2015-16 cas application for 9th grade students€¦ · only one (1) student essay needs to be...
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2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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The Gifted and Talented Office
341 S. Bellefield Ave Pittsburgh PA 15213 Phone: 412-529-3082| Fax: 412-928-0576 Parent Hotline: 412-529-7920 | www.pps.k12.pa.us
Dear Families of Students Entering the 9th Grade,
Your student may qualify to participate in the Centers for Advanced Studies (CAS) program at their anticipated high school. CAS courses are high-level, accelerated courses offered at most of our high schools that have an additional .5 weight to account for the additional rigor that is infused into the curriculum.
To enroll, students not identified as gifted must meet specific course entrance requirements (please see application for details) as well as the following general requirements:
At least a 3.0 un-weighted grade point average (GPA); 90% attendance; Complete an essay and sign a contract; and Have a strong teacher recommendation in that content area.
To remain in a CAS content course from year to year, students must maintain at least an 80% average in the course and 90% attendance. Please review the application for information and directions for submitting an application. If you have any questions, please contact the Gifted and Talented Office at 412-529-3082.
Application Process Timeline:
- Monday, December 1st: Students interested in taking a CAS course(s) can receive an application packet to complete. Applications will be available through your school counselor, or online at pghboe.net/giftedandtalented
- Friday, January 30th: All CAS applications are due to the Gifted and Talented Office.
o No late applications will be accepted, unless you are new to the district. - Week of February 23rd: Families will be notified of the student’s preliminary eligibility* status, based on available
data. Final eligibility* will depend on final grades, GPA, attendance, and standardized assessments, and will be known by the end of June.
o Schools will schedule students based on preliminary eligibility. - End of June (or earlier, depending on when final grades and standardized assessment scores become available):
Schools and families will be notified of final eligibility. Non-PPS students are responsible for submitted final grades, attendance, and standardized assessment scores no later than June 30, 2015.
Please note that course offerings may change as a result of enrollment, and placement is not guaranteed.
*Preliminary Eligibility: Whether the student currently meets CAS course requirements. Students may meet the requirements for some but not all classes they applied for. *Final Eligibility: Whether the student meets the requirements at the end of the year. Eligibility can change based on end of year GPA, attendance, and grade in previous course. Standardized assessment scores will also be reviewed, but will only positively impact a student’s eligibility.
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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For each CAS course that you are applying to, please give your current teacher of that subject a recommendation form, found on page 21. For example, if you are applying for CAS Civics, your current Social Studies teacher will need to submit a recommendation form. Teachers can also complete a recommendation form online. The link is available at pghboe.net/giftedandtalented Schools will return teacher recommendations to the Gifted and Talented Office- students should not send teacher recommendations with the application. Students currently attending a non-PPS school are responsible for submitting all transcripts and standardized testing information along with the application. Some final guidelines for application submission:
Please write applicant’s name on all submitted forms
Please paperclip all forms together before submission
Submit complete applications only – incomplete applications will not be processed All applications should be sent to the following address:
The Gifted and Talented Office 341 S. Bellefield Avenue Room 462
Pittsburgh PA, 15213 Lastly, if your student currently attends a NON-PPS school and would like to take our local standardized reading and mathematics assessments, the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) and the Scholastic Mathematics Inventory (SMI), please call our office to sign up for one of the two testing dates (below). The deadline to sign up is one week before each assessment date. Testing will occur at Pittsburgh Allderdice High School (2409 Shady Avenue). The score(s) on the SRI/SMI assessment(s) can be substituted for the standardized test (ERB, Terra Nova, etc.) administered at your student’s current school.
This is a wonderful opportunity for highly motivated students who are interested in an additional challenge. Over the past 3 years, over 1300 students have applied for 1 or more CAS courses through this application process. If you are unsure if a CAS course is the best fit, please see the document “What to Expect from CAS”(Appendix B), talk to your teacher or principal, or contact the Gifted and Talented Office at 412-529-3082 for more guidance. Sincerely, Muriel Fox Alim Project Manager, Gifted & Talented Jaclyn Castma Project Manager, Advanced Placement & International Baccalaureate Allison McCarthy Executive Director, Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
SRI/SMI Assessment Dates for Non-PPS Students Saturday, January 31, 2015: 9 am (Deadline to sign up: 1/23) Saturday, February 7, 2015: 9 am (Deadline to sign up: 1/30)
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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Documents Included in the 9th Grade CAS Application
The following are required documents to be submitted as part of the CAS application.
