Course Description Manual 2014-2015 Class of 2018 – Grade 8 This manual is to be used as a guide for the selection of courses for the 2014-2015 academic year. This guide can also be used to assist you in the planning of your entire educational program at Roy-Hart. TABLE OF CONTENTS Counseling Department ..................... page 3-6 Art Department .................................. page 7-8 English Department............................ page 9-10 Foreign Language ............................... page 11-12 Humanities…………………………… page 13 Math Department ............................... page 14-16 Music Department .............................. page 17-18 Physical Education and Health .......... page 19 Science Department ............................ page 20-22 Social Studies Department ................. page 23-25 Technology Department ..................... page 26-30 Introduction Careful course selection is a critical part of your High School experience. The process of course selection is one way you can put into practice some of the decisionmaking strategies you have learned. Your schedule is the educational map for the school year. The choice process is an expression of the partnership we seek to promote between students, parents and school personnel. This Course Description Manual has been prepared to assist you in that decision making process. It contains all the courses offered with a short descriptive paragraph giving pertinent information, course prerequisites, credits, etc. It is intended to give you as accurate a course description as possible so that you may be aware of the content of each subject and wisely make your selection. Now is the time for careful consideration of your choices. You are accountable for the decision. After your courses are chosen, we will build a master schedule that reflects those choices. Once we make this commitment of our resources in the spring, changing courses becomes very difficult. If you or your parent/guardian have any questions about the courses described here or the process of course selection please call the Counseling Department at (716) 735 – 2000. Counselors and faculty are always available to help throughout this process. Students need to ask questions and check to make sure they are on track for graduation. All Students should know what classes they need and what Regents Exams they need to graduate!! Counselor Assignments Ms. Diana O’Rourke Grades 9 &10 phone: x2353 Mrs. Colleen Albee Grades 11 & 12 phone: x2300 COUNSELING DEPARTMENT TIMELINE FOR COURSE SELECTION PROCESS January/ February Classroom visits by School Counselors (Grades 8-11) Read the Course Description Manual Complete the planning worksheet Consult present teachers, parents and counselors to discuss choices. Have individual or small group meetings with counselors Receive verification of course requests Contact Counseling Department if schedules need to be modified. A parent/counselor/student conference may be required. All requests for course modifications must be made by May 31, 2014 April Receive a copy of their 2014-2015 final course requests. These will be mailed home with the third quarter report card. June/July Receive a copy of their 2014-2015 list of scheduled classes. Please note schedules changes will not be made after June 30th. Students will have had numerous times to adjust their schedules. In an effort to have the start of school run effectively students will no longer be able to make a change beyond June 30th. The only changes to be made after June 30th will be related to summer school or at the discretion of school staff. August Receive a final copy of schedule prior to the first day of school. NYS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Regents Diploma English Social Studies Science Math # of Credits 4 4 3 3 Health The Arts *Core Credits 1 Foreign Language(LOTE) Physical Education 2 Electives(LOTE, CTE, or The Arts/ or BOCES **Total Credits Required .5 1 15.5 1 2 3.5 (+) Regents Exams Grade 11 Grade 10 &11 Must pass one Science exam Must pass the Common Core Regents Algebra exam NO NO Students will have to pass three credits in a Foreign Language 22 Students must score a 65% or higher on 5 Regents Exams in order to graduate with Regents Diploma. 1 Foreign Language: All students must complete one credit of foreign language. If they decide not to continue with the second and third year they must replace the three Foreign Language Elective credits with five credits in either 2Career and Technical Education (CTE) or The Arts. Advanced Regents Diploma English Social Studies Science Math Health The Arts *Core Credits 1 Foreign Language(LOTE) # of Credits 4 4 3 3 .5 1 15.5 1 (or 3) Physical Education 2 Electives(LOTE, CTE, or The Arts) 2 3.5 Regents Exams/Common Core Grade 11 Grade 10 &11 Must pass two Science exams Must pass three math exams NO NO Must pass Regionally given Comprehensive Exam after Span 3**(see below) Students who take three credits in a Foreign Language must pass the Regionally given Comprehensive Exam **Total Credits Required 22 Students must score a 65% or higher on 8 Regents Exams in order to graduate. **1 Foreign Language: All students must complete one unit of a foreign language. If they decide not continue with the second and third year they must replace the three Foreign Language Elective credits with five credits in either 2Career and Technical Education (CTE) or The Arts. ADVANCED COLLEGE PROGRAMS Advanced Placement (AP) The Advanced Placement program gives interested students opportunities both for collegelevel learning and for demonstrating their accomplishments