Curriculum Descriptions
Foundations Courses target high school students unprepared to successfully complete grade-level work. Foundations Courses feature structured remediation designed to facilitate student progress through grades 3-8 skills. Courses develop math and English-language arts skills and strategies while raising academic performance up to high school levels. Each semester course offers approximately 70-90 hours of interactive direct instruction, guided practice, and integrated formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment.
Core Courses are designed to support success for both struggling and mainstream high school students. Rich graphics, engaging multimedia, hands-on interactivity, video, and audio tracks provide support for those reading below grade level and address different learning styles for all students. Robust scaffolding in the form of annotated readings, study sheets, and graphic organizers assists all learners in making consistent progress through coursework. Each semester course offers 70-90 hours of interactive direct instruction, guided practice, and integrated formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment.
Honors Courses are designed to meet the needs of highly motivated students who are looking to build advanced skills and content knowledge in preparation for undergraduate study. Courses target students who are reading at grade level or above and who are fully prepared for high school coursework. Each semester course offers 90-120 hours of interactive direct instruction, guided practice, and integrated formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
MATH
Math Foundations I Math Foundations I offers a structured remediation solution based on the NCTM Curricular Focal Points and is designed to expedite student progress through 3rd- to 5th-grade skills. The course is appropriate for use as remediation for students in grades 6 to 12. When used in combination, Math Foundations I and Math Foundations II (covering grades 6 to 8) effectively remediate computational skills and conceptual understanding needed to undertake high school-level math courses with confidence.
Math Foundations II Based on the NCTM Curricular Focal Points, Math Foundations II is designed to expedite student progress through 6th- to 8th-grade skills. The course is appropriate for use as remediation at the high school level or as a bridge-to-high-school or as middle school curriculum. The program simultaneously builds the computational skills and the conceptual understanding needed to undertake high school-level math courses with confidence.
Introductory Algebra Introductory Algebra provides a curriculum focused on beginning algebraic concepts that prepare students for success in Algebra I. Through a "Discovery-Confirmation-Practice" based exploration of basic algebraic concepts, students are challenged to work toward a mastery of computational skills, to deepen their conceptual understanding of key ideas and solution strategies, and to extend their knowledge in a variety of problem-solving applications. Course topics include integers; the language of algebra; solving equations with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; fractions and decimals; measurement; exponents; solving equations with roots and powers; multi-step equations; and linear equations.
Honors Introductory Algebra Honors Introductory Algebra is a comprehensive honors course that provides students with the groundwork for success in Algebra I. Through a "Discovery-Confirmation-Practice" based exploration of beginning algebraic concepts, students are challenged to work toward a mastery of computational skills, to deepen their conceptual understanding of key ideas and solution strategies, and to extend their knowledge in a variety of problem-solving applications. Course topics include integers, number lines, and inequalities; variables and variable expressions; solving equations with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; fractions and decimals; measurement; exponents; solving equations with roots and powers; multi-step equations; and linear equations.
Algebra I Algebra I provides a curriculum focused on the mastery of critical skills and the understanding of key algebraic concepts, preparing students to recognize and work with these concepts. Through a "Discovery-Confirmation-Practice" based exploration of algebraic concepts, students are challenged to work toward a mastery of computational skills, to deepen their conceptual understanding of key ideas and solution strategies, and to extend their knowledge in a variety of problem-solving applications. Course topics include an Introductory Algebra review; measurement; an introduction to functions; problem solving with functions; graphing; linear equations and systems of linear equations; polynomials and factoring; and data analysis and probability.
Honors Algebra I Honors Algebra I is a comprehensive honors course that provides an in-depth exploration of key algebraic concepts. Through a "Discovery-Confirmation-Practice" based exploration of algebraic concepts, students are challenged to work toward a mastery of computational skills, to deepen their conceptual understanding of key ideas and solution strategies, and to extend their knowledge in a variety of problem-solving applications. Course topics include an Introductory Algebra review; measurement; an introduction to functions; problem solving with functions; graphing; linear equations and systems of linear equations; polynomials and factoring; and data analysis and probability.
