High School Course Directory for 2015-2016

91 Pages·2015·1.6 MB·English

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

“High School Course Directory”
2015-16 School Year

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

Introduction…………………………….... 2 Applied Arts – Industrial Technology........ 20
List of High Schools……………………... 2
Board of Education……………………… 2 Applied Arts – Non-Departmental…......... 23
District Administration………………….. 2
English/Language Arts…………………... 25
How to Use this Guide……………........... 3
English Language Development (ELD)
Class Selections………………………….. 3 Program………………………………..…. 29
Prerequisites……………………………… 3
Program Change Policy………………….. 3
Level Changes in a Subject Area and English Learner (EL) Program Success
Dropping a Class…………………............ 3 Pathways………………………………….. 30

English Learner Development (ELD)
Message for Parents………………........... 4 Courses…………………………………….. 31
Earning Credit Toward High School
Graduation……………………………….. 4
English and Strategic Reading (ESR)……... 34
High School Graduation
Requirements…………………………….. 5
California High School Exit Examination
(CAHSEE)………………………………. 5 English /Language Arts Electives…………. 35
Planning for University/College
Admission……………………………….. 6
Fine Arts – Drama and Music……………... 37
Testing Program…………………………. 7
State Level……………………………….. 7 Fine Arts – Visual…………………………. 41
Testing for College………………………. 7
Health Science…………………………….. 45
Career Assessments……………………… 8
History/Social Science…………………….. 46
Co-Curricular
Activities/Athletics………………………. 8
Mathematics………………………………. 52
Scholarship Requirements……………….. 10
Non-Departmental………………………… 57
VUSD Career Technical Education (CTE)
Pathways…………………………………. 10
Physical Education………………………… 61
Career Education Center (CEC) formerly
the Regional Occupational Program
(ROP)…………………………………….. 10
Science…………………………………….. 64
Work Experience………………………… 11
Bioscience Academy (FTHS only)……….. 69
Course Descriptions……………………… 12
World (Foreign) Languages………………. 71
Applied Arts – Agriculture………………. 13
Ventura High School Pathways…………… 78
Applied Arts – Business…………………. 14

Applied Arts – Home Economics……… 18

1
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: Mike Irving 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: Kenneth Loo
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
Debbie Golden, President Superintendent (To be determined)
Barbara J. Fitzgerald, Vice President Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
(To be determined)
John Walker, Member
Dr. Jennifer Robles, Assistant Superintendent,
Velma Lomax, Member
Educational Services
Mary Haffner, Member
Joseph Richards, Jr., Assistant Superintendent,
Business Services

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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: (1) Fulfill
graduation requirement; (2) Ability level misplacement; (3) Completion in summer school;
and (4) Minimum competency preparation.

Level Changes in a Subject Area
Level changes in a subject area can be made with teacher recommendation, parent and
counselor approval during the first ten weeks of a semester (semester 1 deadline: November
3, 2015; semester 2 deadline: April 12, 2016). 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.
Dropping a Class
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.
Semester 1 courses:
 A student will be allowed to drop a class without penalty of an “F” grade until
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October 1, 2015 (30 day of S1).
 With administrative approval, a student who drops a class with a passing grade from
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October 2, 2015 (31 day of S1) to November 20, 2015 (60 day of S1) will receive
a Withdrawal (“W”) on their transcript.
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 A student who drops a class with an “F” grade from October 2, 2015 (31 day of S1)
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to November 20, 2015 (60 day of S1) will receive an “F” on their transcript.
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Semester 2 courses:
 A student will be allowed to drop a class without penalty of an “F” grade until March
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9, 2016 (30 day of S2).
 With administrative approval, a student who drops a class with a passing grade from
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March 10, 2016 (31 day of S2) to April 28, 2016 (60 day of S2) will receive a
Withdrawal (“W”) on their transcript.
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 A student who drops a class with an “F” grade from March 10, 2016 (31 day of S2)
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to April 28, 2016 (60 day of S2) will receive an “F” on their transcript.
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 Parent
Connect). 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 electronics 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 every day.
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. Math and World
(Foreign) Language courses may be taken in middle school to satisfy college entrance
requirements, but are 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 earns a grade of “F.” Credit may also be earned through participation in the Career
Education Center (CEC) formerly Regional Occupational Program (ROP), Work Experience,
College Courses, Adult Education, and approved on-line courses. Any courses taken before
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the completion of 8 Grade, does not count towards High School Graduation. All
courses are not repeatable for credit except those specified.

