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English Learner Course Progression

Academic Planning for High School English Learners (ELs) 2024-2025

Note:  This course progression is a general tool.  Academic plans may vary for ELs who have transcripts/transfer credits from their home countries or other school districts outside APS.  Although the majority of ELs will graduate in four years, EL students are eligible to continue their education until the age of 22.

*EL: English Learner
ELD: English Language Development

Standard Diploma (22 credits)
Subject 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade SOLs &
Other Requirements
English
(4 credits)
English 9 (ELs) &
ELD (elective credit)
English 10 (ELs) &
ELD (elective credit)
English 11 (ELs) &
English 11 Extension (elective credit)
English 10 (for ELs) &
ELD (elective credit)
2 SOL Tests:(English 11)

  • Reading
  • Writing
Math
(3 credits)
Note: A student’s English proficiency does NOT determine math placement.  A student’s math placement is based upon math skills and educational background.  Upon enrolling in APS, students will be assessed on their math skills at the beginning and at the end of every year.  Below is the APS math progression.

Elective Credits 
Algebra I Part 1 &
ELD Pre-Algebra
Algebra I Part 2 &
Algebra Strategies or
Algebra I
Options:
Geometry*
or
AFDA (Algebra, Functions, & Data Analysis)
Algebra II Higher-Level Math Options:
Quantitative Analysis
Probability & Statistics
Precalculus

(See POS for Additional Courses)

* Students needing additional math support may take an associated Strategies course.  For some students, Algebra I may be taught over a two-year period (Algebra I part 1 and 2.)

1 SOL Test:

  • Algebra 1
  • Geometry
  • Algebra II
Social Studies
(3 credits)
ELD Social Studies
Level 1
(Elective Credit)
ELD World History II
Levels 1-2
World History II
Levels 3-4
US/VA History
Levels 3-4
US & VA Government
Levels 3-4
1 Verified Credit (PBA: Project-Based Learning)

  • World Geography
  • World History I
  • World History II
  • US/VA History
Science
(3 credits)
Note: A student’s science placement is based upon their WIDA level

WIDA 1 WIDA 2 WIDA 3 WIDA 4 Higher-level Science Courses:
Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics, Ecology, etc.

(See POS for Additional Courses)
ELD Science
(elective credit)
ELD Principles of Physics ELD Environmental Science
or
Environmental Science
Biology

 

1 SOL Test

  • Biology
  • Earth Science
  • Chemistry
Economics & Personal Finance
(1 credit)
N/A N/A N/A Economics & Personal Finance 1 Required

  • WISE or WPRT
  • 1 Intensive AP, DE, or IB Course
  • HQWBL (High Quality Work-Based Learning)
Health & Physical Education
(2 credits)
Health & PE I Health & PE II N/A N/A Elective Sequence
Fine Arts/Career and Technical Education
(2 credits)
Fine Arts or Career/Technical Education (1)
Fine Arts, Career/Technical Education, or World Language (1)
Electives
(4 credits)

 

Advanced Diploma (26 Credits)
Subject 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade SOLs &
Other Requirements
English
(4 credits)
English 9 (for ELs) &
ELD (elective credit)
English 10 (for ELs) &
ELD (elective credit)
English 11 (for ELs) &
English 11 Extension (elective credit)
English 12 (for ELs) &
ELD (elective credit)
2 SOL Tests:
(English 11)

  • Reading
  • Writing
Math
(4 credits)

Note: A student’s English proficiency does NOT determine math placement.  A student’s math placement is based upon math skills and educational background.  Upon enrolling in APS, students will be assessed on their math skills at the beginning and at the end of every year.  Below is the APS math progression.

Elective Credits:
Algebra I Part 1 &
ELD Pre-Algebra
Algebra I* Options:
Geometry
AFDA
Options:
AFDA
Algebra II
Higher-Level Math Options:
Quantitative Analysis
Probability & Statistics
Precalculus

(See POS for additional courses)

* Students needing additional math support may take an associated Strategies course.  For some students, Algebra I may be taught over a two-year period (Algebra I part 1 and 2.)

1 SOL Test:

  • Algebra 1
  • Geometry
  • Algebra II
Social Studies
(4 credits)
ELD World History I See POS for Additional Social Studies Course Options. US/VA History US & VA Government 1 SOL Test

  • World Geography
  • World History II
  • US/VA History
Science
(4 credits)

Note: A student’s science placement is based upon their WIDA level.

WIDA 1 WIDA 2 WIDA 3 WIDA 4 Higher-Level Science Options:
Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics, Ecology, etc.

(See POS for additional courses)
Elective Credit
ELD Science
ELD Principles of Physics ELD Environmental Science or Environmental Science Biology

 

1 SOL Test

  • Biology
  • Earth Science
  • Chemistry
Economics & Personal Finance
(1 credit)
N/A N/A Economics & Personal Finance N/A 1 Required

  • WISE or WPRT
  • 1 Intensive AP, DE, or IB Course
  • HQWBL
Health & Physical Education
(2 credits)
Health & PE I Health & PE II CPR/AED/First Aid Certification
Fine Arts/Career and Technical Education
(1 credit)
Fine Arts or Career/Technical Education (1) Elective Sequence
World Languages
(3 credits)
Students can meet the World Languages requirements by earning 3 credits in one language, or earning 2 credits in one language and 2 credits in another language (4 credits total).  Students can earn their credits through APS courses or through Credit By Exam (consult with your counselor).
Electives
(3 credits)