2008-2009
COURSE HANDBOOK
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
EACH STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CHOOSING CLASSES
WHICH MEET THE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS.
STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO VISIT WITH THEIR COUNSELOR FOR ASSISTANCE.
All AHS students need to earn 25 units of credit to graduate. All required courses must be passed.
1. ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS - 4 units.
ENGLISH 1 1 unit Freshman requirement
ENGLISH 2 1 unit Sophomore requirement
ENGLISH 3 1 unit Junior requirement
ENGLISH 4 1 unit Senior requirement
2. SOCIAL STUDIES - 3 units
WORLD GEOGRAPHY ½ unit Freshman requirement
WORLD HISTORY 1 unit Sophomore requirement
AMERICAN HISTORY 1 unit Junior requirement
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT ½ unit Senior requirement
3. SCIENCE - 3 units
PHYSICAL SCIENCE 1 unit Freshman requirement
ELECTIVE SCIENCE 2 units
4. MATHEMATICS - 3 units
ALGEBRA 1 or ALGEBRA CONCEPTS 1 and 2 (Each Algebra Concepts course = 1 unit)
ELECTIVE MATH (to total 3 units)
5. PHYSICAL EDUCATION - 1 unit
P.E. ½ unit Freshman requirement
HEALTH ½ unit Freshman requirement
6. FINE ARTS – 1 unit
MUSIC, ART, DRAMA, or FORENSICS 1 unit
7. ELECTIVE UNITS Complete requirements with elective units to total 25.
DIPLOMA OF DISTINCTION
Students who complete the following curriculum and meet the requirements for graduation while maintaining a 3.0 overall GPA will be awarded the Diploma of Distinction, which also matches the Kansas Scholars Curriculum. Completing the Kansas Scholars Curriculum may also qualify a senior to apply for certain state scholarships.
English, 4 units At least one unit of English must be taken each year in high school.
Mathematics, 4 units Algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2 (completion of any of these mathematics
courses prior to entering high school satisfies this requirement for that course), and one unit beyond algebra 2 selected from trigonometry, algebra 3, pre-calculus, or statistics. Students must complete 3 units of math as high school credit to meet the graduation requirement.
Natural Sciences, 3 units Biology, chemistry, and physics are required.
Social Studies, 3 units One unit of American history, one-half unit of American government, one-half unit of world geography, and one unit of world history.
Computer Technology, 1unit One unit of computer technology past Computer Document Processing.
Foreign Language, 2 units Two units of one foreign language.
STUDENT CLASSIFICATION
Classification will be done once a year at the time the student enters the current school year. Students are classified according to the number of credits earned (ex. 5 credits to be a Sophomore, 11 credits for a Junior, 17 credits for a Senior). However, graduation is dependent upon accumulating the required number of credits.
GRADUATION CEREMONIES
Students must have successfully completed the requirements for graduation (as established by the Board of Education) and be enrolled and attending classes at Augusta High School in order to participate in commencement exercises.
VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN
The Valedictorian and Salutatorian awards are presented to graduating seniors who have completed the requirements for the Diploma of Distinction with the highest and second highest cumulative grade point average respectively. The grade point average will be computed at the conclusion of the eighth semester and will be based on a 4.0 scale. Semester grades will be used to compute grade point averages. In the event of a tie for valedictorian, there will not be a student, or students, named as salutatorian.
COLLEGE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Students applying to any of the six Kansas Regents universities must meet certain admission criteria. You should regularly review your education plan with your counselor and your parents to make sure you are on the right track.
To qualify for admission you must meet one of the following requirements:
The applicant has completed the qualified admissions curriculum prescribed by the board of regents with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or has been recognized by the board of regents as having attained a functionally equivalent level of education.
or
The applicant has a composite American College Testing program (ACT) score of 21 or higher.
or
The applicant ranks in the top 1/3 of their high school class upon completion of 7 or 8 semesters.
PRECOLLEGE CURRICULUM
English, 4 units. 1 unit must be taken each year.
Mathematics, 3 units. Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2.
Science, 3 units. Physical science, Biology, Advanced Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. At least one unit must be in chemistry or physics.