Part Required Documents Page #
Part 1 of 6 Completion Checklist and Directions for
Completing the CAS Application REQUIRED
4
Part 2 of 6 Student Information Page
REQUIRED 5
Part 3 of 6 Student Essay
REQUIRED 6
Part 4 of 6 CAS Course Selection & Specific Course
Requirements REQUIRED
7-8
Part 5 of 6 Student & Parent/Guardian Contract
REQUIRED 9
Part 6 of 6 Transcript and Attendance Information REQUIRED for non-PPS students ONLY
10
The following are reference documents for the CAS Application.
Appendices Page # CAS Course Requirements for Specific Courses 12-17
What to Expect from CAS 18
CAS Course Pathway 19
Teacher Recommendation 20-21
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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Include this checklist as the cover page of your application.
Completion Checklist & Directions for Completing CAS Applications (REQUIRED DOCUMENT)
To successfully apply for a CAS course, all students must complete the following steps, listed on the checklist below. Important Notes:
- All CAS Applications are due to the Gifted and Talented Office by January 30th, 2015. - Please only submit completed applications.
Student Name:
Current School:
If you have questions, please contact the Gifted and Talented Office at 412-529-3082 for more information.
Please mail all applications to:
The Gifted and Talented Office
341 S. Bellefield Ave. Room 462
Pittsburgh PA, 15213
Complete and Submit: Complete and
included?
PART 1: COMPLETION CHECKLIST (THIS PAGE) - Please complete this checklist and attach as the cover page of your application.
PART 2: STUDENT INFORMATION PAGE (page 5)
- Please complete all portions of the student information page and reference the CAS courses available at each high school.
- You may only apply to courses that are available at your anticipated high school.
PART 3: STUDENT ESSAY (1) (page 6) - Complete a 300 word maximum essay on the topic of your choice. - You only need to write one Student Essay, regardless of the number of courses you
are applying to.
PART 4: CAS COURSE SELECTION & SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS (pages 7-8) - Please check off the CAS course(s) you are applying to. Please note the specific
course requirements. Please return both pages in your completed application.
PART 5: STUDENT & PARENT CONTRACT (1) (page 9) - The contract must be signed by both the student and parent/guardian. - Only one contract needs to be submitted, regardless of the number of courses you
are applying to.
PART 6: TRANSCRIPT and Other Student Information (page 10 ) - NON-PPS Students ONLY: Please submit the required information listed. - PPS Students: The Gifted & Talented office will pull your official information.
A Teacher Recommendation is required for each course you are applying for. Schools will submit teacher recommendations directly—do not include in your application.
Part 1 of 6
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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Student Information Page (REQUIRED DOCUMENT)
1. Student Name:__________________________________________________________________
2. School You Currently Attend:____________________________Current Grade:______________ 3. Anticipated School for the 2015-2016 School Year:
o Pittsburgh Allderdice o Pittsburgh CAPA o Pittsburgh Perry o Pittsburgh U Prep
o Pittsburgh Brashear o Pittsburgh Carrick o Pittsburgh Obama o Pittsburgh Westinghouse
** Please note: Because they run a special program, Sci-Tech does not offer any CAS courses.
4. For ALL courses, you must have a 3.0 GPA and 90% Attendance.
o Non-PPS students: please attach copies of your most recent transcripts to Part 6 of this application, including attendance information. Please see your guidance counselor to obtain this information.
Note: If you do not meet the GPA and Attendance Requirement, you will not meet the preliminary eligibility requirement.
5. Please reference the CAS courses available at each school before applying to one or more CAS courses.
Please note that course availability may change pending student enrollment.
9th Grade Courses Please ensure that you have
met all the course pre-requisites before applying.
Schools that Currently Offer this Course: Please only apply to courses your anticipated high school offers.