Algebra II Algebra II provides a curriculum that builds on the algebraic concepts covered in Algebra I. Through a "Discovery-Confirmation-Practice" based exploration of intermediate algebra concepts, students are challenged to work toward a mastery of computational skills, to deepen their conceptual understanding of key ideas and solution strategies, and to extend their knowledge in a variety of problem-solving applications. Course topics include conic sections; functions, relations, and their graphs; quadratic functions; inverse functions; and advanced polynomial functions. Students also cover topics relating to rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions; sequences and series; and data analysis and probability.
Honors Algebra II Honors Algebra II is a comprehensive honors course that builds on the algebraic concepts covered in Algebra I and prepares students for advanced-level courses. Through a "Discovery-Confirmation-Practice" based exploration of intermediate algebra concepts, students are challenged to work toward a mastery of computational skills, to deepen their conceptual understanding of key ideas and solution strategies, and to extend their knowledge in a variety of problem-solving applications. Course topics include conic sections; functions, relations, and their graphs; quadratic functions; inverse functions; and advanced polynomial functions. Students also cover topics relating to rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions; sequences and series; and data analysis and probability.
Geometry Geometry provides a curriculum focused on the mastery of critical skills and the understanding of key geometric concepts. Through a "Discovery-Confirmation-Practice" based exploration of geometric concepts, students are challenged to work toward a mastery of computational skills, to deepen their conceptual understanding of key ideas and solution strategies, and to extend their knowledge in a variety of problem-solving applications. Course topics include reasoning, proof, and the creation of a sound mathematical argument; points, lines, and angles; triangles; quadrilaterals and other polygons; circles; coordinate geometry; and three-dimensional solids. The course concludes with a look at special topics in geometry, such as constructions, symmetry, tessellations, fractals, and non-Euclidean geometry.
Honors Geometry Honors Geometry is a comprehensive honors course that provides an in-depth exploration of geometric concepts. Through a "Discovery-Confirmation-Practice" based exploration of geometric concepts, students are challenged to work toward a mastery of computational skills, to deepen their conceptual understanding of key ideas and solution strategies, and to extend their knowledge in a variety of problem-solving applications. Course topics include reasoning, proof, and the creation of a sound mathematical argument; points, lines, and angles; triangles; quadrilaterals and other polygons; circles; coordinate geometry; and three-dimensional solids. The course concludes with a look at special topics in geometry, such as constructions, symmetry, tessellations, fractals, and non-Euclidean geometry.
Precalculus Precalculus is a course that combines reviews of algebra, geometry, and functions into a preparatory course for calculus. The course focuses on the mastery of critical skills and exposure to new skills necessary for success in subsequent math courses. The first semester includes linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, radical, polynomial, and rational functions; systems of equations; and conic sections. The second semester covers trigonometric ratios and functions; inverse trigonometric functions; applications of trigonometry, including vectors and laws of cosine and sine; polar functions and notation; and arithmetic of complex numbers.
Honors Precalculus Honors Precalculus is a comprehensive honors course that weaves together previous study of algebra, geometry, and functions into a preparatory course for calculus. The course focuses on the mastery of critical skills and exposure to new skills necessary for success in subsequent math courses. The first semester includes linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, radical, polynomial, and rational functions; systems of equations; and conic sections. The second semester covers trigonometric ratios and functions; inverse trigonometric functions; applications of trigonometry, including vectors and laws of cosine and sine; polar functions and notation; and arithmetic of complex numbers.
