High School Course Directory for 2013-2014 - Ventura Unified

86 Pages·2013·1.52 MB·English

Ventura Unified School District
255 W. Stanley Ave.
Suite 100
Ventura, CA 93001
[phone]

“High School Course Directory”
2013-14 School Year

Buena High School
El Camino High School
Foothill Technology High School
Pacific Continuation High School
Ventura High School
Table of Contents

Introduction 1 Course Descriptions………………………. 9
List of High Schools…………………… 1
Board of Education…………………….. 1 Applied Arts – Agriculture…………… 10
District Administration………………… 1
Applied Arts – Business……………….. 11

How to Use this Guide…………………. 2 Applied Arts – Home Economics……… 16
Class Selections………………………... 2
Prerequisites……………………………. 2 Applied Arts – Industrial Technology…. 18
Program Change Policy……………….. 2
Level Changes in a Subject Area and
Dropping a Class………………………. 2 English/Language Arts……………… … 22

English Language Development (ELD)
Program………………………………… 26
Message for Parents………………………. 3
Earning Credit Toward High School English Learner (EL) Program Success
Graduation…………………………....... 3 Pathways……………………………….. 27
Work Experience………………………. 3
English Learner Development (ELD)
Courses…………………………...……. 28

High School Graduation Requirements…... 4 English and Strategic Reading (ESR)….. 31
California High School Exit
Examination (CAHSEE)………………. 4
English/Language Arts Electives………. 35

Testing Program…………………………... 5 Fine Arts – Drama and Music…………. 38
State Level……………………………... 5
Testing for College…………………….. 5 Fine Arts – Visual……………………… 42

Health Science………………………….. 47
Career Assessments……………………. 6
History/Social Science…………………. 48

Extracurricular and Co-Curricular
Activities/Athletics……………………. 6 Mathematics……………………………. 54

Non-Departmental……………………… 61
Planning for University/College
Admission………………………………… 7
Scholarship Requirements…………….. 8 Physical Education…………………….. 65
Regional Occupational Program (ROP).. 8
Science…………………………………. 67

World Languages………………………. 74

Ventura High School – Pathways………… 82

Four-Year Planning Worksheet…………... 83
Introduction

This High School Course Directory is updated each year and distributed to students when they
register for high school. This directory should provide up-to-date information for parents and
students to use in planning a high school program effectively. All courses may not be offered every
year at each high school listed. The High School Course Directory contains necessary information
relating to all high schools in Ventura Unified School District.

Buena High School (Bulldogs) El Camino High School at Ventura College (Eagles)
5670 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA 93003 61 Day Road, Ventura, CA 93003
Telephone: [phone] Telephone: [phone]
Principal: Jesus Vaca Principal: Cheryl Burns
www.venturausd.org/buena.htm www.venturausd.org/elcamino.htm

Foothill Technology High School (Dragons) Pacific High School (Sharks)
100 Day Road, Ventura, CA 93003 501 College Drive, Ventura, CA 93003
Telephone: [phone] Telephone: [phone]
Principal: Joe Bova Principal: Barbara Boggio
www.venturausd.org/foothilltech.htm www.venturausd.org/pacific.htm

Ventura High School (Cougars)
Two North Catalina St., Ventura, CA 93001
Telephone: [phone]
Principal: Val Wyatt
www.venturausd.org/ventura.htm

As students select courses for the coming year, it is important to understand that the master schedule
or course offerings are developed based on those selections. Therefore, serious consideration of
choices is a necessity. Developing a plan of study is a combined effort of students, parents, teachers,
counselors and administrators; however, the prime responsibility rests with the student and
parent(s).

Parents and students are encouraged to review this document as part of the course selections process.
Counselors will be happy to assist parents and students in interpreting information contained in this
document during high school registration.

Board of Education District Administration
John Walker, President Dr. Trudy Tuttle Arriaga, Superintendent
Mary Haffner, Vice President Kathy Asher, Assistant Superintendent
Barbara J. Fitzgerald, Member Paul Jablonowski, Assistant Superintendent
Velma Lomax, Member Joseph Richards, Jr., Assistant Superintendent
Debbie Golden, Member

