Academic Planning Guide

L605 LIT AND COMP 9

BSD Course Code: L605        
Apex Course Name: English 9
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Language Arts
Grades: 9

This course examines major elements of literature as reflected in a wide variety of texts, which lays the foundation for high school-level writing and reading. Students will read and write in order to engage in inquiry regarding topics like identity, society, power and progress. While focused on achieving state standards, the aim is to maximize student choice as they develop skills in creating texts, communicating, engaging in the learning process, analyzing texts, and applying appropriate language. 

L610 LIT AND COMP 10

BSD Course Code: L610        
Apex Course Name: English 10
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Language Arts
Grades: 10

This course focuses on students' independent comprehension and analysis of literary elements such as author's craft, characterization, and theme. The course also concentrates on a variety of writing modes. Students engage in productive small-group communication and develop their presentation skills. Emphasis is placed on achieving state standards in the essential skills of reading and writing as well as preparing students for upper-level Language Arts, IB, and writing courses. 

L615 LIT AND COMP 11

BSD Course Code: L615        
Apex Course Name: English 11
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Language Arts
Grades: 11

This course focuses on analyzing contemporary voices in literature. Works encompassing all major genres (fiction, non-fiction, short story, film, poetry, plays, and essays) of text, as well as other mediums of communication, will be studied. Different approaches to composition, with an emphasis on expository, commentary, and argument writing and the development of oral communication skills including but not limited to debate, modes of persuasion, and performance will be explored. Additionally, emphasis is placed on achieving state standards in the essential skills of critical comprehension, written expression, and oral communication.

 

L615 LIT AND COMP 12

BSD Course Code: L617
Apex Course Name: English 12
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Language Arts
Grades: 12

Lit and Comp 12 blends writing and literature into a cohesive whole for college-bound students.  The course focuses on writing as the primary means of expression; we will explore works of fiction and non-fiction as tools to influence and improve our own writing.  We will learn to use writing and reading as forms of inquiry and means of exploring our identities within local and global contexts. Emphasis will be placed on preparing students for college-level writing, including written tasks such as a college admissions essay, argument writing, research, etc.  Therefore, students should be prepared to write daily for a variety of specific purposes, audiences, and contexts.

L401X CREATIVE WRITING

BSD Course Code: L401X
Apex Course Name: Creative Writing
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Language Arts
Grades: 10,11,12

Creative Writing is an English elective course that focuses on the exploration of short fiction and poetry, culminating in a written portfolio that includes one revised short story and three to five polished poems. Students draft, revise, and polish fiction and poetry through writing exercises, developing familiarity with literary terms and facility with the writing process as they study elements of creative writing. Elements of fiction writing explored in this course include attention to specific detail, observation, character development, setting, plot, and point of view. In the poetry units, students learn about the use of sensory details and imagery, figurative language, and sound devices including rhyme, rhythm and alliteration. They also explore poetic forms ranging from found poems and slam poetry to traditional sonnets and villanelles.

In addition to applying literary craft elements in guided creative writing exercises, students engage in critical reading activities designed to emphasize the writing craft of a diverse group of authors. Students study short stories by authors such as Bharati Mukherjee and Edgar Allan Poe, learning how to create believable characters and develop setting and plot. Likewise, students read poetry by canonical greats such as W. B. Yeats and Emily Dickinson as well as contemporary writers such as Pablo Neruda, Sherman Alexie, and Alice Notley. Studying the writing technique of a range of authors provides students with models and inspiration as they develop their own voices and refine their understanding of the literary craft. By taking a Creative Writing course, students find new approaches to reading and writing that can affect them on a personal level, as the skills they gain in each lesson directly benefit their own creative goals. Students who are already actively engaged writers and readers learn additional tools and insight into the craft of writing to help them further hone their skills and encourage their creative as well as academic growth.

