Arab High School Course Descriptions
2007-2008
Introduction
Arab High School welcomes you to its 2007-2008 student body. It is hoped that you participate in the various school programs and find yourself challenged to achieve beyond your expectations. The following information should be helpful as you select courses for the school year and your four-year program/plan.
Arab High offers a wide variety of academic courses and extracurricular activities. By working cooperatively with counselors, teachers, and parents, each student develops a program of study. (Complete four-year plan form in booklet.) Each program is designed with certain regulations based on the student's ability, stamina, willingness to work, and career preference. It is the policy of Arab High School to offer courses and activities regardless of national origin, ethnic group, religious beliefs, race, sex, or challenging conditions or circumstances.
The support of parents is important for the total school program. An alliance between the school and the home is needed in many areas including homework assignments, school attendance, course selection, diploma choices, and positive attitudes. Students and parents are encouraged to arrange conferences with teachers, counselors, and/or the principal when the need arises. Also, STI Home, a grade book system, is available to parents.
Attendance is extremely important. Daily attendance, daily lesson preparation, and study habits are the keys to the learning process. Regardless of the reason, a student who is absent misses valuable instruction and student/teacher interaction. Students do not receive credit for make-up work for unexcused absences. Excessive absences can lead to failure.
The school day requires seven hours of instruction. All students will be enrolled full time with no early dismissal except through cooperative work programs or accelerated college enrollment for qualified seniors. Full time enrollment requires a student to take each of the four academic courses each year - English, math, science, and social studies.
College Preparation
A student planning to enter college or technical school should know the entrance requirements for the school of his/her choice. Most colleges in the United States require sixteen or more academic units of high school work. The recommended units should include the following: 4 years of English, 4 years of social studies, 2 years of algebra, 1 year of geometry, 1 year of an additional advanced level mathematics, and 3 years of science. Other requirements include foreign language, fine arts, additional math, science, and computer courses. Many colleges also mandate standardized testing and have set minimum scores for students. Check specific colleges for more information on admissions' requirements.
Tips for Success in High School
Being successful in school can be accomplished by following some common-sense tips.
1. Join in discussions. 7. Check and rewrite notes.
2. Develop good study habits. 8. Learn to use the computer efficiently.
3. Ask questions. 9. Ask for help and/or secure tutoring.
4. Keep assignments up-to-date. 10. Turn in assignments on time.
5. Learn to take notes. 11. Build an excellent attendance record.
6. Use time wisely. 12. Develop a positive attitude.
Textbooks and Fees
Textbooks are provided by the state. According to Alabama law, textbook funds are used to supply books beginning with the first grade and continuing with each advancing grade until all books are supplied or the funds are exhausted. There is always the possibility the upper grades may have to purchase books. Some courses require that students buy books, workbooks, practice sets, and/or supplies. Dual or accelerated credit courses always require the purchase of textbooks and tuition.
Some of the courses at Arab High School require a fee. The fee amount is based on supplies/materials needed for instruction. All fees are due at the beginning of each term. Teachers must order materials at the beginning of each term; therefore, refunding is not possible. If for any reason a student has a problem paying the fees required, please ask to speak with a teacher or administrator.
Immunization: Mandated by Law
According to Alabama State law, all children in public school MUST have an UP-TO-DATE immunization (shot record) certificate on file with the school. For older teens the most commonly required booster is for tetanus/diphtheria. All students must have had a second measles vaccination. Students must have an up-to-date form prior to receiving a schedule each year.
Promotion and Eligibility for Extra-curricular Activities
In high school a pupil's progress from one grade to the next is based on the number of earned credits. Students are required to complete one unit from each of the four academic areas each year. Students with deficiencies in required subjects need to enroll in summer school. The conversion back to seven periods will adjust the number of credits as follows:
Current Juniors All Other Classes
Class of 2008 Class of 2009 & Subsequent Classes
To 10th 6 To 10th 6
To 11th 12 To 11th 12
To 12th 18 To 12th 18
Graduation 25 Graduation 24
To be eligible for extra-curricular activities, a student must pass six full units per year with an average of 70. Of the six units, four must be the required courses in English, mathematics, science, and social studies. (Eighth graders must pass five units with a 70 average.)
