Academic Planning Guide

Advanced Placement (AP), College Now, and Honors Courses
Honors, College Now, and AP classes require students to have mastered the fundamental skills of the subject, work independently, develop personal commitment, have a strong work ethic, value learning, maintain a positive attitude, and take an interest in the subject. AP and College Now students are expected to complete the year-long course. Course “drops” at semester will not be approved. Students earning an F in the first semester of an AP or College Now course will meet with their teacher and school counselor to determine placement for the second semester. The school administrator will make the final decision.

Athletics and Activities 
Athletics and activities are an important part of the total education plan for students.  All students are encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities supporting their education plan. The Student Handbook describes academic and behavior standards required for participation and lists the athletic and activity programs offered. For students to compete in athletics, they must be:

• Enrolled full-time
• Have passed and earned at least 2.5 credits the previous semester 
• Are making satisfactory progress as defined by the Oregon School Activities Association for student eligibility. 

An athlete may not participate in competitions  if absent during any period of the day.   
Student-athletes can participate if they have an excused absence and are present for 50 percent of the school day (medical appointment, bereavement, school field trip, family emergency).

Attendance 
Having regular attendance (attending 90% or more of school days) is critical for success in high school. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that students miss school only for essential reasons and to monitor their student’s progress in school.  The Student Handbook describes policies and procedures to follow when a student must be absent from school. Here at HRV we have dedicated school staff to provide support for families struggling with attendance, and reach out for assistance through the main office or school counselor. 

Awarding Diplomas
Diplomas will be awarded to all students upon completing the graduation and diploma requirements.  Students can retrieve their diploma from the counseling office at HRVHS anytime before July 1 after graduation. Between July 1 and August 15, graduates can retrieve their diplomas from the Hood River County School District Office. If the graduate is 18 years or older, diplomas will only be released to them and not to parents or legal guardians.  

Any senior with credit deficiencies at the end of their 12th-grade year must complete all coursework before August 30th to receive a diploma for their anticipated graduation year. Students who do not meet the graduation requirements before the end of their 12th-grade year will be permitted to continue in school so they may complete all graduation requirements pending administrator approval.

Community College Dual Enrollment Credit (College Now Credit)
HRVHS has a partnership agreement with multiple community colleges for college credit; 11th and 12th-grade students may earn college and high school credit for selected courses offered on our campus (note that not all credits may transfer to all colleges/universities). Students are required to pay the cost of tuition and fees.. Teachers have further information regarding specific courses. College Now is available for 11th and 12th grade students (grade 10 with a ‘Sophomore By Exception’ form signed by parent and course teacher). 9th graders are not eligible for College Now credit. See the list of College Now courses (Pg. 12) following the list of all courses offered. 

Expanded Options Program  
This statewide program allows students to take courses at Oregon community colleges to earn high school and college credit at no cost to the student. Students must be 16 years old, meet program criteria, and have approval from their school counselor. The principal mails out a letter each Winter, and the student must return the form to the counseling office by the deadline. They also need to attend (with a parent) an EOP meeting at HRVHS to participate. Students must pass all Expanded Options courses with a C- or better to continue to be eligible for this program. Please see your school counselor for more information regarding the Expanded Options Program and to complete any necessary forms.

Course Syllabus
A course syllabus will be provided by every classroom teacher at the beginning of the year or term, describing the course content, grade system, and expectations. 

Credit
The unit of record assigned to each student for successfully completing any course. Semester classes receive 0.5 credits.  All courses, required or elective, receive the same amount of credit (with the exception of Study Hall). Course credit is awarded in Semester blocks provided the student earns a grade of “D minus” or better. Zero-period classes earn .5 credits per semester unless they are every other day and earn .25 credits.

HRVHS Diploma
Indicates completion of state and local diploma requirements. Students must complete 26.5 or more credits on the HRVHS campus in a standard program or transfer credits through approved correspondence, college, or other accredited high school programs. 

Early Graduation
Seniors may graduate at the end of the first Semester if they complete an early graduation plan. Applications are available in the counseling office and must be completed by the last day of the school year preceding the 12th-grade year.  Early graduates may participate in the graduation ceremony held for all graduates of  that school year. Students wishing to accelerate their academic program and graduate one year before their senior year must complete an early graduation plan by the last day of school of their 10th-grade year (a minimum GPA of 2.75 is required). Students must meet with their school counselor to initiate the process, and parents must attend a conference to discuss the plan, its benefits/drawbacks, and how to meet graduation requirements. The school counselor and principal must approve all early graduation plans.