CAS English 1 Allderdice, Brashear, CAPA, Carrick, Obama, Perry, U Prep, Westinghouse
CAS Civics Allderdice, Brashear, CAPA, Carrick, Obama, Perry, U Prep, Westinghouse
CAS Biology 1 Allderdice, Brashear, CAPA, Carrick, Obama, Perry, U Prep, Westinghouse
CAS Geometry Allderdice, Brashear, CAPA, Carrick, Obama, Perry, U Prep
CAS Algebra II Allderdice, Brashear, CAPA, Carrick, Obama, Perry, U Prep
CAS World Language Level I-II
Allderdice (Spanish, French, German), Brashear (Spanish, Italian, French), CAPA (Spanish, French), Perry (Spanish I-II)
Part 2 of 6
Please list: Current Un-weighted GPA: _______________________
Total # of days you have missed this year: ___________________________
Applications submitted by English Language Learners will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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Only one (1) Student Essay needs to be submitted, regardless of the number of CAS courses you are applying to.
Student Essay
(REQUIRED DOCUMENT)
Please write an essay (300 word maximum) on a topic of your choice or on one of the options listed below, and attach it to your application before submission. Please either type or print clearly. Please indicate your topic by checking the appropriate box. This personal essay helps us become acquainted with you as a person and student, apart from courses, grades, test scores, and other objective data. It will also demonstrate your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself.
o Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced
and its impact on you.
o Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.
o Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
o Describe a character in action, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that
has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.
o A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational
mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to
the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity t
you.
o Topic of your choice
Part 3 of 6
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In addition to having a 3.0 GPA and 90% attendance, you must meet the following requirements to be considered for individual CAS courses.
I am
applying for this CAS Course
(check all that apply)
CAS Course
Teacher Rec.
Required
Minimum Grade Requirement in Relevant 8th Grade Course*
*Applicants with a grade of 80%-89% will be considered after the
relevant teacher recommendation is reviewed.
Reading Assessment Requirement
Mathematics Assessment Requirement
CAS English 1
YES
90% (A) in current English course*
PPS STUDENTS: Advanced on 7th grade Reading PSSA OR Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) score of 1100+ NON-PPS STUDENTS: A score in the 80-99th percentile on the Reading portion of another standardized test (ERB, Terra Nova, etc.)
N/A
CAS Civics
YES 90% (A) in current Social Studies course*
AND
90% (A) in current English
course*
PPS STUDENTS: Advanced on 7th grade Reading PSSA OR Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) score of 1100+ NON-PPS STUDENTS: A score in the 80-99th percentile on the Reading portion of another standardized test (ERB, Terra Nova, etc.)
N/A
CAS Biology 1
YES 90% (A) in current Science course*
PPS STUDENTS: Proficient or Advanced on 7th or 8th Grade Reading PSSA NON-PPS STUDENTS: A score in the 80-99th percentile on the Reading portion of another standardized test (ERB, Terra Nova, etc.)
PPS STUDENTS: Proficient or Advanced on 7th or 8th Grade Math PSSA NON-PPS STUDENTS: A score in the 80-99th percentile on the Math portion of another standardized test (ERB, Terra Nova, etc.)
*Applicants with a grade of 80%-89% will be considered after the relevant teacher recommendation is reviewed.
The Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) and Scholastic Mathematics Inventory (SMI) are research-based, computer-adaptive assessments that measures students’ level of reading comprehension (using the Lexile Framework) and math achievement, skills and concepts (using the Quantile measure). The SRI and SMI score requirements are aligned to the Lexile and Quantile ranges set forth by the Common Core State Standards. These assessments are administered to all PPS 8th grade students in September and May. All 8th grade CAS applicants who did not reach the SRI/SMI requirement during the September administration will be assessed in school between January 26, 2015 and February 17, 2015.
CAS Course Selection & Specific Course Requirements (REQUIRED DOCUMENT)
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Part 4-A of 6
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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In addition to having a 3.0 GPA and 90% attendance, you must meet the following requirements to be considered for individual CAS courses.
I am applying for
this CAS Course
(check all that apply)
CAS Course
Teacher Rec.
Required
Minimum Grade
Requirement in Relevant 8th Grade Course*
*Applicants with a grade of 80%-89% will be considered after the relevant teacher
recommendation is reviewed.
Reading Assessment Requirement
Mathematics Assessment Requirement
CAS Geometry
Students must take Algebra 1
before Geometry.
