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Grade 9

HIGH SCHOOL COURSE CATALOG

2016-2017

2016-2017

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DORAL ACADEMY of NEVADA

MISSION STATEMENT

Doral Academy of Nevada is dedicated to providing

an enhanced educational experience. We will

develop outstanding student achievement with

focus on each child being well-rounded in all parts

of their education. Students will be prepared in an

academically challenging and personally meaningful

learning environment with an emphasis on arts

integration. A collaborative effort including all

students, teachers, parents, and staff will be

devoted to establishing, achieving, and celebrating

individual goals for each child at Doral Academy.

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Doral Academy of Nevada School Vision Statement

The educational outcome from Doral Academy of Nevada will

create students who think critically and analytically, are

confident decision makers, utilize problem solving skills, work

collaboratively, and are imaginative and creative thinkers. We

are committed to equipping students with the skills and personal

growth necessary to be successful scholars throughout life.

Doral Guiding Principles ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

INTELLECTUAL COMMUNITY

APPRECIATION OF THE ARTS COLLABORATION

ENGAGEMENT CREATIVE EXPRESSION

INSPIRATION

2016-2017 DORAL ACADEMY of

NEVADA

COURSE OF STUDY

Course Selection Information

COURSE LOADS for students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade must be seven classes. Seniors who are on track to graduate and not credit deficient can apply for a reduced class load

(shortened day) during the course selection process. That means those students would be enrolled

in a minimum of five classes per semester. All applications must be approved by a counselor and

a school administrator. Reduced class loads may not be approved after the school year begins.

Any credit deficient twelfth-grade student must maintain enrollment in seven classes the entire

school year. The student on a reduced class load schedule who loiters on campus will be enrolled

in a course. All class schedules must be continuous beginning with the student’s first period.

REQUIREMENTS are listed in the course catalog at the end of each course description to help the student and parent/guardian make the best educational decisions possible. Please read the “requirements” carefully. It lists all applicable fees, grades, and/or teacher recommendations required to enroll in the course. The student must have completed all requirements in order to enroll in a course.

COURSE FEES cover the actual cost of projects or other course specific items. Please be

aware that certain classes require a course fee.

HONORS AND AP CLASSES are great ways to challenge and prepare students for

college. The advantages of taking honors courses are:

Most competitive colleges and universities consider not only students’ grades, but also

their academic background evidenced by courses listed on the transcript, letters of

recommendation from teachers and counselors, and ACT or SAT scores.

Enrollment in honors courses will assist students in their preparation for college entrance

exams.

The GPA with bonus points is used when determining ranking in class.

o Honors level courses will receive .025 bonus points towards their GPA.

o Advanced Placement (AP) will receive .05 bonus points towards their GPA.

Students may take honors courses even if they have not chosen to complete the

requirements for the Advanced Honors Diploma.

A teacher recommendation is required for all honors and AP courses.

Course Sequencing ENGLISH9 10 11 12

English 9 English 10 English 11 English 12

English 9 Honors English 10 Honors English 11 Honors English 12 Honors

English 10 Honors

(Pre-AP)

AP English Language

and Composition

AP English Literature

and Composition

MATHEMATICS

Science

Social Studies

9 10 11 12

Algebra I Geometry Geometry Algebra II

Algebra I Accelerated Geometry Honors Geometry Honors Algebra II Honors

Geometry Algebra II Algebra II Pre-Calculus Honors

Geometry Honors Algebra II Honors Algebra II Honors AP Calculus AB

Pre-Calculus Honors Statistics

Math of Personal

Finance

9 10 11 12

Biology Chemistry Chemistry Physics

Biology Honors Chemistry Honors Physics Physics Honors

Geoscience Physics Honors Anatomy &

Physiology

Anatomy &

Physiology

AP Biology

9 10 11 12

World History U.S. History U.S. Government

AP World History U.S. History Honors AP U.S. Government

AP U.S. History

Diploma TypesSTANDARD DIPLOMA

The following subjects are needed to meet graduation requirements:

STANDARD DIPLOMA

REQUIRED/ELECTIVE AREAS OF STUDY UNITS

ENGLISH 4

*MATHEMATICS 4

SCIENCE 4

SOCIAL STUDIES 4

**PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2

HEALTH ½

***USE OF COMPUTERS ½

ELECTIVES 3 1/2

TOTAL 22½****

*Mathematics course units must include at least Algebra I or above.

