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south hamilton middle/high school course descriptions 2011-2012

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index graduation requirements future planning academic policies ncaa requirements language arts department math department science department social studies department business education department foreign language department family consumer science department health/physical education department art department music department industrial technology education agriculture department misc offerings project lead the way joint enrollment college courses iccc online courses dmacc courses south hamilton college course policy pages 1 2 pages 3 5 pages 6 7 pages 7 8 pages 9 10 pages 11 12 pages 13 14 pages 15 17 pages 18 ­ 20 page 21 pages 22 ­ 23 pages 24 page 25 page 26 pages 27 ­ 28 pages 29 31 page 32 page 33 pages 34 ­ 35 page 36 38 pages 39 42 page 43

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south hamilton graduation requirements for graduation from south hamilton high school a student must successfully complete 48 credits including a minimum of the following course areas all students must have all periods scheduled with a class every student must take a minimum of six full credited courses plus pe per semester graduation requirements for grades 9-12 are as follows english 2 credits language arts 9 2 credits ­ language arts 10 2 credits ­ language arts 11 2 credits ­ elective ­ college writing practical english contemporary literature ap english iccc eng 105/106 intro to speech 8 credits 2 credits ­ american history ­ 11th grade 2 credits ­ government ­ 12th grade 2 credits ­ electives ­ 9th through 12th grade 6 credits 2 credits ­ pre-algebra i pre-algebra ii intermediate math algebra i 4 credits ­ electives ­ 9th through 12th grade 6 credits 2 credits ­ earth science 2 credits ­ biology 2 credits ­ electives 6 credits 1 credits ­ health i 1 credit ­ computer applications i 2 credits ­ 1/2 each year for 4 years 30 18 48 total social studies total mathematics total science total health business education physical education total required courses total electives total credits required for graduation unless there is an academic conflict in 12th grade the south hamilton community school district does not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin creed religion sex marital status age sexual orientation gender identity or disability in its educational programs activities or disciplinary procedures inquiries regarding compliance with equal education opportunity shall be directed to the compliance officer by writing to lyle schwartz superintendent title ix title vi and section 504 compliance officer south hamilton community school district 315 division street jewell iowa 50130 or by telephoning him at 515-827-5479 or by writing to the director of the region vii office of civil rights department of education kansas city missouri further information and copies of the procedures for filing a grievanceare available in the central administrative office and the administrative office in each attendance center 1

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south hamilton graduation requirements 1credit/semester class 2 credits/year class credit exceptions for pe r required for graduation core/required courses 30 credits language arts 8 credits language arts 9 language arts 10 language arts 11 practical english contemporary lit college writing ap english writing iccc eng 105/106 intro to speech 2 required credits to graduate r9 r10 r11 12 12 12 12 12 health 1 credits health i r r mathematics 6 credits intermediate math pre-algebra i pre-algebra ii algebra i geometry algebra ii pre-calculus ap calculus vocational math statistics business 1 credits computer applications i social studies 6 credits social studies i social studies ii world history i world history ii social psych i social psych ii american history government current affairs us history-contemp iccc western civ i ii r11 r12 science 6 credits earth science 9 biology chemistry physics anatomy global science horticulture i horticulture ii r9 r10 physical education 2 credits 1/2 credit per year pe 9 pe 10 pe 11 pe 12 may be waived under certain academic/health conditions r9 r10 r11 r12 electives 18 credits fine arts basic design painting ceramics digital photography drawing chorus band foreign language spanish i spanish ii spanish iii spanish iv foods i foods ii culture and cuisine fashion i fashion ii interior design independent living child development other cadet teaching industrial tech intro to drafting graphic communication basic home maintenance manufacturing tech i adv manufacturing tech energy and power iccc cad project lead the way intro to engineer princ of enginer digital electronics civil eng and arch family and consumer sciences business computer apps ii business apps i-life keyboarding project personal bus mgmt personal record keeping business ethics yearbook office procedures iccc dreamweaver iccc web graphics iccc intro to accting iccc computer accting agriculture science horticulture i horticulture ii horticulture iii ag science i ag science ii iccc ag business ag power and paint animal science natural resources iccc welding concurrent college courses dmacc career academy iccc flexnet total core requirements 30 total electives 18 48 2