YES 90% (A) in current Math course*
N/A PPS STUDENTS: Advanced on 7th grade Math PSSA OR Scholastic Mathematics Inventory (SMI) score of 1030+ NON-PPS STUDENTS: A score in the 80-99th percentile on the Math portion of another standardized test (ERB, Terra Nova, etc.)
CAS Algebra 2 Students
must take Geometry
before Algebra 2.
YES 90% (A) in current Math course*
N/A PPS STUDENTS: Proficient or Advanced on the Algebra Keystone Exam NON-PPS STUDENTS: A score in the 80-99th percentile on the Math portion of another standardized test (ERB, Terra Nova, etc.)
CAS World
Language Levels 1-2
YES 90% (A) in current World Language course*
PPS STUDENTS: Proficient or Advanced on 7th or 8th Grade Reading PSSA NON-PPS STUDENTS: A score in the 80-99th percentile on the Reading portion of another standardized test (ERB, Terra Nova, etc.)
PPS STUDENTS: Proficient or Advanced on 7th or 8th Grade Math PSSA NON-PPS STUDENTS: A score in the 80-99th percentile on the Math portion of another standardized test (ERB, Terra Nova, etc.)
*Applicants with a grade of 80%-89% will be considered after the relevant teacher recommendation is reviewed. The Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) and Scholastic Mathematics Inventory (SMI) are research-based, computer-adaptive assessments that measures students’ level of reading comprehension (using the Lexile Framework) and math achievement, skills and concepts (using the Quantile measure). The SRI and SMI score requirements are aligned to the Lexile and Quantile ranges set forth by the Common Core State Standards. These assessments are administered to all PPS 8th grade students in September and May. All 8th grade CAS applicants who did not reach the SRI/SMI requirement during the September administration will be assessed in school between January 26, 2015 and February 17, 2015.
CAS Course Selection & Specific Course Requirements (REQUIRED DOCUMENT)
Part 4-B of 6
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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Only one (1) Student Contract needs to be submitted, regardless of the
number of CAS courses you are applying to.
Student and Parent/Guardian Contract
(REQUIRED DOCUMENT) Please note: Only one (1) Student and Parent/Guardian Contract needs to be submitted, regardless of the
number of courses you are applying to.
o I understand that CAS courses are accelerated and rigorous, and I will move through material at a fast pace.
o I understand that there is a more significant focus on independent work in this course.
o I understand that if I am accepted into a CAS course, I must adhere to the drop policy at my school.
o I have reviewed the “What to Expect from CAS” (Appendix B) document and feel that I am prepared to
take a CAS course.
____________________________________________________________________________________ Student Name
____________________________________________________________________________________ Student Signature Date
____________________________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name ____________________________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Student email address: ____________________________________________
Parent/Guardian email address: _____________________________________
Part 5 of 6
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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Transcripts and Other Student Data All NON-PPS Students Please attach:
Transcripts that reflect both this and last year’s grades,
Attendance information,
All standardized test information, and
Any other relevant information. Please note: Parents are responsible for submitting final grades, attendance and standardized testing no later than June 30, 2015. Failure to submit final records before this date may affect placement in CAS courses for the 2015-16 school year.
If your student took an ERB assessment, we will look at the Reading Comprehension National Norm score for Reading, and the Mathematics 1 and 2 National Norm score for Math when considering the standardized testing percentile (80-99% required). If your student took the Terra Nova assessment, we will look at the Reading Composite National Norm % score for Reading, and the Math 1 and 2 National Norm % score for Math when considering the standardized testing percentile(80-99% required). If your student took the IOWA assessment, we will look at the Reading Total National % score for reading, and the Math Total National % score for Math when considering the standardized testing percentile (80-99% required). Please contact our office if your student has not taken any of the standardized tests listed above. ****If your student attends a non-PPS school and would like to take the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) and/or the Scholastic Mathematics Inventory (SMI) Assessments, please call our office to sign up for one of two testing dates (below). The deadline to sign up is one week before each assessment date. Testing will occur at Pittsburgh Allderdice High School (2409 Shady Avenue).
All CURRENT PPS Students The Gifted and Talented Office will obtain your official student transcripts, attendance information, SRI/SMI scores, PSAT data, Keystone scores, and PSSA scores from District student information systems. However, please feel free to attach relevant additional information to this application.
