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High School Course Descriptions

High School English

      The English program is a four volume series for grades nine through twelve. The goal is for students to improve grammar skills and apply them in writing and speaking. Self-assessment rubrics are included for each writing lesson to help build critical thinking and writing skills as students evaluate their own work. (There are connections to literature, writing, and grammar to show students the relevance of what they learn.) Strategies are introduced to help students identify what needs improvement in their writing. Varied learning styles are addressed by actively involving the students with Hands-On-Grammar activities. Extensive practice opportunities and strategies are provided for all stages of the writing process. A supportive program is included in this course regarding spelling and vocabulary.
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      Through the subject of American Literature this course assists students in becoming strategic readers. The course provides the necessary pre-teaching (study the big concepts, background knowledge, and key vocabulary) and poses questions to guide instruction. The course also features guided instruction directed by the teacher to gain meaning and structured accountable responses utilizing a number of approaches, which helps students to achieve mastery. The course focuses on vocabulary development, which features ways in which the students connect the vocabulary to what they already know; give examples of what the vocabulary means; and use the words in new contexts. Finally, the course employs a variety of ways to learn and respond to the literature in order to ensure access to the curriculum to all students.
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High School Math

      Stresses the four basic operations involving whole numbers, decimal numbers, and fractions. Students incorporate order of operations on problems worked. Topics discussed include but are not limited to negative numbers, number lines, perimeter, area, averages, percents, factoring, reducing, charts, tables, and fractional graphs.
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      A continuation of Math 76. Problems are more involved. Topics introduced include lines, rays, segments, exponents, powers of ten, square roots, scientific notation, polygons, similarity, probability, and units of measurements. Prerequisites: Math 76.
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      An introduction to algebra. Topics discussed include area, volume, unit multipliers, order of operations, positive and negative exponents, roots, scientific notation, and word problems, solving single variable equations, similarity, and congruence. Prerequisites: Math 87.
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      A comprehensive first year algebra course focusing on problem solving. Topics include use of distributive property, order of operations, operations of terms, solving single variable equations, and operations of polynomials. Concepts of two-dimensional linear functions including slope, intercept, and predicted values. Prerequisites: Algebra Half.
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      This is a comprehensive course focusing on planar geometry. Detailed attention is given to the instruction of geometric definitions, postulates, and theorems. Students will use this knowledge to solve problems involving polynomials, expansion of problems in geometry, quadratic equations, solving both linear and non-linear two-variable equations, trigonometric functions, polar coordinates, and solving of multi-step word problems. Prerequisites: Algebra 1.
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      This course builds on the topics introduced in Algebra 1 and Geometry. Topics include finding equations of lines, graphing of lines, operations involving polynomials, expansions of problems, quadratic equations, trigonometric functions, polar coordinates, and solving of multi-step word problems. Prerequisites: Geometry and Algebra 1.
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      This course is designed to teach the concepts and skills necessary for the students to succeed in calculus as well as prepare them for mathematically based collegiate courses. Emphasis is placed on problem solving strategy. Much attention is paid to geometric problem solving and trigonometric functions. Topics discussed include operations of vectors, radian measure, complex root, logarithms, parabolas, ellipses, loci, and binomial expansion. Prerequisites: Algebra 2, Geometry.
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High School Social Studies

