Course Catalog

 

 

Grade Level	Regular	Pre-AP/AP/Dual Credit
7	Math 7
8	Math 8 (Prealgebra)	Pre-AP Algebra 1
9	Algebra 1	Pre-AP Algebra 1, Pre-AP Geometry
10	Geometry	Pre-AP Geometry, Algebra 2 Honors
11	Algebra 2, Precalculus	Pre-AP Algebra 2
12	Precalculus	AP Calculus AB

 

 

In Algebra I, students will build on grade 6-8 Mathematics Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which provide a foundation in linear relationships, number and operations, and proportionality. Students will study linear, quadratic, and exponential functions and their related transformations, equations, and associated solutions. Students will connect functions and their associated solutions in both mathematical and real-world situations. Students will use technology to collect and explore data and analyze statistical relationships. In addition, students will study polynomials of degrees one and two, radical expressions, sequences, and laws of exponents. Students will generate and solve linear systems with two equations and two variables and will create new functions through transformations.

 

Grade Level: Grade 9     Credit: 1.0     Prerequisite: Prealgebra

 

 

The Pre-AP Algebra 1 course is designed to deepen students’ understanding of linear relationships by emphasizing patterns of change, multiple representations of functions and equations, modeling real world scenarios with functions, and methods for finding and representing solutions of equations and inequalities. Taken together, these ideas provide a powerful set of conceptual tools that students can use to make sense of their world through mathematics.

 

Grade Level: Grade 8, Grade 9     Credit: 1.0     Prerequisite: Prealgebra

 

 

The geometry provides an opportunity to do geometric thinking and spatial reasoning. The student will study the basic structure of geometry such as dimensionality, congruence, and similarity through the study of size, shape, location, and direction relationships. 

 

Grade Level: Grade 10     Credit: 1.0     Prerequisite: Algebra 1

 

 

Pre-AP Geometry with Statistics is designed to provide students with a meaningful conceptual bridge between algebra and geometry to deepen their understanding of mathematics. Students often struggle to see the connections among their mathematics courses. In this course, students are expected to use the mathematical knowledge and skills they have developed previously to problem solve across the domains of algebra, geometry, and statistics. The course includes a unit of statistics and probability to help students build a deeper understanding of essential concepts related to quantitative literacy.

 

Grade Level: Grade 9     Credit: 1.0     Prerequisite: Algebra 1

 

 

Algebra 2 allows students to continue to build on the algebraic skills of analysis of data and the foundations of Algebra 1. Students will broaden their knowledge of quadratic functions, exponential functions, and systems of equations. Students will study logarithmic, square root, cubic, cube root, absolute value, rational functions, and their related equations.

 

Grade Level: Grade 11     Credit: 1.0     Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry

 

 

Algebra 2 allows students to continue to build on the algebraic skills of analysis of data and the foundations of Algebra 1. Students will broaden their knowledge of quadratic functions, exponential functions, and systems of equations. Students will study logarithmic, square root, cubic, cube root, absolute value, rational functions, and their related equations. This course contains the required content of Algebra 2 and extends knowledge to include more extensive data analysis and problem-solving necessary to be successful in the precalculus and AP mathematics program. 

 

Grade Level: Grade 11     Credit: 1.0     Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry

Grade Level	Regular	Pre-AP/AP/Dual Credit
7	ELA 7
8	ELA 8
9	English 1	Pre-AP English 1
10	English 2	Pre-AP English 2
11	English 3	AP English Language
12	English 4	AP English Literature

 

 

This course consists of grammar, composition, and literature. Novels, short stories, plays, poems, nonfiction, and mythology comprise the literature study. The composition focuses on the development of the paragraph, short essays, research skills, and a research paper. Students will study and review language concepts and skills which students use in writing creative, narrative, expository, and persuasive paragraphs and essays.

 

Grade Level: Grade 9     Credit: 1.0     Prerequisite: None

 

Pre-AP English 1

 

Pre-AP English 1 focuses on the reading, writing, and language skills that have immediate relevance for students and that will be essential for their future coursework. Texts take center stage in the Pre-AP English 1 classroom, inspiring and preparing all students for close, critical reading and analytical writing. The course trains the reader to observe the small details in a text to arrive at a deeper understanding of the whole. It also trains the writer to focus on crafting complex sentences, building this foundational skill en route to more sophisticated, longer-form analyses.

 

Grade Level: Grade 9     Credit: 1.0     Prerequisite: None

 

English 2

 

This course introduces a variety of literary forms and continues skill development in language, reading, and composition. The curriculum includes a study of the short story and a grammar review focusing on parts of a sentence, punctuation, usage, sentence structure, and composition. English II students read extensively in multiple genres from world literature such as reading selected stories, dramas, novels, and poetry originally written in English or translated to English. Students learn literary forms and terms associated with selections being read and interpret the possible influences of the historical context on a literary work.