Summer School
(Preference is given to students who pre-register and pre-pay, especially for Driver Education.)
Summer school is offered to those individuals who need to makeup credits in core classes. Required courses are not available unless the student has failed a subject. However, drivers' education will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. All students taking summer school courses will be charged tuition. Attendance is a requirement of summer school. Approval for this program must be secured through the principal or his designee. Students needing academic credits must average one of the two semesters with the summer school grade to be eligible to earn a passing grade for the year.
Summer driver education students driver education may select which semester to attend. The projected dates for summer school are the following:
Academic Summer School (Subject to change.)
1st Semester June 4-June 29 (5 days per week)
Science—7:30-11:20
Social Studies—11:45-3:20
2nd Semester July 2-July 30 (5 days per week) (Vacation July 4)
Mathematics—7:30-11:20
English—11:45-3:20
Summer school operates on a fee basis. See a counselor for costs and pre-registration forms.
Driver Education Summer School: (Select preferred session.)
1st Semester 7:30-12:30—June 4-June 22, 2007 (Monday-Friday)
2nd Semester 7:30-12:30—June 25-July 16, 2007 (Monday-Friday)
(Vacation July 4)
Arab High School in conjunction with Snead State Community College offers eligible students the opportunity to enroll in college classes concurrently with high school courses for required credit requirements. Taught on campus at Arab High School, participating students receive both high school and college credit. To meet admission requirements, students must be in grades 10, 11, or 12; have a B average; have the approval of the principal; meet the prerequisite for the high school course; and fulfill the requirements to enroll. Two college courses equal one high school unit. Classes offered are Spanish 101-201, English 101-102, Math 113 and Math 125. Students pay approximately $100 per hour or $300 for three hours (fees subject to change without notice). Students must also purchase books. Students must register on-line or in person at the college's campus once appropriate forms/paperwork and/or testing are submitted. Dates and times will be sent to those who submit application forms and transcripts/permission forms in the spring. Students must register and pay to finalize enrollment.
Testing is required of all students in this program. Students who have earned at least 20 on the ACT and have a B average are eligible. (Calculus requires 25 on the math portion of ACT.) Others may enroll by having a B average and taking the COMPASS and scoring appropriately. The COMPASS can be taken during the summer in the college counseling office. Call for an appointment. All information regarding this program can also be viewed on Snead State's web site www.snead.edu. Students may also obtain a brochure from Arab High School's guidance department.
Accelerated Credit (ACE)
At the branch of Snead State Community College in Arab, juniors and seniors at Arab High School who meet the certain criteria will be allowed to take accelerated college courses during the school day. However, all core classes (in applicable areas necessary for graduation from high school excluding remediation) must be completed on campus at Arab High School during the regular instructional day within the calendar year. Students who have not been approved must register for full schedule so that the number of high school classes and the number of college classes will equal 7 units).
Juniors and seniors must meet the following eligibility criteria: B average, passed all portions of Alabama High School Graduation Examination, 20 on the ACT or passed COMPASS, and certain credit requirements. Juniors must have earned 14 Carnegie units to be able to take one course per semester. Seniors must have earned 20 units to be eligible to take two courses per semester. All courses are valued for three hours of college credit. High school courses plus ACE courses must equal seven each semester.
Students will be allowed time during the day to complete ACE courses for college credit, not high school credits. Release time will be granted to those who are eligible and qualify by completing all the prerequisites, pay tuition, etc. Students must have completed all ACE forms and be enrolled by the end of the Drop/Add, usually the first week of school, and follow the Arab High School Code of Conduct
Each course has a value of three college hours and will cost $307 per course (tuition subject to change) plus textbooks. Snead State Community College is responsible for instruction, reporting of grades, college transcripts, and accounting.
