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COURSE CATALOG 2017 – 2018

Sparta High School 70 West Mountain Road ● Sparta, NJ 07871

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COURSE CATALOG 2017-2018

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BOARD OF EDUCATION Kelly McEvoy, President Jack Surdoval, Vice President

Kylen Anderson, Kimberly Bragg, Melva Cummings, Linda Curcio, May Abdo-Matkiwsky, Michael McGovern, Karen Scott

CENTRAL OFFICE Dr. Michael A. Rossi, Superintendent

Dr. Daniel R. Johnson, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Anthony J. Mistretta, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Business/Board Secretary

Danielle A. Hamblin, Director of Special Services

HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION Janet Ferraro, Principal

Rory Fitzgerald, Vice Principal Dean of Students, Steven Schels

Kacey Konwiser Dalton, Director of Guidance Steven Stoner, Interim Director of Athletics/Co-curricular Activities

DEPARTMENT SUPERVISORS Katie Arbolino – Mathematics

Adrienne Castorina – Special Education Rory Fitzgerald – Physical Education

Mary Hassenplug – English Michael Lauricella –Social Studies/World Language

Steven Schels – Applied Technology/Art Steven Stoner –Business/Music

Marisa Wilson – Science/TCC

HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING STAFF Kim Knabb

Timothy Librizzi Anthony Lombardo

Jenna Valleau

STUDENT ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR Danielle Colte

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INTRODUCTION

Educators have long recognized that young people have individual needs and interests. The program of studies at Sparta High School is designed to provide educational opportunities, taking into consideration individual interests, abilities, and ambitions. It is also designed to ensure a sound basic education. This Course Catalog booklet has been prepared to assist students and parents in the course selection process. The program of studies you select will determine not only the degree to which you utilize the offerings of the school, but also the educational and career opportunities available to you upon graduation. School counselors will meet individually with each student in grades 9, 10, and 11 to select a program of appropriate courses for the next school year. Each student will be provided with a course selection sheet which outlines the curriculum for the following academic year. This course selection sheet should be reviewed and completed by the student, parent, and school counselor. Please carefully examine the course descriptions prior to making your decisions. As questions arise, please feel free to contact the Sparta High School Guidance Department at (973) 729-5150. The Sparta High School counselors welcome the opportunity to discuss your educational plans and options. Find us also at www.shs.sparta.org.

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(Click on each section to navigate catalog.)

TABLE OF CONTENTS PLANNING YOUR PROGRAM ................................................................................................................................................. 5

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................................................ 6

COURSES SATISFYING VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS/21st CENTURY SKILLS ................................................................. 10

PREPARATION FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION ..................................................................................................................... 11

ADMISSION TO COLLEGE ..................................................................................................................................................... 11

GUIDELINES FOR COLLEGE PREPARATION .................................................................................................................... 12

MASTER SCHEDULE ................................................................................................................................................................ 14

CHANGE OF SCHEDULE PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................................ 14

COURSE OFFERINGS

AP CAPSTONE PROGRAM ..................................................................................................................................................... 61

ENGLISH...................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

MATHEMATICS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 25

PHYSICAL EDUCATION .......................................................................................................................................................... 33

SCIENCE ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 36

SOCIAL STUDIES ...................................................................................................................................................................... 45

TECHNOLOGY, CAREER & CONSUMER SCIENCES/21st CENTURY SKILLS ............................................................. 53

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS ............................................................................................................................................. 62

WORLD LANGUAGES ............................................................................................................................................................. 71

STEM ACADEMY ...................................................................................................................................................................... 74

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS ..................................................................................................................................................... 81

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PLANNING YOUR PROGRAM

Basis for Selecting Courses Do you know what kind of person you are? Have you really thought about what you will do with your life after you leave high school? Which subjects do you enjoy and find most interesting? In which subjects do you find that you have the most difficulty and least interest? These are questions you should ask yourself before you select your courses for next year. As you examine the course selections in this booklet, please keep in mind not only your short-term needs but also your long-term goals. At SHS, we offer a variety of electives from which you may choose. At all stages of planning you must be mindful that we also have a number of graduation requirements. Students and parents are urged to consult with their school counselor to develop an appropriate academic program. Together, school counselors, students, and parents coordinate an appropriate academic plan by reviewing student achievement, interests, and aptitude related to individual career or educational goals. Teachers and Department Supervisors are also available to answer specific questions regarding course requirements and their importance toward intended college/career choices.

The following chart shows a breakdown of the classes that you should be taking each year.

GRADE 9 GRADE 10

English 9 English 10

Physical Education/Health 9 Physical Education/Health 10

World History U.S. History 1

Mathematics Mathematics

Science Science

World Language World Language

Visual/Performing Arts Elective Visual/Performing Arts Elective

21st Century Skills Elective 21st Century Skills Elective

Financial Literacy/Elective

English 11 GRADE 12

Physical Education/Health 11 English 12

U.S. History 2 Physical Education/Health 12

Mathematics Social Studies Elective

Science Mathematics Elective

World Language/Elective Science Elective

Elective Elective

Elective Elective

Elective

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Courses Credits

English 20

Health and Physical Education 20

Mathematics 15

Science 15

Social Studies – 1 year of World History & 2 years of U.S. History 15

Technology, Career & Consumer Sciences/21st Century Skills 5

Visual and Performing Arts 5

World Languages 5

Financial Literacy 2.5

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (continued)

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS

On August 3, 2016, the State board of Education approved updated state regulations for the high school graduation assessments requirements in both English language arts (ELA) and mathematics for the classes of 2016 through 2021 and beyond. Students graduating as members of the classes of 2016 through 2018 can meet graduation assessment requirements through a variety of ways, including:

1. achieving passing scores on certain PARCC assessments; 2. achieving certain scores on alternative assessments, such as the SAT, ACT, or Accuplacer or; 3. the submission by the district of a student portfolio through the Department’s portfolio appeals

process. (Special Education students whose Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) specify an alternative way to demonstrate proficiencies will continue to follow the graduation requirements set forth in their IEPs.)

The class of 2020 can demonstrate graduation assessment proficiency through the same alternative means as those in the classes of 2016 through 2019, provided that students in the class of 2020 take all PARCC assessments associated with the high school level courses for which they were eligible*, as of the effective date of when the amendments were adopted by the State Board of Education. For the class of 2021 and thereafter, students who have not demonstrated proficiency on the ELA 10 and Algebra I assessments, and have taken all PARCC assessments associated with the high school level courses for which they were eligible*, can demonstrate graduation assessment proficiency by meeting the criteria of the portfolio appeals process. It is important to note there has always been a system for students to demonstrate and meet graduation requirements through an alternative assessment or pathway to graduation throughout New Jersey’s forty-year history with a statewide assessment program. In this document, you will find charts containing the list of assessment requirements in both ELA and mathematics for the high school graduation classes of 2016 through 2021. *”Eligible” is defined as a student who is enrolled in a high school level course for which there is a PARCC test. This includes all of these courses: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, ELA 9, ELA 10, and ELA 11.

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (continued) To receive a diploma and participate in graduation, students must earn a minimum of 130 credits and meet state levels of proficiency on the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers assessment (PARCC) or by meeting one of the following criteria:

English Language Arts Mathematics

SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing >=450 or

SAT Math Section >=440 or

SAT Reading Test >=22 SAT Math Test >=22

ACT >=16 or

ACT >=16 or

PARCC ELA Grade 9 >=750 (Level 4)

PARCC Algebra I >=750 (Level 4)


PARCC Geometry >=725 (Level 3)


PARCC Algebra II >=725 (Level 3)

Accuplacer Write Placer >=6 or

Accuplacer Elementary Algebra>=76 or

PSAT >=22 or

PSAT >22 or

ACT Aspire >=422 or

ACT Aspire >=422 or

ASVAB-AFQT>=31 or

ASVAB-AFQT>=31 or

Meet the Criteria of the NJDOE Portfolio Appeal

Meet the Criteria of the NJDOE Portfolio

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (continued) The State of New Jersey Department of Education has approved the following changes to high school graduation requirements: Math - 15 credits including Algebra 1 or the content equivalent, Geometry or the content equivalent, and a third year of math that builds upon Algebra 1 and Geometry and prepares students for college and 21st century careers (class of 2017-2018).

Science - 15 credits including laboratory biology or the content equivalent, chemistry, environmental science or physics, and an additional lab/inquiry-based science (class of 2017-2018). Economics - 2.5 credits in financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy. Money University- Online Financial Literacy course is accepted at Sparta High School to fulfill the Economics requirement.

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*Financial Literacy is a state required course for all students.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (continued)

COURSES SATISFYING VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS/21st CENTURY SKILLS EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS 5 CREDITS

Advanced Digital Photography and Graphics Advanced Drawing & Painting Advanced Sculpture & Ceramics AP Art History AP Music Theory AP Studio Art Concert Choir/Mixed Freshman Band Freshman Chamber Orchestra Honors Philharmonic Orchestra Honors Wind Ensemble Honors Choir Intermediate Digital Photography & Graphics Intermediate Drawing & Painting Intermediate Sculpture & Ceramics Music Theory 1 Symphonic Band Symphony Orchestra Treble Choir 2.5 CREDITS

Acting Advanced Acting Advanced Theater Basic Electric Piano I Basic Electric Piano II Guitar Improv & Sketch Comedy Introduction to Digital Photography & Graphics Introduction to Drawing & Painting Introduction to Sculpture & Ceramics Evolution of Modern Music Musical Theater Public Speaking

21st CENTURY SKILLS 5 CREDITS

Advanced Digital Photography & Graphics Advanced Marketing AP Computer Science A AP Seminar AP Research Architecture and 3D Design Studio Broadcast Journalism 2 Co-op Business Education (15 Cr.) Entrepreneurship Intermediate Digital Photography & Graphics Marketing and Management Marketing Applications Materials and Processing 2 Robotics Engineering 2 SEE Work Experience (10 Cr.) Sussex-Tech AM (10 Cr.) Sussex-Tech PM (15 Cr.) Tomorrow’s Teachers 2.5 CREDITS Audio/Video Production 1 Audio/Video Production 2 Broadcast Journalism 1 Computer Science—JAVA Creative Culinary Arts Digital Graphics & Design Exploring Culinary Arts Home Technology How Things Work Intro to Architecture and Design 1 Intro to Architecture and Design 2 Introduction to Digital Photography & Graphics Materials and Processing 1 Robotics Engineering 1 Technical Foundations Visual Basic 1/Computer Programming 1 Visual Basic 2/Computer Programming 2 Web Design

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PREPARATION FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION The philosophies of education, specific course requirements, and other qualifications for acceptance vary among the nation’s colleges and universities. All, however, recognize the desirability of a broad education with a strong foundation in the traditional solid academic subjects. You are evaluated for admission not only in terms of grades achieved, but also with respect to the strength of the academic program undertaken. You are encouraged to take the strongest possible academic program available within your personal limitations during all four years of high school. Rigorous secondary school preparation remains the best means by which you can be assured of maximizing the benefits to be derived from a challenging college education.

ADMISSION TO COLLEGE Admission to college is usually quite competitive. In order to ensure consideration by a college admissions committee, students should begin planning for college in the eighth grade by giving serious deliberation to course selections for high school. Each college has its own admission requirements and sets its own priorities. When you apply to college, the admissions office creates a file of information to consider as it makes a decision about you. There are six main areas normally considered: 1. Academic record and school recommendation 2. GPA 3. Class Rank 4. Test Scores 5. Activities (athletics, work experience, community service, etc.) 6. Unique characteristics of the applicant

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GUIDELINES FOR COLLEGE PREPARATION

A. Most Highly Competitive Colleges Look for the Following: English - 4 years Social Studies - 4 years Mathematics - 4-5 years Lab Science - 4-5 years World Language (the same language preferred) - 4-5 years * Variations of the above requirements exist depending upon the college and the student’s major. Non-Academic Factors Admissions committees place considerable emphasis upon the quality of participation in extracurricular activities and look favorably upon applicants who have demonstrated leadership capabilities. Signs of independence and maturity are valued. A student’s work experience can be a benefit in the admissions process. Personality, character, motivation, special talents, and life experiences are other factors taken into consideration. The college catalog and website are the best sources of current, accurate information. B. Very Competitive Colleges Look for the Following: English - 4 years Social Studies - 3 years Mathematics – 4 years Lab Science - 3-4 years World Language (the same language preferred) - 3-4 years * Variations of the above requirements exist depending upon the college and the student’s major. Non-Academic Factors Non-academic factors as outlined under Most Highly Competitive Colleges are taken into consideration by the admissions committees. The college websites and catalogs should always be checked for admissions particulars.

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GUIDELINES FOR COLLEGE PREPARATION (continued) C. Competitive Colleges Look for the Following: English - 4 years Social Studies - 3 years Mathematics - 3 years Lab Science - 2 years World Language - 2 years Four other units (years), if possible, are to be selected from the above five major academic areas. Other subject areas such as music, art and business will sometimes count toward the 16 units depending upon the college and major selected. Variations do exist. Some colleges may require only fifteen units, one year of science, or no foreign language. The college counselor should be consulted for specific requirements. Non-Academic Factors Non-academic factors as outlined under Most Highly Competitive Colleges are taken into consideration. D. Two Year Junior/Community Colleges Look for the Following: English - 4 years Social Studies - 3 years Mathematics - 3 years Lab Science - 1 year *Variations of the above requirements exist depending upon the college and the major the student selects. Some two year colleges have an open admission policy whereby an applicant only needs to have graduated from an approved secondary school or have a high school equivalency diploma.

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MASTER SCHEDULE The high school master schedule and staffing are determined by the course selections of the students. Every effort will be made to accommodate your course requests. There are times that courses will not be offered due to insufficient enrollment requiring students to select an alternative. In addition, some courses in the Course Catalog are offered every other year. Board of Education policy indicates that each course must have a minimum number of students to be offered with only a few exceptions. Also, due to availability of staff and facilities, a student’s schedule may be in “conflict” and can only be resolved by selecting an alternate course.

