Knapp Early College Course Catalog revisions

COURSE CATALOG 2012-2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
J.P. Knapp Honor Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
...............
2
Graduation
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.......
3
Promotion Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
...............
3
Future Ready Core Graduation Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
..............
4
College/University Prep Graduation
Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Drop/Add
Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.......
6
Enrollment in a Community College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
..............
6
Grade Point Average
Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Grade Point Average Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
...............
7
Weighted Grade Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

...............
8
Valedictorian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
................
8
Salutatorian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
................
8
Honor Graduate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
...............
9
Marshals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
................
9
Presidential Award for Educational Excellence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............
9
North Carolina Academic Scholars Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............
10
Driving
Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.........
11
Early
Graduation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
..........
11
College Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
...............

11
Core 44 College Transfer
Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
1


North Carolina Course of Study Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
..............
12
New High School Exit
Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Graduation Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
...............
12
Student Education
Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
13
Course
Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 14-22 What Is Tested in High School? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-24

J. P. Knapp Early College Honor Code
Any student who knowingly engages in or attempts
to engage in plagiarism or falsification shall be
subject to disciplinary action. The following actions
specifically are prohibited:
1.cheating, including the giving or receiving of

any unauthorized assistance or unfair
advantage on any form of academic work;
2.plagiarism, including the copying of the
language, structure, ideas and/or thought of
2


another and representing it as one's own
original work; and
3. falsification, including a verbal or written
statement that is knowingly untrue but is
represented as the truth.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
It is important that parents and students choose the proper courses at the time of
registration. It is each student’s responsibility to meet the graduation requirements.
Students should be aware of prerequisites and special provisions for certain courses and be
sure they are eligible for each course for which they register.
A student has the potential to earn a minimum of eight (8) credits each year. For most J. P.
Knapp Early College students, twenty-eight (28) credits (high school and/or college) are
required for graduation.

PROMOTION POLICIES
3


Promotion to Year 2
A student must earn at
least six (6) high school
credits including:

ENGLISH I

Promotion to Year 3
A student must earn a
cumulative total of at
least thirteen (13) high
school credits including:
ENGLISH I & II

Promotion to Year 4
A student must earn a
cumulative total of at
least twenty (20) high
school/college credits
including:
ENGLISH I, II, III

One Math
One Science
One Social Studies

Two Maths
Two Sciences
Two Social Studies
Achievement of minimum
Level III score on the North
Carolina Writing
Assessment or have
demonstrated proficiency
on local assessments

4


FUTURE READY CORE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

(For Freshman Entering ’09-’10 & Beyond)

Content
Area

Credit
s

Courses

English

4

Honors English I
Honors English II
Honors English III or AP English Language and Comp.
Honors English IV or AP English Literature & Comp. or
ENG 241 & 242

Math

4

Algebra I/Honors Geometry or Honors Geometry/Honors
Alg. II
Honors Algebra II/Advanced Functions & Modeling

Science

3

Honors Earth Science
Honors Biology
Honors Chemistry

Social Studies

3

Honors World History
Honors Civics & Economics
Honors US History

Foreign Language

2

2 Consecutive Credits in the same foreign language
Spanish, French, German, Latin

Health & PE

1

Healthful Living & PE

Electives

4

4 College Credits in the same area
(ie. Humanities/Fine Arts or Social Sciences)

5


Local

1

Academic Seminar

6


COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY PREP REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

(For ’08-’09 Freshman)

Content
Area

Credit

s

Courses

English

4

Honors English I
Honors English II
Honors English III or AP English Language and Comp.
Honors English IV or AP English Literature & Comp. or
ENG 241 & 242

Math

4

Algebra I/Honors Geometry or Honors Geometry/Honors
Alg. II
Honors Algebra II/Advanced Functions & Modeling

Science

3

Honors Earth Science
Honors Biology
Honors Chemistry

Social Studies

3

Honors World History
Honors Civics & Economics
Honors US History

Foreign Language

2

2 Consecutive Credits in the same foreign language
Spanish, French, German, Latin

Health & PE

1

Healthful Living & PE

Electives

10

10 Elective Credits

7

Local

1

Academic Seminar
DROP/ADD POLICY

Students should consider course selections very carefully. Select alternate courses for
electives since schedule conflicts or class overloads may prohibit admission into a course.
Per school policy, students who withdraw from a course after the drop/add period within a
semester will receive a “WF” (Withdrawal Failing) grade, which will be calculated into their
GPA as an “F” grade.
According to the North Carolina State Board of Education policy for end-of-course
tests, effective with the 1999-2000 school year, students may not drop a course
with an end-of-course test after 10 days in a semester-long course, or 20 days in a
year-long course.

