THE REGULAR CURRICULUMThe Regular curriculum is available in math and English for students whose test scores are below the 40% on nationally normed tests or below Basic on the LEAP/GEE tests. Like the honors curriculum, emphasis is placed on preparing students for the demands of college, but at a different pace; one designed to meet their particular needs.
THE HONORS CURRICULUM
Core subjects at all grade levels are available in Honors sections, which are designed for the academically proficient student. Emphasis is placed on preparing the student to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding global society while continuing to provide a solid foundation in each skill area. Admission into social studies and science Honors classes is automatic for students who enroll at Karr, unless they are identified and choose to receive gifted services.
THE GIFTED AND TALENTED CURRICULUM
Core subjects at all grade levels are available in Gifted sections which are designed to meet the special needs of identified academically gifted students. Individualized instruction, based upon the child's IEP (Individual Education Program), is presented through acceleration, compacting, and enhancement of the curriculum. Admission into Gifted classes is limited to those students who have been evaluated and meet the requirements for gifted as defined by the State of Louisiana. The talented curriculum offers intensive instruction in the areas of drama, music, and the visual arts.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
All students who are in possession of assignment letters through the ACSA receive special education services that are appropriate to their evaluation and IEP. As always should be the case, the services follow the child.
THE ADVANCED PLACEMENT CURRICULUM
Advanced Placement courses are currently offered in Biology II, English III, English IV, Calculus AB, European History, Chemistry, and U.S. History. These courses offer college-level instruction and exams, and, when successfully completed, may earn college credit. Admission is based upon prior academic performance, standardized test scores, a student interview, and teacher recommendation. Pre-AP courses are offered as needed by the course needs based on the number of students who qualify.
CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT
Karr seniors are eligible to enroll in college-level courses at participating colleges and universities, such as Delgado Community College, with free tuition. Students are given early release time from Karr to attend these courses, which, when successfully passed, carry both college and high school credit if the student so chooses. In addition, Karr students may apply for specialized schools such as NOCCA.
MINIMUM ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR KARR GRADUATION
| 4 Units | English (in order) |
4 Units |
Mathematics |
4 Units |
Science |
4 Units |
Social Studies |
2 Units |
Foreign Language (same lang.) |
2 Units |
Physical Education |
1/2 Unit |
Speech |
1/2 Unit |
ACT Test Preparation |
|
Senior Project |
2 Units |
Electives |
|
|
23 Units |
Total |
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In May 2003, BESE approved the policy enacting the Career/ Technical and Academic Diploma Endorsements. According to the Secondary School Redesign Commission the diploma endorsements will:Provide incentives for students to maximize 11th & 12th grades;
Encourage more students to take Advanced Placement courses;
Encourage students to take advantage of school-to-work courses and opportunities;
Hold high school accountable for what is taught during the 11th and 12th grades.The new diploma endorsements are in effect. The Diploma Endorsements will help to provide students with the preparation necessary for college and/or a career. By the same token, employers will be getting better prepared workers, and higher education institutions will have students better prepared for success in their post secondary institutions.
In order to graduate, students are required to earn the STANDARD Diploma with the option of earning one of the following endorsements: Career/Technical or Academic. Any student who has not earned the required Carnegie units and passed the required parts of the Graduation Exit Exam will not be allowed to participate in graduation..