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High School Graduation Requirements

Subject Area Credits
English/Language Arts 40
Mathematics 30
Social Science
Geography 5
World History/Cultures and Geography 10
United States History and Geography 10
American Democracy 5
Economics 5
Total 35
Science
Life/Biological Science 10
Physical Science 10
Total 20
World/Foreign 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. For students to be college
eligible, a grade of “C” or higher 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 Math 1 or Algebra 1 with a passing grade in
order to earn a High School Diploma. Any student who has completed Math 1 or
Algebra 1 in seventh or eighth grade and earned a passing grade will have completed the
Math 1 or 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 for graduation 75 hours of community service
and completion of one year of Education in the Digital Age Course with a passing grade.

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 (BP/AR 6146.1). The CAHSEE is given for the first time in the second
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semester of the 10 grade, twice in the 11 grade and three times in the 12 grade.

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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. History/Social 2 years of history required including: (Same as Admissions No subject
Science - 1 year of U.S. History or UC) requirements Requirement
½ year of U.S. History and will vary at
½ year of American each private 18 years old, or a high
government college or school graduate; or passed
- 1 year of World History university the California High
school Proficiency Exam
b. English 4 years of college prep English or (Same as No subject
higher UC) Requirement
c. Mathematics 3 years required including: (Same as Check the No subject Requirement –
(4 years recommended) UC) individual Completion of Algebra 2
- Algebra 1 college is highly recommended
- Geometry catalogues
- Algebra 2 for specific
- Higher Math requirements
OR
- Math 1
- Math 2
- Math 3
- Higher Math
d. Laboratory 2 years required including: d. (Same College prep No subject
Science (3 years recommended) as UC) subjects are Requirement
- 1 year of a biological science recommended
- 1 year of a physical science

e. Language other 2 years of the same language e. (Same Use the No subject
than English (3 years recommended) as UC) UC/CSU Requirement
requirements
as a guide
f. Visual and 1 year of the same course of a Visual f. (Same Use the No subject
Performing Arts & Performing Art as UC) UC/CSU Requirement
requirements
as a guide
g. Elective g. 1 year of advanced course work in g. (Same
math, English, science, foreign as UC)
language, social science, history,
visual and performing arts.
Required Testing SAT Reasoning or ACT with writing. ACT &/or (See Matriculation process of
AND SAT Subject Tests may be SAT individual assessment, orientation,
required or recommended by the Reasoning college counseling
college you are applying to. A.P. & catalogues or
Honors courses are recommended. websites for
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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Testing Program
State Level
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Students in the 11 grade participate in the required California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress
(CAASPP) Smarter Balanced testing program. 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.
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 SAT Subject Tests below). These tests are taken at the end of
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the subject of choice and/or by the end of 11 grade.
GRADE TEST MONTH CONTENTS
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10 PLAN November (offered only  Curriculum Based  Reading
once during the year)  English  Math
 Scientific 
Reasoning
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11 PSAT-NMSQT October (offered only once Critical Reading
during the ye ar)  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 2012
g enerally o ffered 6 times in 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 application.
areas: history, mathematics, Many colleges that don’t require or recommend
science, English and Subject Tests will still consider them when
foreign languages. reviewing your application. To find out if the
NOTE: Students with colleges or universities that you’re interested in
IEP’s requesting require or recommend SAT Subject Tests go to
accommodations must the following website.
apply to the College Board www.sat.collegeboard.org/about-tests/sat-subject-
by the published date. 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 - 12th Advanced Placement May - Spanish – Language
(AP) - American Govt. or Literature
The approximate cost for - Biology - Statistics
each AP Exam is
- Calculus - AB, BC - Studio Art
approximately $86. Fee
waivers and/or - Computer Science - U.S. History
scholarships are - AP European
available for students if - Economics History
he/she applies by the th
- English – 11th/12 - AP Chemistry
March deadline. A form
will be distributed in the - Environmental Science - Italian
student’s AP course. - German Language - French
Students who receive free
- Physics B
and reduced lunch will
be given priority.
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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
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abilities. The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is offered to 11 and
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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.
Co-Curricular Activities
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.
Co-Curricular Activities:
Activity Participants School Offered
Band Boys/Girls Buena, Ventura
Cheerleading Boys/Girls Buena, Ventura
Dance Boys/Girls Buena, Ventura
Forensics (Speech) Boys/Girls Buena, Ventura, Foothill
Music Boys/Girls Buena, Ventura
Drama Boys/Girls Buena, Ventura
Journalism Boys/Girls Buena, Ventura, Foothill
Student Newspaper Boys/Girls Buena, Ventura, Foothill
Yearbook Boys/Girls Buena, Ventura, Foothill
ASB Leadership Boys/Girls Buena, Ventura, Foothill