through AP examinations. AP courses are offered in English & American History. The cost of the AP examination is approximately $85.00. It is expected that all students enrolled in AP courses will take the corresponding AP examination(s). Niagara University (NUSTEP): Calculus 1 (MAT 111) and Calculus 2 (MAT 112) are taught in conjunction with Niagara University. Students enrolled in NUSTEP will receive college credit hours upon successful completion of their course. An undergraduate tuition fee is required for these courses for those students who wish to receive college credit. These credits can be used toward a Baccalaureate Degree at Niagara University or may be transferred to another college. College Today Courses (GCC)-( Runs due to Senior Enrollment) Students may have an opportunity to take a College Level Course at the GCC Media Campus during their Senior year. This is year to year opportunity and will depend on students’ availability and interest. The School Counselors will share more information with students. CAP (College Acceleration Program) NCCC – Spanish 4 and 5 (3 college credits each course) Pre-Calculus (4 college credits) Tuition for these courses handled through NCCC. Course Change Policy The purpose of this policy is to support our students as they strive to meet high standards. Our goal is to prevent failure rather than react to it by students dropping out of courses. This process involves early identification and intervention through personal contact and conferencing so that all involved may work to promote success. As a result of increased graduation requirements established by New York State, in order to receive a high school diploma, students are required to take and to pass higher level courses. After June 30, 2014 students will not be able to drop a full year or a first semester course. It is VERY important that students keep the lines of communication open with their School Counselors as far as what they are thinking about for their future- we are able to assist you in selecting the best courses for you- based on your future plans… All students will have numerous opportunities over the course of 4 years to learn more about their personality, their strengthens and weaknesses… while participating in certain assessments such as : INVISIONIT, PSAT and ASVAB. Students are encouraged to do their best on these assessments so that accurate information and data can be used in their future planning! ART COURSES CREATIVE CRAFTS 1 & 2 Participating in art classes at Royalton-Hartland C.S. helps children gain the tools necessary for understanding the human experience, adapting to and respecting others' ways of working and thinking, developing creative problem-solving skills, and communicating thoughts and ideas in a variety of ways. So, where do you begin? Start by remembering that teaching children about art is not just about showing them how to recognize a van Gogh or Picasso; it's about preparing young minds for a future of invaluable experiences, art related or otherwise. At Royalton-Hartland we offer a variety of classes that all students can experience no matter what their talent level may be. We encourage the students to explore and have fun learning about art and perhaps maybe make a career out of it when they graduate. The course selection for students enrolling in art for the 2014-15 school year will be as follows: - Studio in Art and Creative Crafts are introductory classes and need to be taken first and cannot be taken at the same time. - Creative Crafts II, drawing/painting, ceramics and independent/advance art are elective classes that are taken after the successful completion of Studio in Art and/or Creative Crafts 1, depending on each elective course prerequisite. When students select their art classes we must limit each student to 2 art classes per school year. For Freshmen we request that they only select 1 Art class for their first HS year. There is a one-unit graduation requirement in Music or Art. Students may pursue additional credits; Studio in Art is a prerequisite for most art classes. STUDIO IN ART Open to students in Grades 9 through 12 40 weeks - 1 credit Studio in Art is designed to recognize and understand the what, where and how of art. This course is designed as a foundation course for all students following an art sequence. Students will use the elements of art in a wide variety of two and three dimensional media, processes and techniques. They will also interpret and appreciate the major art movements and styles past and present. Class activities include: drawing and painting in pencil, charcoal, pastels, pen and ink, tempera, water color, lettering, perspective, art history, and sculpture. CREATIVE CRAFTS I Open to students in Grades 9 through 12 40 weeks - 1 credit This course is an art elective course that covers the realm of contemporary crafts including a brief history of their origin. Popular studio experiences such as weaving, copper tooling, paper-mache, 3-D construction, mask-making, and paper-quilling are some of the techniques to be explored. ENGLISH COURSES Required Courses Grade 9 10 Required Course Regents Exam English 9 or 9E English 10 or 10E NO NO 11 12 English 11 or Intro to AP English English 12 or AP English YES NO Elective Course Creative Writing ENGLISH 9 40 weeks _ 1 credit This Regents level course emphasizes the development of writing and reading skills as the first of three years' preparation for the Regents Comprehensive Examination in English. Writing activities will focus on essay format with special attention to skills required by the NYS