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How to Use this Guide

This registration guide provides students and parents with information to assist in the student’s
program choices. Students should discuss course selections with their parents, teachers and counselor
before registering. Students are encouraged to enroll in courses that challenge them and provide the
best possible preparation for the future in terms of employment and further education.
Class Selections
Please carefully read this entire registration guide before selecting classes. All students must enroll in
a full academic day. Students should select their required classes first, and then list electives,
including two (2) alternate elective choices. In the event some electives are filled or an insufficient
number of students enroll in a class, students will be enrolled in their alternate choice(s) in the order
listed, if available. Courses are listed by department and program areas. Each course is described by
content and prerequisites. Students must receive prior approval from their school counselor to take a
class off site, including inter-district community college and on-line classes.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites are listed in this Course Directory to help students and parents make the best educational
decision possible. Students must meet the prerequisites to enroll in certain courses. Both semesters of
a prerequisite for a course must be successfully completed and, if required, the stated grade earned.
Program Change Policy
Student initiated requests for class changes are considered only during the first 10 days (15 days at
Foothill Technology High School due to their block schedule) of the semester, are subject to space
availability, and are granted for the following specific reasons:
A. Fulfill graduation requirement
B. Ability level misplacement
C. Completion in summer school
D. Minimum competency preparation

Level Changes in a Subject Area and Dropping a Class
A. Level changes in a subject area except Honors and AP courses can be made during the first
ten weeks of a semester with teacher recommendation, parent and counselor approval.
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B. Level changes for Honors and AP courses will not be considered until the 10 week of the
semester.
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C. A student will be allowed to drop a class without penalty of an “F” grade until the 30
school day of the semester.
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D. A student who drops a class between 31 and the 60 school day with a passing grade will
receive a Withdrawal (“W”) on their transcript next to the class that is dropped. A student
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who drops a class between the 31 and 60 school day and is earning an “F” grade will
receive an “F” on their transcript. Prior to dropping a class, the parent/guardian, teacher,
student, and counselor shall confer to agree the drop is in the best interest of the student.
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DROPPING A CLASS BETWEEN THE 31 AND 60 DAY OF THE SEMESTER
REQUIRES ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL.

The administration may, due to increased/decreased enrollment and staff changes, balance course
sections by transferring students from one class and/or teacher to another. Every effort will be made
to ensure a smooth transition. Requests for a teacher change will not be granted.

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Message for Parents
Parents are the key element in helping students to be successful in school. This is true both during the
school year and during summer/vacation time. We urge you to:
1. Become familiar with using the online student information service (Q ParentConnect).
Parents can review assignments, grades and attendance online and communicate concerns
with the teacher via email.
2. Stress the importance of attending school each day. Please schedule medical appointments
and family vacations outside of the school day and calendar.
3. Set aside a time and place every day for your student to study, read, write, and/or practice.
Distractions such as television and stereo should be limited.
4. Encourage your student to read the daily newspaper, magazines and/or books.
5. Review Progress Reports, Quarter and Semester Report Cards.
6. Schedule conferences with teachers early each grading period if you have any concerns
regarding your child’s progress.
7. If a problem does arise with the homework, call your son/daughter’s teacher as soon as
possible and seek assistance.
8. Help your son/daughter study before a test or quiz.
9. If you find your son/daughter never seems to have homework, check their agenda. If you
find it lacking entries, this may be the reason. In high school there should be homework
everyday in at least two of his/her classes.
10. Encourage your son/daughter to join and participate in their high schools student clubs and
organizations.

Earning Credit Toward High School Graduation

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Credit toward graduation is given for all subjects taken in the 9 , 10 , 11 , and 12 grade except
those courses repeated to raise the academic grade. Algebra 1, Geometry and World Language may
be taken in middle school to satisfy the college entrance requirement, but is not counted in the credits
toward graduation. Students enrolled in band, choir, leadership, reading, physical education, athletics,
or yearbook may receive credit for each year of successful participation. Students will earn five units
of credit for each semester course completed with the grade of “A”, “B”, “C”, or “D.” No credit is
earned if the student receives a grade of “F.” Credit may also be earned through participation in the
Regional Occupation Program (ROP), Work Experience, College Courses, Adult Education, and
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approved on-line courses. Any courses taken before the completion of 8 Grade, does not count
towards High School Graduation.

Work Experience

The requirements to enroll in Work Experience include:

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1. Students must be enrolled in the 11 grade or higher with at least a 2.0 GPA.
2. No independent contracting or consulting.
3. Direct supervision on the job. Students cannot work alone.
4. Worker’s Compensation coverage.
5. A legally paid job at minimum wage or higher.
6. Verification of work hours by check stubs.
7. Social Security deducted from your wages.
8. A job at a non-residential business, open to public access, at a stationary location (no jobs
within a home).
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High School Graduation Requirements