Part 6 of 6
ALL Students Please use the Completion Checklist and Directions for Completing the CAS Application (pg. 4) as the cover sheet for your application, and to ensure that you are submitting all required documents:
Student Information Page (page 5)
Student Essay (page 6)
CAS Course Selection & Specific Course Requirements (pages 7 & 8)
Student and Parent/Guardian Contract (page 9)
Transcripts and Other Student Data (page 10)
SRI/SMI Assessment Dates for Non-PPS Students Saturday, January 31, 2015: 9 am (Deadline to sign up: 1/23) Saturday, February 7, 2015: 9 am (Deadline to sign up: 1/30)
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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CAS APPLICATION APPENDIX
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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DO NOT INCLUDE THIS PAGE WITH YOUR APPLICATION, IT IS ONLY FOR YOUR REFERENCE
In addition to having a 3.0 GPA, 90% attendance, and a teacher recommendation, you must meet the following requirements to be considered. For your reference, we have also included what we will look at to determine Final Eligibility. Please Note: Standardized Test Scores
If a student scored Advanced on the 7th grade Reading PSSA, their SRI score will not be reviewed.
If a student did not score Advanced on the 7th grade Reading PSSA, we will review their 7th and 8th grade SRI scores and will accept the highest score. All 8th grade students take the SRI in September and May. Additionally, all CAS applicants will take the SRI in school between January 26 and February 17, 2015.
Non-PPS students— please refer to page 10 for specific standardized test information.
CAS entrance requirements for this course:
Preliminary Eligibility will depend on:
Final Eligibility will depend on:
90% or higher in 8th grade English course 80-89%: will be reviewed with the relevant teacher recommendation
1st Quarter grade in 8th grade English course
Final grade in 8th grade English course
PPS Students: A score of Advanced on 7th grade Reading PSSA OR A score of 1100+ on the SRI assessment NON-PPS students: A score in the 80-99th percentile on the Reading portion of another standardized test (ERB, Terra Nova, etc.)
7th grade Reading Score OR
7th or 8th grade SRI score (We will accept whichever score is
higher)
7th grade Reading Score
OR 7th or 8th grade SRI score
(We will accept whichever score is higher)
CAS ENGLISH 1 CAS Course Requirements
Appendix A-1
Preliminary Eligibility: Whether the student currently meets CAS course requirements. Students may meet the preliminary eligibility requirements for some but not all classes they applied for. Final Eligibility: Whether the student meets the requirements at the end of the year. Eligibility can change based end of year GPA, attendance, and grade in previous course. Standardized test scores will also be reviewed, but will only positively impact a
student’s eligibility.
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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DO NOT INCLUDE THIS PAGE WITH YOUR APPLICATION, IT IS ONLY FOR YOUR REFERENCE
In addition to having a 3.0 GPA, 90% attendance, and a teacher recommendation, you must meet the following requirements to be considered. For your reference, we have also included what we will look at to determine Final Eligibility. Please Note: Standardized Test Scores
If a student scored Advanced on the 7th grade Reading PSSA, their SRI score will not be reviewed.
If a student did not score Advanced on the 7th grade Reading PSSA, we will review their 7th and 8th grade SRI scores and will accept the highest score. All 8th grade students take the SRI in September and May. Additionally, all CAS applicants will take the SRI in school between January 26 and February 17, 2015.
Non-PPS students— please refer to page 10 for specific standardized test information.
CAS entrance requirements for this course:
Preliminary Eligibility will depend on:
Final Eligibility will depend on:
90% or higher in 8th grade Social Studies & English courses 80-89%: will be reviewed with the relevant teacher recommendation
1st Quarter grade in 8th grade Social Studies and English courses
Final grade in 8th grade Social Studies and English courses
PPS Students: A score of Advanced on 7th grade Reading PSSA OR A score of 1100+ on the SRI assessment NON-PPS students: A score in the 80-99th percentile on the Reading portion of another standardized test (ERB, Terra Nova, etc.)
7th grade Reading Score OR
7th or 8th grade SRI score (We will accept whichever score is
higher)
7th grade Reading Score
OR 7th or 8th grade SRI score
(We will accept whichever score is higher)
CAS CIVICS: BE THE CHANGE CAS Course Requirements
Preliminary Eligibility: Whether the student currently meets CAS course requirements. Students may meet the preliminary eligibility requirements for some but not all classes they applied for. Final Eligibility: Whether the student meets the requirements at the end of the year. Eligibility can change based end of year GPA, attendance, and grade in previous course. Standardized test scores will also be reviewed, but will only positively impact
a student’s eligibility.
