LOS ALTOS HIGH SCHOOL
A
CONQUERORS THINKERS
THINK CONQUER
COURSE
DESCRIPTION HANDBOOK
2006-2007
15325
E. Los
(626)
934-5400
The mission of
communicate
effectively
practice
good citizenship
make
use of analytical reasoning
use
and are comfortable with technology
perceive
learning as a value for life and work
This will be accomplished in a safe, orderly, and positive
learning environment through a partnership of staff, students and community.
Revised and approved 1/06
Table of
Contents
Graduation
Requirements.....................................................4
College
Admission Requirements.........................................5
Special
Education
..
..6
Course Descriptions by Department
Art..............................................................................
.6
Business
Technology...................................................
..7-8
English......................................................................
.....8-9
ELD
English
.
.
9-10
Foreign
Language.....................................................
.10-11
Industrial
Technology................................................
..
...11-12
Mathematics..............................................................
....13-15
Music..........................................................................
...15-16
Non-Departmental.................................................................17
Physical Education....................................................
.18-19
Science......................................................................
19-21
Social
Studies............................................................
21-23
Vocational
Guidance..................................................
23
Expected
School Wide Learning Results (ESLRs)
24
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
2006-2007
Units of Credit and Course Requirements
A. 220 units of credit in the prescribed course of study
(230 units required starting with the class of 2008)
B. 40
units of English to include:
1. 10 units-English I
2. 10 units-English II
3. 10 units-English III
4. 10 units-English IV
C. 30
units of Social Science to include:
1. 10 units-World History
2. 10 units-United States
History
3. 5 units-Civics
4. 5 units-Economics
D. 30
units - Mathematics (Must complete
Algebra 1)
E. 20
units Science (30 units required for
the class of 2008)
F. 30
units - Physical Education
G. 10
units - Fine Arts or Foreign Language. Fine Arts include art, music, drama,
dance, and humanities.
H. 20 units of Career Path or additional
academic coursework.
1. 20
units of coursework from offerings in the student's career path area
OR
2. 20
units - advanced college preparatory
coursework, in addition to minimum requirements selected from mathematics,
science, English, social studies, foreign language.
PLUS
I. 40
units of elective credits
J. Computer literacy
II. Must
pass the
in English and Math
COLLEGE ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS
A.
1.
Subject
requirements
a.World
History and U.S. History/Government (two
years required)
b.English:
Composition, Literature, etc. (four years required)
c. Mathematics: Elementary Algebra, Geometry,
and Intermediate Algebra (three years required; 4 recommended)
d.Laboratory
Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics,
etc. (2 years required; 3 recommended)
e.Foreign
Language: Spanish, French, etc. (two years of the same language required; 3
recommended)
f. Visual and Performing Arts: Dance, Drama,
Music, etc. (1 year required)
g.College
Preparatory Electives: History, English, Advanced Mathematics, Laboratory
Science, Foreign Language, Social Studies, and Fine Arts (1 year required)
2.
Grade
point average in relationship to test scores (SAT I and SAT II or ACT) to meet
entrance requirements: The minimum GPA is 3.0. All students must meet test
score requirements.
3.
At
least seven of the above fifteen academic or college preparatory courses must
be taken during the last two years of high school.
B.
California State Universities
1.
All
subject requirements are the same as the above
2.
Grade
point average computed on all courses taken in grades 10-12 exclusive of P.E.
and/or military science. The minimum GPA
is 2.0.
3.
Grade
point average in relationship to test scores
(SAT I or ACT) to meet entrance
requirements: As an example of the relationship between GPA and SAT I scores, a score of at least 510 points on the
SAT I is necessary with a GPA of 2.99.
ADDITIONAL UC AND CSU
GRADE POINTS CAN BE EARNED BY
TAKING UP TO FOUR HONORS AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES IN THE JUNIOR AND SENIOR YEARS
C.
A student must have a high school
diploma or be 18 years of age if he/she does not have a diploma.
D.
Private
Colleges
Admission patterns to private schools
vary somewhat, but all such schools stress a strong preparation in academic
subjects with A and B grades. (Consult the college catalog of the
particular college for a list of specific requirements.)
The Honors Program
Special Education
The Special
Education department encompasses a program that is comprehensive, balanced and
appropriate in guiding the students to realize their highest potential. The
services provided to students support their acquisition of the state-required
curriculum. The department is committed
to engaging and supporting all students in learning. All students academic programs reflect the
current No Child Left Behind legislation.
