World Language Course Descriptions

World Language

Spanish for Heritage Speakers - (may be repeated once)

Grade:  9-12

2 Sem.  Credit: 1

Prereq: Ability to understand and speak Spanish at ACTFL Proficiency levels Intermediate High-Advanced High, teacher recommendation, and assessment of reading proficiency. A grade of a “B” or higher in the first semester in order to continue to the second semester or teacher approval. Not recommended for Native speakers.  

This course is designed for students who comprehend Spanish spoken at home.  Students improve literacy skills with an emphasis on reading and writing. Students will read comprehension based novels and films to facilitate discussion of the cultures of Spain, Mexico and other Spanish speaking countries.  Students can expect to improve their writing skills by studying the use of written accents, spelling, and grammar rules concerning the Spanish language.  

*** Spanish I, II, III, and IV are designed for non-Heritage Spanish speakers. ***

Spanish I

Grade:  9-12

2 Sem.  Credit: 1

Prereq: None 

The first year in Spanish is filled with classroom activities that facilitate language acquisition. Students listen as the teacher uses Comprehensible Input to introduce high frequency target structures and some thematic vocabulary. Language acquisition is obtained through comprehension based readers, music videos that combine simple lyrics and great music. Students will learn about culture through novels and authentic materials from Spanish speaking countries. 

Spanish II

Grade:  10-12

2 Sem.  Credit: 1

Prereq: Must pass Spanish I

This course builds on language acquired in Spanish I to help students acquire more complex grammatical structures and additional vocabulary. Emphasis on listening and reading comprehension continues in order for writing and speaking skills to become stronger.  Daily participation is an important part of the course and is expected from all students. Students will learn about culture through novels and authentic materials from Spanish speaking countries. It is highly recommended that students continue their second year of  Spanish II  the year following Spanish I.   It is not advisable to continue Spanish II after having skipped a year or more in between level I and level II. 

Spanish III

Grade:  11-12

2 Sem.  Credit: 1

Prereq: Spanish II the prior year with a “B” or higher each semester or teacher approval. A grade of a “B” or higher in the first semester in order to continue to the second semester or teacher approval. 

Spanish III builds on the skills developed in Spanish I and II: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Classroom instruction is centered on an in-depth exploration of cultures, and topics. Students continue to expand their cultural understanding and awareness. Daily participation is an important part of the course and is expected from all students. Teacher instruction is primarily in Spanish and students are highly motivated and capable of staying in the target language throughout the whole class period.

Spanish IV

Grade: 12

2 Sem.  Credit: 1

Prereq: Spanish III the prior year with a “B” or higher each semester or teacher approval. A grade of a “B” or higher in the first semester in order to continue to the second semester or teacher approval. 

Spanish IV focuses on expanding the four communication skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. The students enrich their vocabulary through a variety of media and cultural units utilizing authentic resources. Students expand their level of self-expression in more abstract situations. Daily participation is an important part of the course and is expected from all students. Teacher instruction is primarily in Spanish and students are highly motivated and capable of staying in the target language throughout the whole class period.

Special Services

Peotone High School's Special Services Department acknowledges diversity in learning styles and strives to provide appropriate support services to students found eligible for special education. Students will receive instruction within a continuum of services focused on academic, social/emotional, transitional, and functional growth. Educational plans are individualized and articulated through an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and developed with full participation from the student, parents/guardians, school staff, and other appropriate individuals. Specific educational programs will be determined at an IEP meeting. Courses are offered from the most restrictive and individualized self-contained classrooms to the least restrictive inclusion placement within the general education environment with limited support. Through the promotion of self-advocacy, character, and community awareness, our goal is to provide meaningful learning experiences for all students and help them find post-secondary success. 

Self-Contained and Specialized Instruction English Courses 

Foundations of English I

Grade: 9

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement 

This course will explore different forms of literature. Elements such as character, setting, plot, theme, and purpose will be discussed and applied to read world situations. This course will also focus on written expression. Grammar, vocabulary and sentence/paragraph development will be emphasized along with the student's ability to develop mechanically sound written compositions for a variety of purposes. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university. 