 

L507X MEDIA AS LITERACY

Media Literacy teaches students how to build the critical thinking, writing, and reading skills required in a media-rich and increasingly techno-centric world. A major topic in Media Literacy is non-traditional media reading skills, including how to approach, analyze, and respond to advertisements, blogs, websites, social media, news media, and wikis. Students also engage in a variety of writing activities in non-traditional media genres, such as blogging and podcast scripting. Students consider their own positions as consumers of media and explore ways to use non-traditional media to become more active and thoughtful citizens. Students learn how to ask critical questions about the intended audience and underlying purpose of media messages, and study factors which can contribute to bias and affect credibility. 

 

L206 READING WORKSHOP

BSD Course Code: L206
Apex Course Name: Reading Skills and Strategies
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Language Arts
Grades: 9, 10, 11,12

Reading Skills and Strategies is a course designed to help the struggling reader develop mastery in the areas of reading comprehension, vocabulary building, study skills, and media literacy, which are the course's primary content strands. Using these strands, the course guides the student through the skills necessary to be successful in the academic world and beyond. The reading comprehension strand focuses on introducing the student to the varied purposes of reading (e.g., for entertainment, for information, to complete a task, or to analyze). In the vocabulary strand, the student learns specific strategies for understanding and remembering new vocabulary. In the study skills strand, the student learns effective study and test-taking strategies. In the media literacy strand, the student learns to recognize and evaluate persuasive techniques, purposes, design choices, and effects of media. The course encourages personal enjoyment in reading with 10 interviews featuring the book choices and reading adventures of students and members of the community.

 

L207 WRITING WORKSHOP

BSD Course Code: L207
Apex Course Name: Writing Skills and Strategies
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Language Arts
Grades: 9, 10, 11,12

Writing Skills and Strategies develops key language arts skills necessary for high school graduation and success on high stakes exams through a semester of interactive instruction and guided practice in composition fundamentals. The course is divided into ten mini-units of study. The first two are designed to build early success and confidence, orienting students to the writing process and to sentence and paragraph essentials through a series of low-stress, high-interest hook activities. In subsequent units, students review, practice, compose and submit one piece of writing. Four key learning strands are integrated throughout: composition practice, grammar skill building, diction and style awareness, and media and technology exploration. Guided studies emphasize the structure of essential forms of writing encountered in school, in life, and in the workplace. Practice in these forms is scaffolded to accommodate learners at different skill levels.

 

L810 AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION

BSD Course Code: L810
Apex Course Name: AP English Language and Composition
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Language Arts
Grades: 11,12

Following the College Board’s suggested curriculum designed to parallel college-level English courses, AP English Language and Composition courses expose students to prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. These courses emphasize the interaction of authorial purpose, intended audience, and the subject at hand, and through them, students learn to develop stylistic flexibility as they write compositions covering a variety of subjects that are intended for various purposes.

 

L820 AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION

BSD Course Code: L820
Apex Course Name: AP English Literature  and Composition
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Language Arts
Grades: 11,12

Following the College Board’s suggested curriculum designed to parallel college-level English courses, AP English Literature and Composition courses enable students to develop critical standards for evaluating literature. Students study the language, character, action, and theme in works of recognized literary merit; enrich their understanding of connotation, metaphor, irony, syntax, and tone; and write compositions of their own including literary analysis, exposition, argument, narrative, and creative writing.
 

M380 ALGEBRA/GEOMETRY/STATISTICS I PREP (AGS1 Prep)

BSD Course Code: M380        
Apex Course Name: Introductory Algebra
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics
Grades: 9
Prerequisites: Teacher approval

This course supports the transition from eighth grade math to AGS 1.  AGS Prep consists of a review of operations on integers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.  The language of algebra and problem-solving equations are studied throughout. Students also explore relations and functions using equations, tables, and graphs. Note: this course does not carry math credit toward graduation. Additionally, students do not forecast for this class; individual placement is made after consultation with parents and teaching staff.
 