ENROLLMENT IN A COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Under dual enrollment, a student may receive college level credit from College of the
Albemarle (COA) under the following guidelines:
1.

The student must be attending high school on at least a half-time basis, must be in
good academic standing with at least a 2.0 G.P.A. The student must meet all
existing COA admissions criteria and all prerequisites for courses.

2.

The student needs to complete a COA Application for Admission, the Dual
Enrollment Approval Form, and a COA Registration Form. The Dual Enrollment

Approval Form is signed by the student, the high school guidance counselor or
principal, and the parent/guardian.

3.

Every student who takes an internet course or a course which utilizes the internet
as part of the curriculum, will be expected to have an e-mail account, daily access
to a computer, and demonstrate skills in uploading and downloading files,
appending attachments to e-mail and conducting on-line research.

4.

Upon completion of the course it is the student’s responsibility to submit the grade
when applying to any other college or university. The grade becomes part of the
student’s permanent high school and college transcript.

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GRADE POINT AVERAGE CALCULATION
Grade Point Average (GPA) is the primary means of ranking and honoring students at JP
Knapp Early College High School. GPA is determined by converting the traditional 100 point
scale (85, 91, 78, etc.) into a “4.0 Scale” (shown in the chart below).
GRADE POINT AVERAGE TABLE
96-100%=4.00

91%=3.38

86%=2.75

81%=2.13

76%=1.50

95%=3.88

90%=3.25

85%=2.63

80%=2.00

75%=1.38

94%=3.75

89%=3.13

84%=2.50

79%=1.88

74%=1.25

93%=3.63

88%=3.00

83%=2.38

78%=1.75

73%=1.13

92%=3.50

87%=2.88

82%=2.25

77%=1.63

70-72%=1.00
<69%=0.00

*This conversion table is taken from the NC Standard for Grading adopted by the NC
Department of Public Instruction and applied throughout all public secondary schools in
North Carolina.
A cumulative GPA includes all semester grades a student earns beginning with semester
one of grade nine and continuing through high school.
Weighted courses change the above equation. With the weighted course system, a student
can have a GPA of greater than 4.0 on the 4.0 scale. With a weighted course, the conversion
is made to the 4.0 scale first. Then, 1 ADDITIONAL POINT IS ADDED TO THE CONVERTED
GRADE. (A 4.0 becomes a 5.0; a 2.56 becomes a 3.56, etc.) Example: Student A took only
"weighted" courses and made straight 100's while Student B took only "standard courses,"
but also made straight 100's. Student A would have a GPA of 5.0 and Student B would have
a GPA of 4.0.

9

WEIGHTED GRADE POLICY
College level courses are considered more difficult and therefore have 2 points added to the
converted 4.0 scale. Example: 96 converts to a 4 plus 2 = 6 and a grade of 89 converts to
3.13 plus 2 = 5.13. All students will have their grade point average computed using the
same weighted credit criteria. The following courses will receive weighted grades when
calculating grade point averages:

Course

Weig
ht

Course

Weig
ht

Honors English I

1

Honors NCVPS Courses

1

Honors Earth Science

1

Honors Biology

1

Honors World History

1

Honors Chemistry

1

Honors Geometry

1

Honors English II

1

Honors Algebra II

1

COA/UNCG College Courses

1

(Level 100 & 200)
Honors Civics & Economics

1

COA/UNCG College Courses

2

(Level 300 & 400)
Pre-Calculus

1

NCVPS Level III Foreign
Language Courses

1

VALEDICTORIAN
1.

Must have the highest cumulative weighted grade point average through the third nineweek grading period of the senior year.

2.

