Lockhart High School. Course Guide

Transcription

1 Lockhart High School Course Guide CLASS OF 2016 and 2017

2 High School Web Page www/hs.lockhartisd.org 12th Grade Counselor Christina Price th Grade Counselor Pam Andrews th Grade Counselor Leslie Bird Lockhart High School Course Selection Guide Contact Information Grade Level Classification Freshman: Student must have been promoted from the 8 th grade or have less than 5 credits Sophomore: Student must have earned 5 state credits Junior: Student must have earned 11 state credits Senior: Student must have earned 17 state credits These classifications are based on the number of credits actually completed prior to registration the first day of the school year. Admission Information A new student should report to the counseling office accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Please bring the following documents: Proof of residency in the district. This can be a lease agreement, proof of home ownership, utility bill, etc. Copy of student s birth certificate Complete immunization records from previous school Copy of student s academic record from previous school Copy of student s withdrawal form from previous school Copy of student s STAAR results Copy of student s social security card 1

3 Graduation Requirements and Plans Entering 9 th Graders School Year and After The default program for all LISD students is the Recommended Program. Any student considering graduation on the Minimum Program must see a counselor. Only students meeting strict criteria during the spring semester of their senior year will be able to select the Minimum Graduation Program. A waiver acknowledging understanding of the Texas Minimum Graduation Program must be signed. Students graduating on this program are not eligible to attend a four-year college upon graduation from high school. Courses English Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Studies Minimum 22 Credits English I, II, III, IV are required. Students with limited English proficiency may substitute English I SOL and English II SOL for English I and II only. Three credits are required. The credits must include Algebra I and Geometry. Two credits must consist of Biology and IPC or Chemistry, and Physics. Physics will count as an academic elective. Three and one-half credits must consist of World History or World Geography, US History and Government. World History or World Geography must be taken as an academic elective. Recommended 26 Credits English I, II, III, IV are required. Students with limited English proficiency may substitute English I SOL and English II SOL for English I and II only. Four credits are required. Three credits must include Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. The fourth credit must be a state approved math credit. Four credits are required. The four credits must include Biology and two credits from either IPC, Chemistry, and Physics. IPC must be taken prior to Chemistry and Physics. Three and one-half credits are required and must include World Geography, World History, US History, and US Government Distinguished 26 Credits English I, II, III, IV are required. Students with limited English proficiency may substitute English I SOL and English II SOL for English I and II only. Four credits are required. Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry are required. The fourth credit must be a state approved math credit and must have Algebra II prerequisite. Four credits are required. The four credits must include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. IPC and Principles of Technology will not count as a 4 th required science for the DAP. Three and one-half credits are required and must include World Geography, World History, US History, and US Government Economics One half credit is required. One half credit is required. One half credit is required. Languages other than English None Two credits of the same language are required. Three credits of the same language are required. Physical Education LISD requires 1 credit. The credits may be earned LISD requires 1 credit. The credits may be earned LISD requires 1 credit. The credits may be earned 2

4 Health Education through PE, Athletics, JROTC, Marching Band, or Lionettes. LISD requires.5 credit. The credit may be earned through Health or Health Science. through PE, Athletics, JROTC, Marching Band, or Lionettes. LISD requires.5 credit. The credit may be earned through Health or Health Science. through PE, Athletics, JROTC, Marching Band, or Lionettes. LISD requires.5 credit. The credit may be earned through Health or Health Science. Speech One-half credit is required One-half credit is required One-half credit is required Technology LISD requires 1 credit; see LISD requires 1 credit; see LISD requires 1 credit; see Application the course guide for the course guide for the course guide for specific courses. specific courses. specific courses. Fine Arts One credit is required. The One credit is required. The One credit is required. The credit may be selected from credit may be selected from credit may be selected from Art, Choir, Theatre Arts, or Art, Choir, Theatre Arts, or Art, Choir, Theatre Arts, or Dance. Dance. Dance. Electives Six and one-half credits Five and one-half credits Four and one-half credits Graduation Requirements There are three graduation program options available to students in Lockhart ISD. They are the Distinguished Achievement, Recommended, and Minimum Programs. Recommended High School Program has been adopted as the standard graduation plan for students in Lockhart ISD who plan to continue to study at the college/university level or in a vocational/technical institute following graduation from high school. Permission to graduate under the minimum high school program must be signed by the student, student s parent (or other person standing in parental relation to the student), and the school counselor. General requirements for the plans for the Class of 2016 and 2017 are represented in the above table. Additional Requirements for the Distinguished Achievement Program Students graduating on the Distinguished Achievement Program must earn four advanced measures that demonstrate their performance at the college or professional level. These measures must be addressed through an external review process. Students may earn their advanced measures requirement through any combination of four of the following: 1. Test Data: a 3 or above on a College Board Advanced Placement Exam; college courses with a 3.0 or higher that count as college credit 2. A PSAT score that qualifies a student for recognition as a Commended Scholar or higher by the National Merit Scholarship Program. The PSAT score may count as only one advanced measure regardless of the number of honors received by the student 3. Original Research Projects: Judged by a panel of professionals in the field that is the focus of the project; or conducted under the direction of mentor(s) and reported to an appropriate audience; and related to the required curriculum set forth in 19 TAC 74.1 (relating to Essential Knowledge and Skills). 4. A 3.0 in an articulated career and technology class and the additional work required. 3