Electives
Students must also take several credits of elective courses to meet graduation requirements; the required amount of EL credits can be found in the credit summary box of the student's high school transcript.

Forecasting
Each year, teachers and school counselors will provide information to the students to guide them in class selection for the following school year. Students are asked to select classes and indicate alternate choices. Current teachers will recommend students for placement into English, math, world languages, science, and intervention classes.

Grade Point Average (GPA)
The GPA is determined by adding all grade points earned and dividing by the number of graded credits. Each grade is worth:
A = 4 points                                      
B = 3 points               
C = 2 points
D = 1 point
F =  0 points

GPA is computed at the end of each grading period. The cumulative grade point average is determined from the average of all grades earned in high school. Although GPA is an important factor in the college admissions process, the quality and rigor of a student’s academic program are strongly considered. HRVHS has an unweighted GPA, meaning all courses carry equal weight in GPA computation.

Grading Policy

1. Academic grades A through F
2. Pass/No Pass (P/NP) - for Study Hall and any Aide courses, or with prior approval. See the Pass/No Pass Grade Option below.
3. Students working towards a modified diploma, who receive modified instruction and assessment, will receive a modified grade. See the student’s case manager, 504 case manager, school counselor, or assistant principal for information before completion. 

Grading Timeline
Official grades and credits are reported at the end of each grading period and become part of the student’s permanent transcript.  In addition, progress grades indicating a student’s grade standing at mid-semester are mailed home.  Teachers communicate progress grades to students at the midpoint of each grading period and send warning letters to students in danger of failure.
  
NCAA Division I and Division II, and NAIA
Initial Eligibility Requirements
Students who wish to play collegiate sports in NCAA Division I, Division II, or NAIA need to satisfy a number of requirements, including a minimum GPA requirement, and the completion of core courses in English, Math, Science, Social Science, and additional academic areas. Hood River Valley High School will work with the NCAA to review and audit the courses aligned with the NCAA Clearinghouse. Students interested in competing at the college level must sign up through the NCAA clearinghouse and submit/send transcripts to the NCAA Clearinghouse. It is important to note that the clearinghouse will require student-athletes/parent(s) to create an account, complete the online tutorials, and follow up with requested information from the NCAA Clearinghouse. The requirements listed above will be the responsibility of the student-athlete/parent(s). As questions arise, the student-athlete/parent(s) may request assistance from the Hood River Valley High School Athletic Director. 

Off-Site Release (ONLY grade 11 and grade 12)
Juniors are required to be enrolled in 8 classes each semester. Seniors are required to be enrolled in 6 classes each semester. Students enrolled in credit recovery, as well as seniors who failed a class semester 1 of their senior year, and subsequently are enrolled in a BYUIS class, are not eligible for an off-site because they are not on track to graduate. Off-site’s are a privilege, and student requests must be pre-approved by parents, school counselors, and administration. Students risk losing their off-site privilege by transporting unauthorized students off campus or abusing the privilege in any way.  Applications are available in the Attendance Office. Students must provide their own transportation. Any student who has an off-site release is required to leave the campus or obtain staff permission  to be in the library during that time. 

Release to Instructor: This option is available for students in grades 11 and 12 who are on track to graduate. This course does not offer credit, requires the student to be on campus, and takes attendance. Students with RTI will report to the library for attendance and stay for the entire period.

Pass No/Pass Grade Option
With administrative approval and communication with their school counselor; students may elect to be graded with Pass or No Pass (P/NP) on any class that gives letter grades. However, no more than two (2) AP/College class credits can be switched to (P/NP) during a student’s high school career.  Students must pass the course with a C- or better to earn a P grade (OPU college prep admissions standard) and earn credit.  A P/NP grade does not affect GPA.  Credit will not be awarded for an NP grade.  Once this option is selected for the Semester grade, students may not change back to A-F graded status. P/NP Grade Option Request Form must be returned to the counseling office within five (5) school days following the end of the Semester progress report grading periods. Students who elect a P/NP grading option will not be eligible for Valedictorian status.  Students who elect to drop a P/NP graded course will receive a Withdrawal-Fail on their transcript (WF). 