      Our U.S. History course uses Glencoe's "History of a Free Nation by Brandon, McCuthcen, and Ritchie. This 36-chapter book tells the story of the American saga "through its compelling language and rich detail" with "inclusive stories and primary source quotes." Students will witness America's turning points form the first Americans to the 1992 election. This course should be a part of every American high school student's curriculum.
** Students desiring Honors credit will be required to complete two book reports and a research paper as directed by the Social Studies Teacher.
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      This course is, along with its required assignments, designed to assist students to meet national standards. The course focuses on 21 concepts of geography. Students are provided opportunities to apply these concepts to gain a fuller understanding of the patterns and processes that shape the world and its people. This course cannot just be about content. In order to prepare students for life, we need to teach the skills needed to make sense out of the increasing volume of information. To assist students to become lifelong learners, we need to develop their abilities to question, read, analyze, interpret, and evaluate information as well as to communicate their ideas to others. Finally, the assessments used in this course are directly aligned to the curriculum, instruction, and coursework. In lieu of a final, the students are required to complete a project involving one of the major concepts of geography and its impact on the human race in a particular place in the world.
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      History is more than a timeline list of facts. It is an exploration of big issues across time and place. Using the basic concepts of history, culture, science/technology, government, economics, and geography, you will understand and enjoy the study of history by connecting with the drama and meaning of the human experience.
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      Utilizes the Glencoe/McGraw-Hill textbook, "United States Government: Democracy in Action." This one credit course is highly recommended for the college bound student. It covers 15 major themes that define the structure of American government and characterize the nature of American democracy. *For the student only needing to fulfill a semester credit, we can offer the following .5 credit classes which can also be used for the Senior Project credit: -Foundations and Structure of Government, Political Processes and Public Policy, Citizenship and Civic Participation, Law Education and Civil Rights, Comparative Governments and International Relations.
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      As the world shrinks in size because of high-speed communication and transportation, it becomes increasingly important for students to see peoples different from themselves as interesting neighbors who have different ideas, customs, and languages, but who share many of the same values. This will help students learn to appreciate the multicultural diversity of the world's peoples. The textbook, Glencoe's "Economics Principles and Practices" is divided into five units and 21 chapters. The Units are entitled: Fundamental Concepts, microeconomics, Macroeconomics: Institutions, Macroeconomics: Policies, and International and Global Economics.
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      Psychology is a one-credit comprehensive introduction to the study of the mind, including: the history of the discipline; its practice and application; scientific and ethical issues and questions regarding its practice; classic and contemporary writings reflective of the diversity of psychological thought; and trends and careers in psychology. It is most suitable for students in grades 11 or 12, and is also available as an Honors course, with additional coursework and research.
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      Sociology is a one-credit comprehensive introduction to the study of human society, including: both social action and social organization. The book is internationally oriented, for example, with a chapter on the Third World, the collapse of the Soviet and Eastern European communism and the problems that have ensued get systematic attention. Our treatment of race and ethnic relations develops a broad picture of multicultural United States. The text is written to show how sociological research and analysis inform the choices that people face both in everyday life and in public policy. It is most suitable for students in grades 11 or 12.
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High School Science

      The study of the physical environment around us. This course is a unification of the fields of physics, chemistry and biology. Students taking this course need to have taken Life and Earth Science before enrolling. This course is essential for those students planning on taking more advanced science courses. Recommended prerequisite: Pre Algebra.
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      The contemporary exploration of the organization and complexity of living organisms and the systems in which they live. Unifying principles of biological structure focus on relationships at different levels of organization and complexity. Energy, substances, organisms. Reproduction, genetics, development, evolution, ecosystems, the inter-relationships of human species to the rest of life. Students taking this course should have a good background in physical and life science and have a limited knowledge of chemistry. Prerequisite: Life Science, Physical Science. Recommended Prerequisite: Earth Science and Pre Algebra.
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      Not for students who have Algebra 1 math placement or credit. This science elective is for students without the mathematics background for chemistry. Students will learn about DNA and genetic engineering. Students will explore how plants and animals can be changed by altering the genes. A book report is required; the topic must include the ethical and moral implications of genetic research.
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      The study of matter and the consequence of its structure. The first three chapters are devoted to establishing a working vocabulary in chemistry. The study of structure begins in chapters 4-6. Nomenclature and chemical calculations are begun in chapters 7-9. Properties of typical elements as a consequence of their atomic structure comprise the subject matter of chapters 10-11. Compounds are covered in chapters 12-14. Physical states comprise chapters 15-19. Chapters 20-26 covers aggregates of molecules and different ions. Chapter 27 brings together the concepts of energy and disorder. Chapters 29-30 cover organic chemistry-of the carbon. Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Biology and Physical Science. Recommended Prerequisite: Algebra 2.
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      The most basic of the sciences. It deals with the behavior and structure of matter. The field of physics in usually divided into the areas of motion, fluids, heat, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism and the modern topics of relativity, atomic structure, condensed-matter physics, nuclear physics, elementary particles and astrophysics. In this course you will cover these five major units: Mechanics, States of Matter, Waves and Light, Electricity and Modern Physics. Students planning on taking this course should have a strong background in mathematics and some knowledge of physical science. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or above, Physical science. Recommended prerequisite: Chemistry, Geometry, and Algebra 2.
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      This course introduces students to the structure and function of the human body. Timely topics have been updated, so that explanations are accurate and current. There is an unintimidating writing style that makes the text easy to understand.
      The sequence of topics encourages learning. The first chapter orients students to the world of anatomical terminology and a brief overview of major body areas. Chemistry, cells, tissues, and the first organ system (skin) are treated in succession. Subsequent chapters include systems requiring a good deal of anatomical terminology. Each organ system is approached from simple to increasingly complex levels. Building is an understanding of the concepts, rather than the rote memorization, is emphasized.
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      Integrated Science Lab is a lab composed of aspects from the three disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The lab incorporates both computer technology and hands-on labs. The lab has been developed to enhance the material covered in textbooks as well as in broadening a student's interest in the sciences. The course focuses on the inquiry method and the application of skills and content learned in the science courses.
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High School Vocational Education