5 General Information This course guide provides a brief description of each course offered at Lockhart High School. It lists prerequisites, special requirements, gives information on types of transcripts, schedule change policy, and credits required for graduation. Since students will be making selections for the entire year, it is imperative that parents and students work together during this process. A thorough review of the graduation requirements, various transcript options, course prerequisites, and policy regarding schedule changes is essential. As always, the high school administration and staff will help students make the best possible choices. Exit Level Test A student who does not perform satisfactorily on all sections of the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR)/End of Course (EOC) assessment instrument by the time he or she has successfully completed the twelfth grade shall not receive a high-school diploma nor participate in the graduation ceremony until the student has performed satisfactorily on all sections. Education Code 19 TAC. Out-of-State Transfers Out-of-state transfer students shall complete all Texas state and local graduation requirements to be eligible for a Texas diploma. Credits required that are not completed prior to enrolling may be satisfied by advanced placement examinations, credit by exam, completing the course, or demonstrating achievement by meeting the standard requirements of the course. Education Code 19 TAC. Additional Local Requirements The district may require additional local credit for graduation under any of the high school programs. Education Code 19 TAC. Schedule Changes Course offerings are obtained from the students choice sheets during registration. A master schedule of course offerings will be designed in order to accommodate a maximum number of student choices with a minimum number of conflicts. Due to an increase in student population, not all elective choices are guaranteed. Therefore, it is imperative that the students give careful consideration to their selections and fill out alternate choices. Course offerings for elective courses will be dependent on a sufficient number of student requests in order to warrant scheduling the section. Upon receiving their official class schedules, students will be expected to follow this schedule for the year. A schedule change will be considered in the event of a lack of prerequisites, an error in enrollment, or a scheduling conflict. Schedule changes will only be done during the first two weeks of the semester and require a parent signature and/or parent conference. The same policy applies for students wishing to drop a Pre-AP or AP class. 4

6 Duel Credit Information and Course Offerings Courses taken for dual credit are accepted for college credit at many Texas colleges and universities. It is the responsibility of the students to determine which colleges they wish to attend, and whether or not the colleges will accept Austin Community College (ACC) credit. Students are responsible for purchasing their required dual-credit books; budget $120 per book per course. ACC limits dualcredit students to two courses per semester. College level coursework is very demanding. Students should expect to spend three hours of studying for every one hour of class time. If a student drops the ACC course during the semester the transfer grade will be 75(C). ACC grades are posted on report cards at the end of each semester, when they are received from ACC. Grade equivalents are as follows: A= 95, B= 85, C=75, D=70, F= 65. ACC s SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) policy states that students must complete 67% of the ACC classes they take with a grade of C or better to be eligible for initial financial aid consideration after graduation. (Withdrawing with a W or earning a final grade below a C are examples of courses that do not count toward the 67% completion rate). Under FERPA, a parent may not obtain academic records or complete ACC processes for the students without the student s written permission, even if the student is a minor. ACC junior students will be required to take both ACC English and ACC History; and seniors will take ACC British Literature and ACC U.S. Government/AP Economics. The classes will be blocked Monday/Wednesday = History and Tuesday/Thursday = English. The process will be explained in detail at a parent meeting. JUNIORS Fall 2015 ENGL English Composition I HIST US History II Spring 2016 ENGL English Composition II Prerequisite: "C" in ENGL 1301 HIST US History I SENIORS Fall 2015 ENGL British Literature Prerequisite: "C" in ENGL 1302 GOVT US Government Spring 2016 ENGL British Literature Prerequisite: "C" in ENGL 1302 AP Economics 5