SCIENCE
Earth Science Earth Science offers a focused curriculum that explores Earth's composition, structure, processes, and history; its atmosphere, freshwater, and oceans; and its environment in space. Each study within the course contains a guided note-taking concept map to help students to visualize the connections between the main ideas of each topic. Topics include an exploration of the major cycles that affect every aspect of life, including weather, climate, air movement, tectonics, volcanic eruptions, rocks, minerals, geologic history, Earth's environment, sustainability, and energy resources. Optional teacher-graded labs encourage students to apply the scientific method.
Honors Earth Science Honors Earth Science is a robust course that explores Earth's composition, structure, processes, and history; its atmosphere, freshwater, and oceans; and its environment in space. Students are encouraged to look at Earth science from both personal and worldly perspectives and to analyze the social implications of the topics covered. Laboratory experiments introduce students to different lab techniques while building their skills in critical thinking, inquiry, and observation. Topics include an exploration of the major cycles that affect every aspect of life, including weather, climate, air movement, tectonics, volcanic eruptions, rocks, minerals, geologic history, Earth's environment, sustainability, and energy resources.
Physical Science Physical Science offers a focused curriculum designed around the understanding of critical physical science concepts, including the nature and structure of matter, the characteristics of energy, and the mastery of critical scientific skills. Each study within the course contains a guided note-taking concept map to help students to visualize the connections between the main ideas of each topic. Topics include an introduction to kinematics, including gravity and two-dimensional motion; force; momentum; waves; electricity; atoms; the Periodic Table of Elements; molecular bonding; chemical reactivity; gases; and an introduction to nuclear energy. Teacher-graded labs encourage students to apply the scientific method.
Honors Physical Science Honors Physical Science is a thorough course that provides students with an understanding of the nature and structure of matter, the characteristics of energy, and the societal implications of physical science concepts. Using the scientific method - observation, data collection, analysis, hypothesis, and conclusion - students are encouraged to extend their knowledge through the development of scientific explanations, hypotheses, and conclusions. Topics include an introduction to kinematics, including gravity and two-dimensional motion; force; momentum; waves; electricity; atoms; the Periodic Table of Elements; molecular bonding; chemical reactivity; gases; and an introduction to nuclear energy.
Biology Biology offers a curriculum that focuses on the mastery of basic biological skills, concepts, and models that are important for students to know and apply in everyday life. Each study within the course contains a guided note-taking concept map to help students to visualize the connections between the main ideas of each topic. The course begins with the study of cell and molecular biology and covers experimental design; chemistry and the biochemical basis of life; cell structure and function; basic metabolism; and genetics. Building on this foundation is an exploration into evolution, biodiversity, organismal biology, and ecology. As part of the study of vertebrates, the structure and function of major organ systems and biological processes in humans are introduced. Teacher-graded labs encourage students to apply the scientific method.
Honors Biology Honors Biology is an in-depth course that allows students to master scientific skills, develop an understanding of key concepts and models, and apply the scientific method to biological topics. Through the development of their own scientific explanations, students extend their knowledge and make sense of the world. Students are encouraged to look at biology from both a personal and worldly perspective and to analyze the social implications of the topics covered. The course begins with the study of cell and molecular biology and covers experimental design; chemistry and the biochemical basis of life; cell structure and function; basic metabolism; and genetics. Building on this foundation is an exploration into evolution, biodiversity, organismal biology, and ecology. As part of the study of vertebrates, the structure and function of major organ systems and biological processes in humans are introduced.
Chemistry Chemistry offers a curriculum that facilitates students' understanding of chemistry concepts and critical scientific skills. Each study within the course contains a guided note-taking concept map to help students to visualize the connections between the main ideas of each topic. Topics include the nature of matter; the structure of atoms and molecules; bond formations; the qualitative and quantitative aspects of chemical reactivity; the physical and chemical properties of solids, liquids, and gases; the states of matter; phase transitions; equilibrium; kinetics; thermodynamics; electrochemistry; nuclear chemistry; and an introduction to organic chemistry. Teacher-graded labs encourage students to apply the scientific method.
