SEARK Student Planning Guide

Navigating the transition to college life and ensuring academic success requires careful planning and preparation. This guide provides essential information for students attending Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK) and Pine Bluff High School, covering key steps from enrollment to graduation.

Admission to SEARK College

The first step towards higher education at SEARK College involves a comprehensive application process. Prospective students need to:

Apply to Southeast Arkansas College.
Submit ACT or Accuplacer Test Scores: If you have not taken the ACT exam, sitting for the Accuplacer test is the easiest. The test is available on campus for a fee of $15.00, payable at the Cashier's Office. It is given in the Intake Testing Center located in room 142 of the Student Services Building.
Immunization Record: Submit a copy of your Immunization Record if born on or after January 1, 1957, as mandated by ACT 141 of 1987. Incoming freshmen and foreign-born students need two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. The Arkansas Department of Health must approve any exemptions based on Medical, Religious, or Philosophical reasons.
Driver’s license or State-issued photo I.D.
Official Transcripts: Transfer students who have attended another college or university are required to furnish official transcripts when applying for admission.

If the required documents are not available, conditional admission is possible. Contact Admissions for further information.

Accuplacer Test Details

Students who have not scored 19 or above on the English, Math, and Reading portions of the ACT (or have not taken the ACT), must take the Accuplacer. For instance, if a student scores an 18 on the ACT Reading assessment, the student will need to take the Accuplacer Reading Assessment for placement. The Accuplacer test is available on campus for a fee of $15.00, payable at the Cashier Office, located in the Business/Student Services building, room 165.

Advisor Hold

After admission, an Advisor HOLD will be placed on your student’s record until you meet with your advisor. This hold will keep you from registering for classes.

Registration and Advisement

Prior to registering for classes, each student must see an advisor. Visit the Student Success Center, Room 160 located in the Student Services Building, for advisement and register for classes via Self Service.

Post-Registration

After registering for classes:

Pick up your Student ID from the Registrar’s Office. Student IDs must be worn while on campus.
Financial Aid Verification: Students who are receiving any type of financial assistance (or who have applied for financial aid) need to go by the Financial Aid Office for verification.
Payment Plans: Payment plans can be made online via Self Service (Student Planning) or paid in full at the Cashier.
Textbooks and Supplies: Visit the Virtual Barnes and Noble Bookstore for your books and supplies. It is recommended you have your registration class schedule in front of you when ordering books and supplies.

Concurrent Credit Courses

SEARK College partners with several high schools in the region. Eligibility depends on the classes that are offered at the high school. The Arkansas College Transfer System provides guidelines for the transferability of courses within the Arkansas public colleges and universities. This varies by high school but normally includes English, Math, Science, and History courses. There are some Career and Technical courses such as Business Management, Accounting, Criminal Justice, and Welding. SEARK College currently partners with the following high schools: Dollarway, Sheridan, Southeast Arkansas Preparatory, Watson Chapel, and White Hall.

All of our 2023-2024 concurrent credit courses will be offered through the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. It is HIGHLY recommended that you take concurrent credit courses seriously, as it affects your college transcript and therefore influences scholarships and financial aid you might receive in college . Students attending college are required to submit all college transcripts to the university they choose to attend after high school.

Students must meet college acceptance requirements prior to the first day of school in the fall to be able to take a concurrent credit class. Any student who fails to meet these requirements by our deadline will be removed from the concurrent course. College acceptance includes but is not limited to the following:

Read also: Guide to UC Davis Student Housing

Complete the college application form
Provide proof of the required immunizations
Submit a high school transcript
Possess a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA
Must have minimum ACT or Accuplacer scores.

ACT and Accuplacer Score Requirements for Concurrent Credit

ACT Scores: Must have a minimum ACT Composite score of 19 and Reading ACT subscore of 19 for all concurrent classes. In addition:
- ACT Subscore of 19 in ENGLISH for English Comp
- ACT Subscore of 19 in MATH for College Algebra
Accuplacer Scores: Next Gen ACCUPLACER SCORES (Can take at SEARK College) by appointment. Scores accepted are Reading and writing 251 or above. Scores accepted for College Algebra are Accuplacer QRS of 249 or above. Scores accepted for AP Statistics are Accuplacer QRS of 260 or above.

VERY IMPORTANT: Students who withdraw from a concurrent course once classes begin for that college could receive a failing grade.