M381 ALGEBRA/GEOMETRY/STATISTICS 1 (AGS 1)

BSD Course Code: M381        
Apex Course Name: Mathematics I
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics
Grades: 9
Prerequisites: none

Algebra/Geometry/Statistics 1 is the first in a three-course integrated sequence that will mix the Number & Quantity, Algebra, Functions, Geometry, and Probability & Statistics standards defined by the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) with a focus on Mathematical Modeling and the eight mathematical practices.  This course focuses on the Algebra 1 concepts including solving linear functions, modeling with linear functions, solving systems of equations, using arithmetic and geometric sequences to develop linear and exponential functions, and graphing functions. The Geometry focus includes congruence and construction with a connection developed between Geometry and Algebra concepts through coordinate geometry. The Statistics in this first course includes basic measures of central tendency, spread, and position, including graphical representations (histograms, box plots, lines of best fit, frequency tables).  This is an appropriate class to take after Pre Algebra or 8th grade math.

M 382 ALGEBRA/GEOMETRY/STATISTICS 2 (AGS 2)

BSD Course Code: M382        
Apex Course Name: Mathematics II
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics
Grades: 9, 10
Prerequisites: Successful Completion of AGS 1

Algebra/Geometry/Statistics 2 is the second in a three-course integrated sequence that will mix the Number & Quantity, Algebra, Functions, Geometry, and Probability & Statistics standards defined by the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) with a focus on Mathematical Modeling and the eight mathematical practices. This course focuses on the Algebra 2 concepts: quadratic, absolute, and piecewise functions, as well as solving quadratic equations.  The Geometry focus includes proof, geometric figures, similarity and right triangle trigonometry, and circles from a geometric perspective.  The statistics in this second course focuses on connections to probability.  Additional topics include conditional probabilities, interpreting the meaning of data sets, using samples to estimate probabilities, Venn Diagrams, and Independence. This is an appropriate course for a student who has successfully completed AGS 1 or Algebra 1.

M 383 ALGEBRA/GEOMETRY/STATISTICS 3 (AGS 3)

BSD Course Code: M383        
Apex Course Name: Mathematics III
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics
Grades: 9, 10, 11
Prerequisites: Successful Completion of AGS 2

Algebra/Geometry/Statistics 3 is one option for the final course in a three-course integrated sequence that will mix the Number & Quantity, Algebra, Functions, Geometry, and Probability & Statistics standards defined by the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) with a focus on Mathematical Modeling and the eight mathematical practices.   This course focuses on polynomial functions, inverses, logarithms and rational functions from Algebra. The Geometry focus includes geometric figures, trigonometry and three-dimensional figures.  The Statistics unit focuses on sampling and normal distributions. This is a good course for students who successfully completed AGS 2 or Algebra 1 and Geometry, but aren't seeking high school access to Calculus or IB HL Math. 

M3871 ADVANCED AGS TOPICS

BSD Course Code: M3871        
Apex Course Name: Bridge Math
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics
Grades: 11,12
Prerequisites: Completion of AGS II and Teacher approval

This course is designed for students who are not interested in a four-year university degree but will still use math in real-life contexts. AGS Advanced Topics explores concepts in right triangle trigonometry, applications of probability and statistics, personal finance models, the practical applications of geometry, and more. Investigates problem solving techniques (algebraic and non-algebraic) as well as some nontraditional mathematics topics such as social choice or discrete mathematics.
 

M384 ACCELERATED ALGEBRA/GEOMETRY/STATISTICS III

BSD Course Code: M384    
Apex Course Name: Mathematics III
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics
Grades:  9, 10, 11
Prerequisites: Successful Completion of AGS 2 with a grade of B or higher and teacher approval.     

This course is third in the three-year AGS math sequence. More advanced topics in the areas of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics are presented at a fast pace. After the successful completion of Accelerated AGS 3, students are prepared to take Pre-Calculus.

M420 PROBABILITY, STATISTICS AND ANALYSIS

BSD Course Code: M420        
Apex Course Name: Probability and Statistics
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Teacher Recommendation and completion of the AGS Sequence

This course builds upon students’ basic skills and extends their knowledge of probability and statistics at the high school level. Focusing on being conscious consumers of information, students learn the meaning behind the kinds of statistics and probability they are exposed to on an everyday basis in the news and media. Within each unit of study, students will build their analysis skills to better use mathematical thinking to make sense of real-world situations. This course is intended for students who often struggle to understand math concepts. This course cannot be taken in lieu of an AGS class but may be taken concurrently with the final AGS class in a student’s senior year.