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future planning the courses a student takes in high school are an extremely important factor in being accepted for postsecondary study or work thus it is important that a student gives consideration to potential careers researches the requirements of these careers and takes courses that are required or helpful selecting career pathways is a process being used to aid the student in preparing for their future although a grade of a d in a course gives the same credit towards graduation as an a the two grades represent widely different levels of achievement it is the difference that employers and admissions officers weigh students in high school will take several standardized tests to determine these levels of achievement interest and ability since the results are a part of their permanent transcript/record they should do the best that they can course selections 1 before entering high school students should be thinking about their future career choice and which plan 2 3 of study they will need college/university community college technical college next students working with their parents and guidance counselor should maintain a four-year plan developed in 8th grade of courses to be taken during high school this should include courses to meet graduation requirements career-goal requirements and special interests and needs before choosing courses students and parents should carefully read through the course offerings questions about the courses should be addressed to the advisors teachers or guidance counselor classes should be chosen thoughtfully as students will be expected to take the classes they select and remain in them for the duration of the course south hamilton encourages all students to enroll in challenging courses if students need to change from one academic course to another they may do so during the first week of each year to make a change a student must talk with the high school guidance counselor within the first 3 days of the semester courses described in this booklet are offered based upon sufficient student demand and teacher availability determined by administration all students are required to first enroll in a south hamilton course before alternative methods of credit are tried 4 5 3

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code no 605.9 early graduation the south hamilton school district does not recommend early graduation for students but makes provisions for it through the following prescribed set of guidelines south hamilton students may graduate early if the following criteria is met 1 all required coursework is successfully completed see below 2 student and parent/guardian have met with the counselor 3 a petition for intent to graduate early has been signed arrangements for early graduation should be made prior to the beginning of the junior year so that coursework requirements can be met parents may consult with school officials counselor or principal about the pros and cons of early graduation each request for early graduation will be given individual consideration by the south hamilton board of education students graduating early will be considered alumni and will lose all privileges of south hamilton students formal graduation ceremonies are the only student event in which an early graduate may participate early graduates must meet all graduation requirements as outlined in the student handbook except the physical education will be waived by the school board for an early graduate any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the south hamilton board of education intent to graduate early form requests early graduation from south hamilton on 20 we understand the requirements and the pros and cons of an early graduation student signature parent/guardian signature reason for early graduation request approved 6/89 reviewed 1/10 revised 1/10 4

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academic policies requirements for graduation 1 credits 48 credits are required for a south hamilton diploma required credits that are failed must be made up 2 courses required courses as outlined in the course description book must be successfully completed courses count one credit per semester the exception to this is pe if you fail a class you will not receive credits for that class early graduation seniors may elect to graduate early if all graduation requirements have been met this option should be planned before the junior year applicable pe requirements will be waived yearly requirements students are required to take at least 6.5 credit courses per semester physical education seniors may be excused from one physical education credit if the student has an academic conflict in 12th grade freshmen sophomores and juniors are required to have completed one physical education credit each year students will repeat all failed physical education courses early dismissal late arrival seniors may have late arrival during period 1 or early dismissal during period 8 if all course requirements are otherwise being met including a minimum g.p.a of 2.0 this may be done all year or by semester and must accompany a pe course during anytime during the quarter and including midterm reporting dates a student who drops below a c average in any class the late arrival or early dismissal will be suspended for three weeks independent courses a student may take one independent course per year per department the student must have permission from the instructor and guidance counselor post-secondary enrollment options act the post-secondary enrollment options act is intended to promote rigorous academic pursuits and provide a wider variety of options for high school students students regularly enrolled in the south hamilton community school district in the 9th or 10th grade who have been identified by the district as gifted and talented and students in 11th or 12th grades are eligible to participate in the post-secondary enrollment plan students must be enrolled only part-time in the post-secondary institution and must continue to be enrolled in courses including physical education at south hamilton high school if all conditions are met the district shall pay for each eligible course directly to the post-secondary institution up to $250.00 for tuition textbooks materials and fees however if the student fails to complete and receive credit for the course or if they do not drop the course by the elected drop date the student is responsible for the costs of the course if a student is interested in this program see the guidance counselor this school year see senior year plus requirements on page 35 academic eligibility for extracurricular/co-curricular activities 7-12 eligibility will be based upon each grading quarter students must have passed all courses taken to be eligible for the next grading period if all classes are not passing the student will become immediately ineligible for all school activities for 30 calendar days special education staffing teams will meet to determine eligibility of special education students if the need arises 9-12 athletics the following requirements are set by the iowa department of education iowa high school athletic association and the iowa girls high school athletic union effective 7-1-2008 · a student must receive credit in at least 4 subjects at all times · a student must pass all and make adequate progress toward graduation to remain 6