7 Alternative Methods of Gaining Credit Any combination of these methods is acceptable but no more than a total of 6 credits will be counted toward graduation. Prior approval by an LHS counselor is required before enrollment. 1. A student may gain a maximum of 2 units of credit by correspondence. These courses are offered by the Extension Service at the University of Texas, Texas Tech, and Burnet High School. 2. Students may gain credit in a subject by scoring 70 on a credit by exam covering the appropriate essential elements. The student must have failed the course in the previous school year. 3. A student may gain a maximum of 4 units of credit by enrolling in an accepted high school summer program. There is no maximum on credits earned by repeating a course. 4. A student may gain credit for courses which they have never taken by scoring 80% or higher on Extension Service (UT) High School placement exam or a locally developed exam. It is recommended that there be a grade of 90 or above in the previous course for which the placement exam is being taken. Correspondence credit, credit by exam, placement tests, summer school classes, and dual credit classes taken outside of the school day are not included in determining class rank or GPA. Advanced Placement and Pre-AP Information The advanced placement program gives students the opportunity to pursue college-level studies while still in high school and to receive advanced placement credit upon completion of the AP exam with an acceptable score. By challenging and stimulating students, the AP Program provides access to quality education, accelerates learning, rewards achievement, and enhances both high school and college programs. All Pre-AP and AP classes may require summer enrichment activities and reading materials. All students taking AP courses will be expected to take the end-of-course AP exam. Students may obtain college credit if awarded a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP exam. Not all universities accept Advanced Placement credits. It is the responsibility of the student to investigate which courses the universities will accept in regards to AP credit. Advanced Placement and Pre-AP Course Offerings Withdrawal Procedure: Once school begins and a student is registered for an AP/Pre-AP class, the student must commit to the class and may only drop the course with parent approval and within the first three week grading period. Students must be in attendance 90% of this scheduled course time in order to get credit. 6

8 Pre-AP Course Offerings for Course Name Prerequisite English 2 Pre-AP English 1 Algebra 2 Pre-AP Algebra 1 PAP and Geometry PAP Pre-Calculus Pre-AP Algebra 1 and 2 PAP and Geometry Chemistry Pre-AP Biology 1, Algebra 2, or concurrent enrollment Spanish 2 Pre-AP Spanish 1 Spanish 3 Pre-AP Spanish 1 and 2 PAP German 3 Pre-AP German 1 and 2 Advanced Placement Course Offerings for Course Name Prerequisite English 3 AP English Language & English 1 & 2 Composition English 4 AP English Literature & English 1,2,& 3 PAP Composition Calculus AP (AB) Pre Cal PAP Calculus AP (BC) Pre Cal PAP AP Statistics PAP Algebra II or Pre AP Pre-Calculus Biology 2 AP Biology 1 and Chemistry 1 Chemistry 2 AP Chemistry Pre-AP or Chemistry Environmental Science AP See course guide Physics 2 AP 85 + average in Physics 1 and Pre Cal AP Microeconomics World Geography, World History, and US History World History AP World Geography United States History AP World Geography and World History Spanish IV AP Spanish 3 Pre AP Music Theory AP 7

9 Core Course Sequences English Course Sequence PAP/AP/ACC Option 1 9TH PAP English I English I 10TH PAP English II English II 11TH AP English Language and Composition ACC English III English III 12TH AP English Literature and Composition ACC English IV English IV 8

10 English Course Sequence For English Language Learner Students ELL 9TH ESOL I or English I and ELL English 10TH ESOL II or English II and ELL English 11TH English III and ELL English 12TH English IV and ELL English 9

11 Mathematics Course Sequence PAP/AP Option 1 Option 2 9TH Geometry Algebra I Algebra I 10TH PAP Algebra II Geometry Geometry 11TH PAP Pre Calculus AP Statistics Algebra II Math Models or Algebra II 12TH AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Statistics Pre Calculus Advanced Quantitative Reasoning 10

12 Science Course Sequence PAP/AP Option 1 9TH PAP Biology Biology 10TH PAP Chemistry Chemistry 11TH AP Physics Physics 12TH AP Chemistry AP Biology AP Environmental Science Environmental Systems Anatomy and Physiology Medical Microbiology Pathophysiology 11

13 Social Studies Course Sequence PAP/AP/ACC Option 1 9TH PAP World Geography World Geography 10TH AP World History World History 11TH AP United States History ACC U.S. History United States History 12TH AP Microeconomics ACC Government Economics/Government 12