Appendix A-2
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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DO NOT INCLUDE THIS PAGE WITH YOUR APPLICATION, IT IS
ONLY FOR YOUR REFERENCE
In addition to having a 3.0 GPA, 90% attendance, and a teacher recommendation, you must meet the following requirements to be considered. For your reference, we have also included what we will look at to determine Final Eligibility. Please Note: Standardized Test Scores
If a student scored Proficient or Advanced on the 7th grade Reading and Math PSSA, their 8th grade PSSA scores will not be reviewed
If a student did not meet the 7th grade PSSA score requirements, we will review their 8th grade PSSA scores.
Non-PPS students— please refer to page 10 for specific standardized test information.
CAS entrance requirements for this course:
Preliminary Eligibility will depend on:
Final Eligibility will depend on:
90% or higher in 8th grade Science course. 80-89%: will be reviewed with the relevant teacher recommendation
1st Quarter grade in 8th grade Science course
Final grade in 8th grade Science course
PPS Students: A score of Proficient or Advanced on Reading PSSA AND A score of Proficient or Advanced on Math PSSA NON-PPS students: A score in the 80-99th percentile on the Reading and Math portions of another standardized test (ERB, Terra Nova, etc.)
7th grade Reading and Math Scores
7th or 8th grade Reading and Math scores (we will accept whichever score is higher)
CAS BIOLOGY CAS Course Requirements
Preliminary Eligibility: Whether the student currently meets CAS course requirements. Students may meet the preliminary eligibility requirements for some but not all classes they applied for. Final Eligibility: Whether the student meets the requirements at the end of the year. Eligibility can change based end of year GPA, attendance, and grade in previous course. Standardized test scores will also be reviewed, but will only positively impact
a student’s eligibility.
Appendix A-3
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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DO NOT INCLUDE THIS PAGE WITH YOUR APPLICATION, IT IS
ONLY FOR YOUR REFERENCE
In addition to having a 3.0 GPA, 90% attendance, and a teacher recommendation, you must meet the following requirements to be considered. For your reference, we have also included what we will look at to determine Final Eligibility. Please Note: Students MUST take Algebra 1 before taking CAS Geometry Please Note: Standardized Test Scores
If a student scored Advanced on the 7th grade Math PSSA, their SMI score will not be reviewed.
If a student did not score Advanced the 7th grade Math PSSA, we will review their 8th grade SMI score.
Non-PPS students— please refer to page 10 for specific standardized test information.
CAS entrance requirements for this course:
Preliminary Eligibility will depend on:
Final Eligibility will depend on:
90% or higher in 8th grade Math course. 80-89%: will be reviewed with the relevant teacher recommendation
1st Quarter grade in 8th grade Math course
Final grade in 8th grade Math course
PPS Students: A score of Advanced on 7th grade Math PSSA OR A score of 1030+ on the SMI assessment NON-PPS students: A score in the 80-99th percentile on the Math portion of another standardized test (ERB, Terra Nova, etc.)
7th grade Math Score OR
8th grade SMI score (We will accept whichever score is
higher)
7th grade Math Score
OR 8th grade SMI score
(We will accept whichever score is higher)
CAS GEOMETRY CAS Course Requirements
Preliminary Eligibility: Whether the student currently meets CAS course requirements. Students may meet the preliminary eligibility requirements for some but not all classes they applied for. Final Eligibility: Whether the student meets the requirements at the end of the year. Eligibility can change based end of year GPA, attendance, and grade in previous course. Standardized test scores will also be reviewed, but will only positively impact
a student’s eligibility.
Appendix A-4
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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DO NOT INCLUDE THIS PAGE WITH YOUR APPLICATION, IT IS
ONLY FOR YOUR REFERENCE
In addition to having a 3.0 GPA, 90% attendance, and a teacher recommendation, you must meet the following requirements to be considered. For your reference, we have also included what we will look at to determine Final Eligibility. Please Note: Students MUST take Geometry before CAS Algebra 2 or must take both courses concurrently. Please Note: Standardized Test Scores
Students taking CAS Algebra 2 must score Proficient or Advanced on the Algebra 1 Keystone Exam.
