Jonathan Alder High School

Transcription

1 Jonathan Alder High School Course Handbook & Class Descriptions 1

2 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR JONATHAN ALDER HIGH SCHOOL Students are encouraged to carefully plan a program of studies that will assist them in reaching their educational and occupational goals. It is important that you select courses to fit your career plans. We suggest that you: review all requirements for graduation, use a course planning form (complete the quadrants for your four year program paying particular attention to graduation requirements). You can obtain a course planning form from your guidance counselor. Jonathan Alder High School will make every effort to keep up to date records and keep students and parents informed about the status of progress toward compiling the necessary coursework for graduation requirements. It is the responsibility of every student and parent to be acquainted with the necessary requirements to meet this goal. Subject Units of Credit Language Arts 4 credits Mathematics (including Algebra II) 4 credits Science 4 credits** (must include 1 credit of life science and 1 credit of physical science) Social Studies 3 credits World History/other history (1 credit) U.S. History (1 credit) Principles of Democracy (POD) (1 credit) POD includes ½ credit of Government and ½ credit Economics/Personal Finance Computer Technology 1 credit Fine Arts 1 credit Health 0.5 credits Physical Education (2 semesters) 0.5 credits* Electives 2 credits Total 21 credits In order to graduate, all students must pass: all 5 parts of the Ohio Graduation Test, classes required by the State of Ohio, Senior Project if student is in the JAHS building full time his/her senior year, the required number of electives 2

3 Criteria for Alternative Pathway to Graduation 1. On the one [OGT]...for which the person failed to attain the designated score, the person missed that score by 10 points or less; Note: This means a scaled score of at least 390 on the failed OGT. 2. Has a 97 percent school attendance rate in each of the last four school years, excluding any excused absences;note: Excused absences are defined by local school district policy. 3. Has not been expelled from school...in any of the last four school years; Note: The statute does not address other student disciplinary outcomes, such as suspension. 4. Has a grade point average of at least 2.5 out of 4.0, or its equivalent as designated in rules adopted by the state board of education in the subject area of the [failed OGT]; Note: The conversion chart can be found on the Ohio Department of Education Web site at keyword Alternative Pathway. 5. Has completed the [state] high school curriculum requirements...in the subject area [of the failed test];note: This applies to a student s eligibility to be considered for an alternative pathway only. To receive a diploma, the student must also satisfy school district graduation requirements. 6. Has taken advantage of any intervention programs provided by the school district or school in the subject area [of the failed OGT]...and has a 97 percent attendance rate, excluding any excused absences, in any of those programs that are provided at times beyond the normal school day, school week or school year or has received comparable intervention services from a source other than the school district or school;note: Students are only subject to this criterion if they were offered intervention. If so, the attendance requirement refers to their rate of participation. 7. Holds a letter recommending graduation from each of the person's high school teachers in the subject area [of the failed OGT]...and from the person's high school principal. Note: If the student s teacher from a specific course is no longer available, a person with sufficient knowledge to make an informed recommendation may substitute. Requirements for an Academic Diploma with Honors (Honors Diploma) if the student is attending JAHS Students need to fulfill all but one of the following criteria for the Diploma with Honors: English 4 credits Mathematics 4 credits (Including: Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II) Science 4 credits (Including: chemistry and physics) Social Studies 4 credits (Including: U.S. History, Government, and Economics) Foreign/World Language 3 credits (minimum) (Must include either 3 credits of the same foreign language or 2 credits of one foreign language and 2 credits of a second foreign language) 3

4 Fine Arts 1 credit Grade Point Average 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale (This is the final cumulative GPA the student s senior year) ACT/SAT Score (Excluding scores from writing sections) 27 or above ACT Composite Score or 1210 SAT Diploma with Honors pre suppose the completion of all high school diploma requirements in the Ohio Revised Code including: ½ credit ½ credit ½ credit ½ credit ½ credit Physical Education (unless waived due to athletics/marching band) Health U. S. History Government Economics (Honors Diploma) if the student is attending Tolles Career and Technical Center Students need to fulfill all but one of the following criteria for the Diploma with Honors: English 4 credits Mathematics 4 credits (Including: Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II) Science 4 credits (Including two units of advanced science **) Social Studies 4 credits (Including: U.S. History, Government, and Economics) Career Technical 4 credits minimum (Program must lead to an industry recognized credential, apprenticeship, or be a part of an articulated career pathway which can lead to post secondary credit.) ACT/SAT Score (Excluding scores from writing sections) Additional Assessment 27 or above ACT Composite Score or 1210 SAT Achieve proficiency benchmark established for appropriate Ohio Career Technical Competency Assessment or equivalent. 4