Subject Area Credits
English/Language Arts 40
Mathematics 30
Social Science
Geography 5
World History/Cultures 10
United States History 10
American Government 5
Economics 5
Total 35
Science
Life/Biological Science 10
Physical Science 10
Total 20
World Language or Fine Arts (visual or performing) 10
Health 5
Physical Education 20
Applied Arts 10
Non-departmental/Electives 60

Total Credits Required 230

Credits: For each semester course offering that is completed successfully, five (5) credits of required or elective credits
are earned. To obtain credits an ”A”, “B”, “C” or “D” grade is required. An “F” or a “W” grade receives no credit
towards graduation. Special courses may be offered on a “pass/fail” and credits earned apply toward graduation.
Students occasionally desire to repeat a given academic course to raise their grades. With approval from the counselor,
assistant principal, or principal, a student may repeat a course. Both grades will remain on the transcript. The higher of
the two grades will be used to compute the student’s GPA. Credit, however, will be given for the course only once.

Mathematics - All students must complete Algebra 1 with a passing grade in order to earn a
High School Diploma. Any student who has completed Algebra 1 in seventh or eighth grade
and earned a passing grade will have completed the Algebra 1 High School Graduation
requirement; however, high school credits will not be earned.

The final responsibility for meeting graduation requirements rests with the student and his/her
parents(s)/guardian(s).

Foothill Technology High School requires 75 hours of community service for graduation.

California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE)

In addition to the course requirements, each student completing grade 12 shall successfully pass the state
exit examination in English Language Arts and Mathematics as a condition of high school graduation
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(BP/AR 6146.1). The CAHSEE is given for the first time in the second semester of the 10 grade, twice
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in the 11 grade and three times in the 12 grade.

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Testing Program
State Level
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Students in the 9 , 10 , and 11 grade participate in the required STAR statewide testing programs. Students
must pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) in English/Language Arts and Mathematics in
order to graduate. Students must also complete all District Graduation Requirements to receive a diploma.
Testing for College
Students planning to attend college should prepare for required entrance exams. Two preparatory pre-entrance
exams are also available to students. “PLAN” is taken during the sophomore year as a preparation for the ACT
and sophomores may also take the PSAT for practice. The PSAT-NMSQT, administered in the fall of the
junior year, is used to identify National Merit Scholar Finalists and serves as a preparation for the SAT
Reasoning Test. The final stage of pre-college testing involves the actual taking of the ACT and/or SAT in the
spring of the junior year. Most four-year colleges require one of these tests for admission and may base
scholarship eligibility on the results. Some colleges require or recommend one or more SAT Subject Tests (see
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SAT Subject Tests below). These tests are taken at the end of the subject of choice and/or by the end of 11
grade.
GRADE TEST MONTH CONTENTS
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10 PLAN and/or PSAT October (offered only once  Curriculum Based
during the year)  English
 Math
 Reading
 Scientific Reasoning
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11 PSAT-NMSQT October (offered only once  Critical Reading
during the year)  Writing
 Math
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11 ACT, SAT Reasoning and February-June  Same formats as the PLAN (ACT) and
SAT Subject Exams PSAT (SAT)
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12 ACT, SAT Reasoning October, November,  Same formats as the PLAN (ACT) and
December PSAT (SAT)
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10 -12 SAT Subject Tests SAT Subject Tests are Beginning with students applying for the fall
generally offered 6 times in 2012 term, SAT Subject Tests may be required or
These are high school- any given school year. recommended by the college you are applying to.
level tests, reflecting high There are 20 Subject Tests Some colleges require or recommended one or
school curricula. across five general subject more SAT Subject Tests as part of the
areas: history, mathematics, application. Many colleges that don’t require or
science, English and recommend Subject Tests will still consider them
foreign languages. when reviewing your application. To find out if
the colleges or universities that you’re interested
in require or recommend SAT Subject Tests go
to the following website.
www.sat.collegeboard.org/about-tests/sat-
subject-tests/why-take-the-test
- Click why take the SAT Subject Tests
- Click how to choose what tests to take
- Click college search
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9 -12 Advanced Placement May -American Government
(AP) -Biology
-Calculus - AB, BC
The approximate cost for -Computer Science
each AP Exam is -Economics
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approximately $86. Fee -English - 11 / 12