14 English Course Offerings ENGLISH II Grade: 10 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: English I This course will focus on the entire writing process, from pre-writing strategies through the final draft. Students will study the construction of writing, including sentence structure and grammar. Primary forms of writing will include personal essays and using text examples to prove a thesis, which will prepare students for their 10 th grade level state exam. Much emphasis will be placed on the revising and editing of drafts to create a final written product. Other writing forms will be utilized to reinforce the process of writing, and vocabulary will be studied in order to improve student writing. There will be literature analysis in the form of using text examples to prove a thesis, and works from various cultures and countries will be read and studied as examples. ENGLISH II PAP Grade: 10 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: English I The focus of English II Pre-AP is an extensive study of vocabulary, grammar, literature, and writing, preparing for the state exam as well as PSAT, SAT, and ACT in both reading and composition. This is a writing intensive course that stresses the critical thinking skills of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis through discussion, reading, and written reflection. The course is closely aligned with The College Board curriculum recommendations. Students may complete and be evaluated on a summer reading assignment. ENGLISH III Grade: 11 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: English II This course will continue the focus of the writing process, from pre-writing strategies through the final draft. Students will further study the construction of writing, including more complex sentence structure and grammar. Students will practice to improve their skills of personal essay writing and using text examples to prove a thesis, which will better prepare them to meet the requirement of passing the exit level exam for graduation. Emphasis will continue to be placed on the revising and editing of drafts to create a final written product. Other writing forms will be utilized to reinforce the process of writing, and vocabulary will be studied in order to improve student writing. There will be literature analysis in the form of using text examples to prove a thesis, and American works will be read and studied as examples. ENGLISH III AP English Language and Composition Grade: 11 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: English II teacher recommendation Advanced Placement Language and Composition is a college-level class offered to high school juniors. The class closely reflects the content of freshman-level college composition classes. The course is closely aligned with The College Board curriculum recommendations. In AP English III students read widely in American literature (novels, essays, dramas, short stories and poetry), conduct close analysis of texts, and compose sophisticated essays in preparation for the AP English Language and Composition exam administered in May. Students must check with colleges to determine transferability of AP test scores. Students will complete and be evaluated on a summer reading assignment. 13

15 ENGLISH III ACC-DUAL CREDIT English Composition I Grade: 11 Credit: ½ Prerequisite: Meet ACC admission requirements This course is a study of the principles of composition with emphasis on language usage, the mechanics of writing, types of discourse, research and documentation. Includes British Literature Component. Students can earn three college hours from ACC with this class. Students must take this course along with English Composition II to fulfill high school English III credit for graduation purposes. ENGLISH III- ACC DUAL CREDIT English Composition II Grade: 11 Credit: ½ Prerequisite: English Composition I credit This course is a continuation of Composition I with additional emphasis on literary analysis. Students can earn three college hours from ACC. This course along with English Composition I can be used for English III credit for graduation purposes. ENGLISH IV Prerequisite: English III Grade: 12 Credit: 1 This course will emphasize the development of precision in meaning as compositions are revised for specific purposes and audiences. Students will evaluate and analyze their own writing as well as that of others. Forms of writing studied and composed will include persuasive, personal (in the form of a college essay), research, and expository (in the form of a resume). The origin and development of the English language and its sociological functions will be explored in major works of British Literature. These works will be further analyzed for historical characteristics and connections. ENGLISH IV AP Grade: 12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: English III AP and teacher recommendation Using a college-level course outline, this course emphasizes wide reading of world literature including fiction, drama, poetry, and nonfiction. Students will write frequent analytical compositions as they explore literary, rhetorical, and stylistic elements in the readings. This course will focus on preparation for the Advanced Placement Exam in English Literature and Composition. Students must check with colleges to determine transferability of AP test scores. Students will complete and be evaluated on a summer reading assignment. ENGLISH IV ACC-DUAL CREDIT English Composition I for SENIORS Grade: 12 Credit: ½ Prerequisite: Meet ACC admission requirements. This course is a study of the principles of composition with emphasis on language usage, the mechanics of writing, types of discourse, research and documentation. Includes British Literature Component. Students can earn three college hours from ACC with this class. Students must take this course along with English Composition II for SENIORS to fulfill high school English IV credit for graduation purposes. 14

16 ENGLISH IV ACC-DUAL CREDIT English Composition II for SENIORS Grade: 12 Credit: ½ Prerequisite: English Composition I A continuation of English Composition I with emphasis on analysis of readings in prose fiction. Includes British Literature Component. Students can earn three college hours from ACC with this class. Students must take this course along with English Composition II for SENIORS to fulfill high school English IV credit for graduation purposes. ENGLISH IV ACC-DUAL CREDIT British Literature I for SENIORS Grade: 12 Credit: ½ Prerequisite: ACC English Composition I and II with a minimum grade of C. Survey of English Literature from Anglo-Saxon times through the 18 th Century. ENGLISH IV ACC-DUAL CREDIT British Literature II for SENIORS Grade: 12 Credit: ½ Prerequisite: ACC British Literature I with a minimum grade of C. Survey of English Literature from the late 18 th Century to the present. Mathematics Course Offerings GEOMETRY Prerequisite: Algebra I Geometry is designed to develop systematic reasoning by use of definitions, postulates and theorems based on undefined terms, point, line, and plane. This course develops concepts of angles, parallelism and perpendicularity of lines and planes, triangles, similarity and congruence. The course develops concepts of circles, areas and volumes, special triangles and relationships, and coordinates geometry. MATHEMATICAL MODELS WITH APPLICATIONS Grade: Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Geometry This course is an introduction to using mathematical methods to model and solve real-life applied problems involving money, data, chance, patterns, music, design, and science. Students use calculators and computers in real-life situations. ALGEBRA II Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry Algebra II expands algebra concepts and prepares the student for trigonometry, elementary analysis, and Calculus and college math. This course extends Algebra I skills to review basic number theory, operations with polynomials, algebraic fractions, functions, graphing and solving linear equations, and factoring polynomials. Also, Algebra II extends algebraic theory to include sequence, series, radicals, quadratic equations and their graphs, and selected topics such as logarithms matrices and probability. 15