CHANGE OF SCHEDULE PROCEDURES The process of selecting an academic program involves many people and requires several months of preparation and consultation. Student course selections are made after serious deliberation among faculty, student, counselor, and parents/guardians. The selection of an academic program is designed to meet the student’s personal and educational goals. All students must select a full program (minimum of 7 classes or 35 credits). Changes from this program are not encouraged and may not be possible; therefore, it is essential that the original selections be given careful and thoughtful consideration. The need for a program change is recognized only under special circumstances. Scheduling problems, course conflicts, and clear change in future plans should be given the highest priority. Counselors often find that some students wish to change their schedule for the wrong reasons — their friends are not in their class, the teacher is too demanding, they want a study hall in the morning/afternoon, etc. Students, faculty, and parents are urged to think through the real reason behind the request for change, for numerous changes have an adverse effect on the school’s overall academic program as well as the student’s. Categories of Changes Type 1 changes significantly affect the student’s schedule and are of primary importance. Adjustments should be made before the end of the current school year. Examples of Type 1 changes are: • period or course conflicts • course not being offered • computer entry error (ex. student has wrong course on schedule) • previous failure or documented difficulty with a teacher

Type 2 changes usually reflect a major student program change. Adjustments should be made by the end of the summer. Examples of Type 2 changes are:

• summer school involvement • student going into or out of a shared-time program (ex: Vo-Tech) • change in program emphasis, such as student going from college prep to technical • student participating in Challenger Program at CCM or Early College Advantage Program at SCCC

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CHANGE OF SCHEDULE PROCEDURES (continued) Level Changes Level changes during the school year are discouraged. A tremendous amount of time is spent placing students in the appropriate level based on grades, teacher recommendations, and testing. Other Changes All other changes are discouraged. All schedule change requests (of any type) must be requested in writing and signed by a parent/guardian. The policy of Sparta High School IS NOT to make preference-based or lateral course changes. The Director of Guidance will review all parent requests and render a decision. Adding a Course A student may request to enter a course provided he/she has parent/guardian approval and the course has an available seat. With the exception of level changes, students may enter any new course up until the 10th day. Students will be responsible for making up all missed work in the new course. Withdrawal from a Course The dropping of a course is a serious matter and is usually discouraged. Only after much thought and consultation should a change take place. The request to drop a course must be in writing from the parent/guardian. Students requesting to drop a course from their schedule must request an appointment with their counselor. The counselor will review the request and consult with all relevant parties involved before rendering a decision.

Students may be permitted to withdraw from any class between the sixth and the tenth day without penalty provided that they will still be carrying a minimum of 7 classes each semester and 35 credits. Students must remain in their scheduled classes for the first five days of each course before initiating a schedule change. Students who withdraw after the tenth day will receive a “WF” (Withdrawal Failing). This grade will be entered for the marking period in which the withdrawal occurs and the final grade for the course. A student wishing to appeal the “WF” must do so in writing to the principal within ten school days of the withdrawal. If the appeal is approved by the administration, the “WF” will become a “W” on the transcript. If the student is in an AP or Honors-level course, the grade the student achieves will transfer over to the new course and will carry the GPA of the new course.

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HONORS AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM Level placements for the following year will be based on the student’s current teacher recommendations, grades and AP/Honors entrance requirements (if applicable). Students who have requested Honors/AP courses must follow the drop/add procedures listed above. Students entering 9th grade must meet the following criteria to gain access to the honors program:

• Teacher recommendation • Minimum A- class average in prerequisite course for the first three marking periods.

High school students enrolled in a College Preparatory course seeking admission to the Honors/AP program must meet the following requirements:

• Teacher recommendation • Minimum A- class average in prerequisite college preparatory course for the first three marking

periods. Students enrolled in an Honors course seeking admission to an AP course must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum B average for the year to continue in the Honors and/or AP program. Any change in a student’s academic status requires department evaluation.

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ENGLISH ENGLISH DEPARTMENT POLICY for Extended Assignments No late papers will be accepted. Students will receive a “0” for a late paper or for a paper that is not submitted. This policy is within the context of the school absence policy of “a day for a day.” Assignments made five school days or more in advance of the deadline (e.g., given Friday, March 12– due Friday, March 19) are not subject to the school policy of “a day for a day.” ENGLISH DEPARTMENT POLICY As a course requirement, all seniors will successfully complete a research paper/project that is reflective of the objectives of the particular course. Entry and Placement The four years of English are based on three levels, according to the degree of difficulty of the course and student ability. Student placement in Academic, College Prep (CP), and Honors English is determined by ability, test scores, marking period grades, and teacher recommendations. Over the course of the four years, students may move between academic levels based on their skill acquisition, grades, and teacher recommendation. Academic Level Courses Academic level English courses provide a foundation of academic preparation and mastery of basic content and skills in all areas of English. These courses adhere to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. They follow the same curriculum as the CP classes with modifications and differentiation. College Prep (CP) Level Courses College Prep (CP) level English Courses adhere to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. They are designed to prepare students for college-level expectations in reading and writing. These courses are designed to be rigorous and to ensure that students develop the skills necessary for academic success in college. Honors Level Courses/Advanced Placement (AP) Courses Honors Level Courses and Advanced Placement Courses are for students who demonstrate exceptional ability in all areas of English. Curricula are studied at an accelerated pace and require students to complete a considerable amount of work independently outside of class. Students are expected to complete assignments over the summer.

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ENGLISH (continued)

ENGLISH SEQUENCE OPTIONS

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ENGLISH (continued)

Course Title: English 9 (Academic, CP, or Honors) Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Eighth Grade English Students will read literary works from all genres: the novel, short story, drama, poetry, and nonfiction. Careful analysis of themes and ideas will accompany the study of literature. Writing, including instruction in the Modern Language Association (MLA) format for writing and basic research skills, will be a major component of the course. Students will also develop competency in public speaking, listening, and viewing. Course Title: English 10 (Academic, CP, or Honors) Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: English 9 Students read a broad sampling of British and world literature to explore heritage, themes, and conflicts. Literature is studied in depth and becomes the basis of research and writing assignments. Accent is on further development of analytical reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, as well as note-taking and the use of primary and secondary sources for research. Research-based papers are required throughout the year. Course Title: English 11 (Academic or CP) Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: English 10 This course offers a close study of both the historical context and progression of American literature as well as the art of argument and analysis. The students will be expected to take a critical approach to American literature while understanding that our culture is marked by literary movements that mold and reflect American life. Students will learn to recognize and use a variety of rhetorical techniques and strategies while analyzing texts ranging from poems and speeches to stories and films. After utilizing close reading methods to assess audience, purpose, and strategies, students will employ these same devices in their own argument, narrative, and expository writing. A formal research paper is required. Course Title: AP English Language and Composition Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: B in Honors English 10 or A- in first 3 marking periods in CP and teacher recommendation The AP English Language and Composition course is designed to help students become skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts, and to become skilled writers who can compose for a variety of purposes. Through their writing and reading in this course, students should become aware of the interactions among a writer’s subjects and purposes and audience expectations, as well as the way the resources of language contribute to effective writing. Additionally, students will study pieces from American literature through a rhetorical lens. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts.

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ENGLISH (continued)

Course Title: Academic English 12 (A): Contemporary Literature & Society: Problems & Solutions Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: English 11 Students will explore issues involving race, gender, religion, sexuality, poverty, war, scientific advances, and others, on the local, national, and global levels. Discussions, readings (full texts and excerpts), films, essays, and articles will be analyzed in order to assess and synthesize these issues. Students will further explore contemporary issues through a variety of writing tasks, research-based assignments, and student-directed problem-based tasks. Students will make an effort to remedy these problems through five hours of pre-approved, required community-based or individual projects and service each marking period. Course Title: Academic English 12 (B): From the Page to the Stage (Play Analysis) Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: English 11 This is a play analysis course focusing on character development and the communication of thematic ideas through production elements. Each unit will begin with a “classic” work followed by others with similar themes or stylistic components. The main objectives of this course include fostering the understanding of how earlier dramatic works have influenced those that followed, as well as how a theater practitioner (a director, actor, or designer) uses in-depth literary analysis for practical application and production concepts. Course Title: CP English 12 (A): Contemporary Literature & Society: Problems & Solutions Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: English 11 Students will explore issues involving race, gender, religion, sexuality, poverty, war, scientific advances, and others, on the local, national, and global levels. Discussions, readings (full texts and excerpts), films, essays, and articles will be analyzed in order to assess and synthesize these issues. Students will further explore contemporary issues through a variety of writing tasks, research-based assignments, and student-directed problem-based tasks. Students will make an effort to remedy these problems through five hours of pre-approved, required community-based or individual projects and service each marking period. Course Title: CP English 12 (B): From Page to Stage (Play Analysis) Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: English 11 This is a play analysis course focusing on character development and the communication of thematic ideas through production elements. Each unit will begin with a “classic” work followed by others with similar themes or stylistic components. The main objectives of this course include fostering the understanding of how earlier dramatic works have influenced those that followed, as well as how a theater practitioner (a director, actor, or designer) uses in-depth literary analysis for practical application and production concepts.

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ENGLISH (continued)

Course Title: CP English 12 (C): Psychology in Literature Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: CP English 11 This course focuses on the application of psychological theory to literature noted for its psychological themes. The works explore the issues of identity, self-discovery, the unconscious mind, and the challenges of adjustment. Students will be required to write frequent analytical papers applying critical thinking to these issues. Significant reading is also required in this course. Course Title: CP English 12 (D): Film as Literature Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: English 11 Film as Literature will expose students to the arguments presented in film as well as its various genres and movements throughout history. Close attention will be paid to the techniques used by filmmakers to create affect and mood. Students will have frequent screenings of films followed by discussion and critique, written assessments in the form of unit tests and reaction papers, and a film project of their own. Emphasis will be placed on developing students’ ability to engage in informed critique. Course Title: CP English 12 (E): Truth is Stranger than Fiction: The Study of Nonfiction and Memoir Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: English 11 This course is an exploration of the power of non-fiction to tell a story and present an argument. Students will explore how factual events become the impetus for story-telling. Reading selections will allow students to investigate how their areas of interest, such as math, science, history, and art, are treated by non-fiction writers. Students will have ample opportunity to select their own course of study and project development based on their individual interests. The course will also explore creative nonfiction and memoir. Students will understand and interpret the work of the writers not only through reading and critical analysis but also through imitation and modeling, trying out the strategies and structures of the works being read on projects of the students’ own devising. Course Title: CP English 12 (F): Women’s Studies: A Survey of History, Film and Literature Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: English 11 Students will define feminism and apply varying feminist theories as a means of interpreting women’s literature and film. Through the study of history, film, and literature as it pertains to women, students will identify significant figures in the women’s movement and recognize important and noteworthy events throughout history. Students will develop an understanding of how the academic discipline of women’s studies has evolved and affected viewpoints within the academic world and in wider communities and reflect critically on the viewpoints of diverse materials in order to develop their own critical stance.

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ENGLISH (continued) Course Title: CP English 12 (G): Who are Our Heroes and Heroines? Tests of Womanhood/ Manhood Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: English 11 This course will address elements of heroism as protagonists overcome the conflicts and difficulties inherent in their worlds. As men and women strive to find their identities and foster a sense of dignity and self-worth, they must overcome obstacles and forge ahead utilizing their inner strengths. Some find their own, quiet ways of persevering, whereas others are more overt. The recent focus on respect, bullying, and harassment has revealed that not all opportunities to “stand up and be counted” are realized, casting a shadow on the inner strengths of perpetrators and bystanders, and leaving victims wondering where to turn. How the inner strengths of all parties emerge will be a focus of the course. Significant reading will be required, as well as frequent formal essay writing. Course Title: AP English Literature & Composition Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: B in AP English Language or A- in first 3 marking periods in CP and teacher recommendation The AP English Literature and Composition course will engage students in careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students will deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. Students will consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as such elements as figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts. Course Title: Science Fiction Exploration Course Length: Half year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: English 9 Science-Fiction Exploration will investigate the significance of what has, historically, been largely excluded from the literary canon. For decades Sci-Fi has been marginalized on the basis of being inconsequential, but Diane Zigo and Michael T. Moore argue that Sci-Fi is “the metaphoric literature for social and cultural introspection and for inspiring interpretive possibilities” (85). Sci-Fi Exploration will guide students from grades 10-12 through various science fiction texts in a variety of media, including novels, short stories, film, television, and radio. Through Sci-Fi literature, students must think critically to discover complex literary commentary on issues of real-world science, politics, morality, and philosophy. Students will examine a range of 20th and 21st century texts that reflect, predict, and critique the changes of our real world through seemingly distant fiction.

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ENGLISH (continued)

Course Title: Public Speaking Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: English 9 Through practical experience, the student will be able to develop and refine skills needed to present formal speeches and reports. By delivering impromptu talks, as well as structured speeches, the student should develop better listening skills as well. This course is available to students in grades 10 through 12. Course Title: Creative Writing Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: English 9 Through process writing, journal use, and free-writing, students explore their creative voices in poetry, play writing, and the short story. Using personal experience and observation, students in this class develop skills in manipulating and using language, revision, and peer and self-evaluation. By working with models of literary work, students read and then interpret assignments in their individual fashion. Students must submit one “perfected” piece to our literary magazine. The course is designed to help the fledgling writer, as well as the more experienced writer, in grades 10 through 12. Course Title: English Origins and Accents Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: English 9 English Origins and Accents is a course designed to act as a brief introduction to linguistics. As the scientific study of human language, linguistics covers a broad array of concepts and functions, oftentimes highly technical in nature. Since this is only a semester-long course, we will confine our focus to two key fields of linguistics, ones most noted for their accessibility and broad appeal: historical linguistics and sociolinguistics. The first is the study of the history of English but a study that extends far beyond the merely etymological, involving as it does the inquiry into those factors responsible for the kind of language change that occurs over time. Sociolinguistics, on the other hand, is concerned with the present state of language and how it changes in the here and now, specifically the variations determined by social factors, such as class, race, and gender and external factors, such as bilingualism and culture. The course is intended not to be as text-dependent as most; instead, we will incorporate as much practical application as is possible. This will manifest itself in the way of in-class demonstrations, school-wide surveys, and experiments.

