that you have the highest Discuss post graduate plans
survey. GPA possible for your Check to make sure you and choices with parents,
ability. have all of the credits counselors and teachers.
Design your high school necessary for graduation and
Educational Development Remember the importance you are enrolled in the Obtain and fill out
Plan (EDP). of being a well-rounded correct courses for applications for two-year
individual. Work toward graduation. schools, four-year schools
Participate in career leadership positions in the and technical institutes in
exploration activities. activities that you like best. Review your transcript,
credits needed for the fall.
Discuss possible careers Become involved in graduation, and GPA.
with school personnel, community service and/or Continue to improve your Retake or take the
parents, friends, relatives other volunteer activities. performance in the SAT/ACT if necessary.
and local employers. classroom. Make sure the results are
Continue to explore career sent to the colleges that you
Make sure you are enrolled options. Review and update Participate in college are considering.
in required and elective your EDP and course planning workshops offered
courses that prepare you for selections to reflect your in English class. Check all available sources
meeting future plans. career path. for scholarships. These
Meet with representatives would include the
Select challenging courses visiting your school from Kalamazoo Community
Get involved in
colleges, military, and
extracurricular activities that will prepare you for technical training institutes. Foundation Guide, web site
(school and non-school future career options. searches, individual college
sponsored). Explore CTE and EFA Attend College Night hosted web sites, the counseling
course offerings, as well as by Kalamazoo Valley bulletin board and daily
You will begin developing other elective and Community College. announcements.
your high school transcript. enrichment classes.
Your transcript is an official If you plan to attend a four- Complete the FAFSA (Free
record of the classes that Begin thinking about post- year college, sign up for and Application for Federal
you enroll in, the grades that secondary education and take the PSAT/NMSQT in Student Aid) and attend the
training opportunities the fall of your junior year. financial aid night offered at
you receive, absences,
citizenship and grade point (community college, Stay involved in
your school.
average. Colleges and university, military, extracurricular activities.
universities, as well as technical, on-the-job) These experiences are Write or update your
future employers, will be needed for your career of viewed favorably by résumé.
interested in this interest. employers and colleges.
information. Visit the high school web
Explore colleges of interest Take the MME (includes
site at portageps.org to
Begin exploring post- by on-site visits, reading SAT, wrap around State test check out scholarships,
secondary education and individual college catalogs and Work Keys) during the testing and other educational
or visiting college web sites 2 nd
semester of your junior
opportunities. year. Most Michigan opportunities.
on the internet. colleges and universities
Visit the high school web require the SAT/ACT for College admissions
site at portageps.org to Investigate summer training admission. counselors visit the high
check out scholarships, programs/volunteer schools in the fall. Be sure
testing and other educational activities, or summer camp Begin exploring financial to attend these presentations
opportunities. opportunities. aid and scholarship in the fall at your high
opportunities. Do internet school.
Visit the high school web searches and view school
College admissions counseling office website.
counselors visit the high site at portageps.org to
schools in the fall. Be sure check out scholarships, Visit colleges that interest
to attend these presentations testing and other educational you.
in the fall at your high opportunities.
school. College admissions
College admissions counselors visit the high
counselors visit the high schools in the fall. Be sure
schools in the fall. Be sure to attend these presentations
to attend these presentations in the fall at your high
in the fall at your high school.
school.
6Portage Public School Michigan Diploma
Educational Development Plan (EDP) Student Worksheet
Student______________________________________ High School_______________________________
Counselor_____________________________ Year of Graduation______________
Post-Secondary Plans:
___4-Year College/University ___2-Year Community College ___Technical School ___Military ___Work
Grade 9 Grade 10
Dep Course Title Cr De Course Title Cr
English English
Math Math
Science Science
Social Social
Studies Studies
PE or PE or
Elective Elective
FF/Health or Health (1st semester)
Elective or Elective
World Language, VP World Language,
& Applied Arts or VP & Applied Arts
Elective or Elective
Total 7 Total 7
Grade 11 Grade 12
Department Course Title Cr Department Course Title Cr
English English
Math or Math
Math
Related Course
Science Elective
Social Studies Elective
Elective Elective
Elective Elective
Elective Elective
Total 7 Total 7
7Portage Public Schools Board of Education Requires 26 Credits for Graduation
• English 4.0 credits • World Languages 2.0 credits
• Mathematics (Core) 3.0 credits • Physical Education 1.5 credits
• Math Related Course (Senior Year) 1.0 credit • Freshman Focus/Health** 1.0/0.5 credits
• Science 3.0 credits • Visual Performing & Applied Arts 1.0 credit
• Social Studies 3.0 credits • Online or Integrated Technology*** 1.0 credit
• Electives 8.0 credits
Class status is determined by the number of earned credits as follows:
Less than 5 – Freshman status
5-11.5 – Sophomore status
12-18.5 – Junior status
19 or more – Senior status
Diploma credits may be a combination of general, honors, IB, CTE, EFA, KAMSC and dual enrollment. Direct
any questions or requests for further information to one of the high school counseling departments (Central
High School, 323-5283 or Northern High School, 323-5475).
** Health is required (Freshman Focus/Health is recommended for 9th grade).
*** This requirement is embedded in the curriculum within other courses; therefore no additional course needs
to be taken to fulfill this credit requirement
8You can also read