17 ALGEBRA II PAP Grade: 10 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Algebra I PAP and Geometry PAP Students will work at an accelerated pace. Pre-AP students will exceed the expectations of Algebra II in preparation for the Advanced Placement test in Mathematics. ADVANCED QUANTITATIVE REASONING Grade: Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or Algebra II PAP AQR is not for students with credits in Pre-calculus, Pre-AP Pre-calculus, or AP Stats The goal of this course is for students to continue to build upon the K-8, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry foundations as they expand their understanding through further mathematical experiences AQR includes the analysis of information using statistical methods and probability, modeling change and mathematical reasoning. Students learn to become critical consumers of real-world quantitative data, knowledgeable problem solvers who use logical reasoning and mathematical thinkers who can use their quantitative skills to solve authentic problems. Students develop critical skills for success in college and careers, including investigation, research, collaboration, and both written and oral communication of their work, as they solve problems in many types of applied situations. Students will also prepare to be successful on college placement examinations and College Algebra. PRE-CALCULUS Grade: Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Algebra II This course is designed for the serious math student with a good algebra foundation that would like to prepare for calculus, college, or the EOC test. The first semester includes topics of trigonometric functions, properties and applications of trigonometric and circular functions, inverses of trigonometric and circular functions, triangle problems, vectors and complex numbers. The second semester includes topics of real numbers and coordinates, functions, and exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series and second-degree relations. PRE-CALCULUS- PAP Grade: Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Pre-AP Algebra II This accelerated course includes a thorough study of trigonometry during the first term and an analysis of different functions (polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and logistic), including sequences/series, conics, vectors, and parametric and polar equations during the second term. The course is designed for the student who has displayed both exceptional mathematical talent and diligence in the study of all mathematical courses. Pre-AP students will exceed the expectations of Pre-Calculus in preparation for the AP course. 16

18 AP STATISTICS Grade: 12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: PAP Algebra II or PAP Pre-Calculus The purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce students to the major concept and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: 1. Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns 2. Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study 3. Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation 4. Statistical Inferences: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses AP CALCULUS (AB) Grade: 12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: PAP Pre-Calculus This course is an investigation into differential and integral calculus and corresponds to a first semester college calculus course. It includes limits, derivatives, derivative applications, integrals, and integral applications. The course is designed for the student who has displayed both exceptional mathematical talent and diligence in the study of all mathematical courses. It prepares the college-bound student for possible advanced standing credit in calculus through the AP test. AP CALCULUS (BC) Grade: 12 Credit: 2 One: State and One: Local Prerequisite: PAP Pre-Calculus This accelerated course is a thorough survey of differential and integral calculus, as well as series, vector, and polar calculus and corresponds to first and second semester college calculus courses. It includes derivatives, integrals, series, elementary differential equations, and polar and parametric calculus. The course is designed for the student who has displayed both exceptional mathematical talent and diligence in the study of all mathematical courses. It prepares the college-bound student for possible advanced standing credit in calculus through the AP test. Science Course Offerings BIOLOGY I Grade: 10 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: None Biology I material covers the properties of life, scientific method, data collection, metric measurements, biochemistry, cellular biology, reproduction, genetics/evolution, taxonomy, ecology, virology, microbiology, mycology, botany, and vertebrate and invertebrate zoology. Topics will be presented through lecture, slide shows, observations, projects, videos, and lab activities. BIOLOGY I PAP Grade: 10 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: None In depth study of Biology I, presenting material on the Scientific Method, cellular biology, reproduction, genetics/evolution, taxonomy, and ecology. Topics will be presented through lecture and laboratory activities. Extensive research and composition will be required. Pre-AP students are preparing for the Advanced Placement test in Biology. 17

