The following programs are available to students at Wenatchee High School:

• Running Start
• Tech Prep
• Skills Center
• College in the High School
• AP Program

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RUNNING START

What is the Running Start Program?

Running Start is a state-wide program allowing eligible high school students to take courses at the local community college. Each college course completed can earn both high school and college credit.

Why Running Start?

1. The State will pay your tuition.

2. You may receive high school credit and college credit for the same class.

3. You can take more challenging classes.

4. You can take classes not offered at WHS.

5. You can get a "running start" on a college degree.

6. You can experience college while still in high school. This experience can make the transition from high school to college much easier and clarify educational goals.

7. Students can complete more college prerequisites in a shorter period of time. For instance, 3 years of a Foreign Language can be completed in 1 year.

Why Not Running Start?

1. You must pay for books, materials, lab fees, parking permits and transportation.

2. Grades at WVC stay on permanent college transcripts. This would hinder transferring to a 4-year college if you do poorly.

3. Class schedules and calendars of WVC and WHS conflict, causing scheduling problems. The student is responsible for resolving such conflicts and should not expect to be able to miss classes at the high school in order to attend their new classes that begin at the college on a quarterly basis.

4. WVC classes may not meet high school requirements for graduation.

5. WVC credits may not transfer to private or out-of-state colleges.

6. You may not be socially or emotionally ready for the college atmosphere

Procedures for Enrolling

1. Get Running Start Handbook in the counselingOffice at the high school.

2. You must be a Junior or Senior. Confer with your counselor to determine your grade level status.

3. Take the ASSET test at WVC to see if you qualify for the Running Start Program.

4. Meet with WVC Running Start counselor to get applications and forms.

5. Check equivalencies - Meet with high school counselor to determine what you are going to need to graduate. Review possible schedules and check equivalencies.

6. Complete Running Start application and get signatures. You will need to fill out a Community College application as well as a WVC Running Start application. Submit high school transcript and both applications to WVC.

7. Meet with WVC counselor and register for classes at WVC. Be sure to meet deadlines.

8. Register for remaining classes at WHS.

9. Buy your books and pay all other fees.

Other Considerations

1. The responsibility for all college-related work rests fully with the student.

2. Students qualifying and approved will be enrolled in WVC classes on a "first come, first serve" basis during fall registration at WVC.

3. WVC may not be offering the class you need during the quarter or time slot that you desire.

4. On the asset test students must place into English 101 to take any non-math class, and must place into Math 105 to take any math class or demonstrate college level reading ability (all courses taken at WVC will be college level).

5. WVC courses will go on WHS transcripts as "Running Start English", "Running Start Math", etc. along with grade and equivalent high school credit.

6. Running Start will not be considered for directed study programs or used for waivers of required classes. You must use the "Course Equivalencies for Running Start".

7. Once a student enrolls in Running Start, the 4-year college the student wishes to attend may or may not consider him/her a freshman student for purposes of admission, athletic eligibility, and/or scholarships. It is the responsibility of the student to contact prospective colleges to verify requirements.

8. Running Start courses cannot be taken for pass/fail. All college courses will be recorded and calculated into your GPA and go on your high school transcript.

9. Students taking required classes spring quarter of their senior year must get a letter from their college instructor stating they will pass the course to their high school counselor at least 3 days before graduation. If not, you will not be allowed to go through the graduation ceremony at WHS.

5 college credits = 1 high school credit

3 or 4 college credits = .5 high school credit

WHS junior and senior year graduation requirements, and accepted WVC classes

Grade 11

Jr. American Literature (semester)

• Engl 250 - American Literature

Speech (semester)

• Comm 102- Intro to Communication
• Comm 105 - Interpersonal Communication
• Comm 220 - Public Speaking
• Comm 240 - Oral Interp/Literature
• Drma 165 - Acting I
• Journ 101 - Intro to Newswriting

 US History (year)

• Hist 206 - US History III (only 3rd quarter)

 PE (semester)

• PEH 181- Personal Wellness

 Grade 12

Sr. English Literature (semester)

• Engl 101-  Composition General
• Engl 212 - Contemporary Fiction
• Engl 215 - Fantasy Fiction
• Engl 106 - Intro to Literature
• Engl 202- Comp: Critical Analysis
• Engl 230-  Survey of British Literature
• Engl 245-  20th Century World Literature
• Engl 240-  Survey of World Literature

