Students Face New Graduation Requirements

COURT HOUSE — Have an eighth grader planning to attend Middle Township High School in September? They will have to study harder to graduate, and earn at least 120 credits in four years.
That compares with 110 credits for those who graduated last year.
A parents’ information night was held at the Performing Arts Center Jan. 27 to detail the new expectations.
Regardless of what track the student takes, general to college prep, mathematics and science courses must be taken, no exceptions, according to Principal Theodore “Ted” Pugliese.
Scheduling for the 2010-11 year began at the school this week.
“That is why this meeting is important for parents to know what will be expected,” he said.
The more rigorous requirements are the result of heightened concern by the public that New Jersey students were not learning enough by the time they graduated high school.
That means 15 credits of mathematics, including algebra I and geometry or the content equivalent. It also means 15 credits of science, including at least five credits in laboratory biology/life science or the content equivalent and one additional lab/inquiry-based science course, which “shall” include chemistry, environmental science or physics.
In Social Studies, the student must earn 15 credits, five of them in world history; and the integration of civics, economics, geography and global content in all course offerings.
For the first time, students must take a 2.5 credit course, such as marketing, to fulfill the requirement for Financial, Economic, Business and Entrepreneurial Literacy.
The following are required, although not new for the coming school year:
• Health, Safety and Physical Education, 3.75 credits. Seniors who play sports do not have to take Phys. Ed.
• Visual and Performing Arts: five credits, which can be met with band, singing, dancing or art.
• World Language: five credits or student demonstration of proficiency.
• 21st Century Life and Careers or Career Technical Education, five credits.
Guidance counselors are ready to assist the new students, and to answer questions about required courses.
Speaking of the lab courses, Pugliese said, “They can’t escape it. They can’t drop out of it…It’s not an option anymore. Biology is required.”
Also available to students in Middle is a dual credit program with Atlantic Cape Community College for students on the honors and college preparatory track.
For $40 per credit, students may take advanced placement (AP) courses in calculus, biology, chemistry, government and politics, computer science and computer programming.
“What a way to get a year of college before they leave high school,” said Pugliese.
He also cited the growing number of clubs available to students. Among the newest are Italian-American, yoga, Interact and Future Teachers of America clubs.
If there is sufficient interest among students and a volunteer leader can be found, any club will be considered, Pugliese said.
He said the district remains committed to a strong athletic program.
“We realize every child is different, if it’s (a sport) is important to them, it’s important to us,” he said.