First-Time Credit Core Classes: Course Descriptions

English 9 - 12
Grades 9 -12
.5 Credit for each semester of work completed, 1.0 total available

Emphasis is on strengthening students' reading, writing, communication and critical thinking skills presented in English 9, 10, 11, or 12. The standards-based curriculum includes activities that develop vocabulary, comprehension and fluency skills using fiction and nonfiction texts. Students learn to write in response to on-demand prompts and communicate effectively in a variety of forms for different audiences.

Algebra 1
Grades 9-12
.5 Credit  for each semester of work completed, 1.0 total available

Students will study solving linear equations and inequalities, functions, linear functions, systems of equations and complete online assessments. For credit retrieval: This course is for students who failed first semester of Algebra 1.

Algebra 2
Grades 9-12
.5 Credit for each semester of work completed, 1.0 total available

Students will expand their understanding of number systems to include complex numbers and will grow more proficient in their use of algebraic techniques. This course focuses on the study of functions: linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, square root, cubic, and those involving inverse variation. Other topics that will be studied are combinations and permutations, probability, binomial theorem, measures of variability, and geometric and arithmetic sequences and series. For credit retrieval: This course is for students who failed first semester of Algebra 2.

Geometry
Grades 9-12
.5 Credit for each semester of work completed, 1.0 total available

Students will formalize their reasoning skills to write proofs built on definitions, axioms, and theorems.  Students will study parallel and perpendicular lines, triangle properties, quadrilateral properties, and properties of other polygons and circles.  Other topics that will be studied are similar and congruent figures, right triangle trigonometry, coordinate geometry, geometric transformations, area, surface area and volume of three-dimensional figures. For credit retrieval: This course is for students who failed first semester of Geometry.

Biology
Grades 10-12
.5 Credit for each semester of work completed, 1.0 total available

Online and in class inquiry-based science class. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of biology through a series of experiments and activities.

World History
Grades 10-12
.5 credit for each semester of work completed, 1.0 total available

Students will explore and analyze world events in this survey course spanning 1450-to the present. Major units of study include: Global expansion, the Age of Revolutions, international conflicts, the emergence and development of new nations, and the economic, technological, political, social, and geographic causes of change.


US History
Grade 11-12
.5 credit for each semester of work completed, 1.0 total available 

Review the U.S. Constitution and then use that knowledge as a framework to discuss the current political, social, and economic events that shape our world. Successful completion of this course may meet the graduation requirement.

Civics
Grade 12
.5 credit 

Seniors are required to take a semester of Civics. This course focuses on the study of political and economic issues at the local, state, tribal, and national level. Students will examine the Constitution, focusing on the structure of the government as well as the role of the individual within a democratic society.

Contemporary World Problems
Grade 12
.5 credit

Seniors are required to take Contemporary World Problems, a semester course that covers Global Studies, unless they are enrolling in a course approved as an equivalent. This course will emphasize the study of current economic, social/cultural, political and environmental issues around the world. Topics include:

• International organizations, institutions, treaties and frameworks
• Current issues driving global events
• The role of the US in a larger global context

Students will develop their analyzing and problem-solving skills as a preparation for becoming informed and productive citizens.