Schedule Changes
This spring it is extremely important for students to make wise selections for 2007-2008 school year. Important decisions are made regarding course offerings, textbook purchases, and the employment of personnel based on the students' selections. All requests for course changes must be made prior to the end of school. Every effort will be made to honor all course requests; however, classes are formed based on an economically justifiable level of student interest. Also, conflicts in the master schedule sometimes prevent the school from honoring some course requests. For these reasons, students should carefully submit alternate elective selections during the pre-registration process.
Career Planning
Many considerations determine a student's future; however, education may be the most significant item in one's quality of life. High school students should investigate and explore educational options available through career-technological programs, four-year colleges, two-year colleges, the military, and apprenticeships.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook lists different occupations, the jobs available, working conditions, and salary. This item is available in libraries and on www.bls.gov/oco
The College Board Guide to 150 Popular College Majors is available online at www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors/careers/profiles
For a career assessment go to www.AlabamaMentor.org and click on Career Center to identify careers suitable based on interests, abilities, and skills.
An alternate career assessment is available at http://www.Xap.com to match a student's interests, abilities, and skills with an occupation.
In order to graduate, students must satisfactorily complete a minimum number of units or credits and pass a minimum competency examination, the Alabama High School Graduation Examination. Students may select the Alabama High School Diploma or the Alabama High School Diploma with Advanced Academic Endorsement. Students must take the core courses (English, math, science, and social studies) each year.
Alabama High School Diploma Requirements
Requirements Grade Levels Units
English 9, 10, 11, 12 4.0
Social Studies:
Modern World History 9 1.0
American History 1 10 1.0
American History 2 11 1.0
Economics/Government 12 1.0
Mathematics: 4.0#
Algebra 1 & Geometry (required)
Plus two additional courses from mathematics*!
Science: (Must include Physical Science and Biology)
Physical Sciences 9 1.0
Biological Sciences 10 1.0
Plus two additional courses from science 2.0
Physical Education 9 1.0**
Health 9 or 10 0.5
Fine Arts 9 or 10 0.5***
Computer Literacy 0.5!
Business Personal Finance (9th for 2005-06) 9 0.5
TOTAL 24.0-25.0
Note: Each year the total will be reduced by one elective until 24.0 units for the Class of 2009.
Class of 2008 25 units of credit.
Class of 2009 and subsequent classes 24 units of credit.
# Algebra 1 may be successfully completed by earning a B average in eighth grade and may count as one math credit. Students completing the eighth grade with less than a B average in Algebra 1 should enroll in either Algebra 1A or Algebra 1 for ninth grade.
** Physical Education credit may be waived under certain circumstances.
*** Band, chorus, art, or fine arts appreciation classes count for this requirement.
! Students who successfully passed both Keyboarding and Computer Applications in junior high school may exempt this requirement and select an elective.
*! A student may not receive credit for both Algebra 2 and Algebra 2/Trigonometry.
A student may select only one for credit. (See course descriptions for mathematics.)
Alabama High School Diploma
with Advanced Academic Endorsement
Requirements Grade Units
English 9, 10, 11, 12 4.0
Social Studies:
Modern World History 9 1.0
American History 1 10 1.0
American History 2 11 1.0
Economics/Government 12 1.0
Mathematics: 4.0#
(Must include Algebra 2/Trigonometry*!)
Science:
Physical Sciences 9 1.0
Biological Sciences 10 1.0
Plus two advanced science courses—Physiology, Chemistry, Physics 2.0
Physical Education 9 1.0**
Health 9 or 10 0.5
Fine Arts 9 or 10 0.5***
Computer Literacy 0.5!
Business Personal Finance (9th for 2005-06) 9 0.5
Foreign Language 2.0****
Electives 7.0 or more
TOTAL 24.0-25.0
Note: Each year the total will reduce by one elective until 24.0 units for the Class of 2009.
Class of 2008 25 units of credit.
Class of 2009 and subsequent classes 24 units of credit.
# Algebra 1 may be successfully completed in the eighth grade by earning a B average.
Students earning less than a B average in Algebra should enroll in Algebra 1 or
Algebra 1A for ninth grade.
