Curriculum
Ashton-Franklin Center's curriculum is based on the Illinois Learning Standards to include full implementation of the NGSs (Next Generation Science Standards) and District wide English Language Arts and Math.
The curriculum guide and student handbook include information also posted below about these student opportunities: Dual Enrollment Courses, Cooperative Education (CO-OP) , Driver's Education and Work Release.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate, students must earn 26 total credits. Those credits must include:
Health (typically in grade 9 or 10 opposite of Driver Education)
9th grade: English I, Algebra I, Physical Education
10th grade: English II/Speech, Geometry, Physical Education
11th grade: English III, Algebra II, American History, Physical Education
12th grade: Constitution/Civics, Consumer Education, Physical Education
Subject Area Requirements
English: 4 credits
Math: 3 credits
Science: 3 credits
History: 2.5 credits (Must include ½ credit of Constitution/Civics in which students must pass U.S. and State Constitution tests. Consumer Education does not count as a history credit.)
Physical Education (PE): 4 credits (unless using approved exemptions)
Music, Art, Foreign Language or Vocational Education: 1 credit
Consumer Education: ½ credit
Health: ½ credit
Electives: 7.5 credits (they can include additional English, History, Math and/or Science credits)
Dual Credit Courses
Dual Credit classes must be courses that AFC does not offer with the exception of AFC students enrolled in the Sauk Valley Academy. They may only be used as elective credit and cannot replace a required AFC class without prior approval from AFC administration. All registration and fees must be handled by the student or guardian, and the high school counselor must receive documentation of a final grade. Dual Credit classes will be weighted. Please see the “weighted grades” portion of the Student Handbook for more information.
If a student withdraws and/or fails a dual credit course, AFC will default to the grade reported by Sauk Valley Community College as the one included on the student’s high school transcript.
*Weighted grades exclude courses taken through Whiteside Area Career Center.
Students attending the Academy at Sauk Valley Community College must attend full time (12 credit hours minimum) and SVCC grades will be included in AFC class rank and GPA.
Students wishing to attend Whiteside Area Career Center must have fewer than 10 absences during the previous school year, must have attained a cumulative 2.0 GPA or administrative approval prior to enrolling at WACC, and be on schedule to graduate. Due to possible liability, student drivers will not be allowed to drive to WACC and must ride the bus.
Cooperative Education (CO-OP)
Grade: 12 (or grade 11 with teacher approval)
> Prerequisite: Recommended for seniors who desire to receive work/study experience in the workplace who have completed all required courses for graduation from high school. Teacher and/or administrative approval required to enroll in this course. Signed forms from all parties involved need to be on file.
> Course Description: Cooperative Education is provided to allow for vocational/career experiences in a variety of occupations making cooperative education accessible to students in schools with limited enrollment. Students participate in paid cooperative work experience at appropriate training sites. The training plan agreed upon by the employer, student and coordinator provides the framework for job site instruction and 12 experiences. A qualified coordinator facilitates student learning. The coordinator, student and employer assume compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations. FFA membership fee is required for class enrollment.
> Assessments: Record Book
Driver Education
Grades: 9-10 (1st or 2nd semester)
> Prerequisite: Academically passing 12 semester hours the previous two semesters.
> Course Description: Designed to meet all requirements set by the State of Illinois. 30 minimum classroom hours of instruction – with 6 hours of behind the wheel instruction and 6 hours of behind the wheel observation. These must be met and passed to receive credit with the state and is required to obtain a driver’s license at age 16 or 17.
> Assessments: Quizzes, homework, tests, papers, field trips and performance. Students will be evaluated on comprehension of laws and regulations, driving attitudes and ability to maneuver a moving vehicle.
> Outcome Statement: Introduce 15- and 16-year-olds to the proper method of thinking, maneuvering and basic maintenance of a motor vehicle in different situations, not only in ideal conditions but hazardous and unexpected moments also. At its completion, students will be capable of mixing with the flow of traffic without being a hazard and will know the laws and regulation known as the Rules of the Road.
Work Release
High school juniors or seniors may request (prior to the beginning of the first semester and/or second semester) approval to be absent from school on a partial day basis in order to work each semester.
Anyone not meeting the following criteria would need to ask for Board approval prior to the beginning of the first semester and/or second semester. The following guidelines must be met for the request to be considered:
Student must on track with accumulating credits necessary for graduation.
Student must have maintained a 70% (C) average through high school.
Student must have maintained a good attendance record during high school.
Student must maintain an 70% (C) average in all classes to continue in the program.
Written approval from parents must be on file in the high school office.
All requests must include a detailed job description.
Only the Board of Education can approve work release requests. Removal of two period limit.