 

Grade Level: Grade 10     Credit: 1.0     Prerequisite: English 1

 

Pre-AP English 2

 

English 2 builds on the foundation of English 1, with an emphasis on the recursive moves that matter in preparing students for the challenges of college-level reading, writing, and discussion. While English 1 introduces the fundamental routines of close observation, critical analysis, and appreciation of the author’s craft, English 2 requires students to apply those same practices to a new host of nonfiction and literary texts. As readers, students develop a vigilant awareness of how the poet, playwright, novelist, and writer of nonfiction alike can masterfully manipulate language to serve their unique purposes. As writers, students compose more nuanced analytical essays without losing sight of the importance of well-crafted sentences and a sense of cohesion.

 

Grade Level: Grade 10     Credit: 1.0     Prerequisite: English 1

 

 

Grade Level	Regular	Pre-AP/AP/Dual Credit
7	Social Studies 7
8	Social Studies 8
9	World Geography	AP Human Geography
10	World History	AP World History
11	US History	AP US History
12	US Gov't / Economics	AP US Gov't / AP Economics

 

 

World Geography takes students on a tour around the world in which they will learn about the physical and human geography of various regions. They will briefly look at the history of each region and study the political, economic, and cultural characteristics of the world around us.

 

Grade Level: Grade 9     Credit: 1     Prerequisite: None

 

AP Human Geography

 

The AP Human Geography course is equivalent to an introductory college-level course in human geography. The course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. The curriculum reflects the goals of the National Geography Standards (2012).

 

Grade Level: Grade 9     Credit: 1     Prerequisite: None

 

World History

 

World history will cover the key events that impacted the history of the world from ancient times to the present. Students will examine how classical civilizations progressed, then move toward social, economic, and industrial revolutions, and end with a study of modern history.

 

Grade Level: Grade 10     Credit: 1     Prerequisite: None

 

AP World History

 

AP World History: Modern is an introductory college-level modern world history course. Students cultivate their understanding of world history from c. 1200 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions, and organization, and technology and innovation.

 

Grade Level: Grade 10     Credit: 1     Prerequisite: None

 

 

 

This course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.

 

Grade Level: Grade 10     Credit: 1     Prerequisite: None

 

Public Speaking

 

In order to have full participation in the civic process, students must have a good understanding of public dialogue. Students must learn the concepts and skills related to preparing and presenting public messages and to analyzing and evaluating the messages of others. Within this process, students will gain skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking and will examine areas such as invention, organization, style, memory, and delivery.

 

Grade Level: Grade 9,10     Credit: 0.5     Prerequisite: None

 

Debate

 

Controversial issues arise in aspects of personal, social, public, and professional life in modern society. Debate and argumentation are widely used to make decisions and reduce conflict. Students who develop skills in argumentation and debate become interested in current issues, develop sound critical thinking, and sharpen communication skills. They acquire life-long skills for intelligently approaching controversial issues and clashes of opinion.

 

Grade Level: Grade 9,10     Credit: 0.5     Prerequisite: None

 

Art 1

 

This course introduces the elements and principles of art and attempts to provide experiences that will enable students to express creative ideas through a variety of mediums: design, drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture.

 

Grade Level: Grade 9,10     Credit: 1     Prerequisite: None

 

Principles of Education and Training

 

This course is designed to introduce learners to the various careers available within the education and training career cluster. Students use self-knowledge and educational and career information to analyze various careers within the education and training career cluster. Students also will gain an understanding of the basic knowledge and skills essential to careers within the education and training career cluster. Students will develop a graduation plan that leads to a specific career choice in the student's interest area.

 

Grade Level: Grade 9,10     Credit: 1     Prerequisite: None

 

 

In levels I and II courses (novice levels), students will demonstrate an understanding of simple, clearly spoken, and written language. Students will develop an understanding of the practices and perspectives of the cultures studied; use the language to obtain, reinforce, or expand knowledge of other subject areas; demonstrate an understanding of the influence of language and culture on another, and use the language both within and beyond the school setting through activities such as participating in cultural events and using technology to communicate.

 

Grade Level: Grade 9,10     Credit: 1     Prerequisite: None

 

 

 

 

Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. They work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3-D modeling software, and use an engineering notebook to document their work.

 

Grade Level: Grade 9     Credit: 1     

PLTW Aerospace Engineering

This course propels students’ learning in the fundamentals of atmospheric and space flight. As they explore the physics of flight, students bring the concepts to life by designing an airfoil, propulsion system, and rockets. They learn basic orbital mechanics using industry-standard software. They also explore robot systems through projects such as remotely operated vehicles.

 

Grade Level: Grade 10     Credit: 1     

 

PLTW Principles of Engineering

 

Through problems that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. Students develop skills in problem-solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation.

 

Grade Level: Grade 11     Credit: 1

 

PLTW Engineering Design and Development

 

The knowledge and skills students acquire throughout PLTW Engineering come together in Engineering Design and Development as they identify an issue and then research, design, and test a solution, ultimately presenting their solution to a panel of engineers. Students apply the professional skills they have developed to document a design process to standards, completing Engineering Design and Development ready to take on any post-secondary program or career.