M600 PRE-CALCULUS

BSD Course Code: M600        
Apex Course Name: PreCalculus
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: AGS 3 or Accelerated AGS 3 and teacher approval

Pre-Calculus is an in-depth study of the concept of functions, including polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric.  Characteristics of each function class are emphasized, including domain and range, the basic form and graph, transformations, composition, inverses, equations and inequalities associated with the function, and applications. Additional topics in the course include vectors, parametric equations, polar coordinates, complex numbers, and sequences and series. This course prepares students for Calculus (Dual Credit).

M750 AP CALCULUS AB

BSD Course Code: M750        
Apex Course Name: AP Calculus AB
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus

This course is open to students who show a high degree of proficiency in Pre-Calculus. Thorough instruction in single variable differential and integral calculus, analytic geometry, and their applications, is provided in a collegiate-level course. Topics include limits, derivatives, related rates, graph behavior, antiderivatives, and techniques of integration, area, and volume as well as differential equations and slope fields. All students, regardless of Dual Credit status, will be held to the same grading standards.

M775 AP STATISTICS

BSD Course Code: M775        
Apex Course Name: AP Statistics
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Mathematics
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus, or teacher approval based on completion of AGS 3, Accelerated AGS 3 or Functional Analysis and Trig with a grade of A or B. 

This college-level course in statistics introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Topics include describing data distributions, collecting data using sampling and experiments, probability and random variables, and statistical inference.
 

C612 STEM PHYSICS 

BSD Course Code: C612
Apex Course Name: Physics of the Universe
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Science
Grades: 9

This is a lab-based course designed for freshmen. Using the processes of scientific inquiry, engineering design, and critical thinking students will discover and apply patterns in such major physics topics as forces, momentum, energy, waves, and electromagnetism. An important aim of the course is to develop and build students’ math abilities, performance in problem solving, scientific literacy, and technical communication skills that will be useful in later science courses. This course will address all required physics, inquiry, and engineering standards.

 

C411 BIOLOGY 

BSD Course Code: C411
Apex Course Name: The Living Earth
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Science
Grades: 10, 11, 12

In this course, students will have the opportunity to better understand their relationship with other living things. Students will explore the fundamental characteristics of living matter and the unifying principles of life. Students will study and learn about the diversity of all living things, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, ecology and environmental issues and evolution. This course is designed to meet Oregon State Science Standards.

 
C511 STEM CHEMISTRY 

BSD Course Code: C512
Apex Course Name: Chemistry in the Earth System
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Science
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Physics or STEM Physics

Students in this course will study the interactions among different forms of energy and matter. Topics addressed will include the structures of atoms and compounds, the Periodic Table of the Elements, chemical reactions, gases, solutions, chemical quantities, kinetic theory and thermodynamics, Content and skills that have been learned in STEM Physics will be built upon.

C490 AP BIOLOGY

BSD Course Code: C490
Apex Course Name: AP Biology
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Science
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: STEM Chemistry or consent of current instructor.

This course follows the curriculum similar to that of a first year college level biology course. Topics include ecology, conservation biology, evolution, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology. Skills gained from lab experiences include microscope analysis, growing plants and bacteria, agar preparation, micro-pipetting, gel-electrophoresis for crime scene analysis and small animal husbandry. This course is a necessary component for careers such as nursing, physical therapy, medical doctor, conservation and wildlife biologist, veterinarian and other health related careers. College level credit is often granted to students who pass the AP exam in the spring and the student is able to register for courses where biology is a prerequisite
 

C590 AP CHEMISTRY

BSD Course Code: C590
Apex Course Name: AP Chemistry
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Science
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: STEM Chemistry or consent of current instructor.