5 ** Advanced science refers to courses in the Ohio Core that are inquiry based with laboratory experiences and align with the 11/12 th grade standards or with an AP science course, or with the new high school syllabi, or with entry level college course, or contain material above the current OGT level. Diploma with Honors pre suppose the completion of all high school diploma requirements in the Ohio Revised Code including: ½ credit ½ credit ½ credit ½ credit ½ credit Physical Education (unless waived due to athletics/marching band) Health U. S. History Government Economics MINIMUM COLLEGE ENTRANCE RECOMMENDATIONS To assist students in making a smooth transition from high school to college, the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Board of Regents recommend a college preparatory program which includes: 4 years of English, with emphasis on composition 3 years of mathematics (at least Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II) 3 years of science (Physical Science, Biology and Chemistry) 3 years of social studies 2 years of the same foreign/world language 1 year of fine, applied, or performing arts Students who pursue this curriculum will have solid preparation for college. Since requirements vary from university to university. Students are strongly encouraged to check the latest policies regarding course requirements with each university or college admissions office. Note: Algebra IA and Algebra 1B count as Algebra I for college entrance. PREFERRED COLLEGE ENTRANCE RECOMMENDATIONS Although the above are the minimum college entrance recommendations the following are the preferred courses that colleges/universities would like an applicant to have prior to admission: 5 years of English, with emphasis on composition and grammar 4 years of mathematics (at least Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II) 3 4 years of science (Physical Science, Biology and Chemistry) 3 years of social studies 3 years of the same foreign/world language or 2 years of one foreign/global language and 2 years of a second foreign/global language 1 year of fine, applied or performing arts 5

6 CREDIT EARNED IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Students successfully completing/passing high school courses (Algebra I and/or Health) in junior high school will be granted high school credit. The grade earned in junior high school will be included in the student s high school GPA. Physical Education Waiver Information If a student participated in OHSAA sports, marching band or cheerleading then the student may have one semester of physical education waived for each season of a sport/marching band/cheerleading the student participated in up to 2 seasons. A student must have 2 completed seasons of sports or marching band or cheerleading to take advantage of the PE waiver. A student can not have one season of a sport and one season of a physical education class. To have the PE requirement waived a student must turn in a completed PE waiver form for each season of sport/marching band/cheerleading completed to a guidance counselor. (Forms may be obtained in the guidance area). 6

7 PLEASE PRINT PHYSICAL EDUCATION WAIVER FORM Student Name: Student ID#: Sport: Circle the season participated: Fall Winter Spring Name of Coach (please print): Coach s Signature: Date: Coach s signature means student participated in a full season of. (sport) ***NOTE*** grades 9/10 turn forms into Mrs. Wolfe grades 11/12 turn forms into Mrs. Davis 7

8 PSEO Information The PSEO Program allows high school students to take college classes while they are still in high school. For information on the Post Secondary Enrollment Program (PSEO) the PSEO presentation is available on the guidance department website. It should answer many of the questions you have. If you plan to participate in the PSEO Program you must view the presentation on the guidance website, and complete the two documents/forms below. You must also turn them into your guidance counselor on or before March 30. POST SECONDARY COUNSELING REQUIREMENT Rule Date: High School: Jonathan Alder High School Student Name: This is to certify that I have viewed the information and counseling related to the Post Secondary Enrollment Options Program online by viewing the Jonathan Alder High School PSEO Options Presentation. This information/counseling presentation included the following: 1. Program eligibility 2. Options available 3. Finance 4. Academic credits/college credits 5. Transportation 6. Support service available 7. Scheduling 8. Graduation requirements 9. Academic and social responsibilities My signature below is my acknowledgement that I have viewed the whole information/counseling presentation. I understand the responsibilities I must assume by participating in the Post Secondary Enrollment Options Program. Student Signature: Date: Parent Signature: Date: 8

9 POST SECONDARY ENROLLMENT OPTIONS PARTICIPATION Rule Date: (No later than March 30)* School: Jonathan Alder High School Student Name: Student Grade: Unless special permission is received from the Superintendent. This is to serve as notification that I intend to participate in the Post Secondary Enrollment Options Program. I understand that it is my responsibility to notify my school if I do not gain post secondary admission or choose not to participate for some other reason. I also understand that if I, (student name) fail to complete a college course, withdraw from the course after the college withdrawal date* or if I am absent from more than 10% of classes in a college course and I fail that course, I and/or my parents will assume responsibility for all fees and costs incurred. * I must have permission from my guidance counselor to withdraw from any PSEO Option B college class. Student signature: Parent signature: 9

