How To Get A Grade Of A In High School

Transcription

1 Class Registration School Year Graduation Requirements Scheduling Information with Sample/Suggested Course Sequencing Course Offerings & Selection Worksheet Course Descriptions

2 Dear TOPS Students and Families, Believe it or not, it is time to plan for next year! This Class Registration packet will hopefully contain all the materials you need to select classes. However, I am available to help with this process and questions you have. I have included all my contact information below. Use any of those methods to contact me any time. Below is a suggestion for how to use these materials to select your classes for next year. On the last page of this packet is a 4 Year Plan. You may fill it in with your previous and ongoing coursework. Use this to check off the credits you have earned each year. The right hand column of the 4 Year Plan is a Graduation Requirement checklist. You may refer to the chart on the next page to check off the requirements you have completed. Read over the Sample/Suggested Course Sequence. Do not worry if you have gone out of sequence in some areas. Read the course descriptions and select your classes. Enter or write in the classes in on the Course Description & Selection Worksheet. Be sure to send your class selections to me. Thank you for taking care of your part of registration. We are looking forward to another great year at TOPS! Sincerely, Mrs. Singleton TOPS School Counselor 423- [email protected]

3 Graduation Requirements COURSE REQUIREMENT: CREDIT: English I 1 English II 1 English III 1 English IV 1 Algebra I 1 Geometry 1 Algebra II 1 4 th Math, higher level 1 Biology 1 Chemistry or Physics 1 3 rd Lab Science 1 World History & Geography 1 U.S. History 1 Government/Economics 1 Wellness 1 PE 1 Personal Finance 1 Foreign Language I 1 Foreign Language II 1 Fine Art 1 Elective Focus (comprised of 3 3 elective classes) TOTAL = 23 Sample/Suggested Course Sequence 9 th : 10 th : 11 th : 12 th : English I English II English III English IV Math Algebra I A Math - Geometry Math Algebra II A Math Bridge or Statistics Math Algebra I B Biology Math Algebra II B Government Physical Science PE U. S. History Wellness Foreign Language 1 Science Computers Foreign Language 2 Personal Finance World History & Geography Blank spaces can be filled with electives or dual college enrollment courses (for 11 th and 12 th grade) of your choice.

4 Course Offerings School Year ENGLISH: English I English II English III English IV MATH: Algebra I Part A Algebra I Part B Geometry Algebra II Statistics SCIENCE: Physical Science Biology Anatomy & Physiology Chemistry Ecology SOCIAL STUDIES: World History & Geography U. S. History Government OTHER REQUIRED COURSES: Personal Finance Wellness PE Art German 1 German 2 Or Spanish 1 Spanish 2 ELECTIVES: Art 2 Creative Writing Computer Applications Foundations of Technology Game Programming 1 Game Programming ACT Prep Mythology Contemporary Issues PICK 8 CLASSES: And 1 Alternate: Course Descriptions

5 ENGLISH English 1 The English I curriculum is a survey of the different genres of literature that includes short stories, nonfiction texts, novels, plays, and informational texts --just to name a few. The class is also writing intensive. The writing focus of this course incorporates the interpretation of texts, applied writing structures, the writing process, and grammar, all skills necessary to strengthen your writing ability. Be prepared to not only understand appropriate grammar and syntax, but also strengthen your writing through word choice, editing, and a thorough knowledge of the formal rules of the English language. English 2 The English II literature curriculum is a survey of world literature from ancient times through the present. We will explore a variety of texts whose content and historical significance have helped to shape the contemporary world literature cannon. In addition to literature study, English II also encompasses research writing, logic, informational texts and text structures. Expect these five strands of learning to overlap as you complete each unit of study. English II is also a writing intensive course. The writing focus of this course incorporates the interpretation of texts, applied writing structures, the writing process, and grammar, all skills necessary to strengthen your writing ability. English 3 The English III curriculum is a survey of American Literature from before the Revolution to modern times. English III is also a writing focused course with emphasis on persuasive writing and literary criticism. We will also study many seminal pieces of informative and historical texts that helped shaped the history of our country and the identity of our literature. In addition to literature and writing study, English III also encompasses public speaking and listening and the interpretation and critique of media and technology. Expect these four strands of learning to overlap as you complete each unit of study. English 4 English IV is the study of British literature from 449 A.D. until the Modern Period. American literature has its roots in the historical British tradition, and it has become a mirror of many literary movements that started in Great Britain, such as those beginning with the Industrial Age and Enlightenment of the 1700's. In addition to literature study, English IV is a very writing intensive course. Throughout this course, expect to write several essays that focus on literary analysis, critique and synthesis. Additionally, there is a research component required for successful completion of the course. MATH Algebra I Algebra is designed to give students the requisite skills that provide a foundation for all future mathematics courses. Students will explore writing and solving linear equations, powers and exponents, quadratic equations, polynomials and factoring, graphing and solving linear inequalities, functions, and geometry. Algebra II Course Description: This course is designed to build on algebraic and geometric concepts. It develops advanced algebra skills such as systems of equations, advanced polynomials, imaginary and complex numbers, quadratics, and concepts and includes the study of trigonometric functions. It also introduces matrices and their properties. The content of this course are important for students success on both the ACT and college mathematics entrance exams.