Regents exam essay questions. Literature study will cover drama, the novel, short stories, essays and poetry. Students will read full-length works including: Romeo and Juliet, The Outsiders and Homer’s The Odyssey. ENGLISH 9 – E (Enriched) 40 weeks _ 1 credit This Regents level course emphasizes the development of writing and reading skills as the first of three years' preparation for the Regents Comprehensive Examination in English. Writing activities will focus on essay format with special attention to skills required by the NYS Regents exam essay questions. Literature study will cover drama, the novel, short stories, essays and poetry. Students will read full-length works including: Romeo and Juliet, The Outsiders and Homer’s The Odyssey. *Students who enroll in English 9-Enriched will be expected to do more independent reading and preparation to allow for a deeper discussion of course content and a higher level of engagement with relevant concepts and material. There are a limited number of seats available for this course. Enrollment will be based on grades, teacher recommendation and the completion of summer reading assignments.. FOREIGN LANGUAGE SPANISH I Open to students in Grades 9 through 12 40 weeks - 1 credit This is a first level course, which serves as an introduction to the Spanish language and to the culture of the Spanish speaking world. This course is the equivalent of Spanish 7 and 8 combined. In Level I, students will be exposed to everyday Spanish used in practical situations. These situations will include topics such as asking and giving directions, ordering food, or making travel plans. Students will study the four basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. At this level, the main emphasis will be to develop speaking and listening skills, while reading and writing will be covered to a lesser extent. Integration of Spanish culture is an important aspect of the Level I course. Students learn about the hobbies, and interests of Spanish youth. This course is designed for students who have not yet completed the Level 1 graduation requirement. SPANISH II Open to students in Grades 9 through 12 Prerequisite: Spanish 7 and 8 or Spanish I 40 weeks - 1 credit Level II Spanish combines both a review of previously learned skills in Level I with the introduction of new vocabulary, grammar, and verbs. Students will continue to develop their listening and speaking skills. A greater emphasis will be placed on reading and writing skills. These four basic language skills will be developed through a variety of activities that will provide the student with the opportunity to communicate in real-life situations. Spanish culture will continue to be integrated into the course. At the conclusion of Spanish II, a local exam will be given. Math Courses Required Courses: *All Students Must Pass a minimum of one Regents Exam REQUIRED COURSE Pre-Algebra REGENTS EXAM NO Common Core/ Regents Algebra 1 Common Core/ Regents Geometry YES Algebra YES Geometry Intermediate Algebra 2/Trigonometry NO Algebra 2/ Trigonometry Algebra 2 / Trigonometry Pre-Calculus (advanced Students) Students who struggle with math may take one of the following math electives in place of Algebra 2/Trigonometry (for their unit in Math) •Intermediate Algebra 2 and Trigonometry (1 credit) or • Problem Solving ½ credit And Consumer Math ½ credit ELECTIVES COURSES Pre Calculus (strongly recommended for accelerated students) Calculus 1 & 2 (strongly recommended for accelerated students) Problem-Solving/ Consumer Math PRE – ALGEBRA Open to students in 9th grade by teacher and/or counselor recommendation 40 weeks – 1 credit This course is the first in a 2-year program designed to give students a stronger background in understanding the various branches of mathematics. Major topics in Pre-Algebra that are covered if time allows: The language of Algebra including expressions, equations, order of operations and properties, Integers: adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, Addition and Subtraction Equations, solving equations with absolute value, mean median, mode and range, Multiplication and Division equations, multi-step equations and solving equations with variables on both sides, solving equation with grouping symbols ( ), [ ]or { }, Solving proportions, percent problems, percent of change and probability, Relations, Functions, and variation, Linear equations, slope, writing equations in point-slope form, writing equations in slope-intercept form, scatter plots, graphing linear equations, parallel and perpendicular lines, Powers and exponents, multiplying and dividing exponents, negative exponents, scientific notation, square roots, and the Pythagorean Theorem, Polynomials: adding and subtracting, multiply a polynomial by a monomial, multiply binomials and special products, Factoring, GCF, factoring trinomials, special products, Graphing quadratic functions (parabolas), solving quadratic equations by graphing or factoring, exponential functions, Solve inequalities, systems of equations and radicals ALGEBRA High School Algebra 1 Open to students in grades 9 and 10 40 weeks - 1 credit, Regents taken in June/ Common Core Exam Concepts broken into 5 modules: • Relationships between Quantities and Reasoning with Equations • Descriptive Statistics • Linear and Exponential Relationships • Expressions and Equations • Quadratic Functions and Modeling. GEOMETRY Open to students in Grades 9, 10, and 11 Regents/ Common Core Exam Prerequisite: Algebra 1 40 weeks - 1 credit Geometry is a continuation of Algebra and extends the student's knowledge