      This course is designed to expose students to information that will help them make decisions about their roles as consumers, wage earners, and citizens.
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      Designed to help students plan their future. It teaches them to look at they employment skills they presently possess as well as at the opportunities they can purse to help put them on the road to success.
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      An introductory course of basic accounting principles and procedures that apply to record keeping for businesses.
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      A survey of nutrition using the food pyramid as a basis for healthy food choices. It presents lessons on how to shop, read and use a recipe, measure ingredients, work safely in the kitchen and bake.
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      A study of nutrition, technological advancements, cooking methods, meal planning and shopping for nutrition, cost and variety.
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High School Art

      Will allow the students to explore all aspects of art. It will let the students see how art formed and how it has progressed throughout time. This course will also allow the student to create his or her own art. Students will be required to take a pre and post test along with 24 chapter tests passing each with at least 80% proficiency to earn one full credit.
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      Students in this course learn about art in regard to the world holistically. It shows art originating form the Renaissance period and how it has developed throughout history. Students get to use their own creativity and apply it to the art forms they are learning about. Completion of 17 chapter tests for .5 credit.
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      Students in this course look at art in a variety of aspects. They learn about art originates and present day art. They explore all types of art from sculpture and architecture to use their own creativity to create various works of art. Completion of 15 chapter tests for .5 credit.
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High School Foreign Language

      Will assist student in focusing on basic, high frequency concepts. This is done through usage of grammar, vocabulary, sound discrimination, and oral communications as well as by studying Spanish speaking countries and civilizations. Spanish 1 is designed for students to talk and have fun as they begin the process of learning a second language.
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      Begins with a review of conversational-based exercises. After a basic review that assists students in recalling basic concepts they will begin to move-on into learning how to exchange information with others about general events, preferences and transportation. Through this they will learn the vital communication skills necessary to interact effectively.
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      Once students reach Spanish 3 students understand basic concepts and ideas. Spanish 3 focuses on extending the students present knowledge more in depth and to the next level. At this new level they will learn to communicate fluently and precisely.
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      Spanish 4 is designed to enhance the linguistic elements introduced in Spanish 3. At this level, the students are prepared to rapidly expand their vocabulary and grammar as well as to compare and contrast cultures. Through this, they will learn in detail about the history, geography, art and literary achievements of the Hispanic world.
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High School Technology

      This curriculum was developed guided by the benchmarks of the International Technology Education Association. The course features the informed design approach, which was developed by funding from the National Science Foundation. This approach has students problem solving by applying their knowledge of math and science skills. In lieu of a final exam the students are required to complete two projects which provide opportunities for application of the course learning as well as utilizing problem solving and other higher thinking skills.
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High School Physical Education

      Physical conditioning including muscle toning, flexibility, coordination and aerobic exercise. Sports include: basketball, football, tag, capture the flag, relay races, kick ball, badmitton, golf-frisbee, dance, and running. Multi-level for ages 12-20 and all experience levels f performance. .5 credits per 90 hours of physical education.
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High School Health