6 Geometry Geometry introduces the study of points, segments, triangles, polygons, circles, solid figures, and their associated relationships as a mathematical system. Emphasis is placed on the description and use of inductive, deductive, and intuitive reasoning skills. Powers of abstract reasoning, spatial visualization and logical reasoning patterns are improved through this course. Points, segments, triangles, polygons, circles, and solid figures are the structures studied. The focus is on comparisons between these figures concerning surface areas, volumes, congruency, similarity, transformations, and coordinate Geometry. Bridge Math Bridge Math is designed for senior students to improve their ACT score and become college-ready in mathematics during their final year in high school. The course will cover the major topics of high school mathematics that are necessary to succeed in college-level math courses including number sense and operations, function relationships, quadratics and exponentials, basics of geometry, and rational expressions. Probability and Statistics Probability and Statistics introduces students to the basic concepts and logic of statistical reasoning and gives the students introductory-level practical ability to choose, generate, and properly interpret appropriate descriptive and inferential methods. In addition, the course helps students gain an appreciation for the diverse applications of statistics and its relevance to their lives and fields of study. The course does not assume any prior knowledge in statistics and its only prerequisite is basic algebra. SOCIAL STUDIES U.S. History and Geography- Reconstruction to Present In this course, students will examine the causes and consequences of the Industrial Revolution and America s growing role in world diplomatic relations. Students will study the goals and accomplishments of the Progressive movement and the New Deal, and will also learn about the various factors that led to America s entry into World War II, as well as its consequences for American life. They will study the important social, cultural, economic, and political changes resulting from the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, and recent events and trends that have shaped modern-day America. Additionally, students will continue to use skills and primary source documents for historical and geographical analysis as they examine American history since Reconstruction; with special attention to Tennessee connections in history, geography, and politics. Finally, students will focus on current human and physical geographic issues important in contemporary America and the global society. World History and Geography: The Industrial Revolution to the Contemporary World Students will study the rise of the nation state in Europe, the French Revolution, and the economic and political roots of the modern world. They will examine the origins and consequences of the Industrial Revolution, nineteenth century political reform in Western Europe, and imperialism in Africa, Asia, and South America. They will explain the causes and consequences of the great military and economic events of the past century, including the World Wars, the Great Depression, the Cold War, and the Russian and Chinese Revolutions. Finally, students will study the rise of nationalism and the continuing persistence of political, ethnic, and religious conflict in many parts of the world. Students will explore geographic influences on history, with attention given to political boundaries that developed with the evolution of nations from 1750 to the present and the subsequent human geographic issues that dominate the global community. Additionally, students will study aspects of technical geography such as GPS and GIS, and how these innovations continuously impact geopolitics in the contemporary world.

7 Econ and Finance In Economics, students study how people, businesses, and governments make choices with limited resources and unlimited wants and needs. The first part of this course will be introducing basic economic principles and current economic issues with a focus on the American economy. Students will examine components of the American economy such as price, competition, business and banking institutions. The second part of the course will introduce students to Personal Finance. This is a course designed to inform students how individual choices directly influence occupational goals and future earnings potential. Real world topics covered will include income, money management, spending and credit, as well as saving and investing. Government The Government High School course focuses on the United States' founding principles and beliefs. Students will study the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. Integrate the six social studies standards of essential content knowledge and four process skills will be integrated for instructional purposes. SCIENCE Physical Science Physical Science is a Virtual laboratory science course that explores the relationship between matter and energy. Students investigate physical science concepts through an inquiry-based approach. Embedded standards for Inquiry, Technology & Engineering, and Mathematics are taught in the context of the content standards for Energy, Matter, Motion, and Forces. This course introduces the general principles of physics and chemistry. Topics include measurement, motion, Newton's laws of motion, momentum, energy, work, power, heat, thermodynamics, waves, sound light, electricity, magnetism, and chemical principles. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the physical environment and be able to apply the scientific principles to observations experienced. Biology The goal of Biology 1 is to develop an understanding of the diversity and unity in living things. Concepts covered include current and emerging technologies as well as interactions of organisms with their environment, chemical structure of organisms, transfer of energy in organisms, cell structure and function, continuity and change in living things, diversity of living things, and evidence of biological evolution. This course includes preparation for the state AYP/End of Course exam. Chemistry One of the main goals of this course is to help students become critical and independent thinkers who are able to function in a scientific and technical society. Learning chemistry requires both the assimilation of new concepts and the development of analytical skills. Since high school is preparing you for the working world or college, the classroom expectations and activities will be geared toward developing and encouraging the habits, skills, and knowledge needed for success in either endeavor. Course content includes properties and structures of matter in its various states, chemical calculations and quantitative relationships, chemical bonding and molecular structure, chemical reactions, solutions, gas laws, acids and bases, and laboratory techniques and safety. In addition, math is the language of science, so the ability to perform mathematical computations using fractions, decimals, ratios, and exponents is required.