Must pass no fewer than two units of credit less than the total maximum potential
available for the four years in high school.

3.

A student who has been home-schooled or is a transfer student, must have attended

CCHS for the final 3 semesters.
SALUTATORIAN

1.

Must have the second highest weighted cumulative average through the third nine-week
grading period of the senior year.

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2.

All other requirements are the same as for valedictorian.

3.

A student who has been home-schooled or is a transfer student, must have attended
CCHS for the final 3 semesters.

HONOR GRADUATE
Requirements:
1.

Beginning with the Year One class of 2008-2009, honor graduates must have a weighted
GPA of 3.5.

2.

Must pass each of the following courses: Honors English, Algebra I, Honors Geometry

and Honors Algebra II.

MARSHALS
Graduation Marshals are defined as follows:
1.

The top two (2) students in years 1, 2, and 3 with the highest weighted GPA through the
third nine weeks grading period.

2.

The Year Three student with the highest weighted GPA through the third nine weeks
grading period will be designated Chief Marshal.

3.

Only those students who agree to participate in Senior Recognition and Commencement
Exercises will be recognized as marshals.
PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Requirements:
1.

Must successfully complete twelve (12) core (Honors) courses.

2.

Achieve an overall average weighted GPA of 3.5 or above (through the third nine-week
grading period of Year Four).

3.

Receive a score at or above the 85th percentile on any nationally recognized
standardized achievement test or college admissions examination such as the SAT. If
levels are or were offered in any of the courses required in this program, the students
must have taken academic level or above.

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NORTH CAROLINA ACADEMIC SCHOLARS PROGRAM
In March, 1983, the State Board of Education approved the North Carolina Scholars Program
to begin with the 1983-1984 school year. In March 1990, the State Board of Education
revised the program and re-designated it the North Carolina Academic Scholars Program.
Again, the State Board of Education revised program requirements in August 2002 to make it
more consistent with graduation requirements and to promote rigorous academic study. The
revised plan is effective for students who enter the ninth grade for the first time in or after
2003-2004. Students who complete the requirements for an academically challenging high
school program will be named North Carolina Academic Scholars and receive special
recognition. The students who qualify for this special recognition:
-Will be designated by the State Board of Education as North Carolina Academic Scholars.
-Will receive a seal of recognition attached to their diplomas.
-May receive special recognition at graduation exercises and other community events.

Please refer to the chart listed below for the specific requirements for the North
Carolina Academic Scholars Program.
The following revised plan is effective for students who enter Year One in or after 2003-2004.
Students must:


Begin planning for the program before entering Year One to ensure they obtain the most
flexibility in their courses



Complete all the requirements of this North Carolina Academic Scholars Program



Have an overall four-year unweighted GPA of 3.5



Complete all requirements for a North Carolina high school diploma

Credits

The following designated number of credits per subject area listed below must be taken in Years
One-Four:

4

Honors English I, II, III & IV

4

Mathematics(Honors Algebra I, Honors Algebra II, Honors Geometry, and a higher level math
course with Algebra II as a prerequisite)

12

3

Science (an Honors Physics or Honors Chemistry, Honors Biology, and Honors Earth/Environmental
Science)

3

Social Studies (Honors World History, Honors Civics & Economics, and Honors US History)

2

Languages Other Than English ( 2 credits of the same language)

1

Healthful Living

1

Career & Technical Education

1

Arts Education (Dance, Music, Theatre Arts, or Visual Arts)

5

Elective Credits to include at least two second level or advance courses (Examples of electives

include: Spanish III, IV)

24

Note: Adopted by the State Board of Education in August 2002, the above is a single plan
applicable to students who enter Year One for the first time in or after 2003-2004.