10 Credit Flex Information Senate Bill 311 (the Ohio Core legislation) raised the graduation requirements for high school students, with the goal of increasing the number of students who are ready to meet the demands of our global and technological age. Ohio's plan for credit flexibility is designed to broaden the scope of curricular options available to students, increase the depth of study possible for a particular subject, and allow tailoring of learning time and/or conditions. These are ways in which aspects of learning can be customized around more of students' interests and needs. Students may earn credits by: 1. Completing traditional coursework; 2. Testing out of or demonstrating mastery of course content; or 3. Pursuing one or more educational options (e.g., distance learning, educational travel, independent study, an internship, music, arts, after school/tutorial program, community service or other engagement projects and sports). Credit flexibility is intended to motivate and increase student learning by allowing: 1. Access to more learning resources, especially real world experiences; 2. Customization around individual student needs; 3. Use of multiple measures of learning, especially those where students demonstrate what they know and can do, apply the learning, or document performance. General Information Requests for flex credit must be pre approved BEFORE the class or activity and will not be issued retroactively. All requests for flexible credit must be received by the high school guidance counselor by March 15 for the following year. (This date is subject to change.) All information required by the school must be submitted by the deadlines established or credit will not be considered. Parents are responsible for all costs associated with obtaining flexible credit for coursework. Students must meet all expectations established for receiving credit for a class under this policy. Flex Credit: Testing Out of a Course Option Testing out of courses must be done during the summer months to allow student schedules to be prepared and class sizes to be balanced. No mid year credit will be issued under this program. No credit will be issued unless a C or better is achieved. Note: some courses may have a higher grade requirement for credit to be issued. Grades received in the test out option will go on the student's transcript and will be part of the students GPA. Flex Credit: Online provider /summer school program Option Students must use a preapproved correspondence school or summer school program. If the provider is not on the JAHS approved list the provider must be submitted and approved by the flex credit committee before the student s flex credit application is considered for approval. Grades received in the flex credit through an online provider/summer school program option will go on the student's transcript and will be part of the students GPA. 10

11 PRE APPROVAL INFORMATION (Please Print) Student Name Parent Name Parent/student Address Parent Phone # Home: cell: Parent Data Needed for Credit to be Awarded Test out option: The staff member who administered the testing will provide semester and final grades to the student s guidance counselor once all testing is completed, graded and all fees paid. The student must achieve an 85% or better to receive credit for the class; any grade received will be part of the student s transcript and GPA. * Note: For any student who would like to play sports at the college level in at the DI or DII level, please know that the NCAA Eligibility Center will not accept the test out option as credit for core classes. For NCAA Eligibility this option may impact your accepted core courses and your eligibility to participate in a sport at the DI /DII level. PLEASE KNOW THAT THIS FORM IS DUE NO LATER THAN MARCH 15 FOR SUMMER COURSE WORK AND TEST OUT OPTIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL YEAR AND DECEMBER 1 FOR FALL FLEX CREDIT REQUESTS. I have read the above general information/flex Credit information and NCAA Eligibility information.. I understand and accept the following: 1. I (parent/student) am responsible for all costs for obtaining credit through one of the flex credit options. 2. Using the Test Out flex credit option could impact my eligibility with the NCAA Eligibility Center. 3. Any grade I earn through flex credit will be part of my high school transcript and my GPA. Student signature: Date: Parent signature Date: 11

12 Virtual High School Information Virtual High School classes are open to all students who would like to take advanced courses that Jonathan Alder does not offer. Students are required to have a period in their schedule to work on the VHS course. Visit the website to take the VHS Pre Student Survey Questionnaire and visit a Day in the Life of a VHS student to determine if online learning is right for you! Space is limited and an on line application is required. What courses can I take? As a VHS student you may: Choose a course to enroll in from over 100 full semester courses including honors, technical, and specialized classes Enroll in unique classes such as Lewis and Clark s Expedition, Music Listening and Critique, Marketing and the Internet; Constitutional Law, Web Design and Internet Research, etc. How will I benefit? By participating in a VHS course you will: Gain skills that are essential for the 21 st Century such as multimedia presentation skills, online collaboration and communication, assessment of online resources, and online team building skills. Collaborate with other students from other states and countries in a virtual classroom learning environment. Participate in engaging and challenging courses that stimulate your creativity and challenge your intellectual capacity. 12

