VUSD High School Course Directory

101 Pages·2016·1.44 MB·English

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

“High School Course Directory”
2016-2017 School Year

Buena High School Ventura High School FOOTHILL TECHNOLOGY
5670 TELEGRAPH ROAD 2 NORTH CATALINA STREET HIGH SCHOOL
805-289-1826 805-641-5116 100 DAY ROAD
805-289-0023

El Camino High School pacific high school VenturA ADULT &
at Ventura College 501 COLLEGE DRIVE CONTINUING EDUCATION
61 DAY ROAD 805-289-7950 5200 VALENTINE ROAD
805-289-7955 805-289-7925
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Table of Contents

Introduction…………………………….......................................................................................................... 3
List of High Schools……………………......................................................................................................... 3
Board of Education…………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
District Administration……………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Message for Parents…………………………................................................................................................ 4
How to Use this Course Directory…............................................................................................................... 4
Class Selections……………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Prerequisites…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
Program Change Policy……………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Level Changes in a Subject Area…………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Dropping a Class…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
High School Graduation Requirements……………………………………………………………………… 6
Earning Graduation Credit………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
Special Admission at Ventura College………………………………………………………………………. 7
Non-District Alternate Education Classes Including on-line Programs……………………………………... 7
Student Exemptions from Physical Education………………………………………………………………. 8
Planning for University/College Admission………………………………………………………………… 9
State Level Testing…………………………….............................................................................................. 10
Calif. HS Exit Exam (CAHSEE)……………………………………………………………………………. . 10
Testing for College………………………………………………………………………………………….. . 10
Co-Curricular Activities…………………………………………………………………………………….. 11
Athletics……………………………………………………………………………………………………. . 12-13
Spanish Section……………………………………………………………………………………………. . 14-27
Course Descriptions………………………………………………………………………………………… 28
Applied Arts – Agriculture……………………........................................................................................... ... 29
Applied Arts – Business………………………........................................................................................... ... 30
Applied Arts – Home Economics…………………………………………………………………………… 34
Applied Arts – Industrial Technology.............................................................................................................. 36
Applied Arts – Non-Departmental…............................................................................................................ .. 39
English/Language Arts…………………......................................................................................................... 41
English Language Development (ELD) Program………………………………..………............................ .. 45
English Learner (EL) Program Success Pathways………………………………………............................. .. 46
English Learner Development (ELD) Courses……………………………………………………………… . 47
English and Strategic Reading (ESR) Courses……………………………..……………………………….. . 50
English Language Arts – Electives………………………………………………………………………….. . 51
Visual or Performing Arts (Fine Arts)– Drama and Music………………………………………………… . 53
Visual or Performing Arts (Fine Arts)– Art, Photography, VisCom, etc.…………………………………. . 57
Health………………………………………………………………………………………………………. . 62
History/Social Science……………………………………………………………………………………… . 63
Mathematics…………………………………………………………………………………………………. . 68
Non-Departmental…………………………………………………………………………………………… 74
Physical Education………………………………………………………………………………………….. . 79
Science……………………………………………………………………………………………………… . 81
World/Foreign Language……………………............................................................................................... ... 87
Career Technical Education Pathways……………………………………………………………………… 94
Regional Occupational Program (ROP) courses……………………………………………………………. 99

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Introduction

This High School Course Directory is updated each year and distributed to students when they
register for high school. This directory contains necessary information relating to all high
schools in Ventura Unified School District and provides 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.

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: Bobbi Powers 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: To be determined
www.venturausd.org/foothilltech.htm www.venturausd.org/pacific.htm

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

Board of Education District Administration
Barbara J. Fitzgerald, President Dr. Michael Babb, Superintendent
Velma Lomax, Vice President Kristin Mayville, Assistant Superintendent,
Human Resources
Debbie Golden, Member
To be determined, Assistant Superintendent,
Mary Haffner, Member
Educational Services
John Walker, Member
Joseph Richards, Jr., Assistant Superintendent ,
Business Services

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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 on-line student information service (Q Parent
Connection). Parents can review assignments, grades and attendance on-line and
communicate concerns with the teacher via email.
2. Stress the importance of attending school each day. Schedule medical appointments
and family vacations outside of the school day and school 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 his/her high schools’ clubs,
organizations, and sports.
11. Summer Assignments – All content areas
- No required summer assignments are permitted.
-Voluntary summer assignments may be permitted if they meet these criteria:
 No benefit or burden (i.e. grade increase or decrease, extra credit, etc.) can be
imposed on a student who completes the assignment or who does not
complete the assignment.
 All materials, supplies and equipment for the assignment must be provided to
the student free of charge.

