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District Secondary English, Language Arts, Reading information
District Journalism information
District Speech and Debate information
Contact the College and Career Center about Dual Credit classes.
ACT/SAT Preparatory Strategies: (1/2 credit) This one-semester elective course is open to eleventh- grade students and fall semester twelfth-grade students who are college- bound and have successfully completed Algebra II or be concurrently enrolled in Algebra II. The course is designed to provide students with strategies to meet the academic requirements and demands of post-high school studies and to prepare students to successfully take college entrance exams. Units of study include preparation for college entrance exams (ACT and SAT), vocabulary expansion, objective test-taking skills, research and critical thinking, attitudes, goal setting, and time management. Strategies necessary for successfully reading, comprehending, and studying advanced-level content textbooks both in high school and in college will also be addressed. • This course is noted on the transcript as Independent Study in English. • Open to 11th- and 12th- grade students only • Students may select to take the course for graduation credit or local credit. (Completion of Acknowledgement form is required.)
Creative and Imaginative Writing: (1/2 or 1 credit) This study of creative and imaginative writing allows high school students to develop increased skill, creativity, and versatility as writers. In the class, students will be provided the time to write independently and to share and critique their writings with others. In their efforts to perfect selected pieces of work, students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the recursive nature of the writing process, applying the conventions of usage and the mechanics of written English. Throughout the year, students will study and create a variety of genres such as essays, short stories, poetry, and drama. As a means of extending their knowledge of effective techniques and forms of writing, students will critically examine models of various types written by professional authors. • Grades 10-12
Literature and the Bible: (1 credit) proposed new course for Grades 11-12
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge of biblical content, characters, poetry, and narratives that are prerequisite to understanding contermporary society and culture, including literature, art, music, and oratory. Students will become familiar with the contents and hisotry of the Old and New testaments for the purpose of understanding the literary style and structure of each of the testaments and their consequential influences on literature. Over the duration of the course, students will read assigned literature and engage in research of assigned topics that examine the Bible's influence on literature. • Grades 11-12
Photojournalism: (1/2 credit) Photojournalism introduces students to the world of photography and journalism. The law, ethics, and history of photography complement the major units of study: operation and care of the digital camera, taking pictures, teamwork, and management skills. In addition, students will have opportunities to use stateof-the-art computer-aided publishing tools and other hands-on production tools. • Students must have their own digital camera, and a fee will be charged for necessary photographic supplies. • This course requires work outside of class to complete assignments.
Journalism I : (1 credit) Students enrolled in Journalism write in a variety of forms for a variety of audiences and purposes. Students are expected to plan, draft, and complete written compositions on a regular basis, carefully examining their papers for clarity, engaging language, and the correct use of the conventions and mechanics of written English. Students will become analytical consumers of media and technology to enhance their communication skills. Writing, technology, visual, and electronic media are used as tools for learning as students produce effective communications. Journalism students will learn journalistic traditions, research selfselected topics, write journalistic texts, and learn the principals of publication.
Advanced Journalism I, II, III - Yearbook: (1 - 3 credits) Students enrolled in this course learn all the skills required to develop a school yearbook. Students learn advanced publishing skills, interviewing techniques, design and layout expertise, and sophisticated writing skills. They become adept at using complex software that is used in the professional publishing industry. In addition, they learn how to work as leaders and as a team as they manage this production process. • Students must have the recommendation of the publications teacher to enroll in this class. • Courses must be taken in sequence. • Prerequisite: Journalism I Production of the yearbook may require 3 to 8 hours of afterschool activities per week.
Advanced Journalism I, II, III - Newspaper: (1 - 3 credits) Students enrolled in Advanced Journalism: Newspaper I, II, III communicate in a variety of forms for a variety of audiences and purposes. Students are expected to plan, draft, and complete written and/or visual communications on a regular basis, carefully examining their copy for clarity, engaging language, and the correct use of the conventions and mechanics of written English. Students are expected to become analytical consumers of media and technology to enhance their communication skills. In addition, students will learn journalistic ethics and standards. Writing, technology, and visual and electronic media are used as tools for learning as students create, clarify, critique, write, and produce school newspapers. • Students must have the recommendation of the publications teacher to enroll in this class. • Courses must be taken in sequence. • Prerequisite: Journalism I Production of the newspaper may require 3 to 8 hours of after-school activities per week.
Professional Communications: (1/2 credit) This high school speech course is designed to provide opportunities for students to understand and develop effective interpersonal communication skills for the 21st Century. Professional Communications blends written, oral, and graphic communication in a career-based, business environment. Students will prepare, present, and evaluate a variety of multi-media presentations that are appropriate for the professional setting. • Grades 9 – 12
Debate I, II, III : (1 - 3 credits) Gaining a general understanding of the major forms of debate, studying logic and reasoning and learning to prepare and present actual debates, oratories, and extemporaneous speeches, are the objectives of this course in argumentation. Participation in competitive speech and debate events is a requirement for this class. Debate II-III build on the fundamentals and continue to develop speech and debate skills. • Students must have the recommendation of the debate teacher to enroll in levels II and III. • Courses must be taken in sequence. Students involved in Speech/Debate competitions may be required to work after school to prepare. Preparation time will be limited to 8 hours per week on Monday through Thursday. After 2:30 on Friday, there is no limit on the number of hours students may work. Speech competitions are held on Friday evening and Saturday. Student fees for tournament competition are required.
Independent Study/Speech or Debate IV: (1 credit) Activities designed for high achieving students to conduct research, produce original work in print or some other medium, develop an advanced speaking skill and study extensively in a specific area of interest are provided in this course. The prerequisites for enrollment in this course are three years of speech and teacher approval.