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14 Academic Options English English 9 1 Credit Year Course Fees: A fee will be required for this course. Summer reading is required for this course. The goal of English 9 is to prepare students for college and career readiness through the use of Common Core standards. Students will read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, poems, and nonfiction in the 9th grade text complexity band. Writings will include arguments with valid reasoning and evidence, informative/explanatory texts, narratives, and research. Students will participate in collaborative discussions, build presentation skills, and expand their use and understanding of language and vocabulary. Honors English 9 1 Credit Year Weighted Course (C or above is weighted) Fees: A fee will be required for this course. Prerequisite: teacher recommendation AND exemplary standardized test scores Summer reading is required for this course. Honors English 9 builds on the English 9 curriculum (see above) by incorporating higher level reading and writing activities to prepare students for the rigors of Advanced Placement and college level coursework. English 10 1 Credit Year Course Fees: A fee will be required for this course. Summer reading is required for this course. Students will examine a diverse set of literary genres and pursue their investigation of substantive, complex expository works of nonfiction such that they become adept investigators and can analyze the meaning of both literary and nonfiction works. Students will have a firm grasp about how authors craft their prose and how writers make their argument(s) cohere. Students are adept at comparing and contrasting how ideas, themes or concepts are presented in two different artistic mediums in which different details are emphasized. Students are asked to analyze the seminal foundational documents of the United States as well as grasp differing perspectives and points of view embedded in works of 14

15 world literature. Through discussion and writing, students will develop a deepening grasp of academic English and will be able to utilize the right mode of speech or language when speaking or crafting prose. Students will participate in a variety of settings through constructively listening and sharing their ideas both orally and in writing. Students will confidently express themselves in diverse writing formats and prose settings, from investigative reports and literary analyses to summations and research papers. With regard to research, students will utilize more complex materials and specialized sources. They will develop a central idea; maintain a coherent focus in their writing, and elaborate the points they make with well documented and relevant examples, facts, and details. Through writing and conversation, students will internalize the expectations of academic written and spoken English and resolve issues regarding usage by consulting style guides. Honors English 10 1 Credit Year Weighted Course (C or above is weighted) Fees: A fee will be required for this course. Prerequisite: Permission from 9th grade teacher and 90% average in 9th grade English. Summer reading is required for this course. The Honors English 10 course includes the same curriculum as the English 10 course. The instruction of this curriculum may be delivered via an accelerated interdisciplinary approach or by a traditional departmentalized format. Each will incorporate various forms of enrichment depending on the strengths associated with each instructor. American Literature 1 Credit Year Course Fees: A fee will be required for this course. Grade: 11 Summer reading is required for this course. American Literature is presented as a chronological survey of outstanding American authors and their literature. The course covers: vocabulary, composition, grammar and reading comprehension. Honors American Literature 1 Credit Year Weighted Course (C or above is weighted) Fees: A fee will be required for this course. Grade: 11 Prerequisite: 85% yearly average in 10th grade English/Honors English 10 and teacher recommendation Summer reading is required for this course. This course requires more extensive writing, critical reading, and in depth discussion than American Literature. Representative American writers and their works are read, discussed, and analyzed. On average students can expect 2 3 written assignments per week and more novels than are read in American Literature. 15

16 Advanced Placement English Language and Composition 1 Credit Year Weighted Course (C or above is weighted) Fees: A fee will be required for this course. Grade: Prerequisite: 90% yearly average in 10th grade English/Honors English 10 and teacher recommendation Summer reading is required for this course. *This is a dual enrollment course. Students may earn college credit for this class through Urbana University. This is an AP course in English language and composition. It is a college level course. It is designed to engage students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of the language contribute to effectiveness in writing. Reading Skills Lab 1/2 Credit Fees: To be determined Grades: 9, 10 Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation; This class can be taken twice with teacher and counselor approval. Students develop integrated, standards based literacy skills and strategies through direct and intensive instruction in decoding (phonics strategies), vocabulary knowledge and comprehension. Students engage in teacher guided direct instruction, independent reading, words study (decoding and vocabulary) and written responses to fiction/non fiction texts. English 12 1 Credit Year Course Fees: A fee will be required for this course Prerequisite: American Literature Summer reading is required for this course. *This is a dual enrollment course. Students may earn college credit for this class through Urbana University. English 12 focuses on college and career readiness as stated in the Common Core standards. It includes a focus on reading and comprehending British literature, including stories, dramas, poems, and essays, at college levels both independently and proficiently. Writings will concentrate on argument and analysis of argument, informative/explanatory texts, narratives, and research. Students will also develop 16

17 presentation and language skills both through the completion of Senior Project and regular classroom activities. Honors English 12 1 Credit Year Weighted Course (C or above is weighted) A fee is required for this course. Prerequisite: 85% yearly average in American Literature/Honors American Literature AND teacher recommendation Summer Reading is required for this course. *This is a dual enrollment course. Students may earn college credit for this class through Urbana University. In addition to the skills covered in English 12 (see above), Honors challenges students to incorporate more analytical activities into their reading and writing. Additional texts and activities work together to increase the rigor of the course and incorporate college level activities beyond those required for the Dual Enrollment program. Senior Project is an element of this course. Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition 1 Credit Year Weighted Course (C or above is weighted) A fee is required for this course. Prerequisite: 85% yearly average in American Lit/Honors American Lit AND teacher recommendation Summer Reading is required for this course. This is a Dual Enrollment college level class through Urbana University. AP English Lit is designed to engage students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students can deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. Analytical writing is an integral part of the AP Lit course. Frequent writing assignments and extensive reading will be important elements of the course. Senior Project is an element of this course. Students have the option of taking the AP test in May for possible college credit. Journalism 1 Credit Year Course Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. This course is designed primarily for juniors and seniors. Students generate, write, and edit stories necessary to produce the The Pioneer Press, Jonathan Alder s student newspaper. In addition to writing articles, students will design computer generated layouts as well as meet all predetermined production and editorial deadlines. Motivation, responsibility, independence and self direction are essential characteristics for a student who enrolls in this course. 17