How to Use this Course Directory
This directory provides students and parents with information to assist in student’s course
selection. Students should discuss course selections with their parents, teachers and counselor
before registering. Students are encouraged to enroll in courses that challenge them and prepare
them to enter a university; a two-year community college; join the work force; military; or
Career Technical 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
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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 1, 2016;
semester 2 deadline: April 11, 2017). 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 October
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5, 2016 (30 day of S1).
 With administrative approval, a student who drops a class with a passing grade from
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October 6, 2016 (31 day of S1) to November 29, 2016 (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 6, 2016 (31 day of S1) to
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November 29, 2016 (60 day of S1) will receive an “F” on their transcript.

Semester 2 courses:
 A student will be allowed to drop a class without penalty of an “F” grade until
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March 15, 2017 (30 day of S2).
 With administrative approval, a student who drops a class with a passing grade from
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March 16, 2017 (31 day of S2) to May 4, 2017 (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 16, 2017 (31 day of S2) to
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May 4, 2017 (60 day of S2) will receive an “F” on their transcript.

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High School Graduation Requirements
(Note: These are revised requirements commencing with the 2016-17 school year)
Subject Area Number of Courses Credits
English/Language Arts Four courses 40
Mathematics Three courses, including one year of Math 1 30
Science Two courses, including biological and physical sciences 20
Social Studies Three courses, including
- United States history and geography
- World history, culture, and geography
- American government and civics (one-semester)
- Economics (one-semester) 30
Visual or Performing
Arts, Foreign
Language, or
commencing with the
2012-13 school year
Career Technical
Education One course 10
Health One-semester course 5
Physical Education Two courses 20
Applied Arts One course 10
Non- One-semester required course (College and Career Seminar) and Six
departmental/Electives year-long courses or a combination of year-long and semester courses 65
TOTAL CREDITS: 230

State of California minimum graduation requirements : Ventura Unified School District meets and
in some areas exceeds state minimum graduation requirements. To view the state minimum requirements visit the
website at www.cde.ca.gov . Search high school graduation requirements, then click state minimum course
requirements.
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 (Minimum Graduation Requirements)
All students must complete Math 1 with a passing grade in order to earn a High School Diploma.

Any student who has completed Math 1 in seventh or eighth grade and earned a passing grade
will have completed the Math 1 High School Graduation requirement; however, high school
credits will not be earned.

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Earning Graduation Credit
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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. Mathematics 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 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 Career Pathway courses, Regional Occupational Program (ROP)
courses, Work Experience, College Courses, Adult Education, and approved on-line courses.
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Any courses taken before the completion of 8 Grade, does not count towards High School
Graduation.

Repeatable for Credit – This means a student may enroll in a course multiple times and receive
credit for it. Some of these courses include: band, choir, leadership, physical education,
athletics, or yearbook. Courses in this directory are not repeatable for credit except those
specified.

Special Admission at Ventura College
Students wishing to enroll in classes at Ventura College can find the course schedule and special
admission forms at: venturacollege.edu. Select “Apply and Enroll” to find the course schedule.
The Special Admission forms are also located under “Apply and Enroll”; click “Application for
Admission” and then “Special Admissions”. After the student and parent have selected a course
and completed the Special Admission paperwork it needs to be taken to the student’s high school
counselor. Approval must be obtained from the student’s high school counselor and high
school’s Assistant Principal for Curriculum.

While there is no tuition for high school students, they must pay for the college registration,
health or lab fees, and books. If the student wants the classes posted on their high school
transcript, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain an official Ventura College transcript and
give it to the high school’s registrar. Students may not take classes at Ventura College if the
class is offered at your high school as a graduation requirement. Students with questions
about Special Admission at Ventura College should contact their counselor.

Non-District Alternative Education Classes Including On-line Programs
Many students have used non-district alternate education programs, including on-line programs,
as effective methods of completing graduation credits and meeting A-G UC/CSU requirements.
Students interested in taking any of these courses must have counselor approval prior to
enrollment. For more information, see your counselor.

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Student Exemptions from High School Physical Education Courses (Board Policy
6142.7)
If a student in grade nine does not satisfactorily meet five of the six standards of the
physical performance test, the student is not eligible for exemption from physical education
courses under Education Code Section 51241(b)(1). The student will need to take a physical
education course in grade ten. If the student passes the FITNESSGRAM® in grade ten, the local
governing board may exempt the student from physical education for two years, grades eleven
and twelve.

If the student does not pass the FITNESSGRAM® in grade ten or subsequent grades, the
student may be eligible for exemption from courses of physical education under EC Section
51241(c). This section allows the local governing board to grant a permanent exemption from
courses in physical education if the pupil complies with any one of the following: (1) is 16 years
of age or older and has been enrolled in the tenth grade for one academic year or longer, (2) is
enrolled as a postgraduate pupil, or (3) is enrolled in a juvenile home, ranch, camp, or forestry
camp school where pupils are scheduled for recreation and exercise. Passing the
FITNESSGRAM® is not a state high school graduation requirement.