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eligible · if a student is not passing all classes at end of a final grading period student is ineligible for the first period of 30 consecutive calendar days in the interscholastic athletic event in which the student is a contestant there is no requirement that the student competed in the sport previously students in baseball or softball have the same penalty as all other students · if a student is not passing all courses at any check point if school checks at any time other than the end of a grading period the period of ineligibility and conditions of reinstatement are left to the school · schools must check grades at the end of each grading period otherwise a school determines if and how often it checks grades south hamilton community schools checks for eligibility at the end of each grading quarter if failing students and coaches/sponsors will be notified · a student with a disability and an iep is judged based on progress made toward iep goals · the ability to use summer school or other means to make up failing grades for eligibility purposes is not available the rule now also requires that all original failing grades even those remediated for purposes other than athletic eligibility be reported to any school to which the student transfers ncaa freshman ­ eligibility standards quick reference sheet know the rules core courses · starting august 1 2008 16 core courses will be required for ncaa division i only this rule applies to any student entering any division i college or university on or after august 1 2008 see the chart below for the breakdown of the 16 core-course requirements · 14 core courses are required in the ncaa division ii see the breakdown of core-course requirements below test scores · division i has a sliding scale for test score and grade point average please go to www.ncaa.org click on academics and athletes then under academic certification click on eligibility standards quick reference sheet to find the scale for those requirements · division ii has a minimum sat score requirement of 820 or an act sum score of 68 · the sat score is used for ncaa purposes it includes only the critical reading and math sections the writing section of the sat is not used · the act score used for ncaa purposes is a sum of the four sections on the act english math reading and science · all sat and act scores must be reported directly to the ncaa initial-eligibility clearinghouse by the testing agency test scores that appear on transcripts will no longer be used when registering for the sat or act use the clearinghouse code of 9999 to make sure the score is reported to the clearinghouse grade-point average · only core courses are used in the calculation of the grade-point average · be sure to look at your high school s list of ncaa-approved core courses on the clearinghouse website to make certain that the courses being taken have been approved as core courses the website is www.ncaaclaringhouse.net · division i grade-point average requirements are listed on the website of www.ncaa.org · division ii grade-point average requirement is a minimum 2.00 7

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division i 16 core-course rule 2008 and after 16 core courses 4 years of english 3 years of mathematics algebra i or higher 2 years of natural/physical science 1 yr of lab if offered by high school 1 year of additional english mathematics or natural/physical science 2 years of social science 4 years of additional courses from any area above foreign language or non-doctrinal religion/philosophy division ii 2005 and after 14 core courses 3 years of english 2 years of mathematics algebra i or higher 2 years of natural/physical science 2 years of additional english mathematics or natural/physical science 2 years of social science 3 years of additional courses from any area above foreign language or non-doctrinal religion/philosophy division i core grade-point average text-score sliding scale core gpa sat 400 410 420 430 440 450 460 470 480 490 500 510 520 530 540 550 560 570 580 590 600 610 620 630 640 650 660 670 680 690 700 710 720 730 730 740-750 760 770 780 790 800 810 820 830 840-850 860 860 870 880 890 900 910 920 930 940 950 960 960 970 980 990 1000 1010 act 37 38 39 40 41 41 42 42 43 44 44 45 46 46 47 47 48 49 49 50 50 51 52 52 53 53 54 55 56 56 57 58 59 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 3.550 above 3.525 3.500 3.475 3.450 3.425 3.400 3.375 3.350 3.325 3.300 3.275 3.250 3.225 3.200 3.175 3.150 3.125 3.100 3.075 please note computer science is now eliminated 3.050 as an acceptable core-course area for students entering 3.025 any college or university the only exception to this 3.000 rule is if computer science receives graduation credit in 2.975 mathematics or natural/physical science and is listed as 2.950 such on the high school s list of ncaa-approved core 2.925 courses 2.900 other important information 2.875 2.850 in division ii there is no sliding scale 2.825 the minimum core grade-point average is 2.000.2.800 2.775 the minimum sat score is 820 and the 2.750 minimum act sum score is 68 2.725 2.700 students entering a division i or division ii 2.675 collegiate institution must meet the new 14 2.650 core-course rule 2.625 2.600 students first entering a division i collegiate 2.575 2.550 institution on or after august 1 2008 must meet 2.525 the 16 core-course rule 2.500 2.475 for more information regarding the new rules 2.450 please go to www.ncaa.org click on 2.425 student-athletes and parents in the custom home 2.400 2.375 pages section you may visit the clearinghouse 2.350 website at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net 2.325 2.300 if you have questions about ncaa eligibility 2.275 please call the ncaa initial-eligibility 2.250 clearinghouse toll free at 877 262-1492 2.225 you may also call the ncaa at 317 917-6222 2.200 2.175 2.150 2.125 2.100 2.075 2.050 2.025 2.000 8