in algebraic concepts, probability, and rectangular coordinate geometry. In addition, students will cover the following concepts: Mathematical Systems, Euclidean Geometry, Analytical Geometry, Logic Quadratic Equations, and Transformational Geometry, Locus, Similarity, and Probability. Emphasis will be placed more on the reasoning behind problems and proofs. Students will take the Geometry Regents Exam in June. Music Courses Music Theory I Senior High Concert Band Senior High Chorus Senior High Orchestra MUSIC There is a ONE unit graduation requirement in MUSIC or ART. Students who pursue a three or five unit sequence in Music must complete two or four units of performance music (Senior High Band, Senior High Chorus, or Senior High Orchestra) and Music Theory I. CONCERT BAND Open to students in Grades 9 to 12 Prerequisite: Audition or recommendation of instructor 40 weeks - 1 credit This course provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding as they learn to play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument(s). Band rehearsals take place every day while small group lessons are scheduled every 7 – 10 days during times that rotate throughout the marking periods. Study will focus on acquiring, developing, and refining tone quality and technique, music reading capabilities, performance skills, team spirit, and responsible rehearsal/practice habits. Students will also work to improve listening skills and their ability to discuss music and music performances. Winter, Festival, and Spring concerts are course requirements. State and county music festival participation will be strongly encouraged. HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS Open to students in Grades 9 to 12 40 weeks - 1 credit This ensemble is designed for all students who wish to develop their musicianship through vocal training. The chorus yields 40 to 65 members. Chorus involves one scheduled rehearsal per day and one small group lesson per week. Lessons are scheduled on a rotating “pull-out” basis. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of vocal literature as well as having the opportunity to develop his/her personal vocal technique. Basic music skills are also developed and strengthened on a consistent daily basis throughout the year. This includes tonal and rhythm pattern recognition as well as daily sight-singing exercises. Performance evaluations are administered, periodically, to ensure that students are maintaining an appropriate level of achievement. Students are expected to participate in all Chorus activities including concerts, and are encouraged to participate in State and County competitions. ORCHESTRA Open to students in Grades 9 to 12 40 weeks - 1 credit Senior High Orchestra involves one scheduled rehearsal per day and one small group or individual lesson per week. Lessons are scheduled on a rotating “pull-out” basis, and students are expected to make up class work missed because of lessons. Students are expected to participate in all orchestra activities including concerts, and encouraged to participate in NYSSMA and NCMEA festivals and solo and ensemble competition. Physical Education & Health PHYSICAL EDUCATION All Students grades 9-12 Required for Graduation 40 weeks - ½ credit (alternate days) All students attending Royalton-Hartland Schools are required to participate in Physical Education and receive a passing grade. Physical Education is a State required course of study. Each student will receive 1/2 credit for each year of successful completion of Physical Education for a four-year total of two credits. This credit must be earned to complete requirements for graduation. Emphasis is placed upon a program of sequential instruction which is directed toward the student's individual needs and which covers a wide range of activities such as basic athletic skills, self-testing activities, lifetime sports, physical fitness, and team sports activities. Students are required to dress in appropriate P.E. clothing. A student who is physically unable to attend classes must secure a written excuse from a physician. The school nurse or physical education instructor may issue temporary excuses which do not exceed two weeks. Grading is based upon participation, preparedness, ability, effort, and a written skills test. SCIENCE COURSES Required Courses: *Required Course *Earth Science Regents Exam YES *Living Environment YES Students must have at least more of the following courses to completed 3rd Science: Elective Courses Advanced Biology (For College Credit) Forensic Science Environmental Science Chemistry (Regents Exam) Physics (Regents Exam) SCIENCE PHYSICAL SETTING: EARTH SCIENCE Open to students Grades 9 through 12 40 weeks - 1 credit Earth Science is a study of the earth, the materials composing it, the processes acting upon it, and its environment and history. Completion of the minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory activities is a course requirement. The culminating assessment is a New York State Regents examination. Typically this course is taken during 9th or 10th grade. LIVING ENVIRONMENT Open to students in Grades 9 through 12 40 weeks - 1 credit Living Environment is intended to provide a basic understanding of the general areas of Biology. These areas include the Study of Life, both at biochemical and metabolic levels, energy transformations, the study of the process of aerobic respiration and photosynthesis in both plants and animals, reproduction and development, heredity, evolution, and ecology. Completion of the minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory exercises is a course requirement. Students will take the New York State Regents Examination in June. SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES Required Courses: Required Course Regents Exam Global Studies 9 Global Studies 9 E NO Global Studies 10 Global 10 E YES US History or YES AP History YES Participation in Government & Economics NO Elective Courses: Niagara County Legislative Internship (can be used in place of PIG if student is chosen to participate- See Mrs. Albee for details) SOCIAL STUDIES GLOBAL HISTORY 9 OR 9E 40 weeks - 1 credit This course provides students with the historic, economic, social and political background of the major nonwestern cultural regions of the world and the ability to understand the multi-ethnic nature of those cultures. In doing so the course aims to foster a global outlook and to cultivate the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to function effectively in an increasingly interdependent world. At the end of the course students should be able to compare and contrast ideas, peoples and events across the globe. Successful completion of a local final exam will be expected at the end of the course. Information learned in this course will be tested as part of the Global Studies 10 NYS Regents exam. GLOBAL HISTORY 9 E / OR 10E (Enriched) Students who enroll in Global 9 Enriched will be excepted to do more independent reading and preparation to allow for a deeper discussion of course content and a higher level of engagement with relevant concepts and material. There are a limited number of seats available for this course. Enrollment will based on grades, teacher recommendation and the completion of summer reading assignments. Technology Courses DDP- DRAFTING/CAD ADVANCED CAD INTERIOR DESIGN INDEPENDENT CAD STUDY MICROCOMPUTER APPLICATION MATERIAL PROCESSING ADVANCED MATERIAL PROCESSING IND. STUDY PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING PROGRAMMING/ WEB DESIGN ENERGY / TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM Design/CAD Track DDP-Drafting/ CAD (40 weeks 1 credit) Manufacturing (40 weeks 1 credit) Interior Design (40 weeks 1 credit) Advanced CAD (40 weeks 1 credit) Independent CAD Study (40 weeks 1 credit) DDP-Drafting/ CAD Prerequisite – None/Open to students in Grades 9 through 12 40 weeks-1 credit Technical Drawing is an introduction to the world of drafting. The students will be exposed to drafting equipment, basic drafting principles, general drawing concepts, and industry standards. Hand drafting will allow the students an opportunity to explore design, learning basic drafting concepts that will be carried forward into other design classes. Introduction to CAD explores the computer-aided design software, AutoCAD. Basic drawing and editing commands will be presented, giving the students the skills to begin to draw single view, multi-view, and pictorial view drawings. Students will explore the basics of CAD using industry standards. A modern, hands-on approach through the use of tutorials and basic projects provide students an immediate opportunity to start drawing. Students will continue to develop drafting techniques using AutoCAD. Throughout the semester, students will continue to be challenged with new projects resulting in a collection of drawings for a portfolio. Topics to be included: industry standards, measurement, scale, basic lettering and dimensioning, single view drawings, multi-view drawings, CAD history, applications, industry standards, design concepts, basics of AutoCAD, drawing management, soft & hard copies of drawings Recommended course: if planning to pursue additional technology coursework. Evaluation: drawings, projects, tests/quizzes Articulation Agreement with NCCC – upon successful completion of this course, students may receive college credit Manufacturing Prerequisite –DDP/CAD 40 weeks-1 credit This course offers the student an opportunity to explore the design process, from conception to engineered product. They will be given design challenges, including a variety of criteria, to which they will brainstorm, generate concepts/ideas/possible solutions, which in turn will be produced, creating a finished product. This class provides opportunities in design and drawing through creative thinking, decision making, and problem-solving experiences. Students will be given issues/problems, which in turn, they will need to design/draw in CAD, develop a prototype, and produce a viable solution. This project oriented course, will develop advanced CAD techniques. Each student will continue to develop their own portfolio, including a compilation of completed work for this course. Evaluation: drawings, projects, tests/quizzes Articulation Agreement with NCCC – upon successful completion of this course, students may receive college credit Engineering Track Traditional Engineering Computer Engineering Materials processing (40 Weeks 1 credit) Microcomputer Applications (40 Weeks 1 credit) Advanced Materials Processing (40 Weeks 1 credit) Programming/Web Design (40 Weeks 1 credit) Energy/Transportation Systems (40 Weeks 1 credit) Principles of Engineering (40 week 1 credit) Microcomputer Applications Open to students in Grades 9 through 12 40 weeks – 1 credit Basic Computer Literacy is a full year course designed to expose students to typical home and office use of Windows operating system computers. Students will explore Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Internet Explorer, Windows operating system, Power Point, and Microsoft Publisher.
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