Honors Chemistry Honors Chemistry is a rigorous course that begins with an overview of chemistry concepts and critical scientific skills. Students then extend their knowledge by applying the scientific method - observation, data collection, analysis, hypothesis, and conclusion. They are encouraged to look at chemistry from both personal and worldly perspectives and to analyze the social implications of the topics covered. Topics include the nature of matter; the structure of atoms and molecules; bond formations; the qualitative and quantitative aspects of chemical reactivity; physical and chemical properties of solids, liquids, and gases; states of matter; phase transitions; equilibrium; kinetics; thermodynamics; electrochemistry; nuclear chemistry; and an introduction to organic chemistry.
ENGLISH
English Foundations II English Foundations II is a course is designed to help the struggling reader develop mastery in the areas of reading comprehension, vocabulary building, study skills, and media literacy, which are the course's primary content strands. Using these strands, the course guides the student through the skills necessary to be successful in the academic world and beyond. The reading comprehension strand focuses on introducing the student to the varied purposes of reading (e.g., for entertainment, for information, to complete a task, or to analyze). In the vocabulary strand, the student learns specific strategies for understanding and remembering new vocabulary. In the study skills strand, the student learns effective study and test-taking strategies. In the media literacy strand, the student learns to recognize and evaluate persuasive techniques, purposes, design choices, and effects of media. The course encourages personal enjoyment in reading with 10 interviews featuring the book choices and reading adventures of students and members of the community.
Reading Skills and Strategies Reading Skills and Strategies is a course is designed to help the struggling reader develop mastery in the areas of reading comprehension, vocabulary building, study skills, and media literacy, which are the course's primary content strands. Using these strands, the course guides the student through the skills necessary to be successful in the academic world and beyond. The reading comprehension strand focuses on introducing the student to the varied purposes of reading (e.g., for entertainment, for information, to complete a task, or to analyze). In the vocabulary strand, the student learns specific strategies for understanding and remembering new vocabulary. In the study skills strand, the student learns effective study and test-taking strategies. In the media literacy strand, the student learns to recognize and evaluate persuasive techniques, purposes, design choices, and effects of media. The course encourages personal enjoyment in reading with 10 interviews featuring the book choices and reading adventures of students and members of the community.
Writing Skills and Strategies Writing Skills and Strategies develops key language arts skills necessary for high school graduation and success on high stakes exams through a semester of interactive instruction and guided practice in composition fundamentals. The course is divided into ten mini-units of study. The first two are designed to build early success and confidence, orienting students to the writing process and to sentence and paragraph essentials through a series of low-stress, high-interest hook activities. In subsequent units, students review, practice, compose and submit one piece of writing. Four key learning strands are integrated throughout: composition practice, grammar skill building, diction and style awareness, and media and technology exploration. Guided studies emphasize the structure of essential forms of writing encountered in school, in life, and in the work place. Practice in these forms is scaffolded to accommodate learners at different skill levels.
Introduction to Literature and Composition Introduction to Literature and Composition is a course that covers literature study, reading, writing, and language. Students read literature from around the world, including the following genres: short story, poetry, memoir, autobiography, drama, and epic. They read examples of informational writing, such as a letter, Web site, magazine article, newspaper article, speech, editorial, and movie or book review. Along the way, they acquire and practice reading skills and strategies that are directly applicable to these literary and informational reading materials.
Honors Introduction to Literature and Composition Honors Introduction to Literature and Composition covers literature study, reading, writing, and language. Students explore literature from around the world, including the following genres: short story, poetry, memoir, autobiography, drama, and epic. They read examples of informational writing, such as a letter, Web site, magazine article, newspaper article, speech, editorial, and movie or book review. Along the way, they acquire and practice reading skills and strategies that are directly applicable to these literary and informational reading materials. In addition, students develop and practice writing and language skills. They employ the writing process to create narrative, expository, and persuasive compositions. They also learn to create and evaluate media presentations and oral presentations and to fine-tune their listening skills.