DRIVING ELIGILBILITY
State law requires the revocation of a student’s driving permit or license if a student is
unable to maintain adequate academic progress or drops out of school. This law applies to
all North Carolina students under the age of 18 who receive a driving permit or license after
12/1/1997.
Students who drop out of school lose their driving eligibility immediately. Adequate
academic progress will be evaluated at the end of each semester for enrolled students.
Students must pass seventy five (75) percent of courses attempted (ex. 3 full credit courses
out of 4 credit courses) each semester in order to keep their driving permit or license or to
receive a driving eligibility certificate. Students who do not meet these requirements will be
reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles and will have their permit or license revoked.
EARLY GRADUATION
State law requires school counselors to inform students of options for early graduation.
Students who complete all requirements for graduation and choose to graduate early will be
allowed to do so. Students and parents must complete and sign an “Intent To Graduate
Early” form and meet with their guidance counselor to discuss graduation plans. An early
graduate will be allowed to attend prom and participate in the June graduation and the
diploma will be awarded at that time. Early graduates are not eligible for second semester
sports. Students who choose to be mid-year graduates are not eligible to be Valedictorian or
Salutatorian.
COLLEGE PREPARATION
Individual constituent institutions of the UNC System listed below may require other courses in addition to the
minimum requirements; therefore, prospective students should refer to the catalogs and contact the admissions

offices of any institutions to which they plan to apply. In determining the admissibility of each applicant,
13


institutions also consider factors other than courses completed, such as high school grades, rank in class, scores on
college entrance examinations, and recommendations.
The University of North Carolina system is composed of the following constituent
institutions:
1.

Appalachian State University

9.

2.

East Carolina University

10. University of NC at Asheville

3.

Elizabeth City State University

11. University of NC at Chapel Hill

4.

Fayetteville State University

12. University of NC at Charlotte

5.

NC
Agricultural
University

6.

NC School of the Arts

7.

North Carolina Central University

8.

North Carolina State University

&

Technical

State

University of NC at Pembroke

13. University of NC at Greensboro
14. University of NC at Wilmington

15. Western Carolina University
16. Winston Salem State University

Some students may decide, for many different reasons, to follow a College Transfer Program, completing their first
two years in a community college transfer curriculum and transferring to complete their last two years at a public or
private four-year institution.

14


GENERAL EDUCATION CORE 44 COLLEGE TRANSFER CREDITS
Through a partnership with College of the Albemarle and UNCG, the J. P. Knapp Early College
High School will provide opportunities for students to complete the general education
Core 44. These courses provide college credits that fulfill the general education
requirements for the UNC system.

General Education Core (44 hrs)
English Composition (6 hours) Ex. ENG
Humanities/Fine Arts (12 hours) Ex. ART, DRA, HUM
Social/Behavioral Sciences (12 hours) Ex. PSY, SOC, ECO
Natural Sciences (8 hours) Ex. PHY, CHM, BIO
Mathematics (6 hours) Ex. MAT
HIGH SCHOOL EXIT STANDARDS
Students entering Year One for the first time in 2006-07 and beyond will be required to meet
new exit standards. These students will be required to pass five end-of-course (EOC)
assessments and a graduation project. The five required EOC assessments are Algebra I,
Biology, English I, Civics & Economics, and U.S. History. The graduation project is a
performance-based component that can include service-based learning or work-based
learning experiences. The graduation project will be developed, monitored, and scored
locally using state adopted rubrics.

GRADUATION PROJECT
Students must complete a Graduation Project as a requirement for graduation. Students
must score Level III proficiency on each of the components of the Graduation Project. The
Graduation Project consists of four components:


An 8-10 page research paper on a topic agreed upon by the student and teacher. For a Service Learning
Graduation Project, this assignment may be modified to include the action plan, evaluation, and reflection.



A product that is the tangible evidence of a minimum of 15 hours spent under the supervision of a mentor
which must relate to the paper, but need not be the exact same topic. For a Service Learning Graduation
Project, the hours required will be 40 or more.



An 8-12 minute oral presentation of the contents of the research paper and the product



A portfolio of key documentation of the Graduation Project process and a self-reflection

The product and oral presentation will be scored by a panel of judges from the schools and
community using the state’s rubric. Teachers will score the research paper and the portfolio
using the state’s rubric. Teachers will be responsible for notifying the parent of any student
who fails to satisfy any of these requirements. Teachers will also inform parents of retesting
and remediation opportunities.
15

STUDENT EDUCATION PLANS
Student education plans are developed and personalized to help students achieve success in
the Early College High School and to plan for successful transitions into post-secondary
endeavors. When preparing and reviewing the plan, students and parents should consider
the student’s goals upon completion of high school. Semester meetings between the
Guidance Counselor, the student, and a parent/guardian will be scheduled to update and/or
modify these plans.