18 Yearbook 1 Credit Year Course Grades: Fees: None Prerequisite: Permission of the yearbook adviser. Students will have the opportunity to be part of a team that publishes a hardbound book. Students will write headlines, body copy and captions, take photographs, design pages, create covers and sell ads to local businesses. Most importantly, they create a book of memories that will be read again and again for years to come, The Powder Horn Yearbook. Creative Writing 1/2 Credit Semester Course Fees: A fee will be required for this course Prerequisite: None The course work not only focuses on creative composition, but also emphasizes creative thinking techniques. Students keep journals, complete writing projects, and write poetry. Speech 1/2 Credit Semester Course Fees: None Prerequisite: None Emphasis is placed on development of improved communication techniques. Students will learn to write, research, and deliver several different types of speeches. Class time is also spent discussing topics of interest and learning how to handle everyday speaking situations. Film Studies 1/2 Credit Semester Course Fees: None Prerequisites: Students should be juniors or seniors. Juniors must have earned an 85% or better average in both their freshman and sophomore English classes. Seniors must have earned an 85% or better average in their freshman, sophomore, and junior English classes. In this semester course, students will view films, study films, learn the language of film, and become active viewers noticing details of visual and auditory images, discovering patterns in these images, discussing their discoveries, developing hypotheses, making predictions, forming opinion/evaluations, and communicating their ideas about films. 18

19 Mathematics Algebra 1A/1B 2 Credits 1A 1st Semester/1B 2nd Semester Fees: A scientific calculator will be required for this course. If you do not have a scientific calculator, a fee will be required so you can purchase one through the school. Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation from math teachers and standardized test scores are used for selection into this class. The course will consist of a review of pre algebra concepts and then cover standard Algebra 1 concepts. The emphasis is on a gradual, thorough approach to Algebra 1 which begins with the basic properties of the real number system and extends through the solutions of quadratic equations. These concepts are developed by means of formulas, graphs, and functions. This course prepares the students to take Geometry. A student who earned a low C, D or F in 8th grade math should take this course. (Colleges will accept Algebra 1A / 1B as Algebra 1.) NOTE: Algebra 1A/1B is taken in a block format freshman year. The course requires 2 periods per day. Algebra 1 1 Credit Year Course Fees: A scientific calculator will be required for this course. If you do not have a scientific calculator, a fee will be required so you can purchase one through the school. Prerequisite: A student must have earned A, B, or C in 8th grade math. A modern course in elementary Algebra, which begins with the basic properties of the real number system and extends through the solutions of quadratic equations. These concepts are developed by means of formulas, graphs, and functions. This course prepares the students to take Geometry. Geometry 9 *Freshmen Only 1 Credit Year Course Fees: A scientific calculator will be required for this course. If you do not have a scientific calculator, a fee will be required so you can purchase one through the school. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 in the eighth grade & recommendation by Algebra 1 teacher This course stresses both the basic structure and proficiency in developing formal proofs. The concepts of space geometry are integrated with plane geometry throughout the course. Algebraic skills are reviewed and strengthened as algebraic methods are applied to solving problems in geometry. Geometry 1 Credit Year Course Fees: A scientific calculator will be required for this course. If you do not have a scientific 19

20 calculator, a fee will be required so you can purchase one through the school. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or Algebra 1A/1B Geometry stresses both the basic structure and proficiency in developing formal proofs. The concepts of space geometry are integrated with plane geometry throughout the course. Algebraic skills are reviewed and strengthened as algebraic methods are applied to solving problems in geometry. Algebra 2 1 Credit Year Course Fees: A TI 83 or TI 84 graphing calculator is required. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 & Geometry Algebra 2 builds on the skills taught in Algebra 1 and continues with more advanced work on equations, inequalities, quadratic functions, sequences and series, probability, statistics and polynomials. Quadratic, logarithmic, exponential, and trigonometric functions are also studied. There will be an emphasis on modeling and problem solving. Pre Calculus 1 Credit Year Weighted Course (C or above is weighted) Fees: A TI 83 OR TI 83 Plus graphing calculator will be required for this course. Prerequisite: C or above in Algebra 2 This is a Pre Calculus course in mathematical analysis with functions being the unifying concept of almost every topic. The first semester includes the study of trigonometry, while exponents, logarithms, and analytic geometry make up the topics in the second semester. An extensive review of concepts from Algebra is included in this course along with a review of concepts that are tested on the ACT. Probability and Statistics* 1 Credit Year Course Fees: A TI 83 or TI 84 graphing calculator is required. Prerequisite: Completed Algebra 2 with at least a C average The purpose of this course in statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts 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 Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses 20