**A maximum of ONE credit for Physical Education II will be granted if a student participates outside of the school day

in interscholastic athletics or on a drill team, marching band, dance group, or cheerleading squad.

***Satisfactory completion of a semester computer literacy course offered in grades 6, 7, or 8 will meet the requirement

for the use of computers.

****Students must have also earned 100 hours of Community Service by the end of the first semester of their senior year.

ADVANCED DIPLOMA

The following subjects are needed to meet the Advanced Diploma requirements:

ADVANCED DIPLOMA

REQUIRED/ELECTIVE AREAS OF STUDY UNITS

ENGLISH 4

*MATHEMATICS 4

SCIENCE 4

SOCIAL STUDIES 4

**PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2

HEALTH ½

***USE OF COMPUTERS ½

ARTS / HUMANITIES or

CAREER AND TECH ED ELECTIVE 1

ELECTIVES 4

TOTAL (un-weighted GPA 3.25) 24****

*Mathematics course units must include at least Algebra I or Algebra I H or above.

**A maximum of ONE credit for Physical Education II will be granted if a student participates outside of the school day

in interscholastic athletics or on a drill team, marching band, dance group, or cheerleading squad.

***Satisfactory completion of a semester computer literacy course offered in grades 6, 7, or 8 will meet the requirement

for the use of computers.

****Students must have also earned 100 hours of Community Service by the end of the first semester of their senior year.

ADVANCED HONORS DIPLOMA

The following subjects are required to meet the Advanced Diploma requirements:

ADVANCED HONORS DIPLOMA

Required/Elective Areas of Study Advanced Diploma

Units

Honors Course Program

Units

ENGLISH 4 3

*MATHEMATICS 4 2

SCIENCE 4 2

SOCIAL STUDIES 4 2

**PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2

HEALTH ½

***USE OF COMPUTERS ½

ARTS / HUMANITIES or

CAREER AND TECH ED

ELECTIVE

1

ELECTIVES 4 3

TOTAL 24 **** 12

* Must include one Honors Foreign Language Course. First year foreign language classes

will not receive Honors credit. Student must achieve a minimum 3.25 un-weighted GPA.

Students will earn a weighted grade point factor for successful completion of Honor and Advanced Placement (AP)

courses will be added as follows:

Honors .025

Advanced Placement (AP) .050

*Mathematics course units must include at least Algebra I or Algebra I H or above.

**A maximum of ONE credit for Physical Education II will be granted if a student participates outside of the school day

in interscholastic athletics or on a drill team, marching band, dance group, or cheerleading squad.

***Satisfactory completion of a semester computer literacy course offered in grades 6, 7, or 8 will meet the requirement

for the use of computers.

****Students must have also earned 100 hours of Community Service by the end of the first semester of their senior year.

Graduation Requirements

EXAMS

o CLASS OF 2019 AND LATER

Pass four End of Course Exams and take the College and Career Readiness Assessment (ACT)

*Current 7th and 8th graders who are enrolled in Algebra I and/or Geometry may take the Math I and II End of

Course Exams.

VOLUNTEER HOURS

The completion of community service hours is a graduation requirement for all high school students. If students

plan early and follow through with their responsibilities, it will enhance their opportunities for a successful and

meaningful experience. Please be advised that no senior will participate in graduation activities without one

hundred percent completion of all graduation requirements. Below are more details.

o You need to accrue at least 100 hours prior to the end of first semester senior year.

o You can volunteer anywhere as long as you do not get paid and a family member is not your supervisor.

o Utilize this opportunity to explore interests, career fields, and potential college majors.

o The 100 hours can be split amongst several organizations.