*! A student may not receive credit for both Algebra 2 and Algebra 2/Trigonometry. A
students may select only one for credit. (See course descriptions for mathematics.)
** Physical education may be waived under certain circumstances.
*** Band, chorus, art, or fine arts appreciation classes count as this item.
**** Two years of the same language.
! Students who successfully completed both Keyboarding and ComputerApplications in junior high school may exempt this requirement and select an elective or take a higher-level computer class.
Alabama High School Occupational Diploma
Effective for students with disabilities as defined by the Individuals with DisabilitiesEducation Act (Public Law 101-476) who began the tenth grade in the 1998-99 school year, students must earn the course credits outlined in Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-3-1 and successfully complete an approved occupational portfolio in order to be awarded the AOD*. Consult special education teacher.
Courses Credits
Four credits to include the equivalent of:
English 9 1.0
English 10 1.0
Mathematics 4.0
Four credits to include the equivalent of:
Essential Math 1 (9th) 1.0
Essential Math 2 (10th) 1.0
Algebraic Explorations 1 (11th) 1.0
Algebraic Explorations 2 (12th) 1.0
Four credits to include the equivalent of:
Physical Science (9th) 1.0
Biology (10th) 1.0
Ecology (11th) 1.0
Social Studies 4.0
Four credits to include the equivalent of:
Modern World History (9th) 1.0
American History 1 (10th) 1.0
American History 2 (11th) 1.0
Government/Economics (12th) 1.0
Career/Technical Education 2.0
Cooperative Career/Technical Education 1.0
Coordinated Studies 1.0
Health Education 0.5
Physical Education 1.0
Fine Arts 0.5
Business Personal Finance 0.5
Electives 3.0-7.0
(Existing laws require LEAs to offer fine arts, physical education, health,
career/technical education, and driver education as electives.)
TOTAL 24.0
*Each special education student who successfully completes his/her individualized education program may be awarded graduation certificate of completion and afforded opportunities related to graduation.
See course descriptions for prerequisites and additional information.