All students
with Individualized Education Plans (IEP's) participate in the core
curriculum. By providing instructional
services in team-taught classes, the
department allows all students to learn in the least restrictive
environment. With students who require a
more restrictive setting, the department strives to implement accommodations
and adaptations in order to allow them access to the core curriculum. As the demands of the worker in the
twenty-first century change, we play an important role in strengthening the
students skills and abilities in order to assist them in continuing to be
competitive in todays world.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ART
Art classes
will teach students that ART is a core of common knowledge, connects students
to their cultural heritage, develop and refine sensibilities, and allows them
to express their creativity within broad guidelines.
INTRODUCTION
TO ART Year
Course
Description:
This is the FIRST art class you should take. It prepares you for all the
others. Youll learn to use shapes, colors, lines, lights and darks, etc., to
make artwork that is really interesting. Youll learn how to mix any color, how
to show space and distance, and how to make a three-dimensional object. Many
different ways to use art materials and tools will be taught.
Prerequisites:
None
Open
to: 9, 10, 11, 12
INTERMEDIATE
ART AIRBRUSH Year Course
Description:
This course will be covering basic forms and shapes, texture and value, color,
understanding transparency. Students will be made aware of career opportunities
directly related with airbrush techniques.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Art with C or better and
permission of instructor. Because of the
media involved in this course a lab fee is required.
Open
to: 10, 11, 12
ADVANCED
ART WORKSHOP/LAB (PRE-AP) Year Course
Description:
This exploratory art class is designed for students who have completed a year
of introduction to art and wish to further develop their art skills before
going into Studio Art Advanced Placement.
This class follows the same format as the Studio Art Advanced Placement
class with the exception of not having to submit an art portfolio this
year. All students will prepare a
portfolio of work which demonstrates drawing, 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional
works or art that reflects refined craftsmanship and technical skills.
Prerequisites: Introduction to art class with a grade of C
or better
Open to: 10, 11, and 12
This class may require the student to purchase
items in which the student will retain for his/her own development.
STUDIO ART
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Year Course
Description: The AP offering in Studio Art is designed to provide the same benefits to secondary school students as those provided by an introductory college course in Studio Art. Students will prepare a portfolio of work which demonstrates mastery in drawing skills, 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional artwork. All students are required to submit their portfolio work to AP Central for evaluation. Students passing the AP Portfolio will receive college credit in Studio Art.
Prerequisites: A Grade of A or B in Introduction to Art
and teacher approval.
Open to: 10, 11, 12
This class
may require the student to purchase items in which the student will retain for
his/her own development.
ART
HISTORY ADVANCED PLACEMENT Year
Course
Description: The AP offering in Art History is designed to
provide the same benefits to secondary school students as those provided by an
introductory college course in Art History: an understanding and knowledge of
architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within diverse
historical and cultural contexts. All
students passing the Advanced Placement Art History exam will receive college
credit for Art History.
Prerequisites:
European History is helpful but not
necessary and approval of instructor.
Open to: 10, 11, 12
BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
EXCELLENCE
is the focus of the educational reform movement of the new millennium.
INTRO
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Year Course
Description:
This is a computer/keyboarding business course for all students taught in a
networked IBM-compatible lab. The first semester will include keyboarding and
an introduction to basic computer concepts such as hardware and software. Formatting skills in personal/business
letters, columns, graphics, envelopes, horizontal/vertical centering, desk top
publishing and MLA-style reports will be taught. Students will learn how to effectively use
the internet and email for academic and career pursuits. Second semester, spreadsheet and merging
applications will be taught. Power Point
software will be introduced. Students
will acquire skills needed for the work force and/or college. Language Arts and Math standards are put to
practice in this course to enable students to pass the California High School
Exit Exam. This course satisfies the
computer literacy graduation requirement.
Prerequisites: None
Open
to: 9, 10,11,12
ADVANCED
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (PC) Year
Course
Description:
This is a capstone course designed to prepare students for employment in
business occupations and for effective and efficient preparation of high school
and college assignments.
The software application will be taught
in this class is Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office is the leading software
applications program for the personal computer. It includes Word, PowerPoint,
Access, and Excel. The students will learn advanced features of word processing
including macros, merging, tables, columns, and graphics. With Excel and
PowerPoint, students will learn the most popular spreadsheet and presentation
software programs currently being used in business. Microsoft Access will be
utilized for database.