Foundations of English II

Grade: 10

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement 

This course will synthesize the skills from Foundations of English 1. A variety of texts will be used with an emphasis placed on novels and a more in-depth examination of the issues and themes presented in the work will be explored. Focus will be the acquisition of skills related to analysis, reflection, and resolution, along with the application of these skills to the real world. Writing skills will be continued. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university. 

Foundations of English III

Grade: 11

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement 

This course will reinforce the study elements of novels, while introducing the students to drama, short stories, and poetry. Focus will be on the acquisition of skills related to analysis and reflection, along with the application of these skills to the real world. Writing skills will be continued. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. 

Foundations of English IV

Grade: 12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement 

In this course students will use a variety of work samples to improve their reading fluency and comprehension. Students will continue to develop their reading, writing, and vocabulary skills in an integrated manner with an emphasis on strategies that students can use beyond the classroom. Students will read a variety of texts and provide summations both orally and in written form. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory course- work for a 4-year university admission. 

Functional English

Grade: 9- 12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement 

In this course students will be exposed to daily life applications of English. The class combines writing and reading in a functional way based on goals in students' IEPs. Vocabulary building activities, listening and speaking skill activities, and writing activities are addressed. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. 

Self-Contained and Specialized Instruction Mathematics Courses 

Foundations of Algebra I 

Grade: 9-10

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement

This course will begin with a review of pre-algebra skills before moving on to algebra concepts. Students will be also introduced to solving one-step and two-step equations, graphing, and problem solving. Reading, algebra skills, and real-life problem solving are emphasized. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. 

Foundations of Algebra II 

Grade: 11-12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement

This course will emphasize the basic concepts of graphing, problem solving techniques, data interpretation, mental mathematics, number sense, and the use of technology. The depth of the coverage will be based on individual student needs.. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory course work for a 4-year university. 

General Mathematics

Grade 12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: Foundations of Algebra 1, Foundations of Geometry, and Foundations of  Algebra 2 

This course will review basic algebra and geometry skills and expand on these concepts. Real life problem-solving and application will be emphasized through project-based learning and the use of technology. Students will complete a mock placement test for both trade school and community college.The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. The course is a hybrid of Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and life skills math (sales tax, budgeting, etc).

Foundations of Geometry

Grade: 10-11

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement

This course will reinforce pre-algebra and algebra concepts covered in Foundations of Algebra and Foundations of Algebra I and introduce students to basic concepts of geometry. Basic geometric concepts such as perimeter, area, volume, parallel and perpendicular lines, and polygons will be explored within the parameters of real-world application. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. 

Functional Math

Grade: 9-12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement

This course will expose the students to daily applications of Math. The students will develop skills in knowledge of numbers, measuring, scales, money, and basic math computation including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The depth of cover- age will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. 

Self-Contained and Specialized Instruction Science Courses 

Functional Science I

Grade: 9-12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement

This class will introduce the students to lab safety and cover topics of life science. Topics will include plants and animals and bio- logical systems. Students will be exposed to lab procedures in this course. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. 

Functional Science II

Grade: 10-12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement

This course will introduce the students to Earth Science concepts. Topics covered will include the four spheres of Earth: hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and the geosphere. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. 

Functional Science III

Grade: 9-12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement

This course will introduce students to the content of physical science. Topics to be covered include Matter, Motion, Forces, Energy, and Waves. Mathematical reasoning/calculation, reading, and writing skills will be incorporated into the coursework. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory course- work for a 4-year university admission. 

Self-Contained and Specialized Instruction Social Science Courses        

Functional American Government 

Grade: 9-12

1 Sem. Credit: .5

Prereq: IEP Placement

In this course students will be taught the meaning and responsibilities of citizenship. Students will study the system of government in the US and its values. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. American Government is a required course for graduation, and includes the student completing the service learning project. The service learning project requires the students to complete ten hours of community service and write a paper connecting their experience to the civics curriculum. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. This course will fulfill the Civics Education requirement under Section 27-22 of the School Code. 