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language arts department language arts 9 language arts 10 language arts 11 practical english college writing contemporary literature ap english iccc english 105 iccc english 106 intro to speech one year one year one year one semester one year one semester one year one quarter one quarter one semester language arts 9 required credit 2 prerequisite none one year grade 9 this class emphasizes the basic fundamentals of communication reading writing speaking and listening among the specific units to be covered is a shakespeare play debate the odyssey short stories continual grammar reviews the writing process and various papers and speeches in addition this class includes multiple activities that promote positive interaction among peer groups language arts 10 required credit 2 prerequisite la 9 one year grade 10 language arts 10 continues with the study of literature both fiction and nonfiction this course also emphasizes writing techniques and each student will analyze a chosen author s writing style grammar reviews speeches and research projects are integrated into literature and writing units language arts 11 required credit 2 prerequisite la 10 one year grade 11 this course revolves around the chronological study of american literature students will read discuss and write about the literature two formal research projects will be required this course is team taught with american history practical english elective credit 1 prerequisite la 11 one semester grade 12 practical english is an elective offered to 12th graders who wish to review and improve basic communication skills students will have the opportunity to write reports essays resumes letters of application create an employability skills profile and share it 9

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college writing elective credit 2 prerequisite la 11 one year grade 12 as the title states this course is designed to prepare students for their college classes that require writing they will write several kinds of essays including a formal research paper students will also read and discuss some works by shakespeare chaucer and other british authors contemporary literature elective credit 1 prerequisite practical english one semester grade 12 students will read different genres of literature written by authors during the 20th century post ww ii students will analyze literary aspects as well as develop an appreciation for literature to become life-long readers ap english elective credit 2 prerequisite approval of the instructor one year grade 12 advanced placement ap english offers to students excellent reading and writing experiences valuable in preparing for demanding educations throughout the course preparation for advanced placement testing will be considered if a student s score on the test is high enough he/she may receive college credit iccc english 105 one quarter grade 12 elective credit 1/high school 2/college prerequisite permission from guidance counselor this course focuses on the process of writing expressive and informative prose it introduces library research skills and critical thinking skills iccc english 106 one quarter grade 12 elective credit 1/high school 3 college prerequisite english 105 with a c grade or better this course is a continuation of 105 with advanced work in library research techniques the major focus is on persuasive and argumentative writing with an emphasis on critical thinking skills intro to speech one semester grade 9 12 elective credit 1/semester may be taken for a semester or a year communication applications is a semester-long course designed for high school juniors and seniors to develop effective communication for social and professional life the class will prepare students for college and their careers students will develop an understanding of the communication skills needed for successful group interactions and individual presentations students will be provided with opportunities to increase their fluency and self-confidence as a speaker the course covers multiple aspects of public speaking and gives the student practical experience through participation the course includes a study of poise use of body and voice public speaking oral interpretation of literature and beginning argumentation 10

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math department intermediate math pre-algebra i pre-algebra ii algebra i geometry algebra ii precalculus a.p calculus vocational math descriptive statistics intermediate math credit 2 prerequisite none intermediate mathematics is designed to strengthen abilities in whole numbers decimals fractions ratios proportions and percents students will be introduced to algebra geometry and right-triangle relations students will work individually in small groups and with the entire class one year one year one year one year one year one year one year one year one year one year one year grade 9-12 pre-algebra i one year grade 9-12 credit 2 prerequisite recommendation by middle school teacher pre-algebra i includes a basic review of topics presented in intermediate math percents decimals fractions and story problems will be reviewed and applied through everyday living situations the course will strive to match student s interests with the math concepts presented pre-algebra ii credit 2 prerequisite pre-algebra i one year grade 10-12 this course is intended to further cover the topics covered in pre-algebra i the course material will focus on arithmetic operations problem-solving techniques measurement skills geometry data handling simple statistics and the use of algebraic formulas to solve problems the emphasis will be on the students ability to understand and apply functional mathematics to solve problems in the world of work algebra i one year grade 9-12 credit 2 prerequisite if coming from 8th grade recommendation by ms teacher ited results and algebra concept exam this course includes the study of positive and negative numbers solving of equations and systems of equation and their applications solving of inequalities and systems of inequalities and their applications manipulations of polynomials and quotients of polynomials quadratic equations and their solutions and applications two-dimensional graphs some relations and functions verbal problems exponents and radicals and graphing technology this course is required for further work in mathematics 11

