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, and / or denied entry into certain organizations such as the National Honors Society.
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