Talented & Gifted Program (TAG)
TAG students should contact the building TAG coordinator and/or school counselor to explore the options available to meet student rates and level of learning based on individual needs and interests. 

Transcript - Permanent Academic Record
A transcript is the official record of a student’s achievement in high school. It documents attendance, grade point average (GPA), class rank, grades, and credits for all courses completed at HRVHS or transferred to high school. All colleges and most scholarship programs require a transcript. All students have access to their unofficial transcript through Schoolinks. Senior transcripts for college admission and scholarships must be requested through SchooLinks. Only transcripts and credits from accredited schools will be accepted. Please see your school counselor if you have any questions.

Zero Period: A course that occurs outside of our regular 8-period day.  Zero-period classes meet Tuesday - Friday from 7:10-8:05 am. Students must arrange their own transportation for zero-period classes.

Diploma Requirements for Hood River County School District:
See HRCSD Administrative Rule IKF-AR

Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2027 and Beyond

Essential Skills Requirement

Essential Skills Policy suspension has been extended through 2027-2028

In addition to the required credits, all students, in order to earn a Hood River County Diploma, will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the Essential Skills areas of Reading, Writing and Mathematics.

The Essential Skill proficiency requirements are as follows: 
Read and comprehend various texts, write clearly and accurately, and apply mathematics in various settings.
The Essential Skills can be met by reaching the “Meets or Exceeds Benchmark” on the Oregon Statewide Summative Assessment.  This test is administered starting in the spring for all 11th-grade students. An alternative method to meeting the Essential Skills is to reach the “cut scores” on any of the standardized tests below.

Demonstration of Essential Skills for English Language Learners  (ELL) Students
All Limited English Proficient (LEP) students will have the option of demonstrating the Essential Skills of Applied Mathematics and Reading in their native language to gain a high school diploma. 
 

Regular HRVHS Diploma
See Diploma Requirements

State Seal of Biliteracy:
The State Seal of Biliteracy is established to recognize high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in one or more world languages in addition to English.  High school graduates who earn the State Seal of Biliteracy are distinguished from their peers in the State of Oregon, setting them on the pathway to becoming a global citizen.

To earn the State Seal of Biliteracy, students must:

• Meet all HRVHS standard graduation requirements,
• Meet Essential Skills in English through any of the existing pathways;
• Receive the required score on a selection of partner language assessments.

Modified Diploma:
A modified diploma will be awarded to students who have demonstrated the inability to meet the full set of academic standards established by the State Board of Education for a diploma while receiving reasonable modifications and accommodations. To be eligible for a modified diploma a student must: 

While in grade nine through completion of high school, complete 24 credits which shall include:

• Three credits of English (LA), two credits of mathematics (MA), two credits of science (SC), two credits of social sciences (SS), one credit of health (HE), one credit of physical education (PE), one credit of career technology (FA), the arts or a second language and 12 elective credits.
• Have a documented history of an inability to maintain grade level achievement due to significant learning and instructional barriers; or
• Have a documented history of a medical condition that creates a barrier to achievement.
• The modified diploma must be determined at least two years before the planned graduation date. 
• Certificate of Attendance

A non-diploma option, a Certificate of Attendance is awarded to students who have maintained regular, full-time attendance for at least four years starting in grade nine but have not met the requirements for a high school diploma, modified diploma, or extended diploma. 

Alternative Program Diploma:
An Alternative Program Diploma will be awarded to students in grades 9 through 12 enrolled in an alternative program and who have completed a minimum of 24 credits according to board policy IKF-AR. Only Special Education students and students enrolled in the Hood River Options Academy - Campus-Based Program for a minimum of 3.5 credits will be eligible for the Alternative Program Diploma. 