16


Course Descriptions
Blended Courses
HONORS WORLD VIEW (Honors English I and Honors World History)
Year 1
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 2.0 (weighted)
Honors World View is comprised of concept based units integrating the NC Standard Course
of Study of Honors World History and Honors English I. Honors World View will focus on early
civilization development in each of the world’s continents and the influences of
earth/environmental concepts as change agents. An exploration of the ways that audience,
purpose, and context shape oral communication, written communication, and media and
technology will also take place in World View.
*Students in Honors World View will have assignments that reflect the inherent rigor of
honors level courses. Included should be long-term projects or problem-based assignments
that offer students the opportunity to directly apply English & World History at a more
complex level.

English Courses

HONORS ENGLISH II
Year 2
Prerequisite: Honors English I
Credit: 1.0 (weighted)
Students in Honors English II read, discuss, and write about both classical and contemporary
world literature (excluding British and American authors) through which students will identify
cultural significance. Students will continue to explore language for expressive, explanatory,
critical, argumentative, and literary purposes, although emphasis will be placed on
information context.
*Students in Honors English II will have assignments that reflect the inherent rigor of honors
level courses. Included should be long-term projects or problem-based assignments that
offer students the opportunity to directly apply English at a more complex level.

Math Courses
ALGEBRA I
Year 1
Perquisite: None
17


Credit:: 1.0
This course continues the study of algebraic concepts. It includes operations with
polynomials and matrices, creation and application of linear functions and relations,
algebraic representations of geometric relationships, and an introduction to nonlinear
functions. Students will be expected to describe and translate among graphic, algebraic,
numeric, and verbal representations of relations and use those representations to solve
problems. Appropriate technology, from manipulatives to calculators and application
software, should be used regularly for instruction and assessment.

HONORS GEOMETRY

Year 1
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Credit: 1.0 (weighted)
Honors Geometry demands a more challenging approach to the student’s study of geometric
concepts. Students will rely primarily on deductive methods of proof in their study of two
and three-dimensional geometric figures. Students will have the opportunity to take
responsibility for their learning. Reasoning skills will be emphasized and students will
broaden their use of the coordinate plane. Appropriate technology should be used regularly
for instruction and assessment.
*Students in Honors Geometry will have assignments that reflect the inherent rigor of honors
level courses. Included should be long-term projects or problem-based assignments that
offer students the opportunity to directly apply Mathematics at a more complex level.
HONORS ALGEBRA II
Year 1 or 2
Prerequisite: Geometry
Credit: 1.0 (weighted)
Honors Algebra II continues the study of advanced algebraic concepts including functions,
polynomials, rational expressions, systems of functions and inequalities, and matrices.
Students will be expected to describe and translate among graphic, algebraic, numeric and
verbal representations of relations and use those representations to solve problems.
Emphasis will be placed on higher order thinking skills that impact practical and increasingly
complex applications, modeling, and algebraic proof. Appropriate technology should be
used regularly for instruction and assessment.
*Students in Honors Algebra II will have assignments that reflect the inherent rigor of honors
level courses. Included should be long-term projects or problem-based assignments that
offer students the opportunity to directly apply Mathematics at a more complex level.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONS & MODELING
Year 1 or 2
Prerequisite: Honors Algebra II

Credit: 1.0 (weighted)
Advanced Functions and Modeling provides students with an in depth study of modeling and
applying functions. Students will use trigonometric, power, and logarithmic functions to
model and solve problems. Students will analyze data and apply probability concepts to
solve problems.
18


Science Courses
HONORS EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Year 1
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0 (weighted)
The Earth/Environmental science curriculum focuses on the function of Earth's systems.
Emphasis is placed on matter, energy, plate tectonics, origin and evolution of the earth and
solar system, environmental awareness, materials availability, and the cycles that circulate
energy and material through the earth system.
*Students in Honors Earth/Environmental Science will have assignments that reflect the
inherent rigor of honors level courses. Included should be long-term projects or problembased assignments that offer students the opportunity to directly apply Science at a more
complex level.

