WHEELER HIGH SCHOOL ' S
COURSE CATALOG
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RIGOROUS COURSE EXPECTATIONS
Courses designated as Honors , AP , and Post-AP require that students commit to in-depth , intensive study of complex material , both in and out of class . The following expectations are required of students completing these courses :
Rigorous courses require students to work independently . Students often have to work on assignments without detailed instruction . Students are responsible for asking questions when they do not fully understand material . Students must be prepared to spend a greater amount of time on homework . In addition , students must seek extra help , if needed , and make appointments with their teachers to obtain added support .
Rigorous courses require students to develop personal commitments and a strong work ethic . Simply attending class and behaving acceptably is not adequate ; students must participate in discussions and activities . They must develop an active interest in the concepts they are learning , engage these concepts , and actively seek answers to questions . Students must commit to doing their best work , not the least work necessary , for a high grade .
Rigorous courses require students to value learning . While grades are important and taken seriously , learning must be the first priority of students . Students must be able to learn from mistakes . The thinking skills students practice are abstract and often have uncertain answers . Students must learn to cope with vagueness and to think through complex questions . Immediate rewards for “ right ” answers are not always possible in the context of Honors or courses .
Rigorous courses require students to maintain a positive attitude . Students should not display resistance with a task because it is new or difficult . When work is “ easy ,” students may be practicing skills rather than learning new ones . Discomfort with new tasks is normal , and students must be willing to take risks . They must do their best and strive to see the purpose of the work they are doing .
Rigorous courses require students to take an interest in the subject . Students must be willing to analyze their work in detail and participate in lengthy discussions and projects . Each level of an advanced is preparation for the next advanced course . Students must not limit themselves to the assigned material , but continually strive to learn more by engaging in outside reading , doing additional research , etc .
Rigorous courses require students to exhibit academic integrity in the classroom . Students should review the Cobb County Cheating Policy , which is outlined in the student handbook . Cheating comes in many forms . Students are expected to follow a strict honor code which includes the avoidance of any cheating whatsoever . The consequences of such behavior can include a zero grade on the assignment in question , a written referral to be placed in the student ’ s permanent folder , possible removal from school programs such as Magnet or the STEAM Academy , and denied entry into certain organizations such as the National Honors Society .
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