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ENGLISH (continued)

Course Title: Rethinking Rereading, an SAT/ACT Prep Course Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: English 9 Rethinking Rereading is a course designed to do just what it says it will, namely to provide standardized test prep by revisiting texts previously read and studied in the classroom. The newly revamped SAT was crafted to conform to national literacy standards, which has placed a renewed emphasis on the art of close reading. This is precisely what will serve as the central – if not exclusive – focus of Rethinking Rereading. Students will engage in the kind of rhetorical and grammatical analysis needed to achieve success on the language and writing sections of the SAT and ACT. Additionally, students will be asked to unearth alternative meanings for those stories with which they are already well familiar, meanings that may depart significantly from the tried and true. This close inspection of narrative craft is required in both the SAT and ACT reading components. A typical weekly schedule will follow this basic pattern: Monday will be given over to the study and application of language and grammar; Tuesday through Thursday will be devoted to students’ attempts at reimagining meaning, i.e., critical reading; while Friday will be spent in taking actual SAT and ACT practice tests. The course will be graded Pass/Fail.

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MATHEMATICS

Math Department Policy for Assessment Make-ups Students will be given “a day for a day” to make up any missing assessment. Any assessment that is not completed within that time frame will receive a “0.” This policy is within the context of the school absence policy of “a day for a day.” Entry and Placement The graduation requirement of three years of math is based on three levels, according to the degree of difficulty of the course and student ability. Student placement in Academic, College Prep (CP), and Honors courses is determined by ability, test scores, marking period grades, and teacher recommendations. Over the course of the three years, students may move between academic levels based on their skill acquisition, grades, and teacher recommendation. Academic Level Courses Academic level Math Courses adhere to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. They follow the same curriculum as the CP classes with modifications and differentiation. College Prep (CP) Level Courses College Prep (CP) level Math courses adhere to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. They are designed to prepare students for college level expectations in math. These courses are designed to be rigorous and to ensure that students develop the skills necessary for academic success in college. Honors Level Courses/Advanced Placement (AP) Courses Honors level courses and Advanced Placement courses are for students who demonstrate exceptional ability in all areas of math. Curricula are studied at an accelerated pace and require students to complete a considerable amount of work independently outside of class. Students are expected to complete assignments over the summer.

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MATHEMATICS SEQUENCE OPTIONS

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MATHEMATICS (continued)

Course Title: Introduction to Algebra Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: C- or lower in Pre-algebra This course reinforces arithmetic skills, developing the pre-algebra concepts of variable recognition, signed numbers, formulas, and single variable and linear equations. Students will be introduced to algebraic symbolism, simplifying expressions, solution to equations, and the graphic representations associated with variables. 9th grade academic level. Course Title: CP Intermediate Algebra Course Length: Full Year / Credit: 5 Prerequisite: B- or lower in CP Algebra 8 In this course, topics include: the real number system, operations with polynomials, solving first and second degree equations and inequalities in one and two variables, solving systems of equations and inequalities, factoring and solving quadratic equations, rational expressions, graphing in one and two dimensions, word problems, operations with radicals, laws of exponents, and functions and relations. Problem solving techniques are emphasized throughout the course as well as basic arithmetic skills, abstract reasoning, and working with symbols. Successful completion of this course will satisfy the prerequisite for enrollment in CP Geometry. Course Title: Academic Algebra 1 Course Length: Full Year / Credits 5 Prerequisite: Pre-algebra This course is designed for students who require a slower pace than the traditional CP Algebra 1 course. This course covers the same concepts, but is designed to focus more on computational skills with less-intensive problems and a focus on more practice. The students study expressions and equations involving fractions, decimals, and percents as well as functions, linear equations and inequalities, systems, exponents, radicals and polynomial expressions, and quadratic equations. Course Title: CP Algebra 1 Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: B- or higher in Pre-algebra This course includes the study of various number systems, variables, functions, polynomials, radicals, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities. This course requires a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator. Course Title: Academic Geometry Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Academic Algebra 1 This course focuses on the essential geometric concepts. The topics include points, lines, planes, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, similar polygons, the right triangle, measurement, area, volume and circles, constructions, and transformations.

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Course Title: CP Geometry Course Length: Full Year / Credits 5 Prerequisite: CP Algebra 1 This course is primarily offered to students who have met with success in CP Algebra 1. This course is developed as a mathematical system utilizing an axiomatic approach. Deduction and other methods of proof are applied to develop theorems which are used to derive more information regarding points, lines, planes, angles, polygons, and circles. This course requires a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator. Course Title: Honors Geometry Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisites: A- in Honors Algebra 1 (SMS) or A- in first 3 marking periods in CP and teacher recommendation Although covering the same content as CP Geometry, this course takes a more in-depth look at important geometric concepts and relies more on Algebraic computations and deductive proof. Assignments are more extensive and algebra intensive and greater responsibility is placed on the student. This course requires a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator. Course Title: Academic Algebra 2 Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Academic Geometry This course focuses on more advanced topics in algebra. The topics include operations on numbers and expressions, equations and inequalities, polynomial and rational functions, exponential functions, and function operations and inverses. This course requires a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator. Course Title: CP Algebra 2 Course Length: Full Year / Credits 5 Prerequisite: CP Geometry This course continues the study of radical and quadratic equations as well as the study of linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions. Graphs and applications of these functions are also examined. This course requires a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator. Course Title: Honors Algebra 2 Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisites: A- in Honors Geometry (SMS), B in Honors Geometry (SHS) or A- in first 3 marking periods in CP and teacher recommendation The student extends the skills and concepts started in Algebra 1 but at a higher level of difficulty and with greater emphasis on derivation and proof. Major topics included in the course are the field properties of the real numbers; techniques of solving first and second degree equations and inequalities in one and two variables; techniques of simplifying and operating on polynomial, rational, and irrational expressions; linear and quadratic relations and functions; complex numbers; exponential functions; and logarithms. This enriched course includes graphing equations. This course requires a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator.

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Course Title: Academic College Math Course Length: Full Year / Credits 5 Prerequisite: Academic Algebra 2 College Math will focus on Algebra, Trigonometry, and Statistical topics. Real world application will be applied to units and lessons throughout the course. Students will be required to work with a TI-84 graphing calculator. Course Title: CP College Math Course Length: Full Year / Credit: 5 Prerequisite: C or lower in CP Algebra 2 or CP Pre-calculus College math will focus on Algebra, Trigonometry, and Statistical topics. Real world application will be applied to units and lessons throughout the course. Students will be required to work with a TI-84 graphing calculator. Course Title: CP Pre-calculus Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: C+ or higher in CP Algebra 2 This is a course that will be a more in-depth study of functional analysis and an extension of the investigation of trigonometric concepts. This course focuses on topics in analytical geometry and provides an introduction to limits and other calculus topics. Course Title: Honors Pre-calculus Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 / Concurrent enrollment with SCCC Prerequisites: B in Honors Algebra 2 or A- in first 3 marking periods in CP and teacher recommendation The Honors Pre-calculus course covers all the fundamental topics that prepare students for Honors or AP Calculus. Emphasis is on problem solving and the study of relations, functions, equation solving, and graphing. This course focuses on in-depth functional analysis. The functions studied include polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and inverse functions. Course Title: Calculus Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: B- or higher in CP Pre-calculus or Honors Pre-calculus This course is designed for students who require a slower pace than the Honors Calculus course. This course covers the same concepts, but is designed to focus on more practice. CP Calculus covers limits, derivatives, and applications of both algebraic and transcendental functions as well as methods and applications of integration. The approach used is that of combining the essentials of the theory with practical applications. This course requires a T1-84 Plus graphing calculator.

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Course Title: Honors Calculus Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisites: B in Honors Pre-calculus or A- in first 3 marking periods in CP and teacher recommendation Honors Calculus covers limits, derivatives, and applications of both algebraic and transcendental functions as well as methods and applications of integration. The approach used is that of combining the essentials of the theory with practical applications. This course requires a T1-84 Plus graphing calculator. Course Title: AP Calculus AB Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Honors Pre-calculus or teacher recommendation This course is essentially Calculus Advanced Placement AB as described in the course outline published by the College Entrance Examination Board. It covers limits, derivatives, and applications of both algebraic and transcendental functions as well as methods and applications of integration. The approach used is that of combining the essentials of the theory with practical applications. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts. This course requires a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator. Course Title: AP Calculus BC Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisites: Honors Calculus, AP Calculus AB or Honors Pre-calculus and teacher recommendation As a continuation of Calculus AB, this course covers additional techniques of integration, polar coordinates, series, complex variables, and differential equations. The emphasis is on theory and problem-solving techniques rather than applications. The analytic geometry, functions and limit topics from Calculus Advanced Placement AB are assumed as prerequisites for this course. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts. This course requires a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator.

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Course Title: Honors Multivariable Calculus and Advanced Topics Course Length: Full Year / Credit: 5 Prerequisite: AP Calculus (AB/BC) or teacher recommendation Honors Multivariable Calculus is a third year of calculus. Its topics include vectors in a plane and space, partial differentiation, multiple integration and vector calculus. Advanced Topics builds on the concepts of multivariable calculus, and challenges students to apply the calculus of higher dimensions and principles of linear algebra to a variety of problems in science and business. Students will use computer software to discover and demonstrate relevant theory and concepts, and will engage in problem-based learning activities. Students will also have the opportunity to do independent research in other areas of advanced mathematical study, such as computer animation, chaos, fractals, electronic privacy, telecommunications, code encryption and cracking, computer simulations, and market analysis. Course Title: AP Statistics Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: A- or higher in CP Pre-calculus Statistics is an Advanced Placement course, which is equivalent to a one-semester introductory, non-calculus based college course in statistics. It introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: Exploring Data, Planning a Study, Anticipating Patterns, and Statistical Inferences. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts. This course requires a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator.

MATHEMATICS COMPUTER PROGRAMMING COURSES

Course Title: Computer Programming 1-Intro to Coding Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: CP Algebra 1 Intro to Computer Programming (Coding) is a one-semester elective course that introduces students to the field of programming and computer science. During this course, students will learn how to write computer software that are Windows applications. Students will create simple games and applications, create various user interfaces, use variables and data types, and write simple programming constructs and algorithms. They will learn how to take apart and reassemble computers. This course is a pre-requisite for the second semester course entitled Computer Programming 2 - Advanced Coding.

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Course Title: Computer Programming 2 – Advanced Coding Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: Computer Programming 1 Computer Programming 2 continues the study of methods of writing Object-Oriented/Event-Driven (OOED) applications using Visual BASIC. Using realistic case studies, students will exhibit their ability to write code for variables, selection structure, repetition, sequential access files, dialog boxes, error trapping, viewing and manipulating databases, and two-dimensional arrays. Students will also demonstrate their ability to work to design, create, test, debug, document, and present advanced, multi-form Visual Basic applications/games that incorporate concepts learned in Computer Programming 1 and 2. Course Title: Honors Computer Science Using Java Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: A- or higher in Computer Programming 1 Students will learn the basics of programming with Java. Basic object-oriented concepts such as attribute, state, classes, objects and methods are introduced through writing in the context of writing Java code. Encapsulation is discussed as a core object-oriented principle. Students will learn how to code programs, create classes, variables, and write if statements, and loops. Different kinds of errors are discussed, along with debugging in an integrated development environment. By the end of the course, students will be expected to write short classes to specification. This course is a prerequisite for the AP Computer Science A course. Course Title: AP Computer Science A (using Java) Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Honors Computer Science (using Java) AP Computer Science A emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with an emphasis on problem solving and algorithm development. It also includes the study of data structures and abstraction. The implementation language is Java and the course covers the curriculum developed by the College Board. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION Students seeking a medical release from physical education due to an injury or illness must obtain approval from the school nurse. Students who are medically excused, due to injury or illness for a short period of time, will be required to write a paper related to the unit they are covering in Physical Education in order to receive a grade for the course.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH SEQUENCE OPTIONS


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Course Title: Physical Education 9 Course Length: 3 Marking Periods / Credits: 3.75 Physical Education 9 emphasizes motor skill development and health and skill-related fitness concepts. Students will participate in a wide variety of developmentally appropriate activities that will help develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Three activities will be taught each marking period, and they will include a balance of team and individual sports, with instruction focusing on skill development, refinement, and game play for each activity. Activity-related fitness strategies will be integrated throughout each topic of study.

Course Title: Health 9 Course Length: 1 Marking Period / Credits: 1.25 Health 9 includes the following topics: stages of health and wellness, including physical, mental, and social health, nutrition, fitness, lifestyle diseases, drugs and alcohol, and an introduction to sexuality and family life.

Course Title: Physical Education 10 Course Length: 3 Marking Periods / Credits: 3.75 Physical Education 10 emphasizes motor skill development and health and skill-related fitness concepts. Students will participate in a wide variety of developmentally appropriate activities that will help develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Three activities will be taught each marking period, and they will include a balance of team and individual sports, with instruction focusing on skill development, refinement, and game play for each activity. Activity-related fitness strategies will be integrated throughout each topic of study.

Course Title: Health 10 Course Length: 1 Marking Period / Credits: 1.25 Health 10 focuses around Driver’s Education and preparing students for the NJ State Driver’s exam, substance abuse, and how substance abuse affects the various systems in the body.

Course Title: Physical Education 11 Course Length: 3 Marking Periods / Credits: 3.75 Physical Education 11 emphasizes motor skill development and health and skill-related fitness concepts. Students will participate in a wide variety of developmentally appropriate activities that will help develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Three activities will be taught each marking period, and they will include a balance of lifelong, team and individual sports. Instruction will focus on skill development, refinement, and game play for each activity. Activity-related fitness strategies will be integrated throughout each topic of study.

Course Title: Health 11 Course Length: 1 Marking Period / Credits: 1.25 Health 11 focuses on family life and sexuality, including the following topics: sexual and reproductive health, the life cycle, pregnancy and parenthood, personal relationships, methods of communication, marriage, and family.


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PHYSICAL EDUCATION (continued)

Course Title: Physical Education 12 A Course Length: 3 Marking Periods / Credits: 3.75 Physical Education 12 A emphasizes motor skill development and health and skill-related fitness concepts. Students will participate in a wide variety of developmentally appropriate activities that will help develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Three activities will be taught each marking period, and they will include a balance of lifelong, team and individual sports. Instruction will focus on skill development, refinement, and game play for each activity. Activity-related fitness strategies will be integrated throughout each topic of study.

Course Title: Physical Education 12 B Course Length: 3 Marking Periods / Credits: 3.75 Physical Education 12 B will focus on team-oriented sports with an emphasis on moderate to high level of skill and competition. The weight-training portion will focus on establishing personal goals in addition to teaching the correct technique for core athletic lifts and strength development. Team sports will include skill development, game play, and game strategy. Activities for this elective include flag football, ultimate Frisbee, softball, volleyball, indoor soccer, and weight training. The second semester of this program will follow activities found in Physical Education 12 A, including a marking period of health.

Course Title: Physical Education 12 C Course Length: 3 Marking Periods / Credits: 3.75 One semester of this program will focus on the development of lifetime activities with an emphasis on individual sports. Activities in this strand will include yoga, Pilates, core training, indoor and outdoor recreational games, adventure education, and an understanding of how to use and apply the cardio lab. Time allocated to the cardio lab will include setting and working toward personal fitness goals that focus around the cardiovascular and muscular systems, balance, and agility. The second semester of this program will follow activities found in Physical Education 12 A, including a marking period of health.

Course Title: Health 12 Course Length: 1 Marking Period / Credits: 1.25 Health 12 includes the following topics: First Aid, CPR, and AED training, nutrition, wellness, health services, policies and issues in health care, and community service.

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Entry and Placement The three years of Science are based on three levels, according to the degree of difficulty of the course and student ability. Student placement in Academic, College Prep (CP) and Honors courses is determined by ability, test scores, marking period grades, and teacher recommendations. Over the course of the three years, students may move between academic levels based on their skill acquisition, grades, and teacher recommendation.

Academic Level Courses Academic level Science courses are for students who have difficulty in various areas of science. These courses adhere to the Next Generation Science Standards and the Common Core State Standards in Science & Technical subjects. They follow the same curriculum as the CP classes with modifications and differentiation.

College Prep (CP) Level Courses The College Prep (CP) level course sequence is for students who intend to pursue college after graduation. These courses adhere to the Next Generation Science Standards and the Common core State Standards in Science & Technical subjects.

Honors Level Courses/Advanced Placement (AP) Courses This course sequence is for students who intend to pursue college after graduation. The courses in this sequence will prepare students to take the SAT Subject Tests in their respective subject area.


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SCIENCE SEQUENCE OPTIONS

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SCIENCE (continued)

Course Title: Academic Environmental Science Course Length: Full Year/Credits: 5 This is a course that is designed to cover Next Generation Science Standards, including Space Systems, History of Earth, Earth Systems, Weather and Climate, Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems, Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, Natural Selection and Evolution, Human Sustainability, and Engineering Design. Students will develop the knowledge, skills, and values basic to solving environmental problems. This course provides opportunities for active investigation and researching a wide variety of sources for current information. Students will be expected to make informed choices based on available information that will help protect, repair, or improve our environment.

Course Title: CP Environmental Science/Lab Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 6 This is a lab-based course that is designed to cover Next Generation Science Standards, including Space Systems, History of Earth, Earth Systems, Weather and Climate, Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems, Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, Natural Selection and Evolution, Human Sustainability and Engineering Design. This course provides opportunities for active investigation and researching a wide variety of sources for current information. Students will be expected to make informed choices based on available information that will help protect, repair, or improve our environment.

Course Title: Honors Environmental Science/Lab Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 6 This lab-based course is designed to cover a more detailed treatment of topics covered in CP Environmental/lab: Space Systems, History of Earth, Earth Systems, Weather and Climate, Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems, Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, Natural Selection and Evolution, Human Sustainability, and Engineering Design. This course provides opportunities for active investigation and researching a wide variety of sources for current information. Students will be expected to make informed choices based on available information that will help protect, repair, or improve our environment.

Course Title: Academic Biology Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Environmental Science This course is designed to cover biological topics, including structure and function, inheritance and variation of traits, matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems, interdependent relationships in ecosystems, along with natural selection and evolution. Specific topics include cells and cellular organizations, classification, human body systems, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, genetics, DNA, evolution and ecology. SP

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SCIENCE (continued) Course Title: CP Biology/Lab Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 6 Prerequisite: Environmental Science This is a lab-based course designed to cover biological concepts in structure and function, inheritance and variation of traits, matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems, interdependent relationships in ecosystems, as well as natural selection and evolution. This course provides opportunities for active investigation and research of biological phenomenon. Important biomolecules such as ATP, carbohydrates, and proteins are examined in terms of their role in energy transformation processes and metabolism. The biological role of DNA and RNA as the primary control of protein synthesis and cell duplication, human physiology, ecology as well as human impacts to the environment are studied. Laboratory experiments are designed to investigate these concepts. Course Title: Honors Biology/Lab Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 6 Prerequisite: A- average and teacher recommendation A more detailed treatment of topics covered in CP Biology/Lab. Honors Biology is recommended for those students planning to pursue Advanced Placement Biology. Course Title: Academic Chemistry Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Academic or CP Biology Co-requisite: Academic Algebra 2 This lab course covers the following topics: the study of matter and energy and the changes associated with each, atomic structure, periodicity, chemical bonding, chemical nomenclature, formula writing, stoichiometry, and nuclear chemistry. This is a course designed for students in Academic level math. Course Title: CP Chemistry/Lab Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 6 Prerequisite: Successful completion of CP Biology and CP Algebra I Co-requisite: CP Algebra 2 or higher This college prep course has a strong emphasis on laboratory experiences. The labs serve to connect the theoretical concepts explored in class with practical applications. Topics of emphasis are the study of matter, its properties and structure, changes in matter and energies involved in those changes, reactivity, and stability. In addition, topics studied are atomic and electron structure, periodicity, chemical bonding, chemical nomenclature, formula and equation writing, stoichiometry, gas behavior and solutions, nuclear chemistry, and kinetics. This course requires a scientific calculator.

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SCIENCE (continued) Course Title: Honors Chemistry/Lab Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 6 Prerequisite: B or better in Honors Alg. 1 & Honors Biology/Lab Co-requisite: Honors Algebra 2 or higher The honors course requires an increased dependence on the students’ ability in reading, mathematics, and independent study. The accelerated pace of the course provides for extended laboratory work, additional laboratory experiences, and advanced topic discussions. Topics covered in the course are seen above under CP Chemistry/Lab description. This course requires a scientific calculator. Course Title: CP Physics/Lab Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 6 Prerequisite: B or better in CP Algebra 2 This algebra-based college prep course has a strong emphasis on problem solving and laboratory experiences. The labs serve to connect the theoretical concepts explored in class with practical applications. Emphasized topics include motion in one-dimension, motion in two-dimensions (including projectile and circular motion), forces, Newton’s laws, conservation of momentum, conservation of energy, and waves. Special attention is given to sound and light waves, electricity, and basic circuits. This course requires a scientific calculator. Course Title: Honors Physics/Lab Course Length: Full Year/Credits: 6 Prerequisite: H Algebra 2 Honors Physics deals with the same curriculum associated with the CP Physics/Lab course. However, the various topics are generally covered with greater emphasis on developing mathematical models and at an accelerated pace. Admission to this course requires recommendation from teachers of math and science. This course requires a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator.

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AP SCIENCE COURSES Course Title: AP Environmental Science Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 6 Prerequisites: Juniors with 1 year of biology/lab & chemistry/lab as a co-requisite or seniors with 1 year of biology/lab and 1 year of chemistry/lab The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Yet there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science. The following themes provide a foundation for the structure of the AP Environmental Science course:

• Science is a process. • Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes. • The Earth itself is one interconnected system. • Humans alter natural systems. • Environmental problems have a cultural and social context. • Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems.

Students in this course are prepared for and expected to take the Advanced Placement test in Biology. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts.

Course Title: AP Biology/Lab Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 6 Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in CP or Honors Biology The Advanced Placement Program is a cooperative educational endeavor of the College Entrance Examination Board. The student in this course may be able to receive college credit for Biology, based on his/her outcome on the Advanced Placement Examination in Biological Science given in May of each year. Students should expect a significant amount of independent reading. Major areas of study will include the chemical and cellular basis of life, the biology of organisms (tissues and organ systems), the perpetuation of life (cellular reproduction, development, and genetics), populations and communities, the diversity or organisms (natural selection, taxonomy). For each subject area studied, the student will perform appropriate laboratory experiments in order to gain hands-on experience in biology. Students in this course are prepared for and expected to take the Advanced Placement test in Biology. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts.

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SCIENCE (continued) Course Title: AP Chemistry/Lab Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 6 Prerequisites: CP/Honors Algebra 2 and CP/Honors Chemistry (B or better Honors Chemistry/Lab A- or better in CP Chemistry/Lab) Complete with laboratory, this course is intended for students who plan to pursue in college a science oriented program and who are interested, while still in high school, in gaining insight into the pace and depth of coverage of a college level chemistry course. Major topics include solution concepts, physical states of matter, atomic theory, chemical reactions and stoichiometry, thermochemistry, reaction kinetics, acid - base chemistry, redox, and description chemistry. Students in this course are prepared for and expected to take the Advanced Placement test in Chemistry. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts. This course requires a scientific calculator. Course Title: AP Physics C: Mechanics/Lab Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 6 Prerequisite: CP Pre-calculus and Physics Co-requisite: Calculus This calculus-based course is modeled after a first year college mechanics course. Topics covered include kinematics, Newton’s Laws, work, energy & power systems of particles and linear momentum, circular motion, rotation and torque, and oscillations and gravitations. Students will deal with these topics in a formal, highly analytical manner. Laboratory experiments and demonstration activities complement the formal classroom instruction. Students in this course are prepared for and expected to take the Advanced Placement test in Physics C: Mechanics. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts. This course requires a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator.

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ELECTIVE SCIENCE COURSES Students with interest in Earth & Environmental Studies, Medicine & Biotechnology, or Engineering, should consider the following elective choices.

Course Title: Honors Biochemistry Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: B in Honors Biology and Chemistry or A- In CP This course is a complete study of the chemistry of the living organism which includes all the common metabolism pathways of amino acids, proteins, fats, fatty acids and carbohydrates, energy formation and ATP, a thorough study of the structure and function of DNA, and a chemical analysis of the photosynthetic phenomenon. The student then proceeds to study applied biochemistry and human physiology. Emphasis is on the digestive system, cardiovascular system, hemopoietic tissue and the nervous system. This course requires a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator.

Course Title: Human Ecology Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisites: Biology and completion of grade 10 Human ecology is a full year lab course that studies the interrelationships that humans have with the other species on our planet and the interrelationship that we have with the nonliving environment. During this course students evaluate the impacts that our activities have had on our environment and they will develop an understanding of the changes that need to be made to solve the various problems that currently exist.

Earth & Environmental Studies

Medicine & Biotech Engineering

Astronomy Human Body Systems How Things Work:

Intro to Engineering

Marine Science Principles of Biomedical

Science Robotics Engineering 1

Meteorology How Things Work:

Intro to Engineering Robotics Engineering 2

Ecology Honors Biochemistry Architectural & 3D Design

Studio

Honors Biochemistry Honors Biochemistry

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SCIENCE (continued)

Course Title: Principles of Bio-Medical Science Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisites: Minimum of Academic Biology and completion of grade 9 In this introductory course, students explore concepts of biology and medicine in order to determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, students, examine autopsy reports, investigate, medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’ life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve problems. *All students will be required to complete the national PLTN end of course exam (no exemptions).

Course Title: Human Body Systems Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisites: Minimum of Academic Biology and completion of grade 10 Student will examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues, movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration, and take on the role of biomedical professional to solve real-world medical cases.

Course Title: Astronomy Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: Successful completion of 2 years of science with a grade of C or above This course is designed as an investigation of the world “beyond” our earth. Topics of study will include: the moon, moon-earth relationships, the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the universe. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of ideas from a historical perspective. Also included will be units pertaining to man in space, extra-terrestrial communications and life, and the future of man in space. An independent research project will be required of those enrolled in this course.

Course Title: Meteorology Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: Successful completion of 2 years of science with a grade of C or above This course is designed as an investigation of the “world of air” around us. It is a non-technical treatment of fundamentals of weather. Topics of discussion will include: general features of the atmosphere, the water cycle, air motions, wind patterns, weather systems, weather instruments, measurement, forecasting, and climate. An independent project will be required of those enrolled in this course.

Course Title: Marine Science Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: Successful completion of 2 years of science with a grade of C or above This course is designed as an investigation of the world beneath the ocean surface. Marine Science is the study of the physical and biological factors that make the seas a dynamic and fascinating place. Topics include origin of the oceans, anatomy of waves, global energy transfer, life in the ocean, the abyss, and other related topics.

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SOCIAL STUDIES Entry and Placement The N.J. Department of Education requires that students study history for three years in grades 9-12, including one year of World History and two years of United States History. Our courses are based on three levels, according to the degree of difficulty of the course and student ability. Student placement in Academic, College Prep (CP), and Honors History is determined by student performance and achievement, as well as teacher recommendation. Over the course of the four years, students may move between academic levels based on their skill development, grades, and teacher recommendation. Academic Level Courses Academic level courses in the social studies are designed for students who may require some remediation in the academic skills needed to do well in history courses. These classes are aligned with both the N.J. Core Curriculum Content Standards and the Common Core State Standards. They follow the same curriculum as the CP classes with modification and differentiation. College Prep (CP) Level Courses College Prep (CP) level Courses are for students who intend on pursuing college after graduation.

Honors Level & Advanced Placement (AP) Courses Honors Level Courses and Advanced Placement Courses are designed for students who exhibit exceptional ability and strong motivation in all of the areas integral to the study of the social sciences. These courses are for students who intend on pursuing college after graduation and require an extensive amount of reading and writing.

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SOCIAL STUDIES SEQUENCE OPTIONS

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SOCIAL STUDIES (continued) Course Title: Academic World History Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 This survey course covers material from approximately 1350 to the present, including the history and culture of countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Study skills such as map reading and the analysis of graphs, charts, and other visual resources are emphasized. This course will give the student insights into what factors shaped the history of the world and what effect history has on contemporary global issues. Students will utilize primary and secondary source materials in researching and drawing evidence-based conclusions about historical problems and issues. This course is required for 9th grade students. Course Title: CP World History Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 This survey course covers material from approximately 1350 to the present, including the history and culture of countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Study skills, such as map reading and the analysis of graphs, charts, and other visual resources are emphasized. This course will give the student insights into what factors shaped the history of the world and what effect history has on contemporary global issues. Students will utilize primary and secondary source materials in researching and drawing evidence-based conclusions about historical problems and issues. This course is required for 9th grade students. Course Title: Honors World History Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 / Concurrent enrollment with SCCC Prerequisite: A- average in first 3 marking periods in 8th grade and teacher recommendation This honors level course offers a study of historical content from 1350 to the present, including the history and culture of countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The students will engage in extensive reading, challenging research, higher level thinking skills, and writing assignments. This course will give the student an insight into what factors shaped the history of the world and utilize primary and secondary sources in researching and drawing evidence-based conclusions about historical problems and issues. Course Title: Academic United States History 1/CP United States History Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: World History This course offers a study of American History from the Colonial Period through Gilded Age at the close of the 19th Century. Topics include the American Revolution, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the Growth of Political Parties, Manifest Destiny, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the Emergence of Modern America. The organization of the course may be thematic or chronological, and it utilizes primary and secondary source materials in researching and drawing evidence-based conclusions about historical problems and issues.

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SOCIAL STUDIES (continued) Course Title: Honors United States History 1 Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisites: B in Honors World History or A- average for the first 3 marking periods in CP World History and teacher recommendation This honors level course offers a study of American History from the Colonial Period through the period of Imperialism. The organization of the course may be thematic or chronological, and utilizes primary and secondary source materials in researching and interpreting historical problems and issues. This course will ask students to engage in the critical reading of primary and secondary documents, to think critically and write extensively while examining such topics as the American Revolution, the Constitution, Manifest Destiny, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the Emergence of Modern America. Course Title: Academic United States History 2/CP United States History 2 Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: U.S. History 1 This course continues the study of American History, concentrating on the turn of the 20th Century America, through the contemporary United States and the age of globalization. A special emphasis is placed upon the relationship of our history to contemporary national and international issues. A variety of materials and strategies are used in the investigation of such topics as War, the Role of Government, the Cold War, Civil Liberties vs. National Security, the Great Depression, Foreign Policy, Civil Rights, and other vital historical concerns. The organization of the course may be thematic or chronological, and utilizes primary and secondary source materials in researching and drawing evidence-based conclusions about historical problems and issues. Course Title: AP United States History Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisites: B in Honors U.S. History 1 or A- in CP U.S. History 1 and summer reading Advanced Placement United States History is a rigorous study of the political, economic, social and military events and forces that shaped our nation from the Gilded Age of the late 19th Century up to contemporary times. The course requires an extensive amount of reading of primary and secondary documents, as well as a variety of frequent writing assignments, including document-based question (DBQ) essays, and analytical and argumentative writing assessments. As such, this course is best suited for students with a strong interest in history and demonstrated abilities in these skills. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts.

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SOCIAL STUDIES (continued)

Course Title: Economics Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: Completion of grade 9 Designed to introduce students to economic thinking, this course enables the student to become economically literate and develop a foundation for further economic study. The course will examine national economic policies, inflation, and other elements which affect economic activity. Time is also allotted to current economic affairs and problems. This course is offered to students in grades 10 - 12. This course does not satisfy the financial literacy requirement prescribed by the State of New Jersey. Course Title: Psychology Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: Completion of grade 10 This course concentrates on the individual and his/her role in society, rather than the group. Some of the major topics studied will be learning, human behavior, personality, emotional and behavioral adjustments, and current problems in society. In addition to class work, students will be expected to complete outside readings, small projects, and short research papers. Course Title: Sociology Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: Completion of grade 10 This course will help the student to better understand the social and psychological forces at work in the field of human behavior and human relations. The course will introduce the student to the study of sociology and familiarize him/her with the sociologist’s approach to social life and problems. It is hoped the student will acquire a greater awareness of the complexities of our society, a desire to understand it more fully, and an ability to think more objectively about the many social problems that confront us. Course Title: American History through Film and Music Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: Completion of grade 10 This course is designed to expose students to the strength and weaknesses of Hollywood as a history teacher. Through the examination of movies, art and music, we will attempt to assess the validity of Hollywood productions as a means to capture the essence of historical events. Students will be challenged to examine the nature of “reel” vs. real history, national myth making and remembrance and the problems created by distortion and misinformation in studying history. Students will read and write critical essays and engage in project-based assessments. In addition, we hope to spark new interests in the study of history.

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SOCIAL STUDIES (continued) Course Title: Philosophy Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: Completion of grade 11 The Philosophy elective asks students to think critically, encourages debate, and promotes deep reflection on the most profound ideas in human history. The course of study begins by comparing the Philosophies of Ancient Greece and Asia, then examines the great minds of the Age of Reason and finally the Existentialists. Students will become familiar with famous historical figures, such as Socrates, Plato, Confucius, Lao-tzu, Hume, and Nietzsche. The course is designed to sharpen critical thinking and allow students to form an understanding of the history of intellectual thought. Course Title: Contemporary Issues Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: Completion of Grade 11 This course seeks to help students make sense of the shifting world around them by analyzing and tracking news sources over time from a variety of media outlets. Areas studied can include the relationship between government and business, global economic issues, changes in energy and environmental policy, domestic social and political issues, the multi-faceted issues of modern health care, the current state of education in the United States, terrorism, and other “hot topics” that constitute current events. Course Title: History of Genocide Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: Completion of grade 11 Within this half-year course, students will be immersed in the study of human atrocities beginning in the early 20th Century with the Armenian Genocide and continuing through the Holocaust, the Cambodian “Killing Fields,” the genocides in Bosnia and Rwanda, and the first genocide of the 21st Century in Darfur Sudan. Students will also explore what situational forces may compel ordinary people to commit evil and evaluate the efficacy of the international community’s attempts to prevent genocide and punish its perpetrators. This course complies with the New Jersey State Mandate for Holocaust and Genocide Education.

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SOCIAL STUDIES (continued)

AP HISTORY COURSES Course Title: AP Art History Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisites: B in Honors or A- average for the first three marking periods in current CP social studies class and teacher recommendation and completion of grade 9 AP Art History allows students to learn to critically analyze works of art (250) within diverse (global) historical and cultural contexts, considering issues such as politics, religion, patronage, gender, and ethnicity while also exploring major forms of artistic expression, including architecture, sculpture, painting and other media from across a variety of cultures. Students will learn about the purpose and function of art as they develop their ability to articulate visual and art historical concepts in verbal and written form. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts. The class is equivalent of taking a freshman level humanities course. Course Title: AP U.S. Government & Politics Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: B in Honors or A- average for the first three marking periods in CP social studies class and teacher recommendation and completion of grade 10 AP United States Government & Politics introduces students to key political ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles and behaviors that characterize the political culture of the United States. The course examines politically significant concepts and themes, through which students learn to apply disciplinary reasoning, assess the causes and consequences of political events, and interpret data to develop evidence-based arguments. This course is geared for students with a strong interest in government and politics, and demonstrated abilities in reading and writing. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts. Course Title: AP Psychology Course length: Full Year / Credits: 5 / Concurrent enrollment with SCCC Prerequisites: B in Honors or A- average for the first three marking periods in the current CP social studies class and teacher recommendation, summer assignments and completion of grade 10 The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major sub-fields within psychology. They also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. There is a required summer assignment prior to the start of the course. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts.

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SOCIAL STUDIES (continued) Course Title: AP European History Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisites: B in Honors or A- average for the first three marking periods in CP social studies class and teacher recommendation and completion of grade 11 This survey course covers the history of Europe from the French Revolution to modern times. Topics examined are the legacy of Napoleon, the great conservative reaction to the ideas of the French Revolution, the emergence of the great nation-states in central Europe, imperialism, the two world wars, the rise of Fascism and Communism, and Post World War II Europe. The course requires an extensive amount of reading of primary and secondary documents, as well as a variety of frequent writing assignments, including document-based question (DBQ) essays. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts. Course Title: AP Economics Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisites: B or higher in previous Honors Math and Honors Social Studies. A- or higher in CP Math and CP Social Studies and completion of grade 10 The AP program offers two separate exams in economics one in microeconomics and one in macroeconomics. The aim of this AP Economics course is to provide the student with a learning experience equivalent to that of typical college introductory economics courses. In this course, we will focus on mastering economic thinking and decision-making, learning to support and explain concepts with both written responses and a variety of graphical models, demonstrating understanding of the connections between economics and math, understanding the general development of modern economic theory, becoming familiar with the basic language of business and economists, and being able to understand the basic measurements of economic performance in printed media. This is a very fast paced course and will cover all topics on both AP tests from September through March with an intensive review in April to prepare for the AP exam. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts.


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TECHNOLOGY, CAREER & CONSUMER SCIENCES/ 21ST CENTURY SKILLS

TECHNOLOGY SEQUENCE OPTIONS

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TECHNOLOGY, CAREER & CONSUMER SCIENCES/21ST CENTURY SKILLS (continued)

Course Title: Technical Foundations Course Length: Half Year / Credit: 2.5 This technologically-rich semester course will teach students the necessary entry-level skills for subsequent courses in the Technology, Career, and Consumer Sciences department. Software packages will be taught through a project-based approach, and may include Google Apps, Excel, AutoCAD, Inventor, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe Acrobat. Students will conclude the semester through an individualized project illustrating the integration of the previously mentioned software packages. Course Title: How Things Work: An Introduction to Engineering Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 This course is designed to introduce the principles of engineering through involvement in the solution of technological problems. Students will develop critical thinking skills using an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving. Students will be involved in designing and the hands-on building of solutions to problems in selected areas of engineering. Projects may include the design and construction of a bridge or tower structure, airplanes and rockets, package design and the 3D design modeling, printing and then custom manufacturing of a mechanical pencil or pen. Course Title: Audio/Video Production 1 Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 This course introduces students to the field of video production. It will provide students with hands-on opportunities to use video equipment and software to work with other students in a production team. Activities will include storyboarding and script writing, on and off camera responsibilities, field work with portable equipment, and editing and assembling creative audio/video projects. Audio elements will include microphone setup, mixer operation and monitoring of live sound through the manipulation of microphones and sound mixers. Components will be examined individually as well as part of a complete system. Students will manipulate all the elements that are necessary to create a video/audio presentation. Course Title: Audio/Video Production 2 Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: Audio/Video Production 1 Audio/Video Production 2 is a continuation from Audio/Video Production 1. Students will continue to work on advancing their knowledge of audio/video production by working on the latest production technology (Canon cameras, hardline and wireless microphones) as well as postproduction software (Final Cut X) through a project-based approach. Projects will incorporate live shots, interviews, documentaries, commercials for school events, movie creation, and animation as well as voice-over dubbing. Work from this course will help prepare students for working in the broadcast studio.

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Course Title: Broadcast Journalism 1 Course Length: Semester / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: Audio/Video 1 and 2 This course will focus on the demands of organizing and presenting information on a variety of production shows (ex: news segments, roundtable discussions, and graphic opens for news programming). Students will learn how to gather and package stories for broadcast, as well as integrate moving pictures and sounds. This incorporates the utilization of the very latest technologies through which the journalism is processed. Students are involved in a live studio atmosphere. Students will set up studio operations, which include lighting, cameras, and audio. Students will also work in a control room, which includes directing, video switching, and producing. Course Title: Broadcast Journalism 2 Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 / Concurrent enrollment with SCCC Prerequisite: Broadcast Journalism 1 and teacher recommendation Broadcast Journalism 1 is an advanced continuation class of Broadcast Journalism 1. This course will focus on the demands of organizing and presenting information on a daily news announcement. Students will learn how to gather and package stories for broadcast, as well as integrate moving pictures and sounds. This incorporates the utilization of the very latest technologies through which the journalism is processed. Students are involved in a live studio atmosphere. Students will set up studio operations, which include lighting, cameras, and audio. Students will also work in a control room, which includes directing, video switching, and producing. This course will culminate in the broadcasting of the Sparta Scoop morning broadcast. Course Title: Intro to Architecture & Design 1 Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 This is a comprehensive hands-on course introducing students to the standards, methods, and applications of technical drawing and CAD that form the 2D “language” of the design fields. Areas of emphasis include technical lettering, freehand sketching, problem solving, instrument and computer-aided development of presentation and working drawings as well as orthographic and axonometric projection dimensioning, sections, geometric construction and the alphabet of lines. Special consideration will be given to the place of these tools in the entire continuum of the creative problem solving process in Engineering, Industrial Design, Architecture, and Interior Design. Course Title: Intro to Architecture & Design 2 Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: Intro to Architecture & Design 1 A continuation of Intro to Architecture and Design1, this course is a comprehensive introduction to the methods and application of three-dimensional modeling using CAD systems as well as hand modeling techniques. Emphasis is placed on model making and 3D software such as Autodesk Revit, Inventor, and 3D printing as design tools in the creative problem solving process in Engineering, Industrial Design, Architecture, and Interior Design.

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Course Title: Architectural & 3D Design Studio Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Intro to Architecture & Design 2 Advanced studio course introducing student to ideas, principles, and methods of solving product, engineering, interior, and architectural design problem. Using tools learned in Intro to Architecture and Design 1 & 2, students will explore residential and commercial buildings, products and design scenarios which introduce form, function, and technology into residential, business, industrial, public and multi-use projects. In addition they explore the roles of the architect, engineer, industrial, & interior designer in integrating social, technical, aesthetic and cultural information into the process of design. Students will prepare presentations of designs created using CAD technology. Course Title: Digital Graphics and Design Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 This course engages students in creative thinking and visual problem solving by applying advanced computer graphics tools. Units of instruction will focus on developing expertise in the use of various adobe applications, scanners, and digital cameras to create professional and original visuals. Course Title: Web Design Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: Digital Graphics and Design Web Design is designed to introduce students to web site development. Students will learn the process behind good web design. Students will also learn how to develop web pages using Dream Weaver that utilizes colors, images, tables, backgrounds, forms, frames, links, cascading style sheets, and more. Course Title: Exploring Culinary Arts Course Length: Half Year / Credit: 2.5 This course offers a practical hands-on approach to basic food preparation and baking techniques. In addition to written work, this course provides a laboratory work culture where students will prepare recipes as they master each unit covered. It also provides a variety of practical learning experiences, such as time management, team building, menu planning, kitchen safety, conversions, and measuring techniques. Students will be taught the basics of quick breads, pastas, cookies, cakes, eggs, and pies, as well as other exciting food experiences. Other enrichment possibilities include guest chefs, field trips for culinary experiences, cookie swap, cooking throw downs, and cupcake wars.

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Course Title: Creative Culinary Arts Course Length: Half Year / Credit: 2.5 Prerequisite: Exploring Culinary Arts This second level advanced course focuses on the artistic techniques of cooking and baking by introducing the student to more advanced recipes. Creative Culinary Arts offers students an opportunity to broaden their understanding of food preparation, food science, and overall presentation. Students will explore specialty techniques and ingredients to create appetizers, sauces, yeast breads, homemade pasta, such as ravioli, freshly made cheese and yogurt, as well as cakes, pies and much more. The skills they have mastered from Exploring Culinary will carry over in a more advanced manner in this course. This course is a terrific precursor for those students who might be considering a career in the food industry. Some enrichment opportunities at this level include Iron Chef cook-offs, cupcake wars, culinary experience field trips, and guest speakers. Course Title: Home Technology Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 In this course students will learn basic skills needed to maintain a house. These will include fixing simple plumbing and electrical problems, preparing and spackling walls, wallpapering, painting, working with an interior designer, and other simple repairs. Course Title: Materials and Processing 1 Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 This course is designed for students who are interested in learning how to safely operate a variety of tools to design and create their own projects. This is a project-based class. The teacher will assign projects designed to introduce the students to a variety of techniques. Course Title: Materials and Processing 2 Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Materials & Processing 1 This course is a continuation of the Materials Processing 1 course with a more in-depth concentration on techniques and processes used. Plastics along with wood are used and manipulated using complex joinery to complete a wide variety of projects. Students will use design software to assist with the design process. Course Title: Robotics Engineering 1 Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Robotics Engineering 1 is designed to grow a student’s technical literacy in a broad range of technical disciplines. As students design, build, and program autonomous controlled robots, they are exposed to math, science, and technology principles. They will learn mechanical advantage, conversion of units, basic electronics, programming, technical process, design engineering, sensors, mechanical systems and how to organize time, money, and resources. They will apply their learning in fun and energized competitions between students and other classes. *Robotics Engineering 1 is a prerequisite to participation in the Robotics Club.

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Course Title: Robotics Engineering 2 Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Robotics Engineering 1 Robotics Engineering 2 builds on the fundamentals of Robotics Engineering 1. Students are challenged with more complex design systems and programming. As students design, build, and program autonomous and tele-remote controlled robots, they are exposed to math, science, and technology principles. They will learn 3D CAD software and rapid prototyping and various shop tools to enable them to manufacture customized parts for their robotic designs. They will work in teams to design, build, program, and troubleshoot VEX-based robots for in-class projects as well as competitions with other schools. They will learn how to master project and time management skills in order to accomplish their missions and prepare for the competitive environment outside of the classroom. This class requires students to participate in out of school competitions. Depending on their success, they can earn awards at the regional, state, and international levels. Sparta Robotics students have competed with teams from over 32 countries. Course Title: Financial Literacy Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Financial Literacy is a state-mandated graduation requirement for all students. Students will develop skills and strategies that promote personal and financial responsibilities related to financial planning, savings, investment, and charitable giving. Topics include Income and Careers, Money Management, Credit and Debt Management, Planning, Saving and Investing, Becoming a Critical Consumer, Citizen Financial Responsibility, and Risk Management and Insurance. Course Title: Marketing and Management Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 This course defines marketing and provides an overview of the fundamentals of marketing functions. Students will explore the marketing process and discuss the economic benefits of marketing. The course will provide instruction in areas such as basic marketing concepts, retailing and wholesaling functions, selling techniques, promotion, and product development. Students will have the opportunity to participate in the marketing education club (DECA) in which students compete in regional, state, and national conferences. Course Title: Marketing Applications Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Marketing and Management This course will offer students the opportunity to study the fundamental and practical applications of marketing in the sports, entertainment, hospitality & tourism, and the fashion industries. Students will learn the importance of branding, licensing, fashion trends, and will be able to identify the segments of the hospitality and tourism markets. This course will also explore careers in each of these marketing occupational areas. In addition, students will have the opportunity to participate in the marketing club (DECA) in which they compete in regional, state, and national conferences.

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Course Title: Advanced Marketing Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Marketing Applications This course offers students an advanced study of marketing theories. Students will develop skills needed to pursue a career in marketing and business management. This course will provide instruction in areas such as business ethics and social responsibility of companies, entrepreneurship, and international marketing. A major emphasis is placed on marketing research. Students will have the opportunity to participate in the marketing education club (DECA) in which they compete in regional, state, and national competitions. This course is offered to students who have successfully completed the Marketing Management class. Course Title: Cooperative Business Education Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 15 Prerequisite: Seniors Only A work-based learning program that provides students with an opportunity to develop basic occupational and employment skills. This program is offered to seniors only and students must provide their own transportation. The students must work a minimum of 15 hours per school week. A completion of 540 hours of on-the-job training is required. The students receive one grade for their work experience and related class. The related classroom instruction includes self-assessment activities with a concentration on career education. The course includes a study of general business, personal finance, and life skills topics, such as banking, insurance, and taxes. A major emphasis is put on workplace ethics and behavior.

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Course Title: Entrepreneurship Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisites: Marketing Management, Marketing Applications, Advanced Marketing and completion of grade 11 Students will identify the fundamentals of business creation, the personal attributes needed to be a successful entrepreneur, and will research various business opportunities. Topics covered include: the characteristics of an entrepreneur, discovering entrepreneurial opportunities, and researching and analyzing domestic, global and market trends. The course culminates with the student developing a hypothetical business plan to implement their unique venture that conforms to all applicable governmental laws and regulations. Enduring understandings for the course include:

• entrepreneurs are visionary risk-takers; • entrepreneurs must identify wants and needs to justify the investment; • entrepreneurs have confidence in their business venture; • entrepreneurs are essential to the economic development in the 21st century; • trend spotting and analysis identify opportunities; • business opportunities must respond to change; • creativity is a source of business innovation; • businesses can reach global markets; • markets are volatile and dynamic; • markets go through life cycles; • emerging markets present opportunities; • a business plan is a roadmap to your future and helps communicate ideas to others; • there are different structures of business ownership; • there are a variety of regulatory agencies that will impact business; • business culture establishes ethical conduct.

Course Title: Tomorrow’s Teachers Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Application Tomorrow’s Teachers is a year-long, honors level elective course for any junior or senior who is considering a career in education. This rigorous, college level class provides a hands-on approach to educate students on the requirements to become a successful educator. The year will culminate with a six week “teacher cadet” program during which students will have the opportunity to go into schools and work directly with a classroom teacher and their students. Students interested in taking this course will be required to submit an application and will have the option of earning 3 college credits through Rider University.

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AP CAPSTONE PROGRAM AP Capstone is a College Board program that equips students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges. It cultivates curious, independent, and collaborative scholars and prepares them to make logical, evidenced-based decisions. AP Capstone is comprised of two AP courses – AP Seminar and AP Research – and is designed to complement and enhance the discipline-specific study in other AP courses, as well as encourage passionate students to master the argument-based writing skills needed to explore their own interests. Students do not need to complete both courses; however, they may not take AP Research without taking AP Seminar. If a student scores 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing, he or she will receive an AP Capstone Diploma. This signifies outstanding achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills. Alternatively, if a student scores 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research only, he or she will receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate. For more information, please visit https://advancesinap.collegeboard.org/ap-capstone/how-ap-capstone-works. Course Title: AP Seminar Course Length: Full Year / 5 credits Prerequisite: Completion of grade 9 AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in research-based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments. Students will be expected to complete all AP Exam requirements during the course as well as take the end of course AP exam. Course Title: AP Research (beginning 2018) Course Length: Full Year / Credits 5 Prerequisite: 3 or above in AP Seminar AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a yearlong mentored research-based investigation to address a research question. In the AP Research course, students further their skills acquired in AP Seminar by understanding research methods; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question. The course culminates in an academic thesis paper of approximately 5,000 words and a presentation, performance, or exhibition with an oral defense. Students will be expected to complete all AP Exam requirements during the course.

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VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS The visual and performing arts courses are in alignment with the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards and reflect the philosophy outlined in the standards:

“Experience with and knowledge of the arts is a vital part of a complete education. The arts are rich disciplines that include a vibrant history, an exemplary body of work to study, and compelling cultural traditions. An education in the arts is an essential part of the academic curriculum for the achievement of human, social, and economic growth. The education of our students in the disciplines of dance, music, theater, and visual art is critical to their personal success as we move into the twenty-first century.” (Taken from New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards, the Vision for Visual & Performing Arts.)

VISUAL ARTS SEQUENCE OPTIONS

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VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (continued)

PERFORMING ARTS SEQUENCE OPTIONS THEATER

PERFORMING ARTS SEQUENCE OPTIONS MUSIC

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VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (continued) Course Title: Introduction to Drawing and Painting Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 This semester course focuses on the elements of art and principles of design, skill development with media, and knowledge of historical and cultural art creation and criticism. This course offers the beginning student an opportunity to explore different approaches to drawing and painting in a variety of two-dimensional mediums that includes pencils - colored, charcoal and watercolor - both chalk and oil pastels, inks, paints, collage, and mixed media. Students are expected to maintain a sketchbook of formative assignments. This course is a prerequisite level course. Course Title: Intermediate Drawing and Painting Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Introduction to Drawing and Painting This course affords the intermediate student the opportunity to explore different approaches to observational and reference drawing and painting in a variety of art mediums that includes pencils - colored pencil, charcoal and watercolor - both chalk and oil pastels, inks, paints, collage and mixed media. Students will research historical and cultural art styles and techniques while focusing on the elements and principles of design for art criticism. Students are expected to maintain a sketchbook of formative assignments. Course Title: Advanced Drawing and Painting Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisites: Intermediate Drawing and Painting with a final grade of B or higher and teacher recommendation Advanced students will work with a wide variety of art media, including charcoal and chalk drawing and oil and chalk pastels on a wide range of topics and subjects. Students will work with print making, watercolor, acrylic paint, and collage. Students will research historical and contemporary art issues and techniques, including art criticism. A sketchbook of formative assignments and summative portfolio work will be maintained throughout the year. Course Title: Introduction to Sculpture and Ceramics Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 This exploratory course in creative three-dimensional art is designed to serve as a foundation for specializing in further art courses. Applications will focus on sculpture utilizing ceramics, cardboard, plaster, wire, wood, and multimedia. This course is a prerequisite level course.

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VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (continued) Course Title: Intermediate Sculpture and Ceramics Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Introduction to Sculpture and Ceramics Students engage in a more concentrated study of three-dimensional art forms. This is a studio course for the student interested in using 3-D media to develop creative thinking and self-expression. The course is a continuation of the techniques introduced in Introduction to Sculpture and Ceramics. Students will create pieces of original work to begin building their portfolio. Course Title: Advanced Sculpture and Ceramics Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisites: Intermediate Sculpture and Ceramics with a final grade of B or higher and teacher recommendation Students enrolled in advanced art courses are required to produce assignments that have artistic merit and can be included in their portfolio. Students will be required to create projects that display mastery of three-dimensional design. Course Title: Introduction to Digital Photography and Graphics Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 This is an exploratory course in photography and graphics. Students will study the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design. Students will be able to use computer software as a tool to create graphic media. Through a series of programs, students will also learn how to manipulate photos to enhance quality. This course is a prerequisite level course. Course Title: Intermediate Digital Photography and Graphics Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Introduction to Digital Photography and Graphics Students engage in a more concentrated study of graphics and photography. This is a studio course for the student interested in using graphics and photography to develop creative thinking and self-expression. The course is a continuation of the techniques introduced in Introduction to Digital Photography and Graphics. Students will utilize professional image editing software to create photographs and graphics suitable for publication in newspapers, magazines, and other visual communication media. Students will create pieces of original work to begin building their portfolio. Students must supply their own digital camera, SD cards, and batteries/charger. Course Title: Advanced Digital Photography and Graphics Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisites: Intermediate Digital Photography and Graphics with a final grade of B or higher and teacher recommendation Students enrolled in advanced art courses are required to produce assignments that have artistic merit and can be included in their portfolio. Students will be required to create projects that display a mastery of graphic and photographic design. Students must supply their own digital camera, SD cards, and batteries/charger.

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VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (continued) Course Title: AP Studio Art Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: A grade of B or better in Advanced Drawing and Painting or Advanced Digital Photography and Graphics or Advanced Sculpture and Ceramics and portfolio submission, teacher recommendations, completion of grade 11 AP Art Studio is considered a culminating course for those students who have successfully completed an advanced level art course and plan to pursue further education in art after high school. The course is a more concentrated study and development of the basics learned in previous art courses. There is more independent work, development of creative expression, and a final portfolio. All students are expected to prepare a portfolio for submission to the College Board that conforms to College Board Standards. Submission of the portfolio is necessary for the course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts. Course Title: Introduction to Acting Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 This elective allows students to experience the fundamentals of acting training. Throughout the course, students will participate in various exercises. These include theatre games, as well as the performance of scenes and monologues. Not only for aspiring thespians, this course also improves public speaking skills, enhances inventive thinking, and promotes a healthy self-esteem. Course Title: Advanced Acting Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: Introduction to Acting (or Drama) This elective is open to those students who have already completed the ACTING course (or course previously called “Drama”). As an advanced level acting class, the materials used are longer and more sophisticated. In addition to performing more challenging contemporary scenes and monologues, students are required to perform Shakespearean scenes and one-act plays. Course Title: Improv & Sketch Comedy Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 In this semester course, students will learn the basics of acting and comedy improv through the practice of games, exercises, and performances that will not only strengthen their acting techniques but also their abilities to think creatively, express their ideas to others freely, and react calmly in high pressure situations. The course also examines how comedy can be used to bring awareness to serious societal issues. Students will write and perform their own autobiographical plays, parodies and satirical skits (like those shown on Saturday Night Live), exploring how both comic and dramatic performances can be used for a variety of purposes.

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VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (continued) Course Title: Musical Theater Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Co – or Prerequisite Course: Choir (1 year) In this semester course, students will learn the basics of musical theatre performance and an overview of musical theatre history. They will also gain a working knowledge and familiarity with the most acclaimed and popular musicals of all time. Students will work on songs and scripted selections from a variety of works ranging from classic pieces to contemporary pop musicals. Course Title: Advanced Theater Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: Improv or Musical Theater This course is a further exploration of improvisational and musical theater skills. Students will engage in long form improvisational exercises at an advanced level as well as practice musical theater techniques at a professional level. This course is for both the seasoned performer and one who wishes to advance his or her theatrical skills. Course Title: Music Theory 1 Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Music Theory 1 is a course in music theory that includes diatonic harmony, basic chord analysis, and notation as well as ear training and sight singing. The student will learn to read, write, and analyze music of all time periods, including jazz and popular music genres. Previous vocal or instrumental experience is highly recommended. Course Title: AP Music Theory Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Music Theory 1 B or better grade or teacher recommendation AP Music Theory is a course which includes chromatic harmony, composition, form and analysis, sight singing and ear training, orchestration, jazz theory, modulation, secondary functions, and an introduction to electronic and twentieth century music. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts. Course Title: The Evolution of Modern Music Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 This course is a general introduction designed to acquaint students with the elements of music and enhance listening skills, enjoyment, and understanding of music. This course has an emphasis on the elements of music, characteristic styles of major historical periods, and the lives and works of key composers and musicians within the Western and American musical traditions. Students will become familiar with the many styles and musicians of the 20th and 21st centuries, including jazz, pop, rock, electronic music, and musical theatre.

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VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (continued) Course Title: Treble Choir Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Treble Choir is open to all female voice types in grades 9 - 12. Freshman girls should take this course, rather than Concert Choir, their first year. These students develop their music reading skills and vocal ensemble techniques. Treble Choir members perform at evening concerts, festivals, and community events. Students are encouraged to participate in All-County, Region, and All-State Choirs. Course Title: Concert Choir Course Length: Full / Credits: 5 Concert Choir is open to both male (grades 9 - 12) and female (grades 10 - 12) voice types. Students will have an opportunity to express themselves through the singing of choral music. Through the choral experience, the student will grow aesthetically, culturally, and vocally. Choir members perform at evening concerts, festivals, and community events. Students are encouraged to participate in All-County, Region, and All-State Choirs. Course Title: Honors Choir Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 / Concurrent enrollment with SCCC Prerequisite: Auditions and/or recommendation by choral director Honors Choir is a course designed for vocal music students in grades 10 - 12 with advanced vocal technique who wish to broaden their musical knowledge as well as improve their performance level. Students study and perform music on an advanced level, with emphasis on developing musical maturity appropriate to college level music literature. The Honors Choir performs at evening concerts, festivals, community events, and graduation. Students are encouraged to participate in All-County, Region, and All-State Choirs. Course Title: Freshman Band Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Previous experience on a band instrument is required unless previously approved by teacher Freshman Band is a full year course open to students who possess skills in woodwind, brass, or a percussion instrument. These students study and perform music with an emphasis on developing technical ability, characteristic tonality, overall musicality, and rehearsal technique. The Freshman Band performs at evening concerts and festivals. Students are encouraged to participate in All-County, Junior Region, and Senior Region Bands.

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VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (continued) Course Title: Symphonic Band Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Previous experience on a band instrument is required unless previously approved by teacher Symphonic Band is a course open to students in grades 10, 11, 12 possessing skills on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Students in Symphonic Band study and perform music of an intermediate and advanced level with emphasis on developing technical ability, characteristic tonality, overall musicality, and rehearsal technique. The Symphonic Band performs at evening concerts and festivals. Students are encouraged to participate in All-County, Senior Region, and All-State Bands. Course Title: Honors Wind Ensemble Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Audition and/or recommendation by band director Honors Wind Ensemble is a course designed for woodwind, brass, and percussion students with advanced technical abilities who wish to broaden their musical knowledge and improve their performance level. Membership in the Honors Wind Ensemble is based on auditions and/or by recommendation of the band director. Students study and perform music on an advanced level, with emphasis on developing musical maturity appropriate to college level music literature. Students may be selected to participate in the Honors Philharmonic upon recommendation from the teacher. The Honors Wind Ensemble performs at evening concerts, festivals, and graduation. Students are encouraged to participate in All-County, Senior Region, and All-State Bands. Group lessons are a required part of this course. Course Title: Freshman Chamber Orchestra Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Previous experience on a string instrument is required unless previously approved by teacher Freshman Chamber Orchestra is a course open to students who possess skills on a string instrument. These students study and perform orchestral music with emphasis on good technique, intonation, tone, articulation, and musicality. The Chamber Orchestra performs at festivals and concerts. Students are encouraged to participate in Junior Region, Senior Region, and All-State Orchestras. Course Title: Symphony Orchestra Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Previous experience on an orchestral string instrument and completion of Freshman Chamber Orchestra at the freshman level Symphony Orchestra is a course open to students in grades 10, 11, 12 with previous experience on a string instrument. The objective of the Symphony Orchestra class is to help students develop a keener appreciation of music through performance. These students study and perform orchestral music from a variety of styles with emphasis on good technique, intonation, tone, articulation, and musicality. The Symphony Orchestra performs at festivals and evening concerts. Students are encouraged to participate in Senior Region and All-State Orchestras.

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VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (continued) Course Title: Honors Philharmonic Orchestra Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Prerequisite: Audition and/or recommendation by teacher and Freshman Chamber Orchestra Honors Philharmonic Orchestra is a course designed for strings students with advanced technical abilities who wish to broaden their musical knowledge and improve their performance level. Membership in the Philharmonic Orchestra is based upon auditions. Students study and perform orchestral music on an advanced level from the baroque, classical, romantic, contemporary eras. The Philharmonic Orchestra performs at evening concerts, festivals, etc. Students are encouraged to participate in Senior Region and All-State Bands and Orchestras. Group lessons are a required part of this course. Winds, brass, and percussion players will be selected from members of the Honors Wind Ensemble to periodically rehearse and perform with the Philharmonic Orchestra. Course Title: Group Lessons Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 0 Instrumental and vocal lessons for beginners through advanced students are available to any student in grades 9 through 12 currently involved in Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Freshman Band, Chamber Symphony, Orchestra, and Concert/Mixed Choirs. Lessons are scheduled on a rotating basis. The desire and willingness to maintain a regular practice schedule is required. Students are tested each marking period. Lessons are a requirement. Course Title: Basic Electronic Piano Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 This music course is designed for beginning to elementary keyboard students. Each student will learn to play a repertoire of music commensurate with his/her ability and will focus on primary, subdominant, and dominant chords. Students will play repertoire from the Alfred’s Adult Piano Course Book I. Course Title: Electronic Piano II Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 Prerequisite: B or Better in Basic Electronic Piano or teacher recommendation This course is a continuation of the Basic Electric Piano course with a greater focus on technique, scales, chord progressions, and note and rhythmic reading. Students will play a repertoire of music in the Alfred Adult Piano Course-Book II as well as pieces of their own choosing that meet the course standards. Course Title: Beginning Guitar Course Length: Half Year / Credits: 2.5 This is an elective course for beginning guitarists with little or no experience on the instrument. Students will learn open chords, power chords, movable chords, single note (melody) playing, accompaniment techniques, and a variety of playing techniques and styles, including both pick-style and finger-style approaches to the guitar. The course also includes music fundamentals, theory, song performances, listening, improvising, and learning to read standard music notation as well as tablature. This class will conclude with a final performance. Guitars are provided.

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WORLD LANGUAGES French, German, Russian, and Spanish

The instruction in modern world languages at Sparta High School reflects the most recent developments and significant changes in contemporary language teaching. The courses in modern world languages are taught using the four basic language skills (speaking, reading, writing and listening) connected to the interpersonal, presentational and interpretive modes of communication. The study of world languages enables students to acquire an understanding of the nature of language and human communication; become more aware of the ideas, activities and attitudes of the non-English speaking world; become more appreciative and more tolerant of other cultures, thoughts, philosophies and ways of life; enrich their command of English; broaden their career opportunities in both the United States and abroad; and increase their opportunities for personal fulfillment. The acquisition of language skills depends upon the completion of at least a four-year study sequence. The completion of a comprehensive program in a world language at the secondary level provides an excellent foundation for advanced study. The Sparta School District provides a five-year program of study in four of the five languages offered. Because the acquisition of a second language is a building process, students must attain a C+ or better before proceeding to the following levels: First Year courses introduce the students to the fundamentals of the language. Emphasis is placed upon the students’ ability to distinguish the sounds and to reproduce them as well as to read and write the language in its simpler form. Second Year courses stress the sequential development of the ability to speak the language. More complex grammatical structures and increased vocabulary enhance the students’ reading and writing skills. Students are expected to answer oral questions and demonstrate comprehension based on reading selections. Third Year courses continue the development of skills and present exercises and activities which are more sophisticated and varied in order to stimulate and challenge the students. At this level, reading and writing gain added importance for the development of skills. Students are given supplemental materials and assignments in addition to text materials. Fourth Year courses emphasize all communicative skills. Students are expected to write, to speak, to listen and to read in the second language on daily intellectual and personal topics. Opportunities are given to stimulate student interest. Advanced Placement courses are offered when there is sufficient student interest. Students in these courses are prepared for and expected to take the Advanced Placement test in the respective AP World Language. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts.

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WORLD LANGUAGES (continued)

WORLD LANGUAGES SEQUENCE OPTIONS

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WORLD LANGUAGES (continued)

SEAL OF BILITERACY The World Language Department, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Education, is proud to offer students at Sparta High School the opportunity to achieve the New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy is an initiative to recognize students who are literate in multiple languages. The Seal of Biliteracy program started in 2008 in California and is widely recognized by both colleges/universities and employers. To receive the Seal of Biliteracy, students must demonstrate proficiency in English, via high school graduation requirements, and in any other language via standardized testing. Students can receive the Seal of Biliteracy in any or all of the languages offered at Sparta High School as well as any language spoken at home. Testing for the Seal of Biliteracy will take place regularly in the spring for juniors and the winter for seniors.

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STEM ACADEMY

STEM ACADEMY: BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING STRAND, ENGINEERING AND DESIGN STRAND, and COMPUTER SCIENCE STRAND

The Biomedical Engineering Academy, Engineering Academy, and Computer Science Academy are open to select incoming freshmen for the 2017-2018 school year. Students within the academy will complete an honors/AP course sequence in addition to their biomedical, engineering, or computer science electives. Students entering the biomedical strand will take courses that will allow them to progress through case-based forensic investigations. Within the courses offered, students will learn about biological systems, comparative anatomy, and the integration of advanced technologies. Students will participate in a capstone course that will allow them to investigate, document, and analyze evidence regarding the death of a fictitious individual. Students entering our Engineering and Design strand will take courses that will allow them to learn both hands-on and computer-based design methods. Additionally, students will utilize both 2D and 3D formats to solve real-world, complex problems. The capstone course will have students apply the professional skills they have developed to document a design process to standards, demonstrating the ability to take on post-secondary programs. We are proud to introduce the Computer Science Academy for the 2017-2018 school year. Students entering our Computer Science program will learn how to program in Visual BASIC and Java. Through coding, they will develop apps, troubleshoot others’ code, and investigate real-world scenarios in the context of cyber-security and artificial intelligence. Students will participate in a capstone course that will require them to analyze problems for computational difficulty and analyze solutions for computational efficiency, culminating in the opportunity to work as a team to deliver a software solution for a real world design problem.

SELECTION TO SHS STEM ACADEMY In order to be selected to the SHS STEM academy, the following standards will be used:

• average in each of the academic subjects - science, math, language arts, history at the student’s current middle school;

• performance on the Science Skills Assessment during 8th grade year or upon entrance into the Sparta School District;

• recommendation from core subject teachers; • student’s Behavior Record in school (minimum altercations/incidents/events leading to

detention/suspension). Application to the academy will occur by signing up to take the placement Science Skills assessment. A parent letter will be sent home in February with details on test date and sign up link. Students will be notified by May 1 as to the status of their application. Once accepted and enrolled, students in the STEM academy are making a commitment to the program. Their acceptance, potentially, eliminates another interested student. Only students truly interested in pursuing the rigorous studies within the Academy should apply. By accepting entrance, it is agreed that students will maintain their studies in order to gain the highest benefit from the programs offered.

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STEM ACADEMY (continued) To be successful, students must have:

• an interest in science, math, engineering, or computer design/programming; • an excellent work ethic; • the ability to think creatively in order to solve problems; • the ability to work independently and in a group setting; • the ability to dedicate time to large projects.

Upon application to the SHS STEM Academy, and completion of the Science Skills assessment, the following rubric will be completed. The highest a student can score on the rubric will be a 28. To be considered, a student must score a minimum of 23. In order for students to remain within the SHS STEM Academy during their career, they must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.

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STEM ACADEMY (continued)

STEM ACADEMY ENTRANCE RUBRIC

CRITERIA 4 3 2 1

Math

Performance

97-100 average in Honors Algebra

95-100 average

in Honors Geometry


92-94 average in

Honors Geometry


89-91 average

in Honors Geometry

89 and below average in

Honors Algebra


Honors Geometry

Science

Performance

97-100 average in Science




Science

Performance on

Science Skills Assessment

91 – 100 final score on


80 – 90 final score on Science

Skills Assessment

74 – 80 final score on


73 and below score on Science Skills Assessment

Teacher

Recommendation Rubric

24-25 on Teacher

Recommendation

21-23 on Teacher

Recommendation

18-20 on Teacher

Recommendation

17 or below on Teacher

Recommendation

Discipline Record

No Infractions One Infraction Two Infractions Three or More

Infractions

Attendance

98 -100% Attendance

91-97% Attendance

86-90% Attendance

85% or below Attendance

Eligibility for Honors ELA and

Honors SS Yes for both No, or only

eligible for one

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FRESHMAN SOPHOMORE

Honors English 9 Honors English 10

Honors Social Studies 9 Honors Social Studies 10

Honors Algebra II / Honors Geometry Honors Algebra II / Honors Pre-calculus

Physical Education / Health 9 Physical Education / Health 10

Honors Physical Science 9 AP Biology

Foreign Language Foreign Language

Financial Lit / Visual Performing Arts Electives Financial Lit / Visual or Performing Arts Electives

*Honors Principles of Biomedical Science *Honors Human Body Systems

+Honors Introduction to Engineering and CAD

+Honors Mechanical & Architectural Engineering

^Honors Computer Programming / Visual Basic ^Honors Computer Science / Java

JUNIOR SENIOR

AP English Language and Composition AP English Literature and Composition

AP U.S. History AP Physics and/or AP environmental Science

Foreign Language History/ AP Government/ AP European History

Elective AP Calculus AB/BC/Multivariable Calculus

Honors Pre-calculus / AP Calculus AB/BC Physical Education / Health 12

Physical Education / Health 11 Elective

AP Chemistry *Honors Biomedical Innovation (double period)

*Honors Medical Interventions +Honors R & D Engineering and Robotics

+Honors Computer Programming / Visual Basic ^Honors Coding and Software Engineering

^AP Computer Science

Projected Course Sequence: *Biomedical course + Engineering and Design course ^Computer Science course Students in this program may take either their Practical Art or their Visual/Performing Art requirement(s) online through our Educere Program. Please see your guidance counselor for a list of approved courses. Course work will not be part of the GPA or rank.

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BIOMEDICAL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Course Title: Honors Physical Science/Lab 9 Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 6 The Honors Physical Science course presents an intensive study of matter, energy and forces. Emphasis is placed on laboratory work, scientific thinking, organization of experimental data, and synthesis of organized information. Units in chemistry include chemical foundations, atoms & molecules, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, gas laws, atomic structure & periodicity. Units in physics include kinematics, Newton’s laws, energy, momentum & collisions. Course Title: Honors Principles of Biomedical Science Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 In this introductory course, students explore concepts of biology and medicine in order to determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, students examine autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve problems. Course Title: Honors Human Body Systems Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Student will examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal manikin, use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration, and take on the role of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases. Course Title: Honors Medical Interventions Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Students follow the life of a fictitious family as they investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Students explore how to detect and fight infection, screen and evaluate the code in human DNA, evaluate cancer treatment options, and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through real-world cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics. Course Title: Honors Biomedical Innovation (Capstone Course) Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 10 (Double Period) In the final course of the STEM Science/Math sequence in SHS STEM academy, students will build on the knowledge and skills gained from previous courses to design innovative solutions for the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century. Students address topics ranging from public health and biomedical engineering to clinical medicine and physiology. They have the opportunity to work on an independent design project with a mentor or advisor from a university, medical facility, or research institution.

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ENGINEERING AND DESIGN COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Course Title: Honors Introduction to Engineering and CAD Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 This is an introduction to different facets of design and will emphasize the following: evolution and history of design and engineering, the steps in a design process, the importance of proper sketching and drawing techniques, measurement and tools used in design such as CAD software, and the use of those tools and techniques to innovate or invent solutions to problems. Students have the opportunity to become an Autodesk Certified User and AutoCAD by the end of this course and will be introduced to a variety of skill building opportunities that will enhance their design skills and prepare them for future Engineering and Design courses. Course Title: Honors Mechanical and Architectural Engineering and CAD 2 Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Students will utilize computer-aided drafting software to further expand their study in architecture and mechanical engineering. The course is designed to provide students with advanced skills in parametric modeling using Autodesk Revit and Inventor software which are powerful 3D modeling and simulation tools. Students explore the skills commonly used in the production of residential and commercial buildings, as well as mechanical and engineering designs. Students will also have the opportunity to become an Autodesk Certified User in Inventor and Revit software. Course Title: Honors Computer Programing with Visual Basic Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Visual Basic introduces students to the field of computer programming and computer science by writing Object Oriented/Event Driven (OOED) applications using Visual BASIC. Students will learn how to write computer software for Windows. Students will create various use interfaces, use variables and data types, and write simple programming constructs and algorithms. Students will demonstrate proficiency in writing code within realistic case studies demonstrating variables, selection structure, repetition, sequential access files, dialogue boxes, error trapping, viewing and manipulating databases, and two-dimensional arrays. Students will design an advanced, multi-form Visual BASIC application that incorporates concepts learned throughout the course. Course Title: Engineering Design and Robotics (Capstone Course) Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 The knowledge and skills students acquire throughout the Engineering strand will come together so that they can 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, demonstrating the ability to take on post-secondary programs/careers. Students will be challenged to design and build complex autonomous and Tele-remote controlled robots as a solution to a problem using science, math, and technology principles. Student will use 3D CAD software, 3D printing capability for rapid prototyping, and CNC manufacturing to customize robot designs.

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COMPUTER SCIENCE/PROGRAMMING COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Course Title: Honors Computer Programming with Visual Basic Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 This course introduces students to the field of computer programming and computer science by writing Object Oriented/Event Driven (OOED) applications using the Visual Basic programming language. Students will learn how to write computer software for Windows. Students will create various user interfaces, use variables and data types, and write simple programming constructs and algorithms. Students will demonstrate proficiency in writing code within realistic case studies demonstrating variables, selection structure, repetition, sequential access files, dialogue boxes, error trapping, viewing and manipulating databases, and two-dimensional arrays. Students will design an advanced, multi-form Visual BASIC application that incorporates concepts learned throughout the course. The culminating final project is to create a game that the student will design and code on their own. Course Title: Honors Computer Science with Java Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Students will learn the basics of programming with Java. Basic object-oriented concepts such as attribute, state, classes, objects and methods are introduced through writing in the context of Java code. Encapsulation is discussed as a core-oriented principle. Students will learn about creating classes, about the facilities of Java for selection, iteration and more about some of the core, provided Java classes. Different kinds of errors are discussed, along with debugging in an integrated development environment. By the end of the course, students will be expected to write short classes to specification. Students will develop mobile phone applications. Course Title: AP Computer Science Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 AP Computer Science emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with an emphasis on problem solving and algorithm development. It also includes the study of data structures and abstraction. The implementation language is Java and the course covers the curriculum developed by the College Board. Students enrolled in AP Computer Science are expected to sit for the AP exam. After the exam, students will work on individual projects of interest, such as learning a new programming language, C++, Python, or creating software or mobile apps. Course Title: Honors Coding/Software Engineering (Capstone Course) Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 5 Students will hone programming expertise and explore the workings of the internet. Projects will include app development in which students will collaborate to produce programs that integrate mobile devices and leverage those devices for distributed collection and data procession. Additionally, using the established foundation from the prior courses within this strand (visualization of data, robotics, and simulation), students will develop artificially intelligent systems that create solutions for real world problems found in science and industry. Students will analyze problems for computational difficulty and analyze solutions for computational efficiency. The course will culminate by offering students the opportunity to work as a team to deliver a software solution to a real world design problem.

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ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS

CHALLENGER PROGRAM (CCM) AND EARLY COLLEGE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM (SCCC) The Challenger Program at County College of Morris or the Early College Advantage Program at Sussex County Community College affords high-achieving juniors or seniors the opportunity to take college courses while still in high school. Students interested in either program must meet the specific entry requirements as determined by the institution they wish to attend (see information below). In addition, Sparta High School’s Director of Guidance must approve all applications and specific courses to be taken. Only credit-bearing courses that are considered educationally significant and which will contribute to the student’s academic and/or career goals will be approved.

Approved juniors may only take evening session courses outside of the regular school day. Seniors have the option of taking day or evening courses. Seniors desiring to take day courses can use a half day option (2.5 GPA or better) if eligible. Please check with your school counselor or the Director of Guidance for specific details and applications. The student will assume all costs associated with the program including application fee, tuition, books, transportation, and any other associated costs. Challenger Program (CCM) Requirements All students must take the Accuplacer Placement Test at CCM. This will enable the college to monitor the enrollment of students in appropriate courses. Students who do not meet the minimum scores in mathematics will be precluded from taking courses with mathematics as a prerequisite or with a strong math component (ex. accounting and/or certain sciences). Students who do not meet the requirements for English Composition will be precluded from taking courses in which English is a prerequisite and/or there is a strong writing component. Pre-college age students are not permitted to take any remedial classes at the college. Exemptions for the college placement testing:

• SAT scores of 540 Critical Reading and 530 Math • ACT scores of 21 for English and 21 for Math

Early College Advantage Program (SCCC) Requirements All students must meet the following requirements:

• SAT score of at least 540 Critical Reading and 530 Math • Be recommended by his/her school counselor • Be a high school junior or senior

* Students may not take more than 12 credits in the summer session or 6 credits in any one semester.

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ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS (continued)

TECHNICAL EDUCATION SUSSEX COUNTY TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

Course Title: Technical Education (Shared Time) Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 10 or 15 A shared-time program is offered to the Sparta High School student who would like to remain a Sparta student but also would like to take advantage of one of the many vocational programs listed below at the Sussex County Technical School. Three or four periods would be spent at SCTS in the vocational program of the student’s choice. The student would be at SHS for the remainder of his/her educational program. Transportation is provided.

Due to the specific graduation requirements set by the State of New Jersey, it has become increasingly difficult to complete the mandatory 130 credits requirements and be enrolled in SCTS as a shared-time student. Careful consideration should be given to decide if the shared-time program is appropriate for your child. A share-time program decision should be discussed between student, parent, school counselors, and Sussex County Technical High School before making the final commitment. A meeting will be required for any student who plans on attending the SCTS share-time program between student, parents, and high school and middle school counselors to make a final determination if this is an appropriate program of study.

SHARED-TIME OFFERINGS

All courses

are available to regular education students. * Indicates areas of concentration available to special education student.

*Auto Services Electronics

*Building Trades Electrical Trades

Business Management &

Engineering Technology

Carpentry Environmental Systems

*Clerical Skills Graphic Design

Commercial Art Landscaping & Design Technology

Commercial Baking Medical Arts

Computer Aided Drafting & Design Office Business Technology

Computer Information Systems Transportation Technology

Cosmetology / Barbering Video Technology

Culinary Arts Welding

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ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS (continued) Course Title: Supportive Employment Experiences for Special Education Students (SEE) Course Length: Full Year / Credits: 10 The implementation of this program will provide the student with the opportunity to earn credits while learning vocational skills in local businesses or agencies. This work experience will be a structured non-paid activity of limited duration and with specific learning objectives. Enrollment will be through an IEP developed by the IEP team and guidance counselor. The student will be eligible to receive 10 credits for a full year program. Students must be seniors or have departmental permission. Course Title: 21st Century Skills Internship Program Course Length: Half Year - Full Year / Credits: 2.5 - 5.0 Prerequisite: Entrance Criteria As part of the district’s Gifted and Talented Program, students will work collaboratively with both the informational and instructional technology specialists in the school district. Participants will assist teachers and peers as well as become a model for establishing the newest technologies into the classroom. Through the use of developing technology skills and by working with teachers to infuse them into the classroom, students will help develop beneficial workplace skills. This internship program will focus on hardware as well as software with the primary focus on the essential skills needed for implementing technology tools into the 21st Century classroom. In the process, it will sharpen students’ skills in problem solving, collaboration, civic awareness, ethics, leadership, and media literacy.

VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL COURSE WORK FOR HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT (Original Credit and/or Acceleration)

The purpose of this program is to create the opportunity for a student to prove competency and receive credit for a course of study not offered at Sparta High School or for scheduling conflicts. Students have the option to enroll in an online course at their own expense, pending approval from guidance. Guidelines:

• The online coursework must be approved by the Director of Guidance in conjunction with the Virtual School Review Committee.

• Requests must be received by June 15th for full year coursework and for semester 1; and by October 15th for semester 2 course work.

• Approval will only be granted for courses not offered at Sparta High School, for remediation of scheduling conflicts, or with special permission of the Guidance Director.

• Online courses may not be taken to satisfy graduation requirements.

• If a request is submitted to address a scheduling conflict, the request must be submitted immediately after receiving your high school schedule.

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ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS (continued)

• Online virtual courses will adhere to all Sparta High School Guidance Department’s change of schedule procedures.

• Online virtual coursework will be completed during a scheduled open period and/or outside of the school day.

• Students may not be granted permission to move ahead to the next level course unless they earn a B- or better in the course.

• If a student does not complete or withdraws from a course, a WF (withdrawal failing) will be posted

on the transcript.

• Virtual School coursework will not count toward GPA and will appear on the bottom of the Sparta High School transcript as courses taken online.

Alternative Credit Option For the 2017-2018 school year, courses may be taken for credit under one of the following scenarios:

• Student fails a course and must remediate • The course/experience is not offered at Sparta High School • For transfer students only - a prerequisite to gain entrance into another course (Students must

obtain a minimum of B- to advance to the next course.) Please note: Courses cannot be used to satisfy a graduation requirement. All of the above must be approved by the Director of Guidance before enrolling. Courses will appear on a student’s transcript with credits achieved and the institution where the credits were earned. Approved Courses will not be factored in a student’s GPA calculation. Courses must be completed in a timely manner (time specified on the approval form). Courses taken prior to the start of a student’s freshman year will not appear on the Sparta High School transcript under any circumstances. Students who plan on pursuing alternative course work must submit a letter to their guidance counselor prior to:

• June 15 - for Fall (semester 1) and full year coursework • July 1 - Course being remediated. • November 15 – for Spring (semester 2) coursework

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