Non-Departmental Electives

Course Descriptions

ACT Prep: Communication Arts

Grade Level Placement:  10, 11, 12

1/2 Unit /S    Prerequisite: None    Credit Type: Elective (ELEC)

ACT Prep is a one semester course offering students an opportunity to improve their ACT Scores.  Students with a projected ACT Test Score between 14 and 18 tend to be the best served in this course. The focus is on the English and Reading portions of the test, as well as other college-prep activities.  Students in this class also register for the ACT Test at the end of the semester in which the student takes this course.  MRH School District pays for students who take this course to take the ACT Test at the completion of this course

Algebra Lab

Grade Level Placement: 09

1/2 Unit/S   1 Unit/Y   Pass/Fail       Prerequisite: Instructor recommendation    Credit Type: Elective (ELEC)

This course is intended to provide support to concurrent Algebra I concepts. It consists of a variety of activities designed to reinforce analytical thinking, problem solving, and reading and writing skills required for success in Algebra courses.  While emphasizing skill development, the course also reviews the core math content standards.  It supports the work that all students must complete in the Algebra/Physics courses designed for grade 9.  It is assigned to students that need help to continue through 4 years of math at MRH High School.  This support class provides the means for all students to succeed.

Geometry Lab

Grade Level Placement: 09, 10

1/2 Unit/S   1 Unit/Y   Pass/Fail      Prerequisite: Instructor recommendation     Credit Type: Elective (ELEC)

This course supports the work that students must complete in the Geometry course designed for Grade 10.  It is assigned to students that need help to continue through 4 years of math at MRH High School.  This semester long course covers both semester 1 and semester 2 geometry topics and may be taken both semesters.  Students identify areas in Geometry where they struggle.  They develop and follow a plan for improving their understanding of those particular topics.  Students have additional time to practice and study current Geometry concepts in order to boost confidence and skill. This support class provides the means for all students to succeed.

Literacy

Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11, 12

1/2 Unit/S or 1 Unit/Y    Prerequisite:  Teacher/Administrator/Counselor recommendation    

Credit Type: Elective (ELEC)

This class provides students with instruction on reading skills and strategies that are valuable for them as they prepare themselves for success in high school, college, and careers.  The course is intended for struggling readers.  Instruction and skills in the course are tailored to the needs of each student’s reading ability level.

Applied Cornerstones

Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11

½ Unit/S    Prerequisite: None     Credit Type: Elective (ELEC)

Applied Cornerstones is an introductory survey course that examines the following core values: leadership, stewardship, citizenship, and scholarship. Students will discover how these values translate into school and post-secondary success while further developing the skills that help them interact effectively with other people in a variety of settings. Students will have the opportunity to think critically about social change and responsibility, define strengths, and develop goal setting skills. Students reflect on experience, celebrate their hard work, and showcase their work in the community. The course expands on presentation skills practiced in Cornerstone Connections, and will be facilitated through a combination of various readings, student inquiry presentations, extemporaneous and impromptu current-event-related class discussion, service learning, and other relevant course assignments.

Semester of Service

Grade Level Placement: 11, 12

1/2 Unit/S     Prerequisite: None     Credit Type: Elective (ELEC)

Semester of Service is a student-initiated extended service-learning experience. Students start the semester identifying a community need related to a district-determined theme. They then develop community partnerships while becoming experts on their issue through self-initiated inquiry. Students develop a strategy for change, plan a service project, promote it through print and media, recruit volunteers, and coordinate a large-scale service event. Students reflect on the experience, celebrate their hard work, and showcase their project in the community and at national learning conferences. In addition to their Semester of Service project, students will participate in a variety of smaller theme-related service projects throughout the semester. This is a rigorous course that requires high performance and self-initiated project work. Participation in professional conferences and events outside school required.

EQ – Emotional Quotient: Social Emotional Learning

Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11, 12

½ Unit/S or 1 Unit/Y    Prerequisite: SAGE Program     Credit Type: Elective (ELEC)

EQ is a course delivered through the SAGE program. Students will develop skills related to self-awareness, social-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision making*. Both the environment as well as the instruction will strengthen school connection, develop coping skills and strategies, establish healthy relationships, and meet personal and social needs. Collectively, these components connect to each of the four cornerstones (scholarship, leadership, stewardship, and citizenship) and enhance students’ social and emotional skills. *CASEL Core SEL Competencies