Students enrolled in this course should attain an in-depth understanding of fundamental skills in solving chemical problems, gain experience in laboratory techniques, and develop data analysis skills. Topics such as the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibrium, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics will be presented in considerable depth.
 

S305 Global Studies 9

BSD Course Code: S305
Apex Course Name: World History to the Renaissance
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Social Studies
Grades: 9

This is our core course offering for 9th grade. It provides students with the foundation of knowledge and
skills necessary for our other core courses and our advanced and elective course offerings. Global
Studies focuses on geographical, historical, and cultural influences on contemporary issues. Geography
skills and specific cultural studies are combined in this class. Independent projects enable students to
further analyze a situation or theme using current resources and technology. The ninth grade Global
Studies course may be coordinated with the Literature and Composition 9 course to promote
interdisciplinary opportunities.

S415 American Studies 10

BSD Course Code: S415
Apex Course Name: US History since the Civil War
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Social Studies
Grades: 10

This is a required course for sophomores, unless they opt to take AP U.S. History. The course is
designed to explore themes in American History from the nineteenth century to the current day, with
emphasis on the process of historical inquiry. All students will participate in a “document-based question” writing sample in the first semester, and a historical investigation writing sample in the second semester. Historical themes are flexible in topic and chronology, but are likely to include immigration, civil rights, conflict, and foreign policy.

S400 U.S. History

BSD Course Code: S400
Apex Course Name: US History since the Civil War
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Social Studies
Grades: 11, 12

Students will examine the history of the United States and the people involved in its creation. This course will investigate the development and role of people and institutions in the American experience including but not limited to, westward expansion, democracy, slavery, industrialization and others. This course will not be a survey of US history but will explore particular case studies. Skills emphasized in this course include written and oral communication, research, and critical thinking.

S765 African American History

BSD Course Code: S765
FLVS Course Name: African American History
Duration: Year    
Credit: 1.0 Social Studies
Grades: 11, 12

Over the course of U.S. history, how have African Americans helped shaped American culture? This African American History course answers that question by tracing the accomplishments and obstacles of African Americans beginning with the slave trade on up to the modern Civil Rights movement. What was it like during slavery, or after emancipation, or during the years of discrimination under Jim Crow? Who were some of the main figures who have shaped African American history? In this course, you’ll learn about the political, economic, social, religious, and cultural factors that have influenced African American life, come face to face with individuals who changed the course of history, and explore how the African American story still influences current events today.

 

S530 Law and Order, Introduction to the Legal System

BSD Course Code: S530
FLVS  Course Name: Law & Order
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Social Studies
Grades: 11, 12

Imagine if there were no laws and people could do anything they wanted. It’s safe to say the world would be a pretty chaotic place! Every society needs some form of regulation to ensure peace in our daily lives and in the broader areas of business, family disputes, traffic violations, and the protection of children. Laws are essential to preserving our way of life and must be established and upheld in everyone’s best interest. In Law and Order: Introduction to Legal Studies, you’ll delve deeper into the importance of laws and consider how their application affects us as individuals and communities. Through understanding the court system and how laws are actually enacted, you will learn to appreciate the larger legal process and how it safeguards us all.

 

S550 US Issues

BSD Course Code: S550
Apex Course Name: Multicultural Studies
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Social Studies
Grades: 11, 12

Contemporary U.S. Issues courses study the political, economic, and social issues facing the United States, with or without an emphasis on state and local issues. These courses may focus on current issues or may examine selected issues that span throughout the 20th century to the present.

 

S605 Economics

BSD Course Code: S605
Apex Course Name: US and Global Economics
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Social Studies
Grades: 11, 12

Economics studies micro-economic and selected macro-economic concepts. Specific units of study include the nature of economics, the history of economic systems, supply and demand, market structures, investment concepts, the Federal Reserve and the role of government. The emphasis of the course is on the application of economic theory and reasoning through daily assignments, discussion, assessment projects, simulations and group work.

S505 Government

BSD Course Code: S505
Apex Course Name: US Government and Politics
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Social Studies
Grades: 11, 12

This course offers an introduction to the role of government in society. It will focus on the American
system of federal, state, and local government, the election process, and the U.S. Constitution. An
emphasis will be placed on the role of the citizen in American democracy.