Non-PPS students— please refer to page 10 for specific standardized test information.
CAS entrance requirements for this course:
Preliminary Eligibility will depend on:
Final Eligibility will depend on:
90% or higher in 8th grade Math course. 80-89%: will be reviewed with the relevant teacher recommendation
1st Quarter grade in 8th grade Math course
Final grade in 8th grade Math course
PPS Students: A score of Proficient or Advanced on the Algebra 1 Keystone NON-PPS students: A score in the 80-99th percentile on the Math portion of another standardized test (ERB, Terra Nova, etc.)
Proficient or Advanced on the Algebra 1 Keystone
Proficient or Advanced on the
Algebra 1 Keystone
CAS ALGEBRA 2 CAS Course Requirements
Preliminary Eligibility: Whether the student currently meets CAS course requirements. Students may meet the preliminary eligibility requirements for some but not all classes they applied for. Final Eligibility: Whether the student meets the requirements at the end of the year. Eligibility can change based end of year GPA, attendance, and grade in previous course. Standardized test scores will also be reviewed, but will only positively impact
a student’s eligibility.
Appendix A-5
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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DO NOT INCLUDE THIS PAGE WITH YOUR APPLICATION, IT IS
ONLY FOR YOUR REFERENCE
In addition to having a 3.0 GPA, 90% attendance, and a teacher recommendation, you must meet the following requirements to be considered. For your reference, we have also included what we will look at to determine Final Eligibility. Please Note: Standardized Test Scores
If a student scored Proficient or Advanced on the 7th grade Math and Reading PSSA, their 8th grade PSSA scores will not be reviewed
If a student did not meet the 7th grade PSSA score requirements, we will review their 8th grade PSSA scores.
Non-PPS students— please refer to page 10 for specific standardized test information.
CAS entrance requirements for this course:
Preliminary Eligibility will depend on:
Final Eligibility will depend on:
90% or higher in 8th grade World Language course. 80-89%: will be reviewed with the relevant teacher recommendation
1st Quarter grade in 8th grade World Language course
Final grade in 8th grade World Language course
PPS Students: A score of Proficient or Advanced on Reading PSSA AND A score of Proficient or Advanced on Math PSSA NON-PPS students: A score in the 80-99th percentile on the Reading & Math portions of another standardized test (ERB, Terra Nova, etc.)
7th grade Reading & Math Scores
7th or 8th grade Reading & Math Scores (we will accept
whichever score is higher)
Appendix B
CAS WORLD LANGUAGE (Levels 1-2) CAS Course Requirements
Preliminary Eligibility: Whether the student currently meets CAS course requirements. Students may meet the preliminary eligibility requirements for some but not all classes they applied for. Final Eligibility: Whether the student meets the requirements at the end of the year. Eligibility can change based end of year GPA, attendance, and grade in previous course. Standardized test scores will also be reviewed, but will only positively impact
a student’s eligibility.
Appendix A-6
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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What to Expect from a CAS Course: What is Centers for Advanced Study (CAS)?
CAS Course Design: The CAS curricula are based on the Purdue 3-Stage Model. The goals of the Purdue 3-Stage
Model are to teach high achieving and gifted students in an accelerated way, encourage creative and divergent thinking, enhanced problem solving skills, and to develop interests, self-
awareness and independent learning. CAS courses are given an additional .5 weight to account for the additional rigor of the course. Additional weights do not affect Promise Readiness or
Class Rank.
What to Expect: Rigor: Higher level textbooks, little classroom time spent on repetition and guided practice, more topics covered, supplemental assignments to enhance assignments, course moves quickly. Depth: Extensive content presented, multi- layered concepts, students are asked to hypothesize and synthesize often, and independent projects are done each unit. Enrichment: Research-based enrichment integrated into the curriculum. Independent Learning: Much of the course asks students to work independently, especially around research and presentation. Types of Thinking: Open-ended, analytical, creative problem solving and independent application of concepts. Homework: Approximately 1 hour of homework/reading a night per course.
