HONORS CREDIT: Seven Steps to Completion of Honors Level Credit Music Performance Classes

STEP 1. Students should review the course syllabus with the school music teacher to determine what differentiated course objectives will be required to receive honors level credit for the course. When developing differentiated objectives, music teachers should keep in mind the principles which govern honors level work for MCPS students as listed in the January 7, 1987, Office of Instruction and Program Development (OIPD) statement, Honors Program, Grades 912.

While in some cases the instructional objectives for honors work may be the same as for regular courses, in honors level work objectives are pursued in different ways, covered in more depth, and require greater use of abstract and higher level thinking skills. In addition, students in the honors program are expected to work more independently and may undertake research and writing projects of a more rigorous and sophisticated nature than are required of other students.

STEP 2. Students should review the MCPS jury examination objectives with the school instrumental or choral music teacher to determine a plan for completing these requirements. (See Individual Requirement Sheets, pages 510).

The objectives are categorized as follows: (1) scale requirements, (2) repertoire requirements, (3) special project, and (4) outside activities requirements.

STEP 3. Students should complete Form 1, (Registration Application). Students are responsible for submitting this form to their school music teacher in September for the first semester or in February for the second semester to be registered for honors level designation. Teachers should notify the school report card coordinator of the appropriate course code number for honors level designation.

STEP 4. Students should complete Form 2, (Jury Exam Application) and send a copy to: Coordinator of Instrumental Music, CESC, Room 255, by the date listed on the form.

STEP 5. Students will be notified of their jury exam time and location. Portfolio assessment materials and projects should be delivered to the jury at the appointed time. Approximate jury dates and portfolio reviews are January 15th for the first semester and May 15th for the second semester.

STEP 6. Students should complete Form 3, (Outside Activities Verification), and return it to their classroom music teacher prior to their jury exam.

STEP 7. Music teachers should complete Form 4, (Classroom Teacher's Completion Checklist), and submit it to the school's report card coordinator in time for the semester distribution of report cards.

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