 

S710 Psychology

BSD Course Code: S710
Apex Course Name: Psychology
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Social Studies
Grades: 10, 11, 12

Psychology provides a solid overview of the field's major domains: methods, biopsychology, cognitive and developmental psychology, and variations in individual and group behavior. By focusing on significant scientific research and on the questions that are most important to psychologists, students see psychology as an evolving science. Each topic clusters around challenge questions, such as “What is happiness?” Students answer these questions before, during, and after they interact with direct instruction. 

 

W201 SPANISH I

BSD Course Code: W201
Apex Course Name: Spanish I
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 World Language
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Spanish I teaches students to greet people, describe family and friends, talk about hobbies, and communicate about other topics, such as home life, occupations, travel, and medicine. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, and culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises. Vocabulary includes terms to describe school subjects, parts of the body, and people, as well as idiomatic phrases. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes the structures and uses of present-tense verb forms, imperatives, adjective agreement, impersonal constructions, formal and informal address, and reflexive verbs. Students explore words used in different Spanish-speaking regions and learn about the cultures of Spanish speaking countries and regions within and outside Europe.

W202 SPANISH II

BSD Course Code: W202
Apex Course Name: Spanish II
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 World Language
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Building on Spanish I concepts, Spanish II students learn to communicate more confidently about themselves, as well as about topics beyond their own lives - both in formal and informal situations. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, and culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises. Students expand their vocabulary in topics such as cooking, ecology, geography, and architecture. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes a review of present-tense verb forms, an introduction to the past tense, the conditional mood, imperatives, impersonal constructions, and reported speech. Students deepen their knowledge of Spanish-speaking regions and cultures by learning about history, literature, culture, and contemporary issues.

W203 SPANISH III

BSD Course Code: W203
Apex Course Name: Spanish III
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 World Language
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

In Spanish III, students build upon the skills and knowledge they acquired in Spanish I and II. The course presents new vocabulary and grammatical concepts in context while providing students with ample opportunities to review and expand upon the material they have learned previously. Students read and listen to authentic materials from newspapers, magazines, and television. The content is focused on contemporary and relevant topics such as urbanization and population growth in Latin American countries, global health concerns, jobs of the future, and scientific advancements. The materials engage students as they improve their command of Spanish. Students review the formation and use of regular and irregular verbs in the present and future tenses, as well as the use of reflexive particles and infinitives. They also expand their understanding of noun and adjective agreement, the comparative and superlative degree of adjectives, and the placement and use of direct and indirect objects and pronouns. Students expand their vocabulary through exposure to word roots and families, popular slang, the correct use of words that are often confused for one another, and review of concepts such as proper placement of accents and stress. Presentation of new materials is always followed by several interactive, online exercises, allowing students to master the material as they learn it. Teacher-scored activities provide students with opportunities to use their new Spanish skills both orally and in writing. Discussion activities allow students to interact with their peers in the target language.

W204 SPANISH IV

BSD Course Code: W204
Apex Course Name: Spanish IV
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 World Language
Grades: 10, 11, 12

This course is a continuation of Spanish III. At this level, a fairly broad range of vocabulary and a good
command of all previously learned grammatical structures are essential for success as the course is
taught entirely in Spanish. Students further develop skills in speaking, listening comprehension, writing,
and reading comprehension. A variety of texts and materials are used to enable students to broaden their
awareness of the culture and to further expand their vocabulary. Students develop their conversational
skills through a variety of activities including discussions, skits, and storytelling.
 

 

B601 MARKETING

BSD Course Code: B601
Apex Course Name: Principles of Business, Marketing and Finance
Duration: Year    
Credit: 1.0 Business
Grades: 11, 12

This is an introductory course to prepare students for careers in the marketing and retail field, as well as a business major in college. Students will learn skills in the following marketing areas: store operations,
economics, marketing segmentation, product planning, pricing and merchandise math, advertising and
promotion, display principles, and entrepreneurship. 
 