8 Anatomy and Physiology We will take a brief tour through the human body's anatomy and physiology. My goal in teaching this course is not only to inspire the love of biology, but for students to have a better understanding of their own bodies. I also hope to prepare any aspiring health care occupation student for college level Anatomy and Physiology courses. We will cover the TN state standards through throughout the course. Electives Art Appreciation 1 In this course you will learn about art in different ways. First, how to look at artworks (elements, art tools, types). You will become familiar with the elements and theories of artistic expression. Then, starting with Cave art going through to Modern art styles. An in-depth study of many different artists and styles from Leonardo da Vinci to Picasso! You will develop the competence in looking at artworks and be able to identify the time period and type of art. There are even CHOICES If you choose, you will be able to do actual works of art. We will journey through the internet to many different places around the globe to look at art. In your final project artist study you will be allowed to choose either a written report, producing a piece of artwork in the artists style or a homemade art video. You DO NOT need to be able to do artworks in this course!! Art Appreciation 2 In this course you will learn about art in more depth than Art Appreciation 1. We will explore artistic criticism by looking at artworks with a critical eye and learn to write an artistic critique using the elements and principals vocabulary. There is an artist media exploration section where we create artworks in a variety of types (drawing, painting, printmaking, digital design, and sculpture) with the aid of video step-by-step demonstrations done by the teacher. Next, we will explore artworks by culture and countries to include; Asian art, Ancient Mexico, African Art, and Native American. Another unit will focus only on contemporary American Artists. Finally, we will learn about Art Careers. Creative Writing The Creative Writing Curriculum is centered on the development of each student's writing voice, tone, and style. We will be following a curriculum that focuses on the idea of "Where I am From" -- all of the minute details that make up a life. Our focus looks at a variety of genres of reading and writing, with each module building on the other to increase in complexity, activity, and written message. In order to understand what goes into crafting the different types of literature we encounter every day, we will be exploring a broad range of literary genres for their form and function, purpose, audience, literary freedoms, and literary limitations. We will be exploring poetry, creative non-fiction, essays, novel excerpts, personal essays, short stories, and informational texts -- just to name a few. Because our overall focus for this course is "Where I am From", we will be looking at how the different aspects of time and place affect our lives and our personal stories. Each module will therefore have a different focus within the idea of time and place: objects, play, images, shapes, histories, voices, and storytelling are just a few topics we will address within our studies.

9 Game Programming 2 This class builds on skills learned in Game Programming 1. In this class, students will use Microsoft Visual C# and XNA Game Studio to learn computer programming through game creation. These are not the drag-and-drop type programs the students will learn to write code in the C# (C sharp) programming language. The students will be provided a free ebook, free software, and video tutorials to help them complete their projects. The only thing the students must provide is an XBOX controller capable of connecting to their computer (usually USB) ACT Prep This course is a self-paced course designed to help students study for the ACT to improve their score. Mythology This course is a study of mythology both in terms of knowing myths and knowing the general structure of mythology across cultures and societies. Contemporary Issues This course is designed to increase student interest in contemporary problems and issues. Students will be encouraged to use primary and secondary materials to form opinions and propose solutions to problems. Topics will include media, state, and local issues such as economics and politics, national issues such as governmental policies, and international issues such as trade, military conflict, and environmental concerns

10 Student Name: s to Graduate Early Graduate Year Entered 9 th Grade IEP 504 Grade 9 Course English Math Science Wellness Total S1 S2 Grade 11 Course English Math Science Yr: Yr: Grade 10 Course English Math Science PE Total S1 S2 Grade 12 Course English Math Yr: Yr: Graduation Requirement English Math Science Social Studies Wellness/PE Comp./Pers. Fin. Foreign Lang 1&2 Fine Art Elective Focus Electives Middle School Algebra Foreign Lang. Elective Focus Total S1 S2 Total S1 S2 EXPLORE Career Area Preference: College: PLAN Career Area Preference: Vocation: