Art
Visual Art curriculum is designed to provide a means of creative expression and communication for the unique aptitudes of the individual student. In all art courses the significance of artistic judgment and critique are explored and then applied to the development of individual student artwork. Selected students’ artwork will be displayed at various district and countywide competitions and exhibits. To meet the University of California (UC), and the California State University (CSU) entrance requirements, students must earn 10 credits in the Visual or the Performing Arts in a course indicated below as a “P” or “AP”. Our State Universities, Cal State Universities and Universities of California, require a certain number and sequence of courses called the a-g requirements. Students must pass these courses with a C or better, see page 10 and 18 for specific details on a-g requirements, in order for a student to be eligible to apply. The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a cooperative educational endeavor which allows students to participate in college-level studies while they are still in secondary school. Courses without a “P” or “AP” do not meet California a-g requirements.
English
Students are required to be enrolled in the English course sequence in grades nine, ten, eleven, and twelve. Placement is determined by multiple measures which include district benchmarks, writing assessments, and the California Standards Test (CST/ELA). Failed courses should be repeated as soon as possible following the failure. All students must pass the English section of the High School Exit Exam to graduate. California State Universities and Universities of California require a certain number and sequence of courses, during the four years of high school, called the a-g requirements. Students must pass these courses with a C or better, see page 10 and 18 for specific details on a-g requirements, in order for a student to be eligible to apply. The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a cooperative educational endeavor which allows students to participate in college-level studies while they are still in secondary school. Courses without a “P” or “AP” do not meet California a-g requirements.
English Language Development (ELD)
Students identified as English Learners on the home language survey will be placed in the appropriate ELD classes based on the Department of 7-12 Instruction Placement Guidelines. English Learners have equitable access to a broad range of high quality, standards-aligned instructional materials. There is a well-articulated curriculum designed to be rigorous, meaningful, interesting, and rich. The goal for English Learners is to achieve and sustain high levels of academic, linguistic, and multicultural competency. All courses are aligned with the California state standards for English Language Development. The “b” of the a-g requirements must be met with four years of English/Language Arts including no more than one year of ELD (level C or higher only)
History/Social Science
History and social science courses provide students with the knowledge and understanding of history, geography, economics, political science, psychology, sociology, and the humanities. A firm grounding in these disciplines prepares students for effective citizenship in a diverse and democratic society. All courses give special emphasis to the development and improvement of reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Courses are listed in the required sequence. Our State Universities, Cal State Universities and Universities of California, require a certain number and sequence of courses called the a-g requirements. Students must pass these courses with a C or better, see page 10 and 18 for specific details on a-g requirements, in order for a student to be eligible to apply. The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a cooperative educational endeavor which allows students to participate in college-level studies while they are still in secondary school. Courses without a “P” or “AP” do not meet California a-g requirements.
Home Economics Careers and Technology
The following classes are elective. Successful completion of ten credits from this department satisfies the applied arts graduation requirements. The wide selection of courses is designed to enable students to explore areas of interest which will enrich their daily activities and prepare them for vocations in the home economics areas. The total number of credits a student may earn in any combination of home economics courses may not exceed 40 unless prior approval is given by the school principal. Our State Universities, Cal State Universities and Universities of California require a certain number and sequence of courses called the a-g requirements. Students must pass these courses with a C or better, see page 10 and 18 for specific details on a-g requirements, in order for a student to be eligible to apply. The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a cooperative educational endeavor which allows students to participate in college-level studies while they are still in secondary school. Courses without a “P” or “AP” do not meet California a-g requirements.
Industrial Technology Education
The following classes are elective. Successful completion of ten credits from this department satisfies the applied arts graduation requirement. Students enrolled in industrial education programs have the opportunity to develop entry-level job skills, learn basic skills for advanced training, and develop skills in the safe use of tools and machines for home use. The total number of credits a student may earn in any combination of industrial arts courses may not exceed 40 unless prior approval is given by the school principal. Our State Universities, Cal State Universities and Universities of California require a certain number and sequence of courses called the a-g requirements. Students must pass these courses with a C or better, see page 10 and 18 for specific details on a-g requirements, in order for a student to be eligible to apply. The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a cooperative educational endeavor which allows students to participate in college-level studies while they are still in secondary school. Courses without a “P” or “AP” do not meet California a-g requirements.
Mathematics
The mathematics courses offered range from Algebra to college level mathematics. In order to graduate, students must complete 30 credits in mathematics and successfully complete an Algebra 1 course. All students are required to pass the mathematics portion of the High School Exit Exam.
Ninth grade placement in math classes will be determined by multiple measures such as eighth grade CST math scores, 8th grade math Benchmark scores and student performance. Placement in grades ten, eleven, and twelve is determined by students meeting required prerequisites.
Our State Universities, Cal State Universities and Universities of California, require a certain number and sequence of courses called the a-g requirements. Students must pass these courses with a “C” or better, (see page 10 and 18 for specific details on a-g requirements,) in order for a student to be eligible to apply. The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a cooperative educational endeavor which allows students to participate in college-level studies while they are still in secondary school. Courses without a “P” or “AP” do not meet California a-g requirements.
Music
The goals of music education are to develop sensitivity to the expressive qualities of music, the skills and discrimination necessary for the performance, creation and appreciation of music, and a positive self-image through successful experiences in music. All groups have the opportunity to perform at various school and community functions. The total number of credits a student may earn in any combination of music courses may not exceed 40 credits unless prior approval is given by the school principal. To meet the University of California (UC) and the California State University (CSU) entrance requirements, students must earn 10 credits in the Visual or the Performing Arts. Our State Universities, Cal State Universities and Universities of California, require a certain number and sequence of courses called the a-g requirements. Students must pass these courses with a C or better, see page 10 and 18 for specific details on a-g requirements, in order for a student to be eligible to apply. The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a cooperative educational endeavor which allows students to participate in college-level studies while they are still in secondary school. Courses without a “P” or “AP” do not meet California a-g requirements.
Physical Education
A full year of physical education is required in grade nine. Physical education is also required in grade 10, but Education Code, Section 51241, allows the principal, under certain circumstances, to grant a 10th grade student exemption from courses in physical education for up to two years. For example, a 10th grade student whose program is too restrictive to allow the selection of a desired elective may delay taking the second required physical education class until the 11th or 12th grade. A minimum of 20 credits must be successfully completed, but a maximum of 40 credits may be applied toward the 220 credits required for graduation. A maximum of 10 physical education credits (5 credits in 9th grade and 5 credits in 10th grade) first semester only can be earned through marching band.
Science
The science curriculum provides a broad spectrum of course offerings which allow students to become scientifically literate. The science requirement is a minimum of 20 credits (10 credits Physical Sciences and 10 credits Life Sciences).
Our State Universities, Cal State Universities and Universities of California, require a certain number and sequence of courses called the a-g requirements. Students must pass these courses with a C or better, see page 10 and 11 for specific details on a-g requirements, in order for a student to be eligible to apply. The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a cooperative educational endeavor which allows students to participate in college-level studies while they are still in secondary school. Courses without a “P” or “AP” do not meet California a-g requirements.
World Languages
The primary purpose of World Language study is to acquire oral fluency, listening, reading, and writing skills in the target language. To meet the University of California (UC) entrance requirements and the California State University (CSU) entrance requirements, students must earn a minimum of 20 credits in the same world language. In addition, the University of California and California State University recommend three years of World Language study (30 credits). Our State Universities, Cal State Universities and Universities of California, require a certain number and sequence of courses called the a-g requirements. Students must pass these courses with a C or better, see page 10 and 18 for specific details on a-g requirements, in order for a student to be eligible to apply. The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a cooperative educational endeavor which allows students to participate in college-level studies while they are still in secondary school. Courses without a “P” or “AP” do not meet California a-g requirements.
Enrollment in World Language is not dependent upon a student's English/Language Arts grade or teacher recommendation. In many instances the World Language is a student's primary language. Research shows that increasing the fluency in a student's primary language increases their fluency in their second language (ex. English/Language Arts).
The first level of these modern world languages develops basic skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the target language. A study of the culture is incorporated into each course.
The second level is designed to extend communication skills and develop the control of vocabulary, grammar, and usage. Emphasis is placed on general conversation, extended narratives, and cultural concepts.
The third and fourth levels continue to develop and expand the student’s communication skills in the target language. Emphasis is placed on conversation, written expression, culture, and reading.