waivers and/or -Environmental Science
scholarships are -German Language
available for students. -Physics B
-Spanish – Language or Literature
-Statistics
-Studio Art
-U.S. History
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Career Assessment
Career assessments and interest inventories are integrated into the curriculum. Students are given the
opportunity to investigate careers based on their indicated interests, aptitudes and abilities. The
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ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is offered to 11 and 12 grade students.
This is a free, comprehensive assessment that helps students develop a better understanding of their
interest, aptitudes and abilities. This test is provided, administered and interpreted by representatives
from our Armed Services. However, it is available to ANY interested student and does not carry any
military commitment.
Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities/Athletics
A very important part of a student’s positive attitude toward high school is due to his/her participation
in student activities. All students are encouraged to find an activity or club that is of interest to
him/her. This will help students become involved in the high school environment and assist the
student in making new friends. Toward meeting this goal, each high school sponsors many co-
curricular activities for both boys and girls. Students with an interest in competitive sports are
encouraged to participate in tryouts for the sport(s) of their choice. For students at El Camino High
School or Foothill Technology High School they have the opportunity to participate in athletics at
their boundary school (it is the student’s responsibility to contact the boundary school for tryout
schedules). Questions regarding these activities should be directed to each school’s Athletic Director
or the student’s Counselor. To be eligible to participate in extracurricular and co-curricular activities,
students must demonstrate satisfactory educational progress in the previous grading period including
but not limited to: 1) Maintenance of a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, 2)
Maintenance of minimum progress toward meeting high school graduation requirements. All students
are allowed ONE probationary period, equal to one quarter in length, beginning with the final grades
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earned in the 8 grade. If at the end of the probationary quarter, the student has not achieved a 2.0
GPA and has not passed a minimum of four (4) core classes during the quarter grading period, s/he
shall be ineligible for the subsequent quarter until s/he achieves 2.0 GPA and passes a minimum of
four (4) core classes.

Co-Curricular Activities:
Band, Cheerleading, Dance/drill Team, Forensics (Speech), Music, Drama, Journalism, Student
Newspaper, Yearbook, ASB Leadership

Athletics:

Sport Participants Season Sport Participants Season
Baseball Boys Spring Tennis Girls Fall
Basketball Boys/Girls Winter Tennis Boys Spring
Cross Country Boys/Girls Fall Track/Field Boys/Girls Spring
Football Boys/Girls Fall Volleyball Girls Fall
Golf Boys/Girls Spring Volleyball Boys Spring
Soccer Boys/Girls Winter Water Polo Boys Fall
Softball Girls Spring Water Polo Girls Spring
Swimming Boys/Girls Spring Wrestling Boys/Girls Winter

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Planning for University/College Admission
UC/CSU Minimum Entrance Requirements (“a-g” subject requirements)
Subject Requirement: To satisfy the Subject Requirement, students must complete the high school
courses listed below with a “C” grade or better. These courses are known as the “a–g” subjects.

Students must take 15 yearlong classes to fulfill the requirements – seven of which must be taken in the
last two years of high school. To be acceptable to UC/CSU, the courses must appear on a list certified
by the high school principal as meeting the “a-g” subject requirements. For more information please
access the UC website: www.universityofcalifornia.edu or the CSU website: www.calstate.edu

California
State Private Community
Subjects University of California University Colleges College
a. Social Science a. 2 years of history required a. (Same Admissions No subject
including: as UC) requirements Requirement
- 1 year of U.S. History or will vary at
½ year of U.S. History and each private 18 years old, or a high school
½ year of American college or graduate; or passed the California
government university High school Proficiency Exam
- 1 year of World History
b. English b. 4 years of college prep English b. (Same No subject
or higher as UC) Requirement
c. Mathematics c. 3 years required including: c. (Same Check the No subject Requirement –
- Algebra 1 as UC) individual Completion of Algebra 2 is
- Geometry college highly recommended
- Algebra 2 catalogues
(4 years recommended) for specific
requirements
d. Science d. 2 years required including: d. (Same College prep No subject
- 1 year of a biological science as UC) subjects are Requirement
- 1 year of a physical science recommended
(3 years recommended)
e. Foreign Language e. 2 years of the same language e. (Same Use the No subject
(3 years recommended) as UC) UC/CSU Requirement
requirements
as a guide
f. Visual and f. 1 year of the same course of a f. (Same Use the No subject
Performing Art Visual & Performing Art as UC) UC/CSU Requirement
requirements
as a guide
g. Elective Courses g. 1 year of advanced course work g. (Same
in math, English, science, foreign as UC)
language, social science, history,
visual and performing arts.
Required Testing SAT Reasoning or ACT with ACT &/or (See Matriculation process of
writing. AND SAT Subject Tests SAT individual assessment, orientation,
may be required or recommended Reasoning college counseling
by the college you are applying to. catalogues or
A.P. & Honors courses are websites for
recommended. requirements)

**It is recommended that all high school students follow the “a-g” requirements when selecting classes.
**The final responsibility for meeting college admission rests with the student and his/her parents(s)/guardian(s).

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