ADDITIONAL ELECTIVES
SOCIAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 5.0
Grade Level: 9-12
The purpose of this course is to develop an awareness and practice of social behavior when interacting with others. Focus is on appropriate behavior is various postures and situations, such as: asking for help, obeying rules, greeting people, initiating conversions, compromising, reacting to rejection, participating in a dialogue, etc. The approach in this course comes from the assumption that the student has limited practice or experiences in a variety of social interactions typical to their age level peers. The students therefore need opportunities to interact and receive feedback and instruction about the natural consequences of his behavior. Students will be coached and advised in techniques and strategies to improve social and communication skills.
This course is designed to prepare students to meet alternate standards found in the Curriculum Guide for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities. Students enter into and move through the standards at an individual pace.
BUDGET MAINTENANCE
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 5.0
Grade Level: 9-12
Course may be repeated for credit
The competency course is an introduction to fundamental personal finance skills. This course develops the skills needed to plan and maintain a simple personal budget.
This course is designed to prepare students to meet alternate standards found in the Curriculum Guide for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities. Students enter into and move through the standards at an individual pace.
CAREER EXPLORATION
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 5.0
Grade Level: 9-12
Course may be repeated for credit
The emphasis on this course is to explore a variety of careers and professions. Students will become aware of jobs available at school and in the community and the requirements for obtaining those jobs. Students will choose careers of interest based on their individual strengths and their ability to perform the work and meet job requirements.
This course exposes students to various careers and focuses on appropriate workplace Behavior.
This course is designed to prepare students to meet alternate standards found in the Curriculum Guide for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities. Students enter into and move through the standards at an individual pace.
MESA
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 5.0
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisites: Qualification for MESA
Statewide program or teacher approval, satisfactory progress in meeting A-G
requirements
The Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program is designed to help mathematically and scientifically talented, economically or educationally disadvantaged students excel in high school so that they may continue their education in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) field at a four-year university.
The MESA class is offered as an elective course. The course is project-based and enriches students’ learning experience by exploring the applications of mathematics and science. Student projects include bridge building, robotics, gliders, and more. Students also investigate college and career opportunities, in the mathematics, science, and engineering fields. Students earn credits for the course and a grade based upon completion of assignments and projects. (2-4 years participation
recommended)
HEALTH EDUCATION
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 5.0
Grade Level: 9-12
Postsecondary: Meets UC/CSU G requirement
The Health Education course assists students in developing greater responsibility for their health and wellness in all aspects of their life. Topics include: Exercise science, nutrition, disease prevention and intervention, mental and emotional health, sex education, sexuality, effective communication, violence prevention, gender differences, dangers of alcohol/tobacco/drugs, stress reduction, mindfulness meditation and integrative/ complementary health care. Each student learns to analyze and evaluate the root causes of his or her current unhealthy behaviors to live a healthier, happier and more productive life. The course emphasizes authentic, doable changes that last a lifetime.
WORK EXPERIENCE EDUCATION
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 5.0-10.0- DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSE WITH WEST LOS ANGELES CITY COLLEGE
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisites: Students must have a job and
then seek teacher approval. Must complete the registration process with West Los Angeles City College
Work Experience Education is an elective class that combines paid employment with classroom instruction. Students attend their own jobs during the week as well as attending class sessions equivalent to one class period per week. Students will develop work habits, attitudes, self-confidence, job skills, and a resume that can be used to locate, secure and retain employment in the community. Students must have an approved, legally paid job while enrolled in this elective. A grade and course
credit is earned by completion of the course requirements
a) attending class sessions, b) submitting
weekly time sheets, c) submitting paycheck
stubs, d) takings tests, e) submitting all required forms (Individual Training Plan, Training Agreement, Course Requirements & Rules, etc.) and f) completing all class assignments.
The course curriculum includes; a) how to get a job, b) how to keep a job, c) how to leave a job, d) economic awareness and d) career awareness.
THIS COURSE IS A DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSE WITH WEST LOS ANGELES CITY COLLEGE (WLACC). UPON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, STUDENTS RECEIVE BOTH PCHS AND WLACC CREDIT. STUDENT MUST COMPLETE THE WLACC REGISTRATION PROCESS BEFORE ENROLLING IN THE CLASS
TUTOR
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 5.0
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: Some classes have grade and/or course completion requirements
Students are assigned to assist teachers and to provide tutoring for students. This course provides capable students to review the concepts and skills required in their tutees’ class and re-teach when necessary. This course offers a great opportunity for demonstrate their knowledge and acquisition, as well as to help their peers improve academically.
TEACHER'S ASSISTANT/ OFFICE WORK EXPERIENCE
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 5.0
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: Teacher approval
Students are assigned to assist teachers or school offices. This course offers opportunities to develop classroom/office management skills. Responsible students gain skills to assist the PCHS school community.