Critical Reading and Effective Writing Critical Reading and Effective Writing is a course that develops both academic and life skills. Concepts are presented in creative and lively ways that reinforce learning goals and engage students. Literary selections include short fiction and poetry from around the globe, modern drama works, and a contemporary novel. Nonfiction selections feature historical correspondence, diaries, logs, and famous courtroom arguments. Life reading skills target forms, applications, and work-related communication. Grammar review and vocabulary development are included in every unit.
Honors Critical Reading and Effective Writing Honors Critical Reading and Effective Writing offers a balanced curriculum that develops both academic and life skills. Concepts are presented in creative and lively ways that reinforce learning goals and engage students. Literary selections include short fiction and poetry from around the globe, Shakespearean and modern drama, and contemporary novels. Nonfiction selections feature historical correspondence, diaries, logs, and famous courtroom arguments. Life reading skills target forms, applications, and work-related communication. Throughout both semesters, students build active reading strategies as they question, predict, clarify, and evaluate events and ideas presented in text.
American Literature American Literature is a literature and composition course offering organized as a survey of American literature. It can stand alone as a complete year of general study in English without a specific prerequisite, but its modular design allows flexibility in how the program is used in the classroom; teachers may use a single unit, lesson, or activity to supplement regular class content. The course builds literary and communication skills, including reading, writing, language appreciation and aesthetics, listening and speaking, viewing and representing, and research.
Honors American Literature Honors American Literature is a general studies program in literature and composition, organized as a survey of American literature. It can stand alone as a complete year of general study in English without a specific prerequisite, but its modular design allows flexibility in how the program is used in the classroom; teachers may use a single unit, lesson, or activity to supplement regular class content. American Literature expands upon and deepens understanding of literary and communication skills covered in Critical Reading and Effective Writing, including reading, writing, language appreciation and aesthetics, listening and speaking, viewing and representing, and research.
British and World Literature British and World Literature is a streamlined survey of British literature that illustrates the origins of English-language literature and reflects its reach beyond the British Isles. The course is standards-based. Each activity correlates to state standards in six core areas: reading, writing, language (appreciation and aesthetics), listening and speaking, viewing and representing (including media literacy), and research. The course gives students meaningful practice in fundamental literacy skills while introducing them to classics of British and world literature. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to think and respond independently, critically, and creatively to the subject matter, whether it's a work of literature, a piece of nonfiction writing, or a media work. The course emboldens students to approach these works - both on their own terms and within a larger context - while providing them with the tools and encouragement they need in order to do so.
Honors British and World Literature Honors British and World Literature offers a survey of British literature that illustrates the origins of English-language literature and reflects its reach beyond the British Isles. The course is standards-based. Each activity correlates to state standards in six core areas: reading, writing, language (appreciation and aesthetics), listening and speaking, viewing and representing (including media literacy), and research. The course gives students meaningful practice in fundamental literacy skills while introducing them to classics of British and world literature. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to think and respond independently, critically, and creatively to the subject matter, whether it's a work of literature, a piece of nonfiction writing, or a media work. The course emboldens students to approach these works - both on their own terms and within a larger context - while providing them with the tools and encouragement they need in order to do so.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Geography and World Cultures Geography and World Cultures offers a tightly focused and scaffolded curriculum that enables students to explore how geographic features, human relationships, political and social structures, economics, science and technology, and the arts have developed and influenced life in countries around the world. Along the way, students are given rigorous instruction on how to read maps, charts, and graphs, and how to create them.
Honors Geography and World Cultures Honors Geography and World Cultures is a robust, one-semester course that explores how geographic features, human relationships, political and social structures, economics, science and technology, and the arts have developed and influenced life in countries around the world. Along the way, students are given rigorous instruction on how to read maps, charts, and graphs, and how to create them. At the intersection of culture and geography, students learn about art, science, individuals and communities, and history and current events. Students discover how a mountain in the distance can inspire a Sufi poet, how a river blocking a passage occupies a civil engineer and a ship builder alike, and how the sound of a busy Cairo street inspires a musician. Human history is all about cultures meeting - how they influence and inspire each other; what sets one apart from the next; and how they battle each other for land, natural resources, religious dominance, and more.