HONORS BIOLOGY
Year 2
Prerequisite: Honors Earth/Environmental Science
Credit: 1.0 (weighted)
The biology curriculum is designed to continue student investigations and deepen student
understanding of the biological sciences. High school instruction should include concepts
introduced in grades K-8 at a more abstract level. In-depth study of the following concepts is
included: the cell, the molecular basis of heredity, biological evolution, the interdependence
of organisms, matter, energy and organization in living systems, and the adaptive responses

of organisms.
*Students in Honors Biology will have assignments that reflect the inherent rigor of honors
level courses. Included should be long-term projects or problem-based assignments that
offer students the opportunity to directly apply Science at a more complex level.

HONORS CHEMISTRY
Year 2
Prerequisite: Honors Biology
19


Credit: 1.0 (weighted)
The chemistry course encourages students to continue their investigation of the structure of
matter along with chemical reactions and the conservation of energy in these reactions.
Inquiry is applied to the study of the transformation, composition, structure, and properties
of substances. The course focuses on basic chemical concepts and incorporates activities
that promote investigations to reinforce the concepts. The curriculum includes inquiry into
the following content areas: Structure of atoms, Structure and properties of matter,
Chemical reactions, Conservation of energy and matter, & Interaction of energy and matter.
*Students in Honors Chemistry I will have assignments that reflect the inherent rigor of
honors level courses. Included should be long-term projects or problem-based assignments
that offer students the opportunity to directly apply Science at a more complex level.

Social Studies Courses
HONORS CIVICS & ECONOMICS
Year 2
Prerequisite: Honors World History
Credit: 1.0 (weighted)
Students will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to become responsible and
effective citizens. Students will gain an understanding of these systems of civics and

economics that affect their lives as consumers and citizens. Students will apply the acquired
knowledge to real life experience. When studying the legal and political systems, students
will become aware of their rights and responsibilities and put this information in to practice.

Elective Courses
ART I: DRAWING & DESIGN
Years 1-4
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
This is an introductory course for students interested in taking art. It provides intensive work
with various drawing skills and media while introducing students to the basic vocabulary of
art and design. Specific topics covered include shading, use of color, perspective and
architecture, the human form and portraiture. Painting is not a current part of the class, and
there is no digital component.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS I
Years 1-4
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
This course is designed to help students master advanced skills in the areas of word
processing, database management, spreadsheet, telecommunications, desktop publishing,
and presentation applications. Emphasis is on data communications, Internet and e-mail, as
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well as skill development in the integration of software applications, ethical issues pertaining
to information systems, and information technologies careers. Communication skills and
critical thinking are reinforced through software applications. Work-based learning strategies
appropriate for this course are service learning, field trips, and job shadowing. Simulations,
projects, teamwork, and FBLA leadership activities, meetings, conferences, and competitions
provide opportunities for application of instructional competencies.

COMPUTER PROGRAMMING I
Years 1-4
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Programming I is designed to introduce the concepts of programming, application
development, and writing software solutions in the Visual Basic environment. Emphasis is
placed on the software development process, principles of user interface design, and the
writing of a complete Visual Basic program including event-driven input, logical decisionmaking and processing, and useful output. Students will use their computers daily as a
learning and assessment tool. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be
prepared to move on to AP Computer Science.
DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
Years 1-4
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
This course is designed to teach basic digital input skills including keying using the touch
method, speech recognition, and use of handheld devices. Emphasis is on the daily use and
operation of commonly used digital communication devices to develop skill and
concentrated application of those skills in the production of business communication and
correspondence. Communication skills are reinforced as students’ format, compose, and
proofread various documents. Assessments include multiple choice/true false questions,
discussion assignments, and projects.
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Years 1-4
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
This course explores the techniques and applications of acquiring, manipulating and
outputting digitized photographic images utilizing Adobe Photoshop Element. The study of
the elements of art and principles of design, color theory, vocabulary, and art history
continues in this advanced level course. Through weekly critiques and presentations
students will examine the technical aspects of their work including composition, lighting and