Functional Geography

Grade: 9-12

1 Sem. Credit: .5

Prereq: IEP Placement

The purpose of this course is to provide the students with basic understanding of geographical features focusing at the state and local levels. Students will be exposed to map skills and learning about the features of our state. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. 

Functional Nations in the News

Grade: 9-12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement

Nations in the News is a yearlong course designed to introduce students to issues that influence our society. In this course, students will be required to complete daily current events and use technology to research events occurring around the world. Students are expected to read, analyze, and answer questions in regards to current news through class discussion and oral presentations. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. 

Functional U.S. History

Grade: 9-12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement

In this course the students will explore the history of the United States. The students will also learn about the role of government, the election process, and important events that have shaped America. U.S. History is a required course for graduation, and includes the student passing the United States and Illinois constitution exams. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. 

Self-Contained and Specialized Instruction Elective Courses 

Functional Career Exploration

Grade: 9-12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement

The Functional Career Exploration course helps students identify and evaluate personal goals, priorities, and interests with the goal of helping them in making informed decisions about their careers. This course exposes students to various sources of information on career and training options and may also assist them in developing job search and employability skills. This course is not NCAA ap- proved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. 

Life Skills I

Grade: 9-12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement

This course will focus on the development of skills as they relate to real-world living and interpersonal relationships. Study skill acquisition and career exploration will also be covered and applied to core coursework. The depth of coverage will be based on individu- al student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. 

Life Skills II

Grade: 10-12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement; Life Skills I

This course will review, reinforce, and expand upon the skills covered in Life Skills I with a heightened emphasis on the development of the student's post-secondary aspirations. Additional at-school activities will provide students opportunity for skill application. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. The successful completion of Life Skills II and Vocational Skills II will be accepted as the required Consumer Education credit. 

Life Skills III

Grade: 11-12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement; Life Skills I and II

This course is designed to increase student knowledge and skills necessary for everyday living. This course will review, reinforce, and expand upon the skills covered in Life Skills I and II with a heightened emphasis on the development of the student's post-secondary aspirations. Additional at-school activities will provide students opportunities for skill application. The course emphasizes goal-set- ting, decision making and problem solving, communication, healthy lifestyles and relationships, nutrition, personal safety, citizenship and consumerism. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. 

Life Skills IV

Grade: 12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement; Life Skills I, II, and III

This course is designed to increase student knowledge and skills necessary for everyday living. This course will review, reinforce, and expand upon the skills covered in Life Skills I, II, and III with a heightened emphasis on the development of the student's post-second- ary aspirations. Additional at-school activities and community-based outings will provide students opportunities for skill application. The course emphasizes goal-setting, decision making and problem solving, communication, healthy lifestyles and relationships, nutri- tion, personal safety, citizenship and consumerism. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory course- work for a 4-year university admission. 

Resource Study Skills

Grade: 9-12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement

This course prepares students for success in high school. Students will be provided assistance with their coursework and projects. Topics covered in class will include: transition planning, study skills, organization, and reading improvement skills. Students, with instructor support, will work towards becoming progressively independent in monitoring their upcoming assignments and quizzes/ tests as well as their current grades. Students enrolled in this class will receive credit towards graduation, but only a pass/fail grade that will not be figured into the student's GPA or GPE calculations.

Vocational Skills I

Grade: 9-12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement

Not competitively employed. This course will review, reinforce, and expand upon the skills covered in Life Skills I and Life Skills II with a heightened emphasis on the development of vocational skills. Intensive career/post-secondary education and training will occur. Off-site job training, with the possibility of off-site opportunities, will be explored. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. 

Vocational Skills II

Grade: 10-12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement; Vocational Skills I 

Not competitively employed. This course will review, reinforce, and expand upon the skills covered in Vocational Skills I. Students will continue to participate in both on and off-site job training while developing a comprehensive portfolio of artifacts personal, aca- demic, and vocational. This course will allow for both additional skill acquisition and ongoing academic support. The depth of cover- age will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. The successful completion of Life Skills II and Vocational Skills II will be accepted as the required Consumer Education credit. 

