Page 6 - 2024-2025 Course Catalog-upload version1
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SELECTING ALTERNATE COURSES
By requiring students to submit alternate courses, Dobyns-Bennett is able to generate a much higher percentage of
complete schedules during the summer. Course conflicts frequently arise which keep students from receiving all eight of
their course requests. Students experiencing course conflicts who submit appropriate alternate requests will have those
alternate courses attempted in their schedule if conflicts arise. Students experiencing course conflicts who fail to submit
appropriate alternate requests will receive an incomplete schedule and will have to find a class in August to fill their open
period(s). Open seats in popular courses are extremely scarce in August. Some courses are not available as alternates
due to typical over enrollment.
AVOIDING SINGLETON PROBLEMS
Singleton courses are selected and offered based on enrollment potential. Generally, the school offers at least two class
sections of each singleton course. Just as students must be scheduled to take singletons in pairs, teachers must be
scheduled to teach singletons in pairs. Unfortunately, upperclassmen request such a wide variety of courses that it is rare
for a junior/senior level course to generate sufficient enrollment to offer two singleton classes. For this reason, the
majority of singleton classes are considered freshmen or sophomore classes.
Students who participate in performing arts classes such as band, orchestra, and chorus need to VERY CAREFULLY
consider their course requests during their freshman and sophomore years. Each year during their high school career
these students must have an additional singleton class to accompany their performing arts class. Performing arts students
should make every effort to avoid as many courses offered as singletons as possible during their first two years in high
school (ex. World History Economics/Personal Finance) so that singleton options remain open for their junior and senior
years.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
All students will have access to a rigorous curriculum that includes challenging subject matter, emphasizes depth rather
than breadth of coverage, critical thinking and problem solving, and promotes responsible citizenship and lifelong learning.
To earn a regular high school diploma from Dobyns-Bennett, students must earn the prescribed 28 credit minimum and
have a satisfactory record of attendance and discipline. Students must also pass the Civics test and take the ACT or SAT
to graduate. Credits earned at Ross N. Robinson or John Sevier Middle Schools are not applied toward the four math credits
required for graduation at Dobyns-Bennett.
In complying with Tennessee Department of Education regulations, Dobyns-Bennett will minimize tracking of students by
ability, eliminate core classes taught below the college preparation level, and provide all students a challenging course of
study.
Curriculum Area Graduation
Requirements
English 4 credits
Math 4 credits
Science 3 credits
Social Studies 4 credits
World Languages 2 credits
Fine Arts 1 credit
Wellness 2 credits
Elective 3 credits
Focus
Electives 5 credits
1 MUST be computer science
Credits Required for Graduation 28 credits
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