 

Grade Level: Grade 12     Credit: 1

 

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From design and data analysis to outbreaks, clinical empathy, health promotion, and more, students explore the vast range of careers in biomedical sciences. They develop not just technical skills, but also in-demand, transportable skills that they need to thrive in life and career.

 

Grade Level: Grade 9     Credit: 1

 

PLTW Human Body System

 

Through projects such as determining the identity of a skeleton using both forensic anthropology and DNA analysis, students examine the interactions of human body systems and apply what they know to solve real-world medical cases.

 

Grade Level: Grade 10     Credit: 1

 

PLTW Medical Interventions

 

Students delve into activities like designing a prosthetic arm as they follow the life of a fictitious family and investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease.

 

Grade Level: Grade 11     Credit: 1

 

PLTW Biomedical Innovations

 

Students build on the knowledge and skills gained from previous courses to design their own innovative solutions for the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century.

 

Grade Level: Grade 12     Credit: 1

 

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In this course, students gain knowledge and skills in economies and private enterprise systems, the impact of global business, marketing of goods and services, advertising, and product pricing. Students analyze the sales process and financial management principles. This course allows students to reinforce, apply, and transfer academic knowledge and skills to a variety of interesting and relevant activities, problems, and settings in business, marketing, and finance.

 

Grade Level: Grade 9     Credit: 1

 

CTE Business Law

 

Business Law is designed for students to analyze various aspects of the legal environment, including ethics, the judicial system, contracts, personal property, sales, negotiable instruments, agency and employment, business organization, risk management, and real property.

Grade Level: Grade 10     Credit: 1

 

CTE Virtual Business (under construction)

 

Virtual Business is designed for students to start a virtual business by creating a web presence, conducting online and offline marketing, examining contracts appropriate for an online business and demonstrating project-management skills. Students will also demonstrate book-keeping skills for a virtual business, maintain business records, and understand legal issues associated with a virtual business.

 

Grade Level: Grade 10     Credit: 1

 

CTE Business Management

 

Students recognize, evaluate, and prepare for a rapidly evolving global business environment that requires flexibility and adaptability. Students analyze the primary functions of management and leadership, which are planning, organizing, staffing, directing or leading, and controlling. Topics will incorporate social responsibility of business and industry. Students develop a foundation in the economical, financial, technological, international, social, and ethical aspects of the business to become competent managers, employees, and entrepreneurs. Students incorporate a broad base of knowledge that includes the legal, managerial, marketing, financial, ethical, and international dimensions of business to make appropriate management decisions.

 

Grade Level: Grade 11     Credit: 1

 

CTE Statistics and Business Decision Making

 

Students will use a variety of graphical and numerical techniques to analyze patterns and departures from patterns to identify and manage the risk that could impact an organization. Students will use probability as a tool for anticipating and forecasting data within business models to make decisions. Students will determine the appropriateness of methods used to collect data to ensure conclusions are valid.

 

Grade Level: Grade 12     Credit: 1

 

 

Careers in the Arts, Audio-Video Technology, and Communications career cluster require, in addition to creative aptitude, a strong background in computer and technology applications, a strong academic foundation, and a proficiency in oral and written communication. Within this context, students will be expected to develop an understanding of the various and multifaceted career opportunities in this cluster and the knowledge, skills, and educational requirements for those opportunities.

 

Grade Level: Grade 9     Credit: 1

 

CTE Graphics Design and Illustration 1

 

Video content is used everywhere because of its power to influence. Successful video editors have more than just a thick skin, a quick wit, and fantastic finger reflexes. They know how to use their technical skills with precision to tell a story. If you want to become a master storyteller, then achieving the Adobe Certified Professional in Video Design pathway will help you get there. Earn the necessary certifications in Premiere Pro and either After Effects or Photoshop Adobe Certified Associate to show directors you have the editing skills to turn their clips into a cinematic novel.

 

Grade Level: Grade 10     Credit: 1

 

CTE Graphics Design and Illustration 2

 

Graphic designers do more than just create fliers and business cards. They challenge creative barriers to build visually appealing media that catches our attention. If you are ready to push your art beyond paper, into the digital realm, then achieving the Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design certification is for you. By earning the Photoshop Adobe Certified Associate and either Illustrator or InDesign Adobe Certified Associate certifications, you will build your skills in multiple Adobe software applications that will allow you to create visually cohesive designs that capture your imagination.

 

Grade Level: Grade 11     Credit: 1

 

3D Modeling and Animation

 

Students will learn the basics of 3D Modeling, how to create and apply realistic textures, lighting principles and techniques, camera types and their appropriate usage, and fundamental keyframing procedures. Other topics covered include storyboards, the traditional principles of animation, current industry trends and issues pertaining to rendering output for different mediums (film, video, Internet, etc.).

 

Grade Level: Grade 12     Credit: 1