Academic Expectations

ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS

At B.M.H.S. you should choose courses that challenge you to reach your potential for growth. With input from teachers, guidance counselors, and your parents, you should diagnose your learning strengths and weaknesses and then select appropriate courses in each department.

YEARLY CREDIT AND PERIOD REQUIREMENTS

Although all students must carry a minimum of 27 credits for the entire year, in each of the four years of high school you are expected to enroll in courses that carry at least a total of 33 credits. The Massachusetts Time and Learning mandate requires that every class period involves some form of direct instruction. No students may have unstructured study hall periods.

PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS: These requirements are strictly maintained.

Grade	Minimum Credits Required
From 9 to 10	20
From 10 to 11	45
From 11 to 12	75
Graduation	100

MINIMUM GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: You must receive passing grades.

Subject	Year(s) Required	Grade(s) Taken
English	4 years	Grades 9 through 12
Physical Education	2 1/2 years	Grades 9, 10 and 11
Health	1 1/2 years	Grades 9 and 11
U.S. History	1 year	Grade 11
Local History and Government	1/2 year	Grade 12
Mathematics	3 years	Grades 9 through 12
Science	2 years	Grades 9 through 12
Social Studies	1 1/2 years	Grades 9 through 12
Fine and/or Practical Arts	1 year	Grades 9 through 12

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP):

Advanced placement courses provide the superior student the opportunity to participate in program of college level work with the possibility of receiving college credit.
If you are interested in preparing for (AP) Advanced Placement examinations in various subjects you should check the course offerings under each department. If additional information is desired, it may be obtained from the department chairpersons.
At the conclusion of each advanced placement course, you must take the advanced placement exam. The cost of this examination is borne by you. The AP examination serves as your final examination on your report card.

TITLE I READING/STUDY SKILLS SUPPORT AND TITLE I MATHEMATICS

• Title 1 services are offered in reading and mathematics and, as part of a support program, are supplementary to regular classroom work.
• In Title 1 Reading, freshmen receive individualized and small group instruction to improve reading and study skills. Students are guided daily in their study of and preparation for English, science, and social studies classes. Grading is pass-fail and based upon the quality of an individual’s use of instruction time and the application of study skills in related content areas. Students earn five credits for successful completion of the course.
• Title 1 Mathematics is an inclusionary program. The Title 1 tutor, working along with the classroom teacher, supports students in their regular math or MCAS math class to promote a better understanding of the math concepts presented in class.
• Prerequisites for both programs include MCAS scores, grades, skills and work habits, and teacher recommendations.

SUBJECT CHANGES:

Because of the scheduling procedures and the nature of the elective program at the high school, you will not be allowed any change once the school year has begun unless extraordinary circumstances prevail. We have learned from experience that this is a necessary arrangement for three reasons:
1. Class sizes are kept within manageable limits, giving everyone the opportunity to learn;
2. There is no interruption of the curriculum;
3. Teachers can acquaint themselves with everyone in your class as quickly as possible.
If there are extraordinary circumstances that lead you and your parents to desire a change in schedule, requests and a full explanation of those requests must be made in writing by August 15th. Decisions regarding changes will be made with the assistance of teachers and counselors.

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