Extended Diploma:
An extended diploma will be awarded to students who have demonstrated the inability to meet the full set of academic content standards for a diploma while receiving modifications and accommodations.  To be eligible for an extended diploma, a student must:

While in grade nine through completion of high school, complete 12 credits, which may not include more than six credits in a self-contained special education classroom and will include:

• Two credits of mathematics (MA), two credits of English (LA), two credits of science (SC), three credits of history, geography, economics or civics (SS), one credit of health (HE), one credit of physical education (PE), one credit of the arts or a second language (FA). 
• Have a documented history of an inability to maintain grade level achievement due to significant learning and instructional barriers; or 
• Have a documented history of a medical condition that creates a barrier to achievements; and
• Participate in an alternate assessment beginning no later than grade six and lasting for two or more assessment cycles; or
• Have a serious illness or injury that occurs after grade eight that changes the student’s ability to participate in grade level activities and that results in the student participating in alternate assessments.

CHOOSING CLASSES 
Students must make thoughtful decisions in class selection. Students should consult with classroom teachers, parents, and school counselors in making choices and planning educational programs. School counselors review and approve all requests, and parents are strongly encouraged to review course selections with their student(s) prior to submitting their course requests. Some classes require meeting a specific grade in a previous course, test score criteria, and/or class prerequisites. The sample four-year plan is a tool for advanced planning.    

ALTERNATE CLASS SELECTION 
It is very important that students select alternate choices with as much thought and care as any other choice. It is unlikely that each student will get their first choice in all classes.

SCHEDULING 
The school administration makes many important decisions based on the forecast information from students. Forecasting impacts the number of class sections offered, the number of teachers employed per department, educational materials, and more. Students are expected to take the classes they request during forecasting. Students must complete any courses that they request.

CHANGING CLASSES - DEADLINES AND CRITERIA
Following schedule finalization in spring, students may request changes to their schedule only under certain circumstances. Course change requests will be due prior to the end of the school year for semester 1 and 1 week after the start of the semester for semester 2. Changes to courses will be evaluated based on need and alignment with the student's academic goals.
 

Community College Dual Credit Courses (College Now)
Dual credit is available for 11th and 12th grade students (10th grade students may with school counselor, teacher and parent approval).  
Note: College Now courses depend on teacher certification and staff assignments and are not guaranteed.
 

Public College/University Admission Requirements

Oregon Public University Admission (OPU)

While each university or college determines their own admission requirements, the following can be used as a guide for most institutions in Oregon. These are general admission requirements; additional requirements may apply for scholarships and honors college, as well as the NCAA’s requirements for athletic eligibility. Please reference the admission requirements for each post-secondary institution for specific requirements, including GPA, test scores, and other requirements.

Students interested in attending a State of Oregon Public Higher Education Institution should take at least three years of high school math. The third year could be satisfied by any math course with a primary focus on concepts in algebra, calculus, data science, discrete mathematics, geometry, mathematical analysis, probability, or statistics.  

Prospective students are encouraged to take a fourth math course in their senior year of high school. Those intending to study a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) major or another field for which calculus is required are strongly encouraged to take pre-calculus and, if possible, calculus in high school.

Some colleges require the SAT or ACT test for admission. Students must earn a grade of C- or greater in each college-preparatory subject course for admissions.

GPA Admission Requirements for Oregon Public University System

*Minimum test scores are not set. However, test results must be submitted and may be used during additional campus review processes.

**If students do not have the GPA required, the school may conduct a comprehensive review process for admissions. 

Community College Requirements
Oregon community colleges have an open-door admission policy. At a community college, students can complete a certificate program, a two-year associate program, or prepare to transfer to a four-year college. Placement testing at community colleges is required before any courses can be scheduled. Students are not required to take the SAT or ACT for community college admission.

Private Colleges and Universities
Students considering private colleges and universities, consult with your school counselor and research the individual college/university’s requirements online, or speak to an admissions representative, as these institutions have their own entrance requirements.

All students who graduate from an Oregon High School must meet career development requirements.  

1. Develop an Education Plan and Profile.
2. Demonstrate an Extended Application through a collection of evidence.
3. Demonstrate career-related knowledge and skills.
4. Participate in career-related learning and experiences.
5.  order to meet these goals, the following plan is in place:

9th Grade Year:

1. Students are introduced to develop a 4-year plan.
2. Students will complete ‘Find Your Path’ in SchooLinks and their post-secondary goals.    
3. Students meet with their school counselor in the Fall for a 9th-grade interview.  Students meet with their school counselor in the Spring to plan 10th-grade year classes and how they relate to their post-secondary goals.
4. Students will be introduced to Oregon CIS to begin their activities chart.