19 CHEMISTRY I Prerequisite: Algebra I and Biology I Chemistry I is the study of the science of matter and changes in matter using applied mathematics. Inorganic chemistry is emphasized along with laboratory experiments and lab safety with prediction and analysis. CHEMISTRY I PAP Prerequisite: Biology I, Algebra II or concurrent enrollment Chemistry I Pre-AP is the study of science of matter and changes in matter using applied mathematics. Inorganic chemistry is emphasized along with laboratory experiments and lab safety with prediction and analysis. Pre-AP students will work at an accelerated pace with more advanced curriculum and more in depth approach. The Pre-AP course is recommended for students interested in science related careers. Pre-AP students will exceed the expectations of other students in preparation for the Advanced Placement test in Chemistry. CHEMISTRY II AP Grade: Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Chemistry Pre-AP or Chemistry This course uses a college-based curriculum and is taught at the freshman level for inorganic chemistry. This is a lecture/lab course designed to prepare the student for the AP Exam in Chemistry, which may be accepted by universities as college credit. This is an excellent course to prepare students who plan to major in most science fields. BIOLOGY II AP Prerequisite: Biology I and Chemistry I The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course which aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. PHYSICS Grade: Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Chemistry and Algebra II This course is an integration of the theoretical (mathematical) and empirical (observational) aspects of physics. Students will acquire lab-oriented skill while getting an introduction to the fundamental laws of physics. Major fields of study are mechanics, energy and heat, electricity, waves, light, and nuclear physics. PHYSICS AP Grade: 11 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: 85+ average in Physics I and Pre-Calculus This course is a college based curriculum of the basic laws and principles of physics and includes the topics of mechanics, heat, waves, electricity and magnetism, light, fluids, and nuclear physics. AP students are preparing for the Advanced Placement test in physics. 18

20 ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEM Grade: Credit: 1 Prerequisite: 2 Years of science and 1 year of Algebra This course is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics in the study of environmental science. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AP (APES) Grade: 12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: The AP Environmental Science course is an excellent option for any interested student who has completed two years of high school laboratory science one year of life science and one year of physical science. Due to the quantitative analysis that is required in the course, students should also have taken at least one year of algebra. This course is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY Grade: Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Successful completion of required sciences for grade level. In Anatomy and Physiology, students conduct laboratory and/ or field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students in Anatomy and Physiology study a variety of topics, including the structure and function of the human body and the interaction of body systems for maintaining homeostasis. Students are also given the opportunity to develop leadership skills through the HOSA organization. This course may receive Statewide articulated college credit. See instructor for more information. MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY Grade: Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Successful completion of required sciences for grade level. Students in Medical Microbiology explore science systems and models, science and social ethics, nature of science and topics such as pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, laboratory procedures, identifying microorganisms, drug resistant organisms, and emerging diseases. 19

21 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Grade: Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Successful completion of required sciences for grade level. Students in Pathophysiology study disease processes and how humans are affected. Emphasis is placed on prevention and treatment of disease. Students will differentiate between normal and abnormal physiology. This course introduces the student to important concepts related to human diseases. The most common diseases and disorders of each body system are presented along with a review of the anatomy and physiology pertinent to the content. Additionally, the effects of aging on the system and the relationship of aging to disease are presented. It is designed to make difficult pathophysiology concepts easier to understand and is an ideal resource on basic diseases for anyone going into the medical profession. Social Studies Course Offerings WORLD HISTORY Grade: 10 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: World Geography This course examines the history of the human experience from a global perspective. Our focus will be on the impact of interactions among major societies; change and continuity over time; the impact of technology and demography on people and the environment; systems of social structure and gender structure; cultural and intellectual developments among and within societies; and changes in functions and structures of states. This course prepares students to apply historical perspectives to issues and problems in their own world as they seek to solve them. WORLD HISTORY AP Grade: 10 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: World Geography This class includes content of the standard World History course but is adapted so that content is presented in greater depth allowing students to use tools and methods of historians to analyze issues in world history. Students are required to participate in extended reading, writing, and research projects that integrate topics from the social sciences, art, music, literature, and science. Advanced Placement courses are taught and graded at the college level and require a high degree of student commitment. AP students are preparing for the World History AP test. Students must check with colleges to determine transferability of AP test scores. UNITED STATES HISTORY Grade: 11 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: World Geography and World History United State History traces the emergence and growth of the United States. The course is organized chronologically, yet it focuses on themes, issues, and questions that have challenged people throughout the century and will continue to be relevant in the future. Students first reexamine new frontiers, new industrial strengths, and new resources of the post-civil War and Reconstruction period. The course then examines current events during the 20 th century. 20