 

H201 HEALTH 1

BSD Course Code: H201
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Health
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Topics covered within Health Education courses may vary widely, but typically include personal health (nutrition, mental health and stress management, drug/alcohol abuse prevention, disease prevention, and first aid) and consumer health issues. The courses may also include brief studies of environmental health, personal development, and/or community resources.

 

H201 HEALTH 2

BSD Course Code: H202
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Health
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Topics covered within Health Education courses may vary widely, but typically include personal health (nutrition, mental health and stress management, drug/alcohol abuse prevention, disease prevention, and first aid) and consumer health issues. The courses may also include brief studies of environmental health, personal development, and/or community resources.

P430 PHYSICAL EDUCATION 1

BSD Course Code: P430
Apex Course Name: Physical Education
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Health
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Physical Education combines the best of online instruction with actual student participation in weekly cardiovascular, aerobic, and muscle toning activities. The course promotes a keen understanding of the value of physical fitness and aims to motivate students to participate in physical activities throughout their lives. Specific areas of study include: Cardiovascular exercise and care, safe exercising, building muscle strength and endurance, injury prevention, fitness skills and FITT benchmarks, goal setting, nutrition and diet (vitamins and minerals, food labels, evaluation product claims), and stress management. The course requires routine participation in adult-supervised physical activities. Successful completion of this course will require parent/legal guardian sign-off on student-selected physical activities and on weekly participation reports to verify the student is meeting his or her requirements and responsibilities.

 

P430 PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2

BSD Course Code: P430
Apex Course Name: HOPE Health Opportunities Through PE
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Health
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Health Opportunities through Physical Education (HOPE) combines instruction in health and physical education in a full-year, integrated course. It focuses on developing skills, habits and attitudes to maintain a healthy lifestyle and applying lessons learned to physical fitness. Through active participation and real-world simulations, the course aims to demonstrate firsthand the value of conscientious lifestyle management.
 

F211/212 ART 1 AND ART 2

BSD Course Code: F211 and F212
Apex Course Name: N/A
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Fine Arts
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Visual Arts—Drawing/Painting courses focus on the inter-relationships that occur between drawing and painting using a variety of media and techniques, emphasizing observation and interpretation of the visual environment. These courses typically include applying the elements of art and principles of design, along with a study of art and artists from a worldwide perspective, and instruction in the critique process. Advanced courses may encourage students to refine their creative process and develop their own artistic styles following and breaking from traditional conventions.
 

PHOTOGRAPHY 1/2/3/4

BSD Course Code: F410/F420/F430/F440
Apex Course Name: N/A
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Fine Arts
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Photography courses provide students with an understanding of photographic media, techniques, and processes. These courses focus on development of photographic compositions through manipulation of the fundamental processes of artistic expression. Students may learn to make meaningful visual statements with an emphasis on personal creative expression to communicate ideas, feelings, or values. Photography courses may also include the history of photography, historic movements, image manipulation, critical analysis, and some creative special effects. Students engage in critiques of their photographic images, the works of other students, and those by professional photographers for the purpose of reflecting on and refining work.

 

F271/272 COMPUTER GRAPHICS 1 AND COMPUTER GRAPHICS 2

BSD Course Code: F271 and F272
Apex Course Name: N/A
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Fine Arts
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Formerly known as Graphic Design, Computer Graphics courses emphasize applying fundamental processes of artistic expression through the exploration of the purposeful arrangement of images, symbols, and text to communicate a message. These courses may include investigations of how technology influences the creation of graphic and digital designs and study historical and contemporary visual communications design. These courses also provide instruction in the process of responding to their own art and that of others including master designers through analysis, critique, and interpretation for the purpose of reflecting on and refining work.

 

A445 GAME DESIGN

BSD Course Code: F271 and F272
FLVS Course Name: Computer Game Design
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Fine Arts
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

These courses examine particular topics in computer programming other than those already described elsewhere in this classification system.
 