21 There will be several major projects throughout this course to apply and assess these skills. Students who earned a C average in Algebra 2 are encouraged to consider this course as their 4th math credit as required for graduation. Students who earned an A or B in Algebra 2 are encouraged to consider this course as an elective in addition to Precalculus. Students with a D average in Algebra 2 should strongly consider taking Transition to College Mathematics. * Some of this course description was taken directly from the College Board website. Honors Calculus 1 Credit Year Weighted Course (C or above is weighted) Fees: Any TI 83 or TI 84 graphing calculator will be required for this course. Prerequisite: Pre Calculus This course is designed to introduce students to elementary Calculus. While studying topics in differential and integral calculus, the students will improve their grasp of algebraic skills, trigonometry, and analytic geometry. The students will use previously learned skills to solve application problems. This course will teach the same material as the A.P.Calculus course, but at a slower pace. Advanced Placement Calculus 1 Credit Year Weighted Course (C or above is weighted) Fees: A TI 83 OR TI 83 plus graphing calculator will be required for this course. Prerequisite: Pre Calculus *This is a dual enrollment course. Students may earn college credit for this class through Clark State Community College. This course is designed to introduce students to Calculus. While studying topics in differential and integral calculus, the students will improve their grasp of algebraic skills, trigonometry, and analytic geometry. The students will use previously learned skills to solve application problems. The advanced placement exam is given at the end of the course and students may receive college credit and /or placement for courses they would normally take at the freshman and sophomore level in college. A.P. Calculus students may choose to take the A.P. Exam but are not required to. By taking the A.P. Exam students may receive college credit and/or placement for courses they would normally take at the freshman and/or sophomore level in college. Score required for college credit depends on the college/university. College Transition Math 1 Credit Year Course Fees: A scientific calculator will be required for this course. Prerequisite: C or lower in Geometry and Algebra 2 Note: This course is NOT accepted by NCAA Eligibility Center as part of core requirements for DI/DII athletics. College Transition is designed to review a variety mathematical skills found in algebraic and geometrical reasoning and introduce trigonometry and functions. Topics discussed include: elementary algebra, 21

22 intermediate algebra, advanced equations, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, analytical geometry, linear functions, systems of linear equations and inequalities, polynomials and rational algebraic expressions, exponents and logarithms, complex numbers, sequences and series, vectors, matrices, probability and trigonometry, exponents, and logarithms with an emphasis on problem solving. 22

23 Science Integrated Science 1 Credit Year Course Fees: A fee will be required for this course Note: All 9th graders must take this course or Integrated Science Honors Integrated science introduces students to key concepts and theories that provide a foundation for further study in other sciences and advanced science disciplines. This course comprises the systematic study of the physical world as it relates to fundamental concepts about matter, energy and motion. Integrated science is the culmination of all previously learned concepts related to chemistry and physics, along with historical perspective and mathematical reasoning. Emphasis will be placed on skills needed to do science, such as using the metric system, measurement, using laboratory apparatus, and designing scientific investigations. Students will be expected to solve problems, think critically, and integrate math and writing into science. Content areas will include the nature of matter, density, the periodic table, bonding, nature of energy, waves, chemical reactions, acids and bases, motion and forces. This course does provide a hands on approach to science. Honors Integrated Science 1 Credit Year Weighted Course (C or above is weighted) Fees: A fee will be required for this course Note: All 9th graders must take this course or Integrated Science Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and student must have completed or be concurrently taking Algebra 1. The student should have earned at least an 85% average in Science class in each of the two semesters preceding his/her proposed entry into the program. Standardized test scores will also be used for placement into this course. This course is designed to provide students with a firm foundation in the physical sciences. Heavy emphasis will be placed on the process skills needed to do science, such as use of the metric system, measurement, using laboratory apparatus, and designing scientific investigations. Students will be expected to solve problems, think critically, and integrate math and writing into science. Content areas will include the nature of matter, atomic theory, the periodic table, bonding, chemical reactions, acids and bases, nature of energy, waves, motion and forces. These topics will be covered in greater depth than in the Integrated Science 9 classes and mathematical applications will be stressed. In addition enrichment topics will be explored. Biology 1 Credit Year Course Fees: A fee will be required for this course Prerequisite: Integrated Science This course is a study of the living world. Topics of study include scientific methods, microscope use, 23