Sample Assignments from the CAS Curricula:
English: Modernize a scene from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” while ensuring at least one of the key themes from the play is expressed. Math: Research the structure of bridges; create a toothpick bridge for a weight bearing competition. Civics: Students research a historical Pittsburgh change agent and write a first-person essay for that individual in their own words. At the completion of the research, they will join others in small groups and turn essays into a dialogue where their historical figures will have a conversation. They will discuss accomplishments, hardships, dreams, hopes, fears, etc. in character. Dialogues must be historical-fiction, based on the lives and accomplishments of the change agents. Science: Students work in small groups to independently research a system within the human body. Each group will create and present a working representation of a human body part to the class for mastery.
Appendix B
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
19
CAS Course Pathway 9-12
This chart shows a potential CAS course sequence for each content area for grades 9-12.
Please talk to your counselor about appropriate placement, specific course requirements and pre-requisites. Most
students take CAS courses only in their areas of strength.
Course offerings will vary from school to school.
Only CAS and Advanced Placement (AP) courses are included in this chart.
Math and World Language placement may be dependent on the student.
Some schools offer CAS w/AP prep courses as well as AP courses. Please refer to each school’s CAS course offerings.
All students taking an AP course must submit an AP Contract to their school counselor.
Content Area 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
Social Studies Civics Be The Change CAS World History CAS AP World History
AP US History AP US Government
AP Psychology
AP European History AP US Government
AP Psychology
English English I CAS English II CAS AP English III
AP English IV
Science Biology CAS Chemistry CAS
Physics I CAS AP Chemistry AP Physics 1 AP Biology
AP Environmental Science
AP Chemistry AP Physics 2
AP Physics 2C AP Biology
AP Environmental Science
Math Geometry CAS Algebra II CAS
Algebra II CAS Geometry CAS
Elementary Functions CAS
Elementary Functions CAS AP Calculus AP Statistics
AP Computer Science
AP Calculus AP Statistics
Advanced Topics AP Computer Science
World Language Level I Level II Level III Level IV
*Additionally, there are a number of high-level semester electives and year-long courses that are offered at many of our high schools, generally taken at the 11th and 12th grade level. Semester Electives: Comparative Religious Studies, Anthropology, and Women’s Studies
Year-long Courses: African American History, African American Literature
Appendix C
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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Directions: Teacher/Principal Recommendation
Students need one teacher recommendation form for each content area for which they are applying.
Students should contact the appropriate content teacher and provide them with a teacher recommendation form
Teachers can submit the recommendation in two ways:
Teachers can complete the form and submit a copy to the school counselor, who will then send completed form to:
The Gifted and Talented Office 341 S. Bellefield Ave. Room 462 Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Teachers can also access this form electronically at: pghboe.net/giftedandtalented
Please do not give teacher recommendation forms to students—they should come to the Gifted and Talented Office directly from the school or the teacher.
Appendix D
2015-16 CAS Application for 9th Grade Students
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Teacher/Principal Recommendation:
Directions for Teachers & Principals: CAS classes are designed to be accelerated and challenging. All students must submit a teacher recommendation for review for each content area they are applying to. Your confidential comments will help us to determine if this CAS course is the most appropriate placement for the student. Please complete the following information and evaluate the students on the following domains before making a final recommendation and offering comments. Student Name:________________________ Teacher or Principal Name: _________________________School:___________________________
Course Name:______________________________Student’s Current Grade in course (%) _________
Please check the description or descriptions that most accurately describe the student:
Outstanding
(Top 1%)
Above Average
(Top 10%)
Average
(Top 50%)
Below Average
(Top 80%)
No Basis
Commitment to Studies o o o o o
Study Habits and Work Ethic o o o o o
Ability to Work Collaboratively o o o o o
Ability to Work Independently o o o o o
Ability to Follow Directions o o o o o
Effort and Perseverance o o o o o
Content Knowledge o o o o o
Ability to Acquire and Retain Information
o o o o o
Ability to Apply Various Thinking Strategies
o o o o o
Ability to Create New Ideas o o o o o
Enthusiasm and Interest in Learning o o o o o
Oral and Written Expression o o o o o
Do you recommend this student for the CAS course to which he/she has applied?
Yes Yes, but with reservations No
o o o Required Comments: Please offer relevant comments about this student, including examples of your comments above. If you selected “Yes, but with reservations”, please detail your reservations here. We read these carefully and will factor your feedback into our decision (attach separate paper as necessary).
Teacher/Principal Signature Date