Course Grade Credit Prerequisite
ENGLISH
2003 Honors English 9 9 1.0 B average in Eng. 8
2005 English 10 10 1.0 English 9
2006 Honors English 10 10 1.0 Honors Eng. 9
2009 English 11 11 1.0 English 10
2010 Honors English 11 11 1.0 Honors Eng. 10
2013 English 12 12 1.0 English 11
2015 English 12 Honors (Dual Credit) 12 1.0 College Eligibility
2016 English 12 Honors 12 1.0 Honors English 11
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
2501 French 1 9-12 1.0 B average in Eng.
2502 French 2 10-12 1.0 French 1
2504 French 3 10-12 1.0 French 2
2506 Spanish 1 9-12 1.0 B average in Eng.
2507 Spanish 2 10-12 1.0 Spanish 1
2508 Spanish 3 10-12 1.0 Spanish 2
2510 Spanish 3 (Dual credit) 11-12 1.0 Spanish 2, Eligibility
2509 Spanish 4 11-12 1.0 Spanish 3
3012 Algebra 1A 9-10 1.0 Math 8
3013 Algebra 1B 9-10 1.0 Algebra 1A
3005 Algebra 1 9-10 1.0 B average Prealgebra
3006 Geometry 9-12 1.0 Algebra 1; B average
3029 Geometry A 9-12 1.0 Algebra 1B
3030 Geometry B 9-12 1.0 Geometry 1A
3034 Algebraic Connections 11-12 1.0 Geometry B or Geometry;
3008 Algebra 2/Trigonometry 10-12 1.0 Alg 1 & Geometry w/B grade
3041 Algebra 2 10-12 1.0 Geometry or Geometry B
3023 Precalculus 12 1.0 Algebra 2/Trig
3040 Algebra 3/Statistics 11-12 1.0 Algebra 2/Trig
3027 Calculus (Dual Credit) 12 1.0 College Eligibility
3054/3050 Mathematics Seminar 1 & 2 10-12 1.0 Enrollment in Geometry or >
SCIENCE
Regular Diploma
4003 Biology 10 1.0 Physical Science
4012 Ecology 11-12 1.0 Phys. Sci. & Biology
4016 Earth/Space Science 11-12 1.0 Phys. Sci. & Biology
Course Grade Credit Prerequisite_
4018 Forensic Science 11-12 1.0 Phys. Sci. & Biology
Advanced Diploma
4001 Physical Science 9 1.0 None
4003 Biology 9-10 1.0 Phys. Sci. or Permission
4004 Human Physiology 10-12 1.0 Phys. Sci. & Biology
4006 General Chemistry 11-12 1.0 Alg. 1 & Phys Sci. & Bio
4007 Physics 11-12 1.0 Geometry & Alg 2/Trig
SOCIAL STUDIES
5006 Modern World History/Geography 9 1.0 None
5008 United States History <1900 10 1.0 World Hist.
5009 United States History >1900 11-12 1.0 U. S. History <1900
5011 Economics 12 0.5 U. S. History >1900
5016 Government 12 0.5 U. S. History >1900
5005 Introduction to Sociology 10-12 0.5 Sophomore
5007 Introduction to Psychology 11-12 0.5 Sophomore
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
7003 Girls' Physical Education 9-12 1.0 None
7004 Boys' Physical Education 9-12 1.0 None
7046 Girls' Conditioning 9 1.0 9th grade athletic program
7097 Boys' Conditioning 9 1.0 9th grade athletic program
VARSITY ATHLETICS
7023 Cheerleading/Competition (fall) 10-12 0.5 Tryouts
7098 Girls' Athletics 10-12 1.0 athletic program eligibility
7096 Boys' Athletics- 10-12 1.0 athletic program eligibility
(Required of Football, Basketball, Wrestling, Baseball)
7094 Boys' Athletics- 10-12 1.0 athletic program eligibility
(Elective for Soccer, Track, Tennis, Golf)
9068 Health 9 0.5 None
FINE ARTS—ART AND MUSIC
9067 Intro Performing Arts 9-12 0.5 None
9065 Art Appreciation 9-12 0.5 None
7550 Art 1 9-12 1.0 None
7551 Advanced Art 10-12 1.0 Teacher Approval
7520 Concert Band 9-12 1.0 Audition; Teacher approval
7507 Symphonic Band 10-12 1.0 Audition; Teacher approval
7513 Percussion 9-12 1.0 Audition; Teacher approval
7511 Jazz Band 10-12 1.0 Audition; Teacher approval
7516 Beginning Mixed Choir 9-10 1.0 Teacher approval
7537 Advanced Concert Choir 11-12 1.0 Teacher approval
7538 Musical Theater 1/2 9-10 1.0 Grades 9-10
7542 Musical Theater 3/4 11-12 1.0 Audition
7543 Musical Theater Design 9-12 1.0 Teacher approval
MISCELLANEOUS
9001 Annual Staff 10-12 1.0 B average. & interview
9005 Scholars' Bowl 9-12 1.0 Teacher Approval
9004 Scholars' Bowl (Fall) 9-12 0.5 Teacher Approval
9998 Scholars' Bowl (Spring) 9-12 0.5 Teacher Approval
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Learning Disabilities
8041 Learning Strategies 9-12 1.0 Teacher approval
8096 Learning Strategies 9-12 0.5 Teacher approval
Occupational Diploma
3043 Essential Math 1 9 1.0 Teacher approval
3044 Essential Math 2 10 1.0 Teacher approval
3045 Algebraic Explorations 1 11 1.0 Teacher approval
3046 Algebraic Explorations 2 12 1.0 Teacher approval
1020 Coordinated Studies 12 1.0 Teacher approval
1014 Cooperative Seminar A 12 1.0 Teacher approval
6101 Cooperative Job Training 12 1.0 Teacher approval
Certificate Program
8192 Life Skills Science 9-12 1.0 Teacher approval
8000 Job Skills Math 9-12 1.0 &nbs