22 UNITED STATES HISTORY AP Grade: 11 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: World Geography and World History This course is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with issues and events in American history. Students will learn to analyze and interpret a variety of historical resources and develop the ability to use documentary materials, maps, pictorial, and graphic evidence of historical events. Students should be able to express themselves with clarity and precision. Advanced Placement courses are taught and graded at the college level and require a high degree of student commitment. AP students are preparing for the US History AP test. Students must check with colleges to determine transferability of AP test scores. US HISTORY - ACC DUAL CREDIT HIST United States History 1 Grade: Credit 1/2 and 3 college hours Prerequisites: Meet ACC admission requirements A study of the history of the United States to 1877 Students can earn three college hours from ACC with this class. Juniors must take this course along with US History II to fulfill high school US History credit for graduation purposes. Seniors may take this course as an elective. US HISTORY - ACC DUAL CREDIT HIST United States History 1I Grade: Credit 1/2 and 3 college hours Prerequisites: Meet ACC admission requirements A study of the history of the United States to 1877 to present Students can earn three college hours from ACC with this class. Juniors must take this course along with US History I to fulfill high school US History credit for graduation purposes. Seniors may take this course as an elective. UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Grade: 12 Credit: 1/2 Prerequisite: World Geography, World History and US History United States Government is the culmination of the civic literacy strand, which prepares students to vote, to apply the responsibilities of citizenship, and to participate in community civic affairs. Students use prior knowledge as a basis to delve deeper into the complexities of American governmental institutions. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights provide the framework for the major themes: popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, Checks and Balances, Judicial Review and Federalism. ECONOMICS Grade: 12 Credit: 1/2 Prerequisites: World Geography, World History, and U. S. History Economics focuses on the persuasive impact of economics on the lives of people. The course is designed so students can master the basic macro-economic concepts, tools of analysis, and the language of the discipline. Acquiring competencies and knowledge of practical economic concepts is stressed so students can learn to make informed, rational, and effective economic decisions as participants in a capitalist economy. Examining how the various components and sectors of the economy interact in the real world is studied as students analyze economic decision making by consumers, producers and government. 21

23 U.S. GOVERNMENT ACC DUAL CREDIT Grade: 12 Credit: 1/2 Prerequisite: Meet ACC admission requirements This course is an introduction to U. S. national government. The student will learn the framework for the constitution, politics, processes, institutions, and policies of U.S. government. Students can earn three college hours from ACC with this class. Students must take this course along with Microeconomics to fulfill high school graduation credit. AP MICROECONOMICS Grade: 12 Credit: 1/2 Prerequisites: World Geography, World History, and U. S. History The purpose of this course is to provide a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to both consumers and producers as decision makers within the larger economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factory markets. Furthermore, the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy is investigated. Advanced Placement courses are taught and graded at the college level and require a high degree of student commitment. AP students are preparing for the AP Microeconomics test. Students must check with colleges to determine transferability of AP test scores. Foreign Language Course Offerings SPANISH I Grade: 9-12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: None This course is an introduction to the study of standard Spanish and Hispanic culture through conversation, grammar, reading, and writing. Focus is on basic communication skills, pronunciation, writing, and reading comprehension. SPANISH II Grade: 9-12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Spanish 1 This course expands and builds on knowledge acquired in Spanish I. Students will communicate using a wider range of time frames. The study of the culture and history of Hispanic countries continues. SPANISH III Prerequisite: Spanish II This class emphasizes reading, writing, and speaking the Spanish language. This course is for the student who does not plan to take the Spanish AP test. Students are expected to have mastered basic vocabulary and grammar from Spanish I and II. SPANISH II PAP Prerequisite: Spanish I Grade: 9-12 Credit: 1 Expands and builds on knowledge acquired in Spanish I. Students will communicate using a wider range of time frames. The study of the culture and history of Hispanic countries continues. The course will be taught primarily in Spanish with emphasis on preparation for advanced study of Spanish through AP or university level Spanish classes. 22

24 SPANISH III PAP Prerequisite: Spanish II PAP This class is taught primarily in Spanish and emphasizes reading, writing, and speaking the Spanish language. There will be much practice of skills needed for the AP Spanish exam and for continued university study of the language. SPANISH IV AP Grade: Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Spanish III PAP This course will be taught at a university level and is geared to those students who will take the AP exam in Spanish. There is an emphasis on critical thinking in the target language. Students will be expected to have a working knowledge of the Spanish language and will write essays and converse in Spanish. Listening to and reading short stories are a critical aspect of the structure of this course. AP students will be preparing for the AP test in Spanish. Students must check with colleges to determine transferability of AP test scores. GERMAN I Grade: 9-11 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: None This course serves as an introduction to the study of the German language and culture. Students will utilize the language communicatively via skits, task-based projects and simple text analysis. By the end of the course, students will have a basic command of functional German language. A solid foundation in German I is suggested for successful completion of German II. GERMAN II Grade: Prerequisite: German I Credit: 1 This course expands and builds on knowledge and skills learned in German I. Students will increase their vocabulary as they are introduced to more complex structures. Students will encounter more difficult reading texts, and writing tasks. At the end of this course, students will have a novice to intermediate command of the German language. Students will continue learning via skits and taskbased projects. It is highly suggested that students have a solid foundation of material covered in German II in order to continue on to German III. GERMAN III PAP Grade: Credit: 1 Prerequisite: German II German III Pre-AP concentrates on advanced reading and writing skills. Students will analyze and respond to authentic texts. This course is designed to prepare students for foreign language instruction at the college level and practice skills needed for the AP German exam. By the end of this course, students will have an intermediate to advanced command of the German language. It is highly recommended that students have a strong command of material covered in German III Pre-AP in order to continue on to German IV AP. 23

