ACADEMIC LOAD

    Students shall ordinarily be enrolled in seven subjects including physical education; however, the high school administration may permit a course load in only five subjects when it is deemed to be in the best interest of the student and the school.
     
Each student is urged to consider carefully the courses they are taking so that they will meet graduation requirements from high school, college entrance requirements if they plan to attend college, and requirements for a job or career they will seek after graduation.

    Other than courses taken at Yoakum High School, students who meet the required conditions may also earn credit in the following ways:

CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS

    Grade classification will be determined at the beginning of each school year.  Once a student has begun the new school year, their classification will remain the same until the 2nd semester at which time they may be reclassified upon successful completion of course work.  Classification will be determined as follows:

          0 Credits  -  Freshmen   
 
          5 Credits  -  Sophomore
   
10 Credits  -  Junior
   
   5 Credits  -  Senior

    Students will attend class activities with the group to which they belong according to the number of credits earned and not the number of years they have been in school.
   

SCHEDULE CHANGES

    Students should choose their courses carefully and with the advice and counsel of the Counselor and/or Teacher so that there will be a minimum need for a change.  It is very difficult to make a schedule change after classes have begun.
    During the first (10) class days of a semester, students may add or drop classes if a WRITTEN REQUEST is approved by the Principal or Counselor and the students’ parent and teacher.  These changes will not be recorded on the permanent records.  Students who add classes during this time will be responsible for any make-up work required by the teacher.  Courses dropped after the first six weeks are an automatic "NG" (No Grade).   

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN GRADUATION EXERCISES

      To participate in graduation exercises a senior shall have earned credits equivalent for receipt of a diploma and passed the TAKS EXIT LEVEL examination.  No student will be permitted to take part in Commencement ceremonies unless these graduation requirements have been completed.  The school cannot predict nor can it assume responsibility for the performance of a student in their course work.  It is therefore the student's responsibility to determine their status relative to graduation.  Invitations, rings, caps and gowns, pictures, and other graduation expenses incurred by a senior will not guarantee their graduation from high school. They will be permitted to order these materials if it is possible to complete graduation requirements; whether they do so or not is due to the condition that they successfully complete the year's program.

EARLY GRADUATION

   

CREDIT FOR ACCELERATION

    Yoakum High School offers exams for acceleration to students who wish to earn credit in academic subjects with no prior formal instruction.  Tests are administered twice during the summer at Region III in Victoria.  Registration is required, and study sheets are available.  A passing grade of 90 is required to earn credit.  See the Counselor for details.   

CORRESPONDENCE COURSES

    A student in grades 9-12 may earn a maximum of 2 units of credit toward graduation by correspondence.  This involves doing lessons through the mail from The University of Texas or Texas Tech University and passing a final Exam with a grade of 70 to receive credit.  See the school principal for information.

LEVELS OF INSTRUCTION

    The levels of instruction at Yoakum High School are: Basic, Regular, Academic or Honors. Basic classes are special courses that require special testing and ARD placement.
    The BASIC courses are designed as non-college preparatory courses for the student whose record is one of low achievement.  They provide the student with an opportunity to gain basic knowledge in a subject and to earn credit toward high school graduation.  These courses are not designed to prepare a student to continue their education on a college or university level; however, taking basic courses will not prohibit the student from attending some colleges.
    The REGULAR courses provide the subject content that is required for the average student and may be college preparatory courses.  Also included in the regular level are some trade school preparatory courses for those students who want to attend a vocational/trade school or go to work.  They provide the student with an opportunity to gain basic knowledge in a subject and to earn credit toward high school graduation.
    The ACADEMIC courses are designed to cover course content with special emphasis on preparing the above average student for college work in those specific areas.    The HONORS/GT student is served through specific subject honors courses, Advanced Placement and Pre-AP courses that provide challenge and enrichment.  These courses develop higher cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, creative thinking, and conceptualization while developing logical thinking and decision making skills through the use of content that focuses on these abilities.
   
   

1. In order to be eligible to receive one of the Honors, a senior must have had at least five academic classes that receive    grade points toward academic ranking per year for the four years in high school.

3. No courses taken by correspondence, summer school, or credit for acceleration will be used in determining the weighting score.
 
4. Transfer grades will receive grade points according to the Yoakum High School schedule of course offerings and grade point values.

5. Credit from course work completed in non-accredited schools must be verified according to state accredited guidelines in order to be counted toward graduation requirements.  Grade points will not be given for course work earned at non-accredited schools.

8.  This policy shall be subject to annual review for changes in weights or the introduction of new courses.
       Also subject to change as per state regulation.
   

    TEXAS GRANT

    Students may qualify for up to $1325 PER SEMESTER to pay tuition and fees at a college, university, or technical college by taking and completing the Recommended High School Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program.  See the high school counselor for more information.