      Health is a half-credit comprehensive course with 25 units in it. The book covers You and Your Health, Mental Health, Family, Social Health, The Life Cycle, Body Systems, Personal Health and Physical Fitness, Nutrition, Medicines and Drugs, Diseases and disorders, Community and Environmental Health, Consumer Health, and Safety and Emergency Care. This class is suitable for any high school grade level.
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High School Electives

      A study of a variety of life styles. Married life, customs and laws, the decision to marry, parenting, problems of divorce and remarriage or the option of remaining single and various problems in dating, choosing a career, working, moving, buying a home and growing older. .5 Credits.
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      Practical preparation for parenthood: Adjustment to married life, building the marriage relationship, pregnancy, birth, infant and child development, family challenges and careers in child care. .5 credits.
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      Making independent, informed decisions concerning physical, mental, and social well-being. Discovering capabilities and responsibilities for developing attitudes and patterns of behavior that promote a full and satisfying life, regardless of age. Students will learn how to make informed decisions on home managements, food and nutrition, clothing and everyday living skills. .5 Credits
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      Designed to help students plan their future. It teaches them to look at the employment skills they presently possess as well as at the opportunities they can pursue to help put them on the road to success. Course of study follows Glencoe Career Skills, second edition, 1991 Glencoe publishing.
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      A course that teaches the students how to care for all aspects of their health and others. It teaches them how to eat healthy, stay fit, and remain drug free. Students are required to take a pre and post tells along with 20 chapter tests and pass with an 80% proficiency to receive .5 credits.
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      Development principles and approaches concerning the toddler, pre-school child, the middle years of childhood, and adolescence. Students learn the parenting skills to deal with the physical and emotional changes in children. .5 Credits.
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      The messages clothes send, how they reflect the future, deciding what to wear and why, and the history of clothing are discussed in this starter class on the clothing industry. Topics include: fabrics, retailing, sewing fundamental and careers in the fashion industry. .5 Credits.
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      Teaches the student to study effectively. Students will have an ability to see relationships between two different situations. They will learn about observation, teaching them to think about what they see. They will learn that their thinking must follow a logical order. The students will learn how to improve their vocabulary. They will learn how to use special books (encyclopedia, dictionary, map, Readers' guide, etc.) to guide them to improved study habits. They will learn how important it is to outline and how to put an outline together. The student will learn how to make stories more interesting, keeping the audiences attention. They will know how to cut the useless information out of a story, while making sure to keep the pertinent information in it.
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      Teaches all the critical information that food handlers should know before working in an environment which serves food to the public. The course covers food safety; proper hygiene; purchasing, receiving, and storing food; preparing, cooking, and serving; and cleaning and sanitizing. When successfully completing this course, the student is awarded a certificate recognizing that he/she is properly trained to work with the public in regards to food handling.
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Junior High Course Descriptions

Junior High English

      Writer's Choice is a two volume integrated language arts program for grades seven and eight. Each volume offers students a comprehensive writing curriculum with a broad scope of writing instruction and application. Each grade level text includes modular composition, case study "magazines", brief students and professional models, high profile extended literature selections, and varied writing processes. With each grade level increase, the text increases the level of sophistication in all aspects. Specifically, each text includes the following: writing for various purposes, including emotions, description, narration, information, and persuasion; instruction in the wiring process; and to help develop the student's appreciation for the English language through historical study, literature of each period, and professional examples.
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Junior High Math

      Math 54 is designed to accommodate any student that has a lower math ability. This class is used as a refresher course for students. Any student taking this class will be given the opportunity to take another math placement test and place into the next math class up which is math 65. Math 54 is basically set up with review of addition, counting patterns, place value, subtraction, writing numbers through 999, evens and odds, number lines, adding number columns, adding, multiplying, weights, angels, shapes, dividing, decimals, and fractions.
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      Math 65 is a sixth grade math comprehension course that is one step up from Math 54. Math 65 is given by placement. After the student has shown mastery in Math 65, they will be given another math placement test and move into Math76. The basic content of this course is counting sequences, identifying place value through hundreds, comparing whole numbers, multiplying one-digit numbers, adding and subtracting money, number lines, identifying pictures of mixed numbers, multiplying and dividing money, decimals, and fractions.
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      Stresses the four basic operations involving whole numbers, decimal numbers, and fractions. Students incorporate order of operations on problems worked. Topics discussed include but are not limited to negative numbers, number lines, perimeter, area, averages, percents, factoring, reducing, charts, tables, and fractional graphs.
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      A continuation of Math 76. Problems are more involved. Topics introduced include lines, rays, segments, exponents, powers of ten, square roots, scientific notation, polygons, similarity, probability, and units of measurements. Prerequisites: Math 76.
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      An introduction to algebra. Topics discussed include area, volume, unit multipliers, order of operations, positive and negative exponents, roots, scientific notation, and word problems, solving single variable equations, similarity, and congruence. Prerequisites: Math 87.
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Junior High Social Studies