Certificates of excellence or
achievement are given to students in the business/computer career path at the
end of this course. Articulation with
Prerequisites:
Intro to Computer Applications with a
grade C or better
Open
to: 9,10,
11, 12
INTERNET/ WEB DESIGN (ROP)
Year Course
Description: Course lays the foundation for producing web
based communications that incorporate graphic design principles. Through project based assignments, students
create web pages for school and careers such as electronic portfolios and
resumes. Students will learn the basics
of Macromedia Dream weaver, Macromedia Fireworks and Adobe Photoshop software. Career preparation skills
will be emphasized including researching careers in Web Design and Programming.
Prerequisites: Intro. Computer Applications or Intro.
Computer Science or test into class
Open to: 11, 12
ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING/GRAPHICS
DESIGN (ROP) Year
Course
Description: Learn electronic layout, design and
illustration as used in the preparation of electronic and print-ready
artwork. PC/Windows computer systems,
scanners, printers and commercial software are used. Create a student portfolio
that demonstrates both creative and technical art skills.
Prerequisites: Intro. Computer Applications or Intro.
Computer Science or test into class
Open To: 11,
12
Accounting I /Computerized ACCOUNTING (ROP) Year
Course
Description:
Accounting I introduces the principles and processes involved in double-entry
accounting systems. It covers the accounting cycle, including the use of source
documents, five journals, three ledgers, financial statements, adjusting and
closing techniques, and interpretation of data. Specialized accounting
functions as well as banking, petty cash and payroll are also covered. The
course emphasizes accepted accounting principles in process, reporting and
interpretation. Methods of problem solving include both manual and computerized
techniques to process financial information and produce reports.
This course receives the third year
math-related graduation requirements.
Prerequisites:
Completion of one year of math with a
grade of "C" or better
Open
to: 10, 11, 12
Virtual
Description: Prepare and run a simulated business to
prepare for working in a real business environment. Determine the nature of the business, its products
and services, its management and structure, and learn the daily operations of a
business. Emphasis is placed on current
business software packages and the Internet for business transactions. Receive
an overview of micro and macroeconomics.
Understand supply and demand, the Federal Reserve System, taxation by
local, state, and federal governments, business organizations, the stock
market, and international transactions.
Prerequisites: Completion of Intro. Computer Application or
Intro. Computer Science or test into class
Open
to: 11, 12
ENGLISH
The English program is a
literature based program design to integrate reading, writing, speaking, and
listening. Using a common core of literature, students are guided into,
through, and beyond these works to reach a new understanding of themselves and
the world around them. Using various types of writing, students experience
writing as a process, a procedure for discovering and expressing aspects of the
literature as well as of themselves.
English I Year
Course
Description:
Students will study the various genre of literature (short story, novel, drama,
poetry, and non-fiction) in order to learn how literature communicates as well
as what meanings are conveyed. The ethical aesthetic and cultural values of
literature will provide the students a chance to understand themselves and the
world around them. A systematic writing program stressing the process of
writing and various modes will be related to the literature. A research project
unit will introduce students to the procedure of research, citing, and thesis
sentence. Vocabulary will be provided. A concentrated grammar student will
focus on areas generally needed to improve student writing. The opportunity to
develop and practice oral communication
skills will be included.
Open
to: 9
English II Year
Course
Description:
This is an integrated language arts course that involves students in
interrelated activities of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, both
individually and in cooperative small group activities. Using thematic approach
students read four major core works and related short stories, poems, essays,
and/or biographical excerpts in order to explore how the meaning and values
inherent in literature relate to themselves and the world around them. The
process of writing continues to be emphasized with a major focus on technical
and business writing.
Open
to: 10
English III Year
Course
Description: This course uses
American literature as the focus for an integrated language arts program. While
analyzing the important ideas, moods, and values expressed by some of
Open
to: 11
English IV Year Course
Description: This course will use the thematic
approach to study contemporary world literature including modern Hispanic,
Asian, and Black cultures. This is an integrated language arts course that
emphasizes reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities. Students will
be provided with an opportunity to examine current world literature as it
relates to basic themes concerning human beings and their relationships with
their immediate world as well as the universe at large. The Senior Project is
at the heart of many activities, with the research and oral components being
stressed in class.
Open to: 12
Honors Classes
Freshman English (Honors)