Social Studies, 3 units. 1/2 unit of World Geography, 1 unit of World History, 1 unit
of American History and 1/2 unit of American Government.
Computer Technology, 1 unit One unit of computer technology is required.
ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
Enrollment is held during the spring semester for the following school term. Payment of school fees will be done during mail-in registration in the summer. Serious consideration should be given to the selection of the proper courses during spring enrollment. Changes in class selection at the beginning of school will be very limited; therefore, for all practical purposes, spring enrollment is FINAL. All courses offered for a full year carry a full unit of credit; courses offered for one semester carry one-half unit of credit. Courses must be successfully completed in order for credit to be awarded.
1 semester = 1/2 unit (18 weeks in length)
2 semesters = 1 unit (36 weeks in length)
Course fees for the 2008-2009 term are subject to change as per Board approval.
Any changes will be determined prior to registration next fall.
NCAA REQUIREMENTS
If you are planning to enroll in college as a freshman and you wish to participate in Division I or II intercollegiate athletics, your initial-eligibility status must normally be determined by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse.
Ž The requirements for eligibility to participate at Division I differ from those required at Division II.
Ž Students should register after completion of their junior year in high school and only after an informed judgment has been made as to the prospect’s potential at the Division I or II level.
To be certified by the Clearinghouse, you must:
1. Graduate from high school.
2. Earn a grade-point average of at least 2.0.
3. Earn a sum of scores of at least 68 on the ACT.
Core Units Required for NCAA Certification
English Core 4 years
Math Core 2 years (Algebra 1 and higher)
Science Core 2 years (At least 1 year of a lab science)
Social Studies Core 2 years
Additional classes (see your counselor) 4 years
(Beginning Fall 2008, math core requires 3 years and 2 additional years from other academic areas.)
622100 - ART EXPLORATION ½ unit
Course fee - $10.00
The student will have the opportunity to explore the art process through creative, hands-on art projects. This class will not require higher-level skills.
622110 - INTRODUCTION TO ART ½ unit
Course fee - $10.00
The major emphasis of this course will be to introduce students to the fundamentals of art and principles of design, and to encourage drawing skills that will be necessary to successfully complete upper level art classes. An additional goal of this course will be to familiarize students with the role of art in society. The major emphasis of assignments will be to learn how to draw more realistically.
622140 - DRAWING LIFE ½ unit
(Prerequisite: Intro to Art) Course fee - $10.00
The course will emphasize two-dimensional drawing mediums, techniques, composition principles and the drawing of animate objects (such as the human figure, animals and plants).
622145 - DESKTOP PUBLISHING – GRAPHIC APPLICATIONS ½ unit
(Prerequisite: Intro to Art) Course fee - $10.00
The course includes learning various software components: PageMaker, Photoshop, and other graphic software. It is designed to teach students how to use the various software to obtain and manipulate images via the Internet, digital camera, and original drawings; then to lay out and design brochures, package design, and promotional items.
622150 - DRAWING INANIMATE OBJECTS ½ unit
(Prerequisite: Intro to Art) Course fee - $10.00
The course will emphasize two-dimensional drawing mediums, techniques, and composition principles as they relate to inanimate objects (such as still life, buildings, and cars).
622260 - PAINTING ½ unit
(Prerequisite: Intro to Art) Course fee - $10.00
This course will emphasize developing a working knowledge of color theory and painting techniques. Painting assignments will deal with abstract and realistic subject matter. Class assignments will include painting assignments, written tests, and outside research.
622450- ART of BROADCAST VIDEO ½ unit
(Prerequisite: Intro to Art) Course Fee $10.00
This course will cover the knowledge and technical skills necessary for preproduction, production, and postproduction of broadcast video media. Student will learn how to operate a movie camera and how to effectively frame a shot. Students will also learn how to edit photographs and video with the appropriate software and equipment. Producing the senior video will be one of the class projects as well as individual projects.
622451 –DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY ½ unit
(Prerequisite: Intro to Art, Journalism, Newpaper, or Yearbook) Course Fee $ 15.00
This class will teach students how to operate a digital camera and how to edit, print, and archive photos using the appropriate software. Students will learn how to set up a camera for different environmental conditions. Students will be able to demonstrate proper camera handling, care, and safety issues. Students will also learn how to frame a shot like the pros and how to be creative or functional with the photos that they take.