10th grade  Year:

1. Students update their Activities Chart in Oregon CIS.
2. Students review on track graduation status with their school counselor in their 10th-grade year interview meeting.
3. Students meet with their school counselor in the spring to plan 11th-grade year classes and how it relates to their post-secondary plan.
4. Students complete the Top Skills Assessment in SchooLinks.

11th grade Year:

1. Students meet with their school counselor to review graduation status, and plan 12th-grade year classes and how they relate to their post-secondary plan.
2. Students complete the following:
   1. Update Activities chart in Oregon CIS.
   2.  Complete a school search in Schoolinks to start a favorite college list.
   3.  Begin a conversation about how to meet the Extended Application requirements.

  12th grade Year:

1. Students meet with their school counselor to review graduation status and post-secondary goals.
2. Update the Activities Chart in Oregon CIS.
3. Individual support is available from school counselors and Aspire/Summit staff.    

Extended Application:
The Extended Application experience is designed to bridge a student’s high school learning experiences and their personal interests, aptitudes, goals, and future career plans.
A student’s extended application should be aligned with their post-secondary plans and informed by their career-related learning experiences as determined by career-related assessments in SchooLinks. The Extended Application can take a wide variety of forms. However, in all cases, it should allow students to deeply explore a concept, idea, career path, or project aligned with their interests and goals. Students are encouraged to be a CTE Completer, completing 3 high school credits in a career pathway.
 

Example and Template

Alternative & Remote Learning Programs
Students may access alternative and remote learning education options to earn credit toward an Oregon high school diploma.

HOOD RIVER OPTIONS ACADEMY  (HROA)

HROA General Program
Hood River Options Academy (HROA) is a program of the Hood River County School District (HRCSD) with limited enrollment.  With personalized web­-based learning, students can learn with their unique learning style on a flexible schedule within the confines of the HRCSD academic calendar.  The program has a capped enrollment, and a lottery system is used if there are more applicants than spots available.  During the week (M-Th), teachers support learning at the HROA building (1011 Eugene Street) and online through virtual meetings.  More information is available on the HROA website available through the HRCSD main website.  Requests for enrollment open in May each year for the following academic year. Semester slots are filled by lottery when available. 

To be successful at HROA students should expect to invest a similar amount of time to their online classes as they would to any in person class. tudents are required to come into the HROA Building to take tests, and to fulfill other class requirements.  Students and families are expected to attend Google Meets, in person support sessions and asynchronous learning through their learning platforms (Acellus)). As with students in brick and mortar classrooms, attendance is taken daily and students are expected to engage with learning materials for 3-5 hours per day.  While HROA can offer more freedom and flexibility in scheduling, there is greater responsibility to take ownership of one’s learning.  It is critical that students and families work to connect with staff at HROA. Students who fail to meet HROA requirements after intensive intervention may be placed on Academic Probation and ultimately forfeit their slot at HROA. 

With a focus on College and Career readiness, instructors work with students to help them get the most out of their online learning platforms.  Students will be coached on how to use various note taking techniques to reinforce learning and to apply learning objectives from their courses.  Notes can be taken in the HROAwesome Notebooks provided by HROA instructors, taken in a spiral notebook, or done digitally.  Notes should be handwritten (with some exceptions) and used any time the student is engaging with their learning platform. These notes will be turned in at the midterm and final for all core classes. 

HROA Expanded Options
Early College students can earn dual credit from the local community college and a high school diploma from the Hood River County School District. It is designed for students 16 years and older. Younger students may be considered for admission if they meet the entrance requirements, which include appropriate performance on the college placement test and demonstration of adequate maturity necessary for success in the college classroom. 

If you want to learn more about any of the HROA programs, please contact your school counselor or HROA staff at 541-387-5100.

NATIONAL GUARD OREGON YOUTH CHALLENGE 
The Oregon National Guard operates this program.  NGOYC offers classroom and project-based credits toward a diploma or GED.  Further information is available at, https://ngchallenge.org/

JOB CORPS
Job Corps is a vocational program that allows students to earn a diploma or GED and attend career programs in a number of areas.  Contact Job Corps directly for enrollment criteria and complete information.  Location and openings vary.  Contact information is available in the Guidance Office. Further information is available at,  https://www.jobcorps.gov/