Grade 9 ENGLISH 9 This one-year course provides instruction in the English Language Arts: reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language skills. Multiple learning styles are addressed as students build on their knowledge of literary elements in traditional literary genres. Students study the relationship between narrative voice and style, while also analyzing literary and stylistic elements in film and literature. Students continue to expand their writing skills through projects and essays with emphasis on argumentative and expository modes of writing. Students’ speaking, listening, and performance skills are enhanced with opportunities for both formal and informal presentations, and participation in class discussions and presentations. The study of academic vocabulary and root words are elemental to the curriculum. The appropriate use of technology and digital media is an integral part this course. This course fulfills one of the English credits required for high school graduation.

ENGLISH 9 HONORS This one-year course provides instruction in the English Language Arts, and is designated Honors by its depth of content and accelerated instructional pacing. Multiple learning styles are addressed as students build on their knowledge of literary elements in traditional literary genres. Students study the relationship between narrative voice and style, while also analyzing literary and stylistic elements in film and literature. Students continue to expand their writing skills through projects and essays with emphasis on argumentative and expository modes of writing. Students’ speaking, listening, and performance skills are enhanced with opportunities for both formal and informal presentations, and participation in class discussions and presentations. The study of academic vocabulary and root words are elemental to the curriculum. The appropriate use of

technology and digital media is an integral part this course. This course fulfills one of the English credits required for high school graduation.

Placement based on 8th grade teacher recommendation and test results.

ALGEBRA I

This one-year course provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills for further studies in mathematics. It is intended to increase mathematical fluency in problem solving, reasoning, modeling, and effective communication in the study of number, algebra, functions, and statistics. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The use of technology, including calculators and computer software, is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the Algebra I requirement and one of the mathematics credits required for high school graduation.

GEOMETRY This one-year course is a logical development of the inductive and deductive systems of reasoning. Emphasis is on developing visualization abilities, analytical skills, and logical reasoning. Continual development and review of algebraic skills are an integral part of this course. Various instructional techniques are utilized through activity-based methods. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The use of manipulatives, mathematical tools, and technology, including calculators and computer software, is an integral part of this course. This course will fulfill one of the mathematics credits required for high school graduation. Prerequisite: Algebra I

ALGEBRA II This one-year course in algebra continues and expands upon the concepts and procedures learned in Algebra I. It has the primary goal to develop competence in using variables and

DORAL ACADEMY of NEVADA GRADE 9

CORE COURSE DESCRIPTION

functions to model numerical patterns and quantitative relations. Emphasis is on the study of polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrix arithmetic, and sequences and series. Connections to other areas of mathematics and applications to other disciplines are integrated into the course. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The use of technology, including graphing calculators and computer software, is an integral part of this course. This course will fulfill one of the mathematics credits required for high school graduation. Prerequisite: Geometry

BIOLOGY Biology students will learn about how biological molecules affect cells in the human body. They will learn about inheritance and variation of traits during the genetics unit. They will learn about interdependent relationships in ecosystems, natural selection, and evolution in the ecosystem unit. $35.00 lab fee required.

BIOLOGY HONORS In Biology Honors students will learn the same topics covered in regular Biology, however it will be on a deeper level at the same pacing as regular biology and there will be times when students have to turn in written reports and/or presentations on specific topics. $35.00 lab fee required. Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

SPANISH I This one-year course is designed to facilitate a student’s acquisition of the target language at the novice to high level as identified in the foreign language proficiency guidelines established by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The focus is communication in the target language incorporating an understanding of the target cultures, connecting with other disciplines, comparing native language to the target language, and participating in multicultural communities. The course provides practice in correct use of basic vocabulary and language structures to enable students to function

effectively within realistic settings. ACTFL recommends that at least 90% of the instructional time in class be conducted in the target language. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills one of the elective credits required for high school graduation.

STEAM LAB In this year-long course, students will integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math as they explore the world around them, create innovative solutions to problems, and communicate their results while learning Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. $30.00 lab fee required.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION This one-year course, required in the ninth-grade, focuses on the physical, mental, social, and emotional development of the individual in cooperative and competitive settings. The student is provided with experiences in psychomotor skills, movement, and lifetime health-related fitness knowledge, skills, and values. The goals of this course are accomplished through participation in movement experiences and application of movement principles found in team sports, individual/dual sports, fitness and wellness activities, dance/rhythms, and lifetime recreational activities. Rules, strategies, and safety are emphasized in relation to active participation and development of knowledgeable spectators. Self-esteem is incorporated into all areas of the curriculum as is the exploration of career opportunities in related fields. The student is required to purchase a uniform and to dress out each day. Course/uniform fees must be paid in cash or by a money order. This course is required for graduation.