24 ethics, the cell, genetics, evolution, ecology, taxonomy, zoology, and animal anatomy (dissection). All subjects will be examined through a hands on approach when possible. Honors Biology 1 Credit Year Weighted Course (C or above is weighted) Fees: A fee will be required for this course Prerequisite: Integrated Science (80% or better in honors, or 90% or better in regular with approval from 9th grade science teacher. Previous science course grades and data from standardized tests may be used for placement purposes into this course. Honors Biology is an advanced college preparatory lab science course designed to teach students the concepts and principles of biology. Students will develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and recognize unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology. Topics that will be covered include scientific methods, current environmental issues, ecology, evolution, taxonomy, animal kingdoms, and genetics. This course will also include an overall theme of how humans are connected to the natural world. Laboratory activities stress the development of important skills such as detailed observation, accurate recording, experimental design, and data interpretation and analysis. Students will develop critical thinking skills through research and discussions about issues relating to current advancements in biology. We will read scientific articles and explore current research in the field of biology. Aquatic Ecology 1 Credit Year Course Fees: A fee will be required for this course Prerequisite: Completion of biology This course is designed for juniors and seniors. This course focuses on physical, chemical, and biological processes occurring in lakes, streams, and wetlands. This course assumes a basic knowledge of biology, ecology and chemistry. Students will learn about the physical and chemical aspects of aquatic systems and the life cycles and adaptations of aquatic organisms. After completion of the course students will be competent to apply ecological concepts to aquatic systems and to understand the impacts of human activities on aquatic ecosystems. The subject matter of this course is delivered in the form of lectures, lecture outlines, assigned readings, and laboratory exercises. The laboratory is an integral part of the course. There will be field trips to aquatic environments to enhance the students understanding of these various habitats. On these trips numerous observations and measurements will be made in the field and samples will be collected for analysis in the lab in later laboratory sessions. Students will be exposed to a variety of analytical methods and will design in depth research projects to complete. Honors Anatomy and Physiology 1 Credit Year Weighted Course (C or above is weighted) Fees: A fee will be required for this course Prerequisite: Completion of biology (80% or better in honors, or 90% or better in regular with approval from 10th grade science teacher. Previous science course grades and data from standardized tests may be used for placement purposes into this course. 24

25 This course is a preliminary investigation into the structures and functions of the human body. Emphasis is placed upon cellular biology, the muscular, skeletal, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine and reproductive systems. This is an advanced science course designed for college prep students. Students will learn to: dissect preserved organs identify organs, bones, and other anatomical features make scientific observations and record data understand the interconnectedness of physics and anatomy The information will be presented in various ways including lectures, student led inquiry, assigned readings, dissections, and a field trip to view cadavers. Chemistry 1 Credit Year Course Fees: A fee will be required for this course Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Biology This course will focus on understanding chemistry from a conceptual basis. Atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, chemical reactions, acids/bases, mixtures, phases of matter, chemical terminology, and kinetics will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on how chemistry relates to everyday life. Students will also learn proper laboratory procedures. A hands on approach to doing science will be emphasized throughout this course. Honors Chemistry 1 Credit Year Weighted Course (C or above is weighted) Fees: A fee will be required for this course Prerequisite: Previous science course grades: Algebra 1 (B or better final grade), Biology (B or better final grade) or Honors Biology (C or better final grade), and student must have completed or be concurrently taking Algebra 2. Data from standardized tests may be used for placement into this course. Note: This is a dual enrollment course. Students may earn college credit for this class through Clark State Community College. This course is taught at a college level and pace. Honors Chemistry is a laboratory based advanced comprehensive high school chemistry course. The Honors Chemistry class will move at a faster pace and to a greater depth in order to meet the requirements of students possibly preparing to study science in college and also to meet the curriculum needs for those students taking the course for college credit through dual enrollment with Clark State Community College. The course topics include modern atomic theory; chemical terminology; writing and predicting formulas; study of gases, liquids and solids; acid and base chemistry, reaction energy and kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and laboratory applications of these topics. This course requires solid math ability, critical thinking skills, rigorous memorization, and abstract visualization. 25