World History World History offers a tightly focused and scaffolded curriculum that uses multiple perspectives to trace the development of civilizations around the world from prehistory to the present. The course covers major events in world history, including the development and influence of human-geographic relationships, political and social structures, economics, science and technology, and the arts. Students investigate the major religions and belief systems throughout history and learn about the importance of trade and cultural exchange. Other topics include the development of agriculture, the spread of democracy, the rise of nation-states, the industrial era, the spread of imperialism, and the issues and conflicts of the 20th century. Students learn to use primary historical documents as evidence as they learn about past events.
Honors World History Honors World History is a robust, writing-intensive course that uses multiple perspectives to trace the development of civilizations around the world from prehistory to the present. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge of critical points in history to develop their points of view and apply what they have learned to the promotion of civic action in a rapidly globalizing world. The course explores how human-geographic relationships, political and social structures, economics, science and technology, and the arts have developed and influenced life in these civilizations. Students investigate the major religions and belief systems throughout history and learn about the importance of trade and cultural exchange. Other topics include the development of agriculture, the spread of democracy, the rise of nation-states, the industrial era, the spread of imperialism, and the issues and conflicts of the 20th century.
U.S. History U.S. History offers a tightly focused and scaffolded curriculum that traces the political, social, economic, and cultural heritage of the United States through four centuries of change and development. Students learn about the Native American, European, and African people who lived before the Declaration of Independence in what is now the United States. They also explore the multiple causes and effects of the Civil War, Industrial Revolution, and Great Depression. Students learn to interpret historical documents using examples from the Great Awakening, westward expansion, the "roaring twenties," McCarthyism, and the struggle for civil rights.
Honors U.S. History Honors U.S. History is a dynamic course that traces the political, social, economic, and cultural heritage of the United States through four centuries of change and development. Students learn about the Native American, European, and African people who lived before the Declaration of Independence in what is now the United States. They also explore the multiple causes and effects of the Civil War, Industrial Revolution, and Great Depression. Students learn to use historical documents as evidence as they analyze past events and formulate their own ideas about the Great Awakening, westward expansion, the "roaring twenties," McCarthyism, and the struggle for civil rights.
U.S. Government and Politics U.S. Government and Politics offers a tightly focused and scaffolded curriculum that uses the perspective of political institutions to explore the history, organization, and functions of the U.S. government. Beginning with basic theories of government, moving to the Declaration of Independence, and continuing to the present day, the course explores the relationship between individual Americans and the governing bodies. It covers the political culture of the country and gains insight into the challenges faced by presidents, congressional representatives, and other political activists. It also covers the roles of political parties, interest groups, the media, and the Supreme Court.
Honors U.S. Government and Politics Honors U.S. Government and Politics is a vigorous, writing-intensive course that uses the perspective of political institutions to explore the history, organization, and functions of the U.S. government. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge of the structures and processes of governing to develop their own views on current political issues and apply what they have learned to the promotion of civic action. Beginning with basic theories of government, moving to the Declaration of Independence, and continuing to the present day, the course explores the relationship between individual Americans and the governing bodies. It looks closely at the political culture of the country and gains insight into the challenges faced by presidents, congressional representatives, and other political activists. It also covers the roles of political parties, interest groups, the media, and the Supreme Court.
U.S. and Global Economics U.S. and Global Economics offers a tightly focused and scaffolded curriculum that provides an introduction to key economic principles. The course covers fundamental properties of economics, including an examination of markets from both historical and current perspectives; the basics of supply and demand; the theories of early economic philosophers such as Adam Smith and David Ricardo; theories of value; the concept of money and how it evolved; the role of banks, investment houses, and the Federal Reserve; Keynesian economics; the productivity, wages, investment, and growth involved in capitalism; unemployment, inflations, and the national debt; and a survey of markets in areas such as China, Europe, and the Middle East.