622155 - CARTOONING (SEQUENTIAL ART)
½ unit
(Prerequisite: Intro to Art) Course fee - $10.00
Sequential art teaches basic drawing skills and the ability to develop a story and tell it through sequential images. It exposes students to opportunities in children’s book illustration, syndicated comics, storyboarding for television and film, self-publishing, video game design, and writing.
622120 - ART APPRECIATION ½ unit
Course Fee $ 10.00
This class is an entry-level class that explores art concepts and art history. Explore art through lectures, films, written work, and field trips to the Wichita Art Museum.
BUSINESS & COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
620903 - ON-THE-JOB TRAINING (O.J.T.) 1 unit
620904 - ON-THE-JOB TRAINING (O.J.T.)
621160 - CONSUMER ECONOMICS ½ unit
This course covers basic consumer economic topics. Some of the topics covered are taxes, banking services, consumer fraud, insurance, housing, comparison shopping, supply/demand, and investments. Films, guest speakers, and field trips may be incorporated to supplement the classroom activities.
621210 – WORD PROCESSING BASICS ½ unit
Course Fee - $5.00
Word processing software is used to develop proper typing technique, speed, accuracy, and proofreading skills. Formatting basic documents is included. A portion of the grade is based on ability to type without watching one’s hands. Students may quiz out of this course by passing a test and proving they can type at least 30 wpm. Test dates are in January for middle school and high school students
621240 - COMPUTER DOCUMENT PROCESSING ½ unit
(Prerequisite: Word Processing Basics) Course Fee-$5.00
A word processing class where students use Microsoft Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, & Excel software to learn to format personal and business documents (reports, letters, memos, outlines, tables, charts, spreadsheets, newsletters, brochures, flyers, etc.) Development of speed and accuracy, problem solving skills, and proficient proofreading will also be emphasized.
621260 - COMPUTER APPLICATIONS I ½ unit
(Prerequisite: Computer Document Processing)
The course emphasizes the business uses of spreadsheets and databases. Students will learn how to create formulas, charts, and database queries using Excel spreadsheet software. Students will become familiar with the Access database. They will learn how to create a database as well as reports, tables, and editing features of the database.
621261-COMPUTER APPLICATIONS II ½ unit
621265 – COMPUTER APPLICATIONS III ½ unit
(Prerequisite: Computer Document Processing or Instructor’s approval.)
Students will learn to compose, format, and dictate workplace correspondence using voice activation software. Business correspondence includes letters, memorandums, e-mail, reports, minutes, and resumes. In addition, students will make business presentations while learning about other related business activities. The voice activation software will increase their words per minute while enforcing proper sentence structure and punctuation. Internet activities will enhance class projects.
621411 – ACCOUNTING I (1stSem.) 1 unit
621412 – ACCOUNTING I (2nd Sem.)
(Prerequisite: 11 or 12)
This course introduces basic accounting concepts, principles, and procedures practiced in business today. It involves the complete accounting cycle including transactions, journals, accounts, adjusting and closing entries and the preparation of financial statements.
621420 - COMPUTERIZED ACCOUNTING II
(Prerequisite: Accounting I) ½ unit
This course allows students to apply knowledge gained in Accounting I to complete microcomputer applications with Peachtree accounting software. It involves advanced study, reinforcement, and application of accounting concepts.
621601 – IN-HOUSE TRAINING (1st Sem.) 1 unit
621602 – IN-HOUSE TRAINING (2nd Sem.)
(Prerequisite: Application is required. Students must be self-motivated, have a 2.5 GPA and must have completed two [2] or more business and computer technology classes. In addition, students must have administrator/teacher approval before enrolling.)
This class allows students to become actively involved in “live” production work that may consist of tasks from business, industry, and various other sources.
621603 – IN-HOUSE TRAINING SERVICING
(Prerequisite: A+ Certification)
Students that have A+ certification will be involved in computer servicing.
Course Handbook