A400 EXPLORING TECHNOLOGY 

BSD Course Code: A400
Duration: Semester
Credit: 0.5 Applied Arts
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Exploring Technology offers a broad exploration of the use of computers in a variety of fields. These courses have a considerable range of content, but typically include the introduction of robotics and control systems, computer-assisted design, computer-aided manufacturing systems, and other computer technologies as they relate to industry applications.
 

 

L507 MEDIA AS LITERATURE

BSD Course Code: L507
Apex Course Name: Media As Literacy
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Language Arts
Grades: 11,12

Media Literacy teaches students how to build the critical thinking, writing, and reading skills required in a media-rich and increasingly techno-centric world. A major topic in Media Literacy is non-traditional media reading skills, including how to approach, analyze, and respond to advertisements, blogs, websites, social media, news media, and wikis. Students also engage in a variety of writing activities in non-traditional media genres, such as blogging and podcast scripting. Students consider their own positions as consumers of media and explore ways to use non-traditional media to become more active and thoughtful citizens. Students learn how to ask critical questions about the intended audience and underlying purpose of media messages, and study factors which can contribute to bias and affect credibility. 

 

L207 WRITING WORKSHOP

BSD Course Code: L207
Apex Course Name: Writing Skills and Strategies
Duration: Year        
Credit: 1.0 Language Arts
Grades: 9, 10, 11,12

Writing Skills and Strategies develops key language arts skills necessary for high school graduation and success on high stakes exams through a semester of interactive instruction and guided practice in composition fundamentals. The course is divided into ten mini-units of study. The first two are designed to build early success and confidence, orienting students to the writing process and to sentence and paragraph essentials through a series of low-stress, high-interest hook activities. In subsequent units, students review, practice, compose and submit one piece of writing. Four key learning strands are integrated throughout: composition practice, grammar skill building, diction and style awareness, and media and technology exploration. Guided studies emphasize the structure of essential forms of writing encountered in school, in life, and in the workplace. Practice in these forms is scaffolded to accommodate learners at different skill levels.

 

L401X CREATIVE WRITING

BSD Course Code: L401X
Apex Course Name: Creative Writing
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Language Arts
Grades: 10,11,12

Creative Writing is an English elective course that focuses on the exploration of short fiction and poetry, culminating in a written portfolio that includes one revised short story and three to five polished poems. Students draft, revise, and polish fiction and poetry through writing exercises, developing familiarity with literary terms and facility with the writing process as they study elements of creative writing. Elements of fiction writing explored in this course include attention to specific detail, observation, character development, setting, plot, and point of view. In the poetry units, students learn about the use of sensory details and imagery, figurative language, and sound devices including rhyme, rhythm and alliteration. They also explore poetic forms ranging from found poems and slam poetry to traditional sonnets and villanelles.

In addition to applying literary craft elements in guided creative writing exercises, students engage in critical reading activities designed to emphasize the writing craft of a diverse group of authors. Students study short stories by authors such as Bharati Mukherjee and Edgar Allan Poe, learning how to create believable characters and develop setting and plot. Likewise, students read poetry by canonical greats such as W. B. Yeats and Emily Dickinson as well as contemporary writers such as Pablo Neruda, Sherman Alexie, and Alice Notley. Studying the writing technique of a range of authors provides students with models and inspiration as they develop their own voices and refine their understanding of the literary craft. By taking a Creative Writing course, students find new approaches to reading and writing that can affect them on a personal level, as the skills they gain in each lesson directly benefit their own creative goals. Students who are already actively engaged writers and readers learn additional tools and insight into the craft of writing to help them further hone their skills and encourage their creative as well as academic growth.

 

B725 PERSONAL FINANCE 

BSD Course Code: B725
Apex Course Name: Financial Literacy
Duration: Semester        
Credit: 0.5 Business
Grades: 11, 12

In Personal Finance, students study financial management and its application to family and personal resources. Personal spending, saving, and investing are discussed along with an overview of basic economics, banking, employment, and capital management. Students explore such topics as rational spending, budget management, borrowing, insurance policies, the electronic economy, and overall risk management.