Honors U.S. and Global Economics Honors U.S. and Global Economics is a wide-ranging course that provides an introduction to key economic principles. Students gain an understanding of choices they must make as producers, consumers, investors, and taxpayers. They have ample opportunity to develop their points of view and apply what they learn to the promotion of civic action. Topics include an examination of markets from both historical and current perspectives; the basics of supply and demand; the theories of early economic philosophers such as Adam Smith and David Ricardo; theories of value; the concept of money and how it evolved; the role of banks, investment houses, and the Federal Reserve; Keynesian economics; the productivity, wages, investment, and growth involved in capitalism; unemployment, inflations, and the national debt; and a survey of markets in areas such as China, Europe, and the Middle East.
WORLD LANGUAGES
French I French I teaches students to greet people, describe family and friends, talk about hobbies, and communicate about other topics, such as sports, travel, and medicine. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, and culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises. Vocabulary includes terms to describe school subjects, parts of the body, and people, as well as idiomatic phrases. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes the verb system, adjective agreement, formal and informal address, reflexive verbs, and past tense. Students also gain an understanding of the cultures of French-speaking countries and regions within and outside Europe, as well as insight into Francophone culture and people.
Honors French I Balanced between the thematic and communicative approaches to learning language, Honors French I teaches students to greet people, describe family and friends, talk about hobbies, and communicate about other topics, such as sports, travel, and medicine. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, and culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises. Vocabulary includes terms to describe school subjects, parts of the body, and people, as well as idiomatic phrases. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes the verb system, adjective agreement, formal and informal address, reflexive verbs, and past tense. Students also gain an understanding of the cultures of French-speaking countries and regions within and outside Europe, as well as insight into Francophone culture and people.
French II French II teaches students to communicate more confidently about themselves, as well as about topics beyond their own lives - both in formal and informal address. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, and culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises. Vocabulary includes terms in cooking, geography, and architecture. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes present- and past-tense verb forms and uses, negation, and direct and indirect objects. Students deepen their knowledge of French-speaking regions and cultures by learning about history, literature, culture, and contemporary issues.
Honors French II Building on Honors French I concepts, Honors French II students learn to communicate more confidently about themselves, as well as about topics beyond their own lives - both in formal and informal address. Balanced between the thematic and communicative approaches to learning language, each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, and culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises. Vocabulary includes terms in cooking, geography, and architecture. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes verb conjugations and uses in the present tense, past tense, and imperative and conditional moods, as well as direct and indirect objects and personal, possessive, and relative pronouns. Students deepen their knowledge of French-speaking regions and cultures by learning about history, literature, culture, and contemporary issues. To further connect to French culture and people, students are encouraged to view supplementary materials on the Web or to consult community resources or other media.
Spanish I Spanish I teaches students to greet people, describe family and friends, talk about hobbies, and communicate about other topics, such as home life, occupations, travel, and medicine. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, and culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises. Vocabulary includes terms to describe school subjects, parts of the body, and people, as well as idiomatic phrases. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes the structures and uses of present-tense verb forms, imperatives, adjective agreement, impersonal constructions, formal and informal address, and reflexive verbs. Students explore words used in different Spanish-speaking regions and learn about the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries and regions within and outside Europe.
Honors Spanish I Honors Spanish I covers the five Cs of the ACTFL standard: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities. The instruction is balanced between the thematic and communicative approaches to learning language. Honors Spanish I students learn to greet people, describe family and friends, talk about hobbies, and communicate about other topics, such as ecology, travel, and medicine. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, and culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises. Vocabulary includes terms to describe school subjects, parts of the body, and people, as well as idiomatic phrases. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes the verb system, adjective agreement, formal and informal address, reflexive verbs, and past tense. Students explore words used in different Spanish-speaking regions, and they learn about the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries and regions within and outside Europe. Web explorations give students further insight into the culture and people of the Spanish-speaking world, including the United States.