High School Graduation Requirements at Pine Bluff School District

Requirements for graduation begin with the ninth (9th) grade course work. The Pine Bluff School District Board of Education believes that students should graduate from high school possessing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed for responsible citizenship, life-long learning, and productive employment in our modern economy. Every effort has been made by the teachers, administrators, and the guidance counselors to provide information to you about the various course offerings at Pine Bluff High School.

Academic Seals

ADE Seal: In order to receive the ADE Seal, students must complete the state’s recommended core curriculum with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 (See Standards of Accreditation 14.01 and 14.02).
Arkansas Scholars Seal: The Arkansas Scholars Seal (privately sponsored) program of the Arkansas Business & Education Alliance, is a partnership between the District and the Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce. A special seal will be affixed to the diploma and transcript of a student who meets the following standards established by the Arkansas Scholars Program.
1. Earn semester grades of "C" or above in all courses.
2. Achieve a 95% or better attendance record (average over four years).
3. English.
4. Science. 3 units (from biology, chemistry, physics, and physical science, lab based).
5. Mathematics. 4 units (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and an advanced math course)
6. Social studies.

Recognition of Graduates

Each high school may design its own traditions to commend and celebrate the achievements of the following sets of graduates.

The valedictorian and salutatorian;
Honor graduates
Members of National Honor Society or similar honors organization;
Career and Technical completers

Participation in Graduation Ceremony

In order to be a participant in the graduation ceremony, the student must complete all required courses and receive 22 credits before they may participate in graduation exercises.

Full-Time Enrollment

Students in the Pine Bluff School District who have successfully completed eighth grade must be on campus for seven periods and enrolled in a minimum of six classes for credit. Exceptions to this are students who are participating in a Pine Bluff ’s high school work program or taking concurrent credit classes at a publicly supported community college, technical college, four-year College, university or an accredited private institution. See course descriptions for those who may enroll in work programs and prerequisites that are required.

Read also: Investigating the Death at Purdue

Additional Requirements

Physical Education no more than one total P.E.
Students must complete a digital course for credit - A.C.A.
Students must earn a credit in a course that includes personal & family finance in grades 9-12 - A.C.A.
Students must pass the Arkansas Civics Exam - A.C.A.
Students must complete CPR training - A.C.A.
Beginning with the entering ninth grade class of 2022-2023, a public high school student shall be required to earn one (1) unit of credit in an ADE-approved high school computer science course before the student graduates. The one (1) unit required may be earned in grades eight through twelve (8- 12). There are nine courses that may be provided to students in Grades 8-12 without any additional approval from ADE. Additional information about these courses can be found in Commissioner's Memo COM-21-099.

Reports to Parents

At the end of each nine weeks' period, a report from teachers on the work of the student will be brought home by the student to the parent or guardian. Reports will be sent home to parents after the first 4 ½ weeks of each semester. At the end of each semester, a report giving the marks based on the cumulative work of the pupil for the semester will be brought home.

NCAA Eligibility Information

Students and parents are encouraged to visit the NCAA Eligibility Center at www.eligibilitycenter.org to understand the requirements for participation in college sports. If a student is planning to play any college sport, they should enroll prior to their junior year. There are certain courses that will and will not be counted for eligibility. The sooner you register the better chance you have of getting your schedule worked out each year to make sure you will be eligible once you graduate. Make sure you visit with your high school counselor ASAP to see if you are on the correct track with your course selection.

Students should have their ACT scores forwarded directly to the Eligibility Center by using the 9999 code when they take the ACT. NCAA will not accept an ACT score from the high school. Summer school, credit recovery, and some special education courses are not accepted by NCAA.

Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) Eligibility Requirements

ADE DESE Rules and AAA(Arkansas Activities Association) require: physical examination; adherence to rules, regulations as presented at the onset of the sport; must have passed four (4) academic core courses the previous semester; and minimum GPA of 2.0 for the previous semester. A student with a GPA below 2.0 should see the individual program director or athletic director (if athletics) for requirements needed to meet eligibility. Directors of band or choir must check GPAs of all students in their particular activity each semester.

Eligibility requirements are listed below:

Pass four (4) academic core credits the previous semester and wither:
Earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 based on the previous semester, or
Be enrolled and attend a Supplemental Instruction Program (SIP) of at least 100 minutes during SIP during zero hour before school and
Have no truancy absences for the current semester, and
Have no school disciplinary actions for the current semester, and
Students with a known felony conviction are not eligible for an SIP

*NOTE: A student must raise the semester GPA by.1000 in order to be eligible for a second consecutive semester of SIP. No student may attend SIP for more than two (2) consecutive semesters of SIP. After two (2) consecutive semesters of SIP, the student must have a GPA of 2.0 to regain eligibility.