Athletics
Students with an interest in competitive sports are encouraged to participate in tryouts for the
sport(s) of their choice. Questions regarding athletics should be directed to each school’s
Athletic Director or the student’s Counselor.
El Camino High School at Ventura College students have the opportunity to participate in
athletics at their boundary school (Ventura or Buena High School). It is the student’s
responsibility to contact the boundary school for tryout schedules.
Foothill Technology High School (FTHS) freshman and sophomore students wanting to
participate in sports must do so through the FTHS program. FTHS junior and senior
students, who have never played a sport for Ventura or Buena High School, are immediately
eligible to play sports for FTHS. Students who have played any level of sports for either
Buena or Ventura High School are eligible to play sports for FTHS after a 30 day sit out
period, during the season of the sport, as specified by CIF. Students who transfer their
eligibility must then compete exclusively for FTHS for the duration of their high school
career. A transfer application must be completed and filed with CIF for approval prior to the
student practicing with the team.
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The athletic director will oversee the completion of the transfer process. Students may play
sports for only one Ventura Unified School District high school. For example; a student
cannot play a fall sport for FTHS and a winter sport for Ventura High School.
Foothill Technology High School (FTHS) junior and senior students may still participate
in sports at their boundary school Buena or Ventura High School. Busing for sports is
available from Foothill to the boundary school. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the
boundary school for tryout schedules. Students must submit a completed Multi-Site
Enrollment form to Foothill prior to participating in any practices or games.
Athletic Eligibility: According to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern
Section, only those students regularly enrolled in a public or private CIF member school,
grades 9-12, shall be permitted to participate in the CIF. In order to be eligible any student
entering a four-year high school must have achieved a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in all enrolled
courses at the conclusion of the previous grading period and must pass a minimum of four (4)
classes during each quarter grading period. This policy applies to all students whether or not
they are currently participating in athletics.
Student athletes who fail to meet the 2.0 GPA criteria for a given grading period will be
placed on probation for the following grading period. Failure to bring grades to the 2.0 GPA
at the end of that second grading period will result in a student’s ineligibility to participate in
any athletic program until the student, in a subsequent grading period, returns his/her overall
GPA to a 2.0 or greater.
A student athlete will be permitted only one (1) probationary period during his/her attendance
in the Ventura Unified School District.

Athletics:
Sport Participants Season School Offered
Cross Country Boys/Girls Fall Buena, Ventura, Foothill
Football Boys Fall Buena, Ventura
Golf Girls Fall Buena, Ventura, Foothill
Tennis Girls Fall Buena, Ventura, Foothill
Volleyball Girls Fall Buena, Ventura, Foothill
Water Polo Boys Fall Buena, Ventura, Foothill
Basketball Boys/Girls Winter Buena, Ventura, Foothill
Soccer Boys/Girls Winter Buena, Ventura, Foothill
Water Polo Girls Winter Buena, Ventura, Foothill
Wrestling Boys Winter Buena, Ventura
Baseball Boys Spring Buena, Ventura, Foothill
Golf Boys Spring Buena, Ventura, Foothill
Softball Girls Spring Buena, Ventura, Foothill
Swimming Boys/Girls Spring Buena, Ventura, Foothill
Tennis Boys Spring Buena, Ventura, Foothill
Track/Field Boys/Girls Spring Buena, Ventura, Foothill
Volleyball Boys Spring Buena, Ventura, Foothill

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