shadow.
FRENCH I
Years 1-4
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
The goal of this course is to give students basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing
skills through activities based on pedagogically proven methods of foreign language
instruction. Throughout the five units of material - Greetings, Calendar, Weather, Time and
Colors - students learn to talk about themselves and other, describe their surroundings and
use numbers for dates and time. Regular verbs are introduced in the present tense. Simple
grammatical structures are practiced in innovative and interesting ways with a variety of
learning styles in mind. Culture is presented throughout the course to help students
understand the context of the language and to better understand the perspectives of the
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French-speaking world. The course is aligned to the national Foreign Language standards
and provides a way to focus on the five important aspects of foreign language instruction:
communication, culture, connections, comparisons and community. These are the "Five C's
of the Foreign Language Education" as outlined in Standards for Foreign Language Learning:
Preparing for the 21st Century.
FRENCH II
Years 1-4
Prerequisite: French I
Credit: 1.0
This course is a continuation of a beginning level course that will introduce the student to a
variety of areas of language learning. In this course, the student will learn listening,
speaking, and writing skills through activities that are based on pedagogically proven
methods of foreign language instruction. Throughout the ten instructional units, students
learn to express themselves using an ever increasing vocabulary, present tense verbs,

articles, and adjectives. Grammar is introduced and practiced in an innovative and
interesting ways with a variety of learning styles in mind.
GERMAN I
Years 1-4
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
There are no prerequisites for this class.
This first year course introduces students to the German language and culture. The
emphasis in the course is on communication, and the teaching method is student-centered.
We use motions to reinforce new vocabulary words which are taught in the context of ministories. Based on the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning, the objectives for
our German I course are:
* Communication: Students engage in conversations about topics such as Food,
Clothing, Places in Town, and
Leisure Activities. They learn to express likes and dislikes and to interpret written
and spoken language. They
present information on different topics.
* Cultures: Students gain an understanding of different German cultural practices and
products, for example:
Courtesies, School in Germany, Youth Centers and Youth Hostels, German Music past and present,
German Film.
* Connections: Students learn about different aspects of German culture which
connect to other disciplines,
such as history, geography, and music.
* Comparisons: Students learn about language in general and about the concept of
culture by comparing
German language and culture to their own.
*Communities: Students use German beyond the school setting by working with the
information from selected
German websites.
GERMAN II

Years 1-4
Prerequisite: German I
Credit: 1.0
The prerequisite for this class is German I or an equivalent.

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German II students build on what they have learned in German I. We are continuing the story
of Thomas, the American exchange student, who has to solve a mystery involving his
German girlfriend, Anita.
Based on the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning, the objectives for our
German II course are:
* Communication: Students engage in conversations about topics such as Typical German Typical American?, Giving Directions, Birthday, Shopping. They present information on
different topics.
* Cultures: Students gain an understanding of different German cultural practices and
products, for example: Polite Forms, Meals, Public Transportation, Money (Euro), Computers
and the German phone system..
* Connections: Students learn about different aspects of German culture which connect to
other disciplines, such as history, math and geography.
* Comparisons: Students learn about language in general and about the concept of culture
by comparing German language and culture to their own.
JOURNALISM I
Years 1-4
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Journalism students study techniques of journalistic writing, layout, newspaper organization,
and American journalistic history. Students also survey the mass media, photography,
television, and radio reporting. Journalism I students receive on-the-job training as they
assist in reporting, layout, selling, and circulating each edition of the newspaper if applicable

to a school setting.
LATIN I
Years 1-4
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Latin I is an introduction to the study of the Latin language and Greco-Roman culture. The
course encourages students to learn basic functions of the language, become familiar with
some elements of the culture, and increase their understanding of English. Emphasis is
placed on the development of skills in reading and comprehension of adapted Latin texts.
Integration of other disciplines, with special emphasis on English Language Arts, is ongoing
throughout the course.
LATIN II
Years 1-4
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Latin I
Credit: 1.0
This course continues the study of the Latin language and Greco-Roman culture. Students
learn increasingly complex functions of the language, become familiar with an increasing
number of elements of the culture, and increase their understanding of English. Emphasis is
placed on the development of skills in reading and comprehension of adapted Latin texts.
Integration of other disciplines, with special emphasis on English Language Arts, is ongoing
throughout the course.

