Picking A Path?
All eighth graders must develop a focused,
four-year study plan. The plan will be reviewed annually.
All students will study the core curriculum—15 units covering English
(4), Math (3), Science (3), Social Studies (3), Wellness (1), and Computer (1).
You must pick one of three paths — University, Technical
or Combined (University & Technical).
To prepare you to either enter the world of work or technical school immediately after high school:
The
technical path includes the core curriculum and 4 units in a focused technical
area. This includes four related
courses in, for example, auto mechanics or the agricultural field. You can’t just take four unrelated technical
courses, like a year of cosmetology, a year of auto mechanics and a year of
computer programming. The four
courses need to be in the same related area.
The idea behind the technical path is for you to focus so you will be
prepared to continue your education after you graduate from high school.
To prepare you to go to a two year or four year
college/university after high school:
The core curriculum and other courses—2 units of the same foreign language and 1 unit of the fine arts. This path meets the requirements to be admitted to a Tennessee public university. The math required includes Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II.
To prepare you to work and/or go to college immediately after high school.
Must meet all
Technical Path requirements and University Path requirements.
In effect, meets all requirements of Both paths.
Can you change your mind
about which path?
Of course.
It is hard to know in 8th grade what you will want to take in 10th
grade. Nothing is cast in stone.
Be aware that changing your path does become more difficult as you move
into your junior and senior years. A
combined path gives you the most flexibility.