Berry High School Diploma Options and CTE Pathways
Overview of Workforce Based Diploma Option at Berry High School
- Introduced for students graduating in 2026.
- Focused on immediate workforce entry post-graduation.
Option B: Criteria and Recommendations
Recommended For:
- Students with a clear career interest.
- Those certain they will enter the workforce right after high school.
Not Recommended For:
- Students aiming to pursue a 4-year degree, especially in areas requiring advanced math/science.
- Students indecisive about their college or career paths.
- Students who intend to participate in collegiate sports (NCAA guidelines).
Diploma Options: A Comparison
Alabama High School Diploma
Option A (Traditional diploma)
- Total Credits: 24
- Distribution:
- English: 4 credits
- Social Studies: 4 credits
- Science: 4 credits
- Math: 4 credits
- Health Education: 0.5 credits
- Career Preparedness: 1 credit
- Beginning Kinesiology: 1 credit
- CTE, World Language, or Arts: 3 credits
- Electives: 2.5 credits
Option B (Workforce Pathway)
- Total Credits: 24
- Distribution:
- English: 4 credits
- Social Studies: 4 credits
- Science: 2 credits
- Math: 2 credits
- Health Education: 0.5 credits
- Career Preparedness: 1 credit
- Beginning Kinesiology: 1 credit
- CTE in Approved Program of Study: 3 credits
- Additional Core, World Language, Arts, and/or Other Electives: 6.5 credits
Course Requirements Overview
English Language Arts Requirements
- 4 Credits total including:
- English 9: 1 credit
- English 10: 1 credit
- English 11: 1 credit
- English 12: 1 credit
- Options may include approved advanced courses.
Mathematics Requirements
- 4 Credits total including:
- Algebra I: 1 credit
- Geometry or equivalent: 1 credit
- Algebra II or equivalent: 1 credit
- Additional approved math-related courses: 1 credit
Science Requirements
- 4 Credits Total:
- Biology: 1 credit
- Physical Science (Chemistry, Physics, etc.): 1 credit
- Additional science credits from approved courses or CTE: 2 credits
Social Studies Requirements
- 4 Credits total:
- Options include World History, U.S. History (I and II), Government, and Economics.
- Passing score on Civics Exam is mandatory.
Additional Requirements
- 1 credit in Physical Education (e.g., Beginning Kinesiology or JROTC).
- Health Education: 0.5 credits.
- Career Preparedness: 1 credit.
- Arts Education, World Languages, and Electives make up remaining credits.
CTE (Career and Technical Education) Completer Status
Definitions
- CTE Completer Status: Achieved by completing a sequence of three CTE courses within the same career cluster with a minimum grade of “C”.
- Examples of paths to Completer Status:
- Path 1: Foundation Course (1 credit), Concentrator Course (1 credit), Capstone Course (1 credit).
- Path 2: Three Concentrator Courses for credit.
- Path 3: Combination of Concentrator and Capstone Courses.
Current Plans
- Every 8th grader will choose a CTE Pathway and enroll in a foundation course.
BHS CTE Pathway Options
- Two pathways currently highlighted:
- Industrial Agriscience (e.g., Introduction to Agricultural Wiring, Construction Framing, etc.).
- Family and Community Services (e.g., Child Development, Food & Nutrition).
Industrial Agriscience Course Options
- Example pathway structure includes:
- Foundation Course: Fundamentals of Ag
- Concentrators in Wiring/Construction.
- Capstone typically involves a CTE Lab course.
- Example pathway structure includes:
- Foundation Course: Family and Community Services
- Concentrator options like Food & Nutrition and Child Development.
Action Steps for Students
- Current 8th - 11th graders need to:
- Choose a career pathway and complete an Option B Parent Form.
- Participate in Transcript Audit sessions to plan future education pathways best aligned with their career interests.