 Sr. English Elective (semester)

• Any WVC English class

 Citizen Washington (semester)

• Pols 206 - State and Local Government

 Contemp. World Prob. (2 semesters)

• Pols 222 - International Relations *
• Geog 101- Intro to Geography *
• Econ 101-  Intro to Economics*
• Psyc 101 - Intro to Psychology
• Psyc 105-  Social Problems
• Soc 102 -  Principles of Sociology
• Soc 105 - Social Problems

* If both semesters of CWP are taken at the college, Pols 222, Econ 101 or Geog 101 must be one of them.

Be sure to pay attention to prerequisites. EXAMPLE: English 101 may be required before you can take certain English classes.

All other WVC classes will count for WHS elective credit.

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TECH PREP

What is Tech Prep?

A program that allows students to get college credit for taking certain high school classes that align with college degree programs.

How does it work?

• A student interested in receiving college credit for approved high school Tech Prep courses must communicate that desire to the WHS teacher to learn what competencies must be met. Students must get a "B" grade or better to qualify. Approved courses include: Business Computer Applications II, Micro Computer Applications, Adv. Micro Computer Applications, Accounting I & II, Welding, Intro to Drafting, AutoCAD, Health Occupations, Sports Medicine, Intro to Child Development and Cross Age Tutor.
• Once competencies have been completed the student must obtain a Tech Prep Course College Equivalent Application Form and get the required signature and information from the WHS course instructor.
• The form(s) are then submitted to the WVC registrar's office with a transcript fee of $10 per college class.
• A maximum of 15 Tech Prep college credits can be transcripted.

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SKILLS CENTER

What is the Skills Center?

• An extension of the sending high school at an off-campus training site.
• An opportunity for students ages 16 to 21 and/or those who are in grades 11 & 12 to receive highly technical job training.
• An opportunity to get a jump-start on a post secondary education, apprenticeships, technical and two/four year colleges or universities.
• Preparation for immediate entry-level employment.
• Staffed by outstanding instructors from industry with many years of experience in their fields.
• The College Connection: The Skills Center works closely with the Wenatchee Valley College to provide advanced placement and credits for high school students. Currently many programs are connected to post secondary training.

Mission Statement...

To provide a learning atmosphere as close to that of the professional work environment as possible, in which all students reach their highest potential in preparation for employment, advanced education or continued education.

Course descriptions...

The Skills Center offers programs designed to compliment, extend and enhance existing school programs or offer new opportunities, which the individual schools can not afford to operate. The Skills Center provides facilities, equipment and an atmosphere that reflects actual business and industry environments. Students attend class for 3 hours each day and earn credits towards graduation.

• Culinary Arts....  is for people who are interested in the food and hospitality industries, training them to work in the restuarants, hotels, resorts and cafeterias.
• Cosmetology... is for people interested in the beauty industry and who enjoy working with people. It prepares students to take the state licensing exam.
• Computer Technology... provides the foundation for students interested in transitioning in the computer industry.
• Digipen computer Science....is an advanced placement program in which the Digipen Institute of Technology teaches video game design programming.
• Automotive Technology... will prepare students to become a part of a professional team in the automotive industry. Students will study engine design, chasis, powertrains, brakes, and computerized systems.
• Collision Repair  Technology... will train students in toll identification and proper use, vehicle construction, minor body repair, sanding, painting components and techniques, estimating damaged vehicles, MIG welding and many other operations related to vehicle repair.
• Fire Science....is certified by National Fire Protection Association industry standards.  Includes First Aid and Hazardous Materials Response.
• Law Enforcement...is an overview of the criminal justice system and the careers available in this growing emplyment field.
• TV/Video Production... is designed to meet the needs of both the students who wish to work in the TV/Video industry directly out of high school, and those who plan to go on to two- or four-year colleges and/or pursue careers in communication, journalism, business or other related fields.

Credits...

Credits earned at the Skills Center will apply toward high school graduation requirements. (540 hours=3.0 credits) depending on which school you originate.

How to apply and register...