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MEDIEVAL STUDIES
Years 1-4
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Medieval Studies will investigate the history of Europe from the breakup of the Roman

Empire to the dawn of the Renaissance. It will study the political, economic, social, and
cultural development of the three successor civilizations of classical Greece and Rome –
Byzantium, Islamic, and Western Christendom, with particular emphasis on the latter. This
course will examine the development and interactions of these civilizations in both peace
and war. Medieval Studies provides the opportunity for advanced work, and rigorous,
systematic study of major ideas and concepts found in medieval European history.
MUSIC APPRECIATION
Years 1-4
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
This course provides an overview of music from prehistoric times to the present. The course
focuses on the use and value of music in people’s lives. It encourages students to view
music in a social context rather than as abstract information to be learned for its own sake.
It presents music as a natural and essential ingredient in students’ lives and of human life in
all cultures. It uses history as a resource for understanding how music has fulfilled basic
human purposes in other ages. It permits all kinds of music to be studied throughout the
course.
HONORS PSYCHOLOGY
Years 1-4
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0(weighted)
Psychology is designed to engage students in the understanding, articulation, and
dissemination of psychology as a science. Students are introduced to psychology, with a
focus on the scientific study of human development, learning, motivation, and personality.
The course emphasizes the empirical examination of behavior and mental processes and
offers perspectives that foster students' growth, development, and understanding of cultural
diversity. Students of psychology acquire information from a variety of sources, use
information as they make decisions and evaluations, and solve problems.
Honors Psychology covers the material in greater complexity, novelty, and pacing. Honors
Psychology is distinguished by a difference in the quality of the work expected, not merely

an increase in quantity.
PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS & PERSONAL FINANCE
Years 1-4
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
This course introduces the major principles and concepts that are the foundation for future
study of business and management. Topics of study include basic business principles,
personal finance concepts, management concepts, systems thinking, quality management,
and the current environment for business in a multinational marketplace. Assessments
include multiple choice/true false questions, discussion assignments, and projects.
SPANISH I
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Years 1-4
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
In this beginning level course, students will learn listening, speaking, reading, and writing
skills through activities and the use of multimedia based on pedagogically proven methods
of foreign language instruction. Throughout the ten units of material, students learn to
express themselves using an ever increasing vocabulary, present-tense verbs, articles, and
adjectives. Grammar is introduced and practiced in innovative and interesting ways with a
variety of learning styles in mind. Culture is integrated throughout the course to help
learners focus on the Spanish speaking world, its cultures, people, geographical locations,
and histories.
SPANISH II
Years 1-4
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Spanish I
Credit: 1.0
In this Spanish II course, a continuation of Spanish I, students will learn listening, speaking,

reading and writing skills through activities that are based on pedagogically proven methods
of foreign language instruction. Throughout the units, students learn to express themselves
using an ever increasing vocabulary, present-tense verbs, articles, and adjectives. Grammar
is introduced and practiced in innovative and interesting ways with a variety of learning
styles in mind. Culture is integrated throughout the course to help learners focus on the
Spanish speaking world, its cultures, people, geographical locations, and histories. Students
will work on a project per unit to demonstrate their comprehension of the content given.

Healthful Living
HEALTHFUL LIVING I
Years 1
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0(weighted)
Healthful Living is comprised of two components. The health component will cover personal
hygiene, first aid, dangerous habits, nutrition, and family life. The physical education
component will cover basic motor skills, physical fitness, and team and individual sports. A
departmental dress code must be followed.
*Students in Honors Healthful Living will have assignments that reflect the inherent rigor of
honors level courses. Included should be long-term projects or problem-based assignments
that offer students the opportunity to directly apply their skills at a more complex level.

College Elective Courses
*Students must meet the minimum requirements of ASSET scoring to be eligible
to take a college course.
ART 111 ART APPRECIATION
Year 2
Prerequisite: ASSET
Credit: 1.0(weighted)
This course introduces the origins and historical development of art. Emphasis is placed on
the relationship of design principles to various art forms including but not limited to

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