25 GERMAN IV AP Grade: 12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: German III German IV AP is conducted at a university level and is geared to those students who will take the AP exam in German. Students will analyze and respond to authentic texts. Students will also be expected to write essays and converse at an advanced level in German. By the end of this course, students will have an advanced command of the German language and be knowledgeable of German culture. Students must check with colleges to determine transferability of AP test scores. General Elective Course Offerings ANALYSIS OF VISUAL MEDIA (CLASSICAL FILMS) Grade: Credit: ½ Prerequisite: English I and English II. This class will be taken as part of a block with PSYCHOLOGY A dynamic class designed to analyze visual media, especially classical film. Students will study all of the artistic components in developing film and explore what has given value to our lives as seen on film. PSYCHOLOGY Grade: Credit: ½ Prerequisite: English I and English II. This class will be taken as part of a block with ANALYSIS OF VISUAL MEDIA (CLASSICAL FILMS) (Social Studies Elective) This course is a general overview of the nature of Psychology and a study of the physiological basis of behavior and psychological processes. It is an introduction to personality development, perception, emotion, and mental health. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT Grade: 12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Application with Principal/Teacher Approval This course will be open to seniors who are meeting all other graduation requirements and wish to work with a staff member or classroom teacher on the High School campus. Class size will be limited. COLLEGE PREP Grade: Credit 1 This course will focus on SAT/ACT test preparation, college admissions, scholarship and financial aid information. 24

26 Fine Arts Course Offerings BAND I Grade: 9-12 Credit: 1 BAND II BAND III Grade: Credit: 1 BAND IV Grade: 12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Band Tryouts The first part of the year is devoted to developing the marching band. The students acquire the ability to march, drill, and to perform to memorized music. Students will need to be in attendance for all performances of the marching band: Football Games, Monday Night Rehearsals, Pep Rallies, Invitational Contests, and UIL Marching Contests. Students also have the opportunity for individual advancement by trying out for the All-State Band organizations. The second part of the year is dedicated to developing students playing abilities through concert music, solos, and small ensembles. The first year of band counts for one credit of Physical Education. CHOIR I Grade: 9-12 Credit: 1 CHOIR II CHOIR III Grade: Credit: 1 CHOIR IV Grade: 12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Choir Tryouts for Advanced Choir only The LHS Choir program consists of 9 th, 10 th, 11 th, and 12 th grade students. The 9 th grade choir meets at the Freshman Campus, and has performance opportunities with the high school choir. Choir students perform at many exciting concerts and contests. In addition to working and performing as a large group, there is a focus on improving individual voice quality. The 1 st 9 weeks are devoted to improving music reading skills and vocal technique as well as learning the All-State Choir literature. The 2 nd 9 weeks is used to prepare and perform Christmas music. The focus of the 3 rd nine weeks is UIL Solo and Ensemble and UIL Concert and Sight-reading competitions. The 4 th 9 weeks is dedicated to popular music, graduation music, and other possible competitions. Choir trips and special musical events are also part of the LHS choral experience. CONCERT CHOIR Grade: 9-12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: None Students with any level of musical experience are welcome. This choir is designed for first time choir members and for students with beginning to intermediate vocal experience and ability. 25

27 ADVANCED CHOIR Grade: 9-12 Credit: 1 Prerequisites: Director s approval and participation in this choir may be determined by an audition to assess the student s vocal technique, sight- reading skills and attitude. This choir is designed for students with intermediate to advanced vocal experience or ability. AP MUSIC THEORY Prerequisites: A student currently registered in band or choir at the high school level. The AP Music Theory course develops a student s ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and progressions of music. The achievement of these goals will be addressing fundamental aural, analytical, and compositional skills both listening and written exercises. Building on this foundation, the course will include more creative tasks, such as harmonization of a melody by selecting appropriate chords, composing a musical bass line to provide two-voice counterpoint, and the realization of figured-bass notation. The knowledge and skills studied in AP Music Theory are adaptable to making and understanding music in many genres such as: classical, jazz, rock and pop, opera, Broadway musicals, wind band, and country-western. Expansion of skills will be adapted to computer assisted music programs as available. It is assumed that students registering for this course are acquiring at least basic performance skills in voice or a wind/percussion instrument. ART I Grade: 9-12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: None Students will learn to express their ideas and feelings through drawing, painting, and ceramics. Each lesson is combined with studies in Art History and Appreciation. ART II Prerequisite: 85% or better in Art I This is a one year course for students who wish to further develop drawing skills introduced in Art I. Students rely on direct observation of their environment, as well as imagination, memory, and their own life experiences to create expressive art work. A variety of media, including pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, acrylic paint, watercolors, pen and ink, and mixed media is employed to communicate personal themes. Important concepts include light and shadow, composition, perspective, and abstraction. All students will maintain an outside of class sketchbook of 3 sketches/pieces per 9 week grading periods. The student will also maintain a portfolio of completed projects to monitor progress. 26