• Discuss the Skills Center programs with your counselor or career specialist.
• Meet with your counselor, review your schedule, and obtain approval to apply.
• Complete an official Skills Center registration form and return it to your school counselor or Career Center.
• Visit the Skills Center.
• Obtain confirmation of enrollment from your school counselor or the Skills Center.

*Morning Sessions 8:15 to 11:00 a.m.

*Afternoon Sessions 12:00 to 2:45 p.m

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COLLEGE IN THE HIGH SCHOOL

What is College in the High School?

College in the High School is just that, college level classes taught at WHS by staff members that qualify for WVC adjunct professor status.

What Curriculum is used?

College level curriculum at the same level as classes taught at WVC is used.

What are the requirements?

Passing the ASSET test given by the college. Call 664-2533 to set up a test date. The test is given every Friday at 8:30 a.m. at Wells Hall (enter 5th Street).

Cost is $15.00 which may be paid at cashier's office which opens at 8:00 a.m. (also located in Wells Hall)

What are the costs?

WVC $35.00 per credit hour. A 5 credit class would be $175.00. U of W (German only) 5 credit class would be $199.00.

What are the benefits to a high school student?

The opportunity to take college level classes at the WHS site and on our daily schedule.

What classes?

• American Literature

• Math Anal/Pre-Calculus

• German 3/4

• Spanish 3/4

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM

What is the Advanced Placement Program? The Advanced Placement Program is an opportunity for students to take college level classes while still in high school without leaving campus.  By taking a national exam, you may earn credit or advanced placement from thousands of colleges and universities that participate in the Advanced Placement Program worldwide. All colleges and universities in Washington state accept AP (Advanced Placement ) credit.

What are the benefits? The work you do in an AP course will help you develop skills and study habits that will be vital in college. For example, you will learn how to analyze problems effectively, improve your writing skills, and prepare for exams. These are tools that will serve you well throughout your college career and beyond.  Once you are used to being challenged you are more likely to continue with advanced studies.   Recent research (Adelman,1999) found that high school seniors who took only one AP class nearly doubled the likelihood of graduation from college (59% compared to 33% of those who did not take an AP class).  Students who took two or more AP Courses raised the  likelihood to 76%.  This study also found that the academic intensity of course work taken in high school is the best predictor of student success in college, regardless of socioeconomic status or ethnicity.

How difficult are AP courses? Compared with regular high school courses, AP courses are usually more demanding. Depending on the subject, you may read and write more, analyze material, synthesize ideas, solve problems, and evaluate. Most AP classes are comparable to sophisticated college courses, so they aren't easy, but they're not impossibly difficult either. You take these classes from qualified teachers in your own high school who are dedicated to your success. Colleges and universities recognize that applicants with AP experience are much better prepared for the demands of college courses. Admissions officers are well aware of the difficulty of AP courses and exams since they are based on a national standard, as opposed to Running Start which is a local standard from a community college.

What are AP exams like? Each exam is given in May and is a three hour test of multiple-choice and free response questions that require essay writing, problem solving and other critical thinking skills.  You risk nothing by taking the AP Exam, since you determine which colleges, if any, will receive your grade. Once accepted by the college or university, your grade is a permanent part of your transcript.  Scoring is conducted by the Educational Testing Service to insure consistency and accuracy.  The Advanced Placement exam is a national standard and is accepted by the vast majority of colleges and universities in the United States and in many countries around the world.

What is the cost? By taking an AP Exam, you will be investing in yourself and your future. If you receive a qualifying grade on an AP Exam, your $84 exam fee investment can translate into major savings. A course credit at a university would cost much more.  The College Board has a fee reduction policy for students who demonstrate financial need.  Ask your counselor for more information.

How do I get involved in the AP Program? Work with your counselor in middle school, 9th and 10th grades to help plan your courses and decide which Honors and AP classes to take.

Which Honors and AP Classes are available at Wenatchee High School?

Freshman Honors English

Sophomore Honors English

(AP English Language option)

Honors CWP,

Grade 12 AP English Literature

AP Biology

AP Chemistry

AP Physics

AP Calculus

AP Statistics

AP U. S. History

AP Art Studio (Directed Study)

(4th year Foreign Language Students often take the AP exam)

For more information, contact your high school counselor or visit the College Board website at www.collegeboard.org

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