Vocational Skills III

Grade: 11-12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement; Vocational Skills I and II

Not competitively employed. This course will review, reinforce, and expand upon the skills covered in Vocational Skills I and II. Stu- dents will continue to participate in both on and off-site job training while developing a comprehensive portfolio of artifacts personal, academic, and vocational. This course will allow for both additional skill acquisition and ongoing academic support. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory course- work for a 4-year university admission. 

Vocational Skills IV

Grade: 12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement; Vocational Skills I, II and III

Not competitively employed. This course will review, reinforce, and expand upon the skills covered in Vocational Skills I. Students will continue to participate in both on and off-site job training while developing a comprehensive portfolio of artifacts personal, aca- demic, and vocational. This course will allow for both additional skill acquisition and ongoing academic support. The depth of cover- age will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. 

Self-Contained and Specialized Instruction Additional Graduation Requirement Courses 

Functional Consumer Education

Grade: 9-12

1 Sem. Credit: .5

Prereq: IEP Placement

The purpose of this course is to prepare our students to become contributing members of a global society. Students will develop an understanding of basic rights and responsibilities of a consumer. Students are required by Illinois School Code to pass Consumer Edu- cation. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. 

Functional Health

Grade: 9-12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: IEP Placement

In this course students will learn about the concepts related to nutrition, exercise, hygiene, safety, growth and development, avoid- ance of harmful actions, and healthy habits. Students will also learn to develop decision making skills. The depth of coverage will be based on individual student needs. This course is not NCAA approved nor will it be considered preparatory coursework for a 4-year university admission. 

Alternative Senior Schedule Options

Work-Based Learning (WBL) - (Seniors Only - 2 periods per semester)

Grade: 12

2 Sem. Credit: 2

Prereq:  Completed application and teacher approval

This course will provide students with the opportunity to get work based experience related to industries that students are interested in. Students will be expected to meet once a week for WBL class and then will be allowed to leave for the remainder of the day to go to their job. Whenever the WBL class is not meeting, they will be allowed to leave school to go to their job to begin work. Students must secure their own jobs, however students can reach out to the WBL teacher for job placement assistance. Classroom instruction will include the further study of the field, discussion of relevant topics that are responsive to the workplace experience and employability skill development. Contacts will be signed by the student, workplace, and WBL instructor to approve employment. The WBL teacher will visit each student on the job site each month/quarter depending on enrollment in the course. Managers at job sites will be asked to fill out a performance evaluation each quarter of that visit and that will factor into the student grade. 

Late Arrival  / Early Release: (Seniors Only)

Seniors may arrive one period late (late arrival) or leave one period early (early release) during the school year. Students must be enrolled in six classes for credit, one class being physical education unless otherwise exempt. They must be in good academic standing and have a minimum GPA of a 2.5. Students must complete a Late Arrival/Early Release application from the Student Services Department. Parent and school administrator approval is required.

Early Graduation (After 7th Semester-Seniors Only):

The Board of Education shall award a high school diploma to each student who meets the following requirements:

1. The student has earned the required number of high school credits; and

2. The student has been in attendance at an approved high school for a minimum of seven semesters.

The Board of Education may waive the attendance requirement under appropriate circumstances and provided required procedures are followed. To apply for early graduation, the student seeking to graduate shall:

1. Complete an application available in the Student Services Department which includes parent signature and reason for the request; and

2. Submit the application to the Student Services Department prior to the end of the student’s sixth semester of attendance.

Requests that meet with the approval of the school counselor, administration, and superintendent will be presented to the Board of Education for consideration. Students whose requests are denied by the school counselor, principal, and superintendent shall have a right of appeal to the Board of Education.

Parents and students requesting early graduation should be aware of the following:

1. Seniors who attend Kankakee Area Career Center will not be permitted to graduate early.

2. Online courses may not be used to fulfill early graduation requirements.

3. After the end of the first semester of the senior year, a student electing early graduation will be eligible to participate in the May/June graduation so long as the student is not on social probation.