Registering for classes at Timber Creek is happening earlier than ever, with students starting the rough draft process on Jan. 17, 2019. So here’s what you need to know about the process and why you should be paying close attention to what you pick.

Rough Draft Time

The whole registration process kicks off on Jan. 17, 2019. That day, TCTV will turn into Registration TV as counseling walks you through some key details about the rough draft scheduling process.

But if you can’t wait until Thursday, we’ve already uploaded the video to our YouTube account. Watch below:

That last slide has a couple of key links you’ll want to look at. Find those below:

HS Course Guide 2019-2020

2019-2020 CTE Course Selection Guide

2019-2020 CTE Pathways Booklet

The rough draft scheduling process works like this:

All current 9th and 10th graders need to complete a rough draft of course selections with 8 classes – including required classes — and fill in at least 2 alternate classes. Please note, not all elective classes fit in every schedule.

For current 11th graders, they must be scheduled for at least 5 classes in 2019-2020. Students may be eligible for late arrival or afternoon dismissal if they have enough credits and the required credits. Class of 2020 seniors have to be in school for 4 consecutive hours each day.

Students should discuss their selections with their family and talk to teachers about the comparison between the different class offerings.

Please know that students will be taking the classes they select. Counseling and administration hire teachers and create the master schedule based on students’ course requests. Counseling will not be accepting schedule requests after March 30, that includes when we return from summer break.

Counseling will meet with each student in each grade starting in late January through February to talk about their plans.

But what should I take?

First, look at the graduation plan overview:

To graduate, you’ll need 4 credits of English, 4 of Science, 4 of Social Studies (including Government and Economics during Senior year), 2 credits of the same world language, a credit of PE, a credit of Fine Arts, 0.5 credit of Professional Communications or another 21st Century Skill, and 5.5 credits of Elective courses for a total of 26 credits.

Here are some examples of courses in World Languages, PE, 21st Century Skills and Fine Arts. Electives are a little more complex.

Students should select a pathway/endorsement and then select elective courses that fit into their desired goal. For example, if you want to be an author, there’s a Creative Writing pathway. Computer Programmer? That’s available. Veterinarian? Yep. Fashion Designer? Yeah! Police officer? We’ve got that, too. Doctor, Lawyer, Banker, Painter, Dancer, Baker, Sports Broadcaster — there’s a pathway for you. Check out these resources:

2019-2020 CTE Course Selection Guide

2019-2020 CTE Pathways Booklet

Which Level? AP, Blended, Dual Credit and More

A big question for English, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages is at what level you’ll take that subject. For example, when signing up for English III, sophomores will be able to pick from on-level, AP, Dual Credit, Blended on-level or Blended AP. Huh? Let’s explain.

On-level courses are the basic, regular level of that course. Typically, these are taught in a classroom and have a TCHS teacher.

Advanced Placement or AP courses are taught by Timber Creek teachers and conclude with an AP test on that subject near the end of the school year. Getting a good grade on these AP exams can translate to college credit in many universities.

Dual Credit courses are college-level coursework taught on campus or via online learning from embedded college professors. Students will get high school and college credit for completing the one course through a partnership with Tarrant County College.

Dual Enrollment courses are Math specific subjects in partnership with UT and OnRamps. More information about both Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment options is available in the PDF below:

Dual Credit Information

So that leaves Blended classes, which are fairly easy to explain. These courses blend online and in class learning to shorten the amount of time sitting in class and maximizing learning for students. Both on-level and AP versions of blended courses are available at Timber Creek and subjects vary.

But I Have More Questions!

We’ll continue to update this page with information and questions as we get them. But the best people to talk to are TEACHERS in that subject area. They know what’s up!