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geometry credit 2 prerequisite algebra i one year grade 9-12 geometry is a study of figures in two and three dimensions students will practice in logical thinking and through this experience see the common and different properties in studying lines segments rays angles planes polygons congruence parallelism perpendicularity similarity and circles basic algebraic skills are reviewed and strengthened as algebraic methods are applied to solving problems in geometry in addition to the basic development of geometry the course includes an introduction to trigonometry area and volume and constructions algebra ii one year grade 9-12 credit 2 prerequisite geometry future calculus students may take concurrently with geometry with consent of the teacher this course includes a review of basic materials from earlier work in algebra i the study of number systems polynomials rational expressions functions first-and second-degree systems of equations mathematical modeling exponents radicals exponential functions and conic sections the use of graphing calculators and associated technology is also incorporated into the course this course is a prerequisite for pre-calculus pre-calculus credit 2 prerequisite algebra ii one year grade 10-12 this course includes a review of coordinate geometry functions and relations linear quadratic and higher degree circle trigonometry triangle trigonometry trigonometric addition formulas exponents and logarithms inequalities probability and complex numbers and the use of graphing calculators to solve problems this course contains a variety of mathematical topics all of which are good preparation for college courses in calculus abstract algebra probability and related fields of study it can also serve as a terminal course for students who do not plan to continue their study of mathematics ap calculus credit 2 prerequisite pre-calculus one year grade 12 this course is offered to those students who have had elementary and intermediate algebra geometry and precalculus it includes the study of the straight line conic sections and other curves functions derivatives applications of the derivative limits integration applications of integration and transcendental functions possibility of college credit available through ap examination in may vocational math credit 2 prerequisite none one year grade 12 this class is designed to improve basic skills and give experience in solving the mathematic problems found in many career situations wages taxes loans insurance credit cards housing costs and investments will be covered descriptive statistics credit 1 or 2 prerequisite geometry one year grade 10-12 in this course students will learn to read interpret and understand the meaning of the data used in media reports and other content areas the course includes study of collection of data preliminary analysis of data central tendency variability basic probability normal distribution correlation regression and hypothesis 12

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science department earth science 9 biology anatomy chemistry physics global science earth science 9 required credit 2 prerequisite none earth science encompasses a variety of topics where students learn about the physical geology of the earth such as the types of rocks causes of erosion on our lands earthquakes and volcanoes the weather is studied with the purpose of understanding what causes our daily weather environmental problems are dealt with so the student may be better prepared to make informed decisions about complex problems in our society and our fragile environments one year one year one year one year one year one year one year grade 9 biology required credit 2 prerequisite science 9 one year grade 10 biology is the study of life this course is designed to help you gain knowledge and skills to help you to make decisions that will improve the quality of your life we will explore cell structure and function genetics and heredity topics in biological evolution and environmental/ecological studies anatomy one year grade 11 12 elective credit 2 prerequisite biology teacher recommendation this is a two-credit course designed for students interested in pursuing a career in a medically related profession such as medicine nursing dentistry lab technician veterinary medicine or emt through lecture lab activities discussion workbook and dissection the student will investigate the human body structure and function the anatomy physical structure and physiology how it functions of each of the human systems will be studied diseases and malfunctions of individual systems will also be discussed chemistry elective credit 2 prerequisite biology algebra i one year grade 11 12 chemistry is a college prep course that studies matter and the changes it undergoes specific topics include matter and change measurements and calculations atoms electrons periodic table chemical bonding naming chemical compounds solving chemical equations/reactions and solutions/acids/bases through lecture discussion problem solving and lab activities the student will gain a solid background of introductory chemistry 13

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