Spanish II Building on Spanish I concepts, Spanish II students learn to communicate more confidently about themselves, as well as about topics beyond their own lives - both in formal and informal situations. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, and culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises. Students expand their vocabulary in topics such as cooking, ecology, geography, and architecture. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes a review of present-tense verb forms, an introduction to the past tense, the conditional mood, imperatives, impersonal constructions, and reported speech. Students deepen their knowledge of Spanish-speaking regions and cultures by learning about history, literature, culture, and contemporary issues.
Honors Spanish II Honors Spanish II covers the five Cs of the ACTFL standard: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities. The instruction is balanced between the thematic and communicative approaches to learning language. Leveraging Honors Spanish I concepts, Honors Spanish II students learn to communicate more confidently about themselves and their hopes and fears, as well as about topics beyond their own lives - both in formal and informal situations. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, and culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises. Students expand their vocabulary in cooking, geography, and architecture. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes verb forms, tenses, moods and uses, impersonal constructions, and reported speech. Students deepen their knowledge of Spanish-speaking regions and cultures by learning about history, literature, culture, and contemporary issues. Students also are encouraged to consult materials outside the course, such as Web links, community resources, or other media, to better understand Spanish-speaking culture and people.
FINE ARTS
Music Appreciation Music Appreciation is a streamlined course that introduces students to the history, theory, and genres of music, from the most primitive surviving examples to the world's most contemporary sounds. The course is offered in a two-semester format: The first semester covers primitive musical forms, classical music, and American jazz. The second semester presents rich, modern traditions, including gospel, folk, soul, blues, Latin rhythms, rock and roll, and hip-hop. The course explores the interface of music and social movements and examines how the emergent global society and the Internet are bringing musical forms together in new ways from all around the world.
Honors Music Appreciation Honors Music Appreciation introduces the student to the history, theory, and genres of music, from the most primitive surviving examples, through the classical to the most contemporary in the world at large. The course is offered in a two-semester, stand-alone format: The first semester covers primitive musical forms, classical music, and American jazz. The second semester presents the rich modern traditions, including: gospel, folk, soul, blues, Latin rhythms, rock and roll, and hip-hop. The course explores the interface of music and social movements and examines how the emergent global society and the Internet is bringing musical forms together in new ways from all around the world.
HEALTH/PE
Physical Education Physical Education combines the best of online instruction with actual student participation in weekly cardiovascular, aerobic, and muscle toning activities. The course promotes a keen understanding of the value of physical fitness and aims to motivate students to participate in physical activities throughout their lives. Specific areas of study include: Cardiovascular exercise and care, safe exercising, building muscle strength and endurance, injury prevention, fitness skills and FITT benchmarks, goal setting, nutrition and diet (vitamins and minerals, food labels, evaluation product claims), and stress management. The course requires routine participation in adult-supervised physical activities. Successful completion of this course will require parent/legal guardian sign-off on student-selected physical activities and on weekly participation reports to verify the student is meeting his or her requirements and responsibilities.
Skills for Health Skills for Health is a valuable, skills-based health education course designed for general education in grades 9 through 12. Skills for Health helps students develop knowledge, attitudes, and essential skills in a variety of health-related subjects, including mental and emotional health; nutrition; physical activity; substance use and abuse; injury prevention and safety; and personal health, environmental conservation, and community health resources. Through use of accessible information and real-life simulations, students apply the seven health skills. These include access to valid health information; self-management; analysis of internal and external influences; interpersonal communication; decision-making; goal setting; and advocacy. Students who complete Skills for Health build the skills they need to protect, enhance, and promote their own health and the health of others.