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Planning for University/College Admission
UC/CSU Minimum Entrance Requirements (“a-g” subject requirements)
The eligibility of high school graduates for admission to a UC/CSU is determined by a combination of the
student’s grade point average (G.P.A.) in the “a-g” subject requirements and the total score on either the
SAT Reasoning or ACT tests. Additionally, all UC’s require the two SAT Subject Exams, which are
college assessment tests. 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 complete 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: http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/freshman/minimum-
requirements/or the CSU website: www.calstate.edu
California
State Private
Subjects University of California University Colleges
(“a”) History/Social 2 years of history/social science required including: (Same as Check with
Science - 1 year of World History UC) the individual
and college.
- 1 year of U.S. History OR
½ year of U.S. History and
½ year of American
government
(“b”) English 4 years of college preparatory English or higher that (Same as Check with
integrates reading of classic and modern literature, UC) the individual
frequent and regular writing, and practice listening and college.
speaking.
(“c”) Mathematics 3 years of college preparatory mathematics required that (Same as Check with
include or integrate the topics covered in elementary and UC) the individual
advanced algebra and two- and three- dimensional college.
geometry:
(4 years recommended)
- Math 1
- Math 2
- Math 3
- Higher Math
(“d”) Laboratory 2 years of laboratory science required providing d. (Same Check with
Science fundamental knowledge in at least two of the three as UC) the individual
disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics: college.
(3 years recommended)
(“e”) Language other 2 years of the same language of other than English (must e. (Same Check with
than English be 2 years of the same language). as UC) the individual
(3 years recommended) college.

(“f”) Visual and 1 year chosen from dance, music, theater or the visual arts. f. (Same Check with
Performing Arts Must be a year-long class. as UC) the individual
college.
(“g”) College – g. 1 year chosen from the “a-f” courses beyond those used g. (Same Check with
preparatory elective to satisfy the requirements above, or courses that have as UC) the individual
been approved solely in the elective area. college.

Required Testing SAT Reasoning or ACT with writing. AND SAT Subject ACT &/or Check with
Tests may be required or recommended by the college you SAT the individual
are applying to. A.P. & Honors courses are recommended. Reasoning college.
**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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State Level Testing
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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.

California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE)
Successfully passing the CAHSEE in English and Mathematics is no longer a condition of
high school graduation. Governor Brown signed Senate Bill No. 172 on October 7, 2015.
Section 60851.5 is added to the Education Code to read: the administration of the high school
exit examination, and the requirement that each pupil completing grade 12 successfully pass
the high school exit examination as a condition of receiving a diploma of graduation or a
condition of graduation or a condition of graduation from high school, shall be suspended for
the 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18 schools years.

Testing for College
Students planning to attend college should prepare for required entrance exams. Two preparatory pre-entrance
exams are also available to students. The “PLAN” test is a “pre-ACT” test typically taken by high school students
in the fall of their sophomore year. In addition to predicting a student’s performance on the ACT, the PLAN test
measures academic achievement in English, math, reading and science.
The PSAT-NMSQT, is a nationwide multiple-choice test taken by high school students (mostly sophomores and
juniors. It’s a great primer for the SAT and even the ACT. The PSAT doesn’t count towards your college
admissions. However, it is the qualifying test for National Merit Scholarships.
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).
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These tests are taken at the end of the subject of choice and/or by the end of 11 grade. Applications for the SAT
Reasoning and Subject Exams are available at www.collegeboard.com for SATs, www.act.org for ACT, or in the
Media Center. Students will receive an additional grade point for advanced placement or honors courses taken
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during high school in courses considered 11 and 12 grade level (see “a-g subject requirements). An “A” will be
worth 5 points, a “B” 4 points, and a “C” 3 points. “D” grades may need to be repeated; see your counselor.

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)
SAT Subject Exams and PSAT (SAT)
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12 ACT, SAT Reasoning October, November,  Same formats as the PLAN (ACT)
December and PSAT (SAT)
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10 - 12 SAT Subject Tests SAT Subject Tests are Beginning with students applying for the
g enerally o ffered 6 times in fall 2012 term, SAT Subject Tests may
These are high school - any given school year . be required or recommended by the
level tests, reflecting high There are 20 Subject Tests college you are applying to. Some
school curricula. across five general subject colleges require or recommended one or
areas: history, mathematics, more SAT Subject Tests as part of the
science, English and application. Many colleges that don’t
foreign languages. require or recommend Subject Tests will
NOTE: Students with still consider them when reviewing your
IEP’s requesting application. To find out if the colleges
accommodations must or universities that you’re interested in
apply to the College Board require or recommend SAT Subject
by the published date. Tests go to the following website.
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