      This course is, along with its required assignments, designed to assist students to meet national standards. The course focuses on 21 concepts of geography. Students are provided with opportunities to apply these concepts to gain a fuller understanding of the patterns and processes that shape the world and its people. This course cannot just be about content. In order to prepare students for life, we need to teach the skills needed to make sense out of the increasing volume of information. To assist students to become lifelong learners, we need to develop their abilities to question, read, analyze, interpret, and evaluate information as well as to communicate their ideas to others. Finally, the assessments used in this course are directly aligned to the curriculum, instruction, and coursework. In lieu of a final, the students are required to complete a project involving one of the major concepts of geography and its impact on the human race in a particular place in the world. 1.0 credit course.
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      Using Glencoe's "America Is" presents a record of American history and the American tradition of the nation's progress in fulfilling the promise of its basic beliefs. The text is based on the premise that in order to understand the U.S. and what it stands for, students must be aware of how the nation came about, evolved, and developed. In other words, to comprehend the modern-day nation, students must have some knowledge of the past, and of the history that led the nation to the point at which it is today. 30 chapters-1.00 credit.
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Junior High Science

      Designed for those students that have had a limited background in the science. As the name implies, "Life Science" has to do with the study of living organisms and their interactions. The course is divided into these seven major units; life, heredity and evolution, diversity of life, plants, animals, ecology and the human body. This course is an excellent precursor for those that are planning on taking more advanced biology courses.
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      The study of Earth and space. It is the study of such things as the transfer of energy in the Earth's atmosphere; the evolution of land forms; patterns of change that cause weather; the scale and structure of the stars; and the interaction that occur among the water, atmosphere and the land. Prerequisite is Life Science.
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Junior High Art

      Students in this course learn about art in regard to the world holistically. It shows art originating from the Renaissance period and how it has developed throughout history. Students get to use their own creativity and apply it to the art forms they are learning about. Completion of 17 chapter tests for .5 credit.
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Junior High Physical Education

      Physical conditioning including muscle toning, flexibility, coordination and aerobic exercise. Sports include: basketball, football, tag, capture the flag, relay races, kick ball, badminton, golf-Frisbee, dance, and running. Multi-level for ages 12-20 and all experience levels of performance. .5 credits per 90 hours of physical education.
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Junior High Health

      Allows the student to explore their physical, mental, and social health. It teaches the student how to take care of him or herself and how to avoid substance and tobacco abuse. It allows students to take an inside look at violence and it's results. Completion of 18 chapter tests for .5 credit.
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Junior High Electives

      Discovering Foods and Nutrition allows the students to learn about food in all aspects. This course teaches you how to prepare yourself for a future in nutrition work. It gives you a lot of information about cooking different types of food and which foods are best for you. Students will be required to take a posttest along with 40 chapter tests and pass with an 80% proficiency to receive .5 credits.
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      A course that teaches the students how to care for all aspects of their health and others. It teaches them how to eat healthy, stay fit, and remain drug free. Students are required to take a posttest along with 20 chapter tests and pass with an 80% proficiency to receive .5 credits.
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      Teaches the student about himself or herself. It shows the student how they develop, how to build relationships, and how to care for them properly. It also shows them how to set goals for their lives and to stand up for themselves and what they believe in. Completion of 21 chapter tests for .5 credit.
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Modified Course Offerings Description

Modified Course Offerings AGS Texts

      AGS (American Guidance Service) texts generally start at a 4th grade reading level. The interest level for these texts is 6th to 12th grade. Most students in AGS texts are placed on a 3 track due to low reading and or comprehension skills.
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