Student must comply with AAA requirements.

Academic Challenge (Lottery) Scholarship

The Academic Challenge Program provides scholarships to Arkansas residents pursuing a higher education. Funded in large part by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, the Academic Challenge Scholarship is available to students regardless of their academic status, whether just graduating from high school currently enrolled in college, enrolling in college for the first time, or re-enrolling after a period of time out of college. The only requirement is a composite score of 19 on the ACT or ACT equivalent score and completion of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The scholarship deadline to apply is generally June 1.

Smart Core Curriculum

All students are required to participate in the Smart Core curriculum unless their parents or guardians, sign a Smart Core Waiver Form not to participate. Smart Core Informed Consent Forms and Smart Core Waiver Forms are both available for parents to review and sign prior to their students enrolling in seventh grade, or when a 7-12 student enrolls in the district for the first time and there is not a signed form in the student’s permanent record.

College- and career-readiness in Arkansas means that students are prepared for success in entry-level, credit-bearing courses at two-year and four-year colleges and universities, in technical postsecondary training, and in well-paid jobs that support families and have pathways to advancement. To be college- and career ready, students need to be adept problem solvers and critical thinkers who can contribute and apply their knowledge in novel contexts and unforeseen situations.

The Smart Core curriculum includes:

Mathematics - 4 credits
- Algebra (or Algebra A & Algebra B- each may be counted as one credit of the 4 required)
- Geometry (or Geometry A & Geometry B- each may be counted as one credit of the 4 required)
Science - 3 credits
- Biology (1 credit),
- Physical Science, Chemistry, or Physics (at least 1 credit),
- other ADE approved science
Social Studies - 3 credits
- Civics/Economics , World History, US History
Oral Communications- ½ credit
Physical Education - ½ credit
Fine Arts - ½ credit
Health and Safety - ½ credit
Personal Finance - ½ credit
Digital Learning- ½ credit
Career Focus (electives) - 6 credits

Credit Recovery

When a student makes a failing grade in a core class, they are given the opportunity to take a credit recovery class in a computer lab to receive a passing grade. This course is driven by the student and completed independently. When opportunity is available, this class can be taken during the school day. After school credit recovery is also available. Students will be responsible for their own transportation. Students are enrolled in this course at the discretion of their counselor or administrator.

English Course Descriptions

English 10: English 10 is a communications course for students that develops critical thinking skills and includes the study of several literary genres through selections of world literature. The course will emphasize composition, vocabulary development, and history of the English language.
Honors English 10: HONORS ENGLISH 10 is designed for self-motivated, college-bound students. It is a comprehensive study of the English language that promotes higher order thinking skills and offers intensive practice in various writing modes. Student will study techniques and styles of many reputable authors, including several literary genres through selections of world, American, and English Literature.
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition: Advanced Placement English Language and Composition emphasizes rhetoric and composition with attention to particular forms--argumentative, analytical, and expository. Classwork will involve lengthy reading assignments that encourage and require close attention to details. Critical reading will focus on narrative structure, audience, purpose, and context, manipulation of language, tone, diction, allusion, and will read widely to gain writing ideas and to obtain models for their writing. The primary focus in reading will be non-fiction texts representative of a variety of time periods and cultures. Students are expected to perform at a college-level and be self-motivated, engaged learners.
English 11 (11th Grade): Regular English 11 is designed for all 11 th grade students. The course will focus on a variety of genres in American literature, including fiction and non-fiction texts. It is designed to develop students as high level readers prepared for college or the workplace, as writers able to write fluently in narrative, argumentative, and expository modes, and as analytical thinkers.
English 12: English 12 is designed for all 12 th grade students who are interested in studying English literature thematically and developing skills for college and workplace.
Transitional English 12: Transitional English 12 is an ELA one-unit course, designed to dramatically accelerate students’ literacy skills essential for college and career readiness. The course is comprised of the two Transitional Literacy Ready ELA modules and additional district-developed units of study that encompass the ELA Common Core State Standards for grade 12 in their entirety. Units of study include understanding the communication process and interpersonal communication, verbal and non-verbal communication, speaking informally and guidelines for practical communication. Speeches will include informative, persuasive, impromptu, manuscript, and others. NOTE: This course is NOT a required English credit; it is considered a language arts elective for selected students. Placement will be determined through course grades, test scores, and teacher recommendations.
Academic Reading (10 -12 th Grades): Academic Reading is a two-semester course designed to accelerate reading growth for students through state r…

tags: #seark #student #planning #guide