26 Physics 1 Credit Year Course Fees: A fee will be required for this course Prerequisite: Algebra 2 (C or higher) and Biology (C or higher) This course is taught with an emphasis on a conceptual study of energy and motion with some mathematical applications included. This course is designed for the student interested in how nature functions. It is not considered a college preparatory class for science oriented students. This course includes the study of theoretical mechanics, heat, nuclear physics, wave motion, light, sound, electricity and electronics. This course has approximately one lab period per week. Honors Physics 1 Credit Year Weighted Course (C or above is weighted) Fees: A fee will be required for this course Prerequisite Geometry ( B or better final grade) and Biology (C+ or better final grade) or Honors Biology (C or better final grade) and student must have completed or be concurrently taking Algebra 2. Note: This is a dual enrollment course. Students may earn college credit for this class through Clark State Community College. This course is taught at a college level and pace. Honors Physics is a laboratory based advanced comprehensive high school chemistry course. The Honors Physics class will move at a faster pace and to a greater depth in order to meet the requirements of students possibly preparing to study science in college and also to meet the curriculum needs for those students taking the course for college credit through dual enrollment with Clark State Community College. This course includes the study of theoretical mechanics, heat, nuclear physics, wave motion, light, sound, electricity and electronics. and laboratory applications of these topics. Some outside projects are required. This course requires solid math ability, critical thinking skills, rigorous memorization, and abstract visualization. A very heavy emphasis is placed on mathematical problem solving. This course has approximately one lab period per week. Physical Science 1 Credit Year Course Fees: A fee will be required for this course Prerequisite: Integrated Science (D+ or lower final grade), Biology (D+ or lower final grade) and data from standardized tests will be used for placement purposes into this course. This course is not a college prep course. Physical science comprises the systematic study of the physical world as it relates to fundamental concepts about matter, energy and motion. A unified understanding of phenomena in physical and space systems is the culmination of all previously learned concepts related to physics and space science, along with historical perspective and mathematical reasoning. 26

27 Forensic Science 1/2 Credit Semester Course Fees: A fee will be required for this course Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry Forensic Science deals with the application of science to the law. Students will learn the science techniques of crime scene investigation. Students will perform many hands on investigations as well as analysis of simulated crime scenes. Some of the topics covered in this course include: fingerprint identification and analysis, Analysis of hair, fibers and other trace evidence, Identification of unknown substances using lab techniques, Ballistic testing, DNA testing, analysis of blood, poisons, drugs, and toxicology and crime scenes. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, touching on topics in chemistry, physics, and biology. Environmental Science 1 Credit Year Course Fee: A fee will be required for this course Prerequisite: Integrated Science (D+or lower final grade), Biology (D+or lower final grade) and/or Physical Science. Students must have a recommendation from a member of the the science department. Environmental Science is a laboratory science course that enables students to develop an understanding of natural and man made environments and environmental problems the world faces. This is a follow up course to Physical Science. Students explore environmental science concepts through an inquiry based approach. The course will be taught in the context of the content standards for Earth Systems, The Living World, Human Population, Food Production & Pest Management, Water and Land Resources, Energy Resources and Consumption, Pollution and Waste Production, Global Change, and Civic Responsibility. The curriculum focuses on concepts that are real life issues. It promotes awareness and understanding of practical everyday problems that affect their lives. It also relates important environmental issues to the lives of the students and their families. Students will be exposed to a variety of analytical methods, and will be expected to present a capstone project on a given topic. 27

28 Social Studies Modern World History 1 Credit Year Course Fees: None Note: All 9 th graders will take this course. Modern World History or Honors Modern World History is required for graduation. World Studies from 1600 to Present: Age of Revolutions through 21 st Century This course examines world events from 1600 to the present. It explores the impact of the democratic and industrial revolutions, the forces that led to world domination by European powers, the wars that changed empires, the ideas that led to independence movements and the effects of global interdependence. The concepts of historical thinking introduced in earlier grades, continue to build with students locating and analyzing primary and secondary sources from multiple perspectives to draw conclusions. Students will work collaboratively to further develop their critical thinking and communication skills. Honors Modern World History 1 Credit Year Course Fees: None Modern World History or Honors Modern World History is required for graduation. Similar to Modern World History, this course examines world events from 1600 to the present by exploring the impact of the democratic and industrial revolutions, the forces that led to world domination by European powers, the wars that changed empires, the ideas that led to independence movements and the effects of global interdependence. Honors World History is designed for college bound students and is more rigorous than Modern World History. Students will be responsible for daily assignments that focus on reading comprehension skills, critical thinking skills, and the ability to analyze primary and secondary sources from multiple perspectives to draw conclusions. Throughout the course, students will read three novels that blend realistic and fictional accounts to course content. Students will additionally participate in various student led, discovery based activities and projects. The main goal of Honors World History is to develop social studies skills such as critical thinking skills, and communication skills. American History 1 Credit Year Course Fees: None This course is required for graduation. U.S. Studies from 1877 to Present: Post Reconstruction through the 21 st Century This course examines the history of the United States of America from 1877 to the present. The federal republic has withstood challenges to its national security and expanded the rights and roles of its citizens. The episodes of its past have shaped the nature of the country today and prepared it to attend to the 28