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ELECTIVES 2016 - 2017

BEGINNING BAND This one-year course is designed for students who desire to develop the ability to play a wind or percussion instrument. The course involves applying basic fundamentals of music reading to a particular technique of the instrument being studied. Students will need to provide their own instrument. $30.00 fee required for music books.

ADVANCED BAND This one-year course is designed for students who have achieved beyond the beginning band level. It includes guidance and direction in solving psychomotor problems relating to instruments and the techniques for producing and evaluating pitch, tone, rhythmic patterns, and dynamic levels within a variety of musical styles. The importance of sustained effort and practice is stressed for technical proficiency. Students will need to provide their own instrument. $30.00 fee for all band students to purchase music books and materials.

BEGINNING CHOIR This one-year course is designed as a study in vocal production of music fundamentals with opportunities to sing a variety of choral literature. Emphasis will be placed on healthy singing and providing each student with an array of performance experiences. $30.00 fee required for music books.

ADVANCED CHOIR

This one-year course is designed as a study in vocal production of music fundamentals with opportunities to sing a variety of choral literature. Emphasis will be placed on healthy singing and providing each student with an array of performance experiences. $30.00 fee required for music books.

BEGINNING ORCHESTRA This one-year course is designed for the student who is interested in learning to play a string instrument. It includes the development of skills necessary to become independent as a musician. This course emphasizes the place of string music in the Western musical heritage. It concentrates on the development of note-reading skills, aural skills, rhythmic patterns, intonation, and tonality inherent to Western string music. The importance of sustained group and individual effort is stressed. A progression of fundamental and technical proficiency is expected. Emphasis will be placed on having a variety of performing experiences. Students will need to provide their own instrument. $30.00 fee required for music books.

ADVANCED ORCHESTRA This one-year course is designed for the student who has developed skills beyond those outlined in the Beginning Strings Orchestra Procedural Guide. It includes further development of those skills necessary to be- come independent as a musician. This course emphasizes the place of string music in the Western musical heritage. It concentrates on the development of style, articulation, dynamics, rhythmic ability, and tone inherent to string music performance. The importance of sustained group and individual effort is stressed. A progression of technical proficiency is expected. Emphasis will be placed on having a variety of performing experiences. Students will need to provide their own instrument. $30.00 fee required for music books.

ART This one-year course develops basic knowledge and skills in visual art techniques through the introduction of a variety of media and subject matter. Various styles and artists are considered within their historical context. Problem solving, creativity and originality will be developed through planning, art making and reflection. Students will learn principles and practices of aesthetics and critique. Through discussion and production, connections will be made between visual art and disciplines outside of the arts. Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness

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including appreciation for all cultures and their important contribution to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. $30.00 fee required for materials.

INTERMEDIATE ART This advanced course will expand and refine the skills acquired in the first year introductory art class relating to art appreciation, the elements and principles of design, utilization of different art media and production of artwork. Students will be encouraged and expected to develop avenues to express their artistic ideas through in-depth study that stresses understanding, creating, and responding to art experiences. Students will begin to focus on personal preference for art expression through specifically chosen mediums. $30.00 fee required for materials.

THEATRE This one-year course introduces the beginning student to acting. It is designed to develop concentration, characterization, physical agility, and creativity through the use of improvisation, pantomime, monologues, and scene work. Students will cultivate their skills in acting as they produce and participate in skits and plays and will develop an appreciation for theatre as they study its history and attend live performances.

$30.00 fee required for materials.

ADVANCED THEATRE This one-year course is designed for students who have successfully completed the THEATRE class or experienced in-depth school-related performance or community theatre exposure. Students will improve and demonstrate acting skills through reading, writing interpreting, rehearsing, and performing. Development and refinement of acting skills will be enhanced through continued work in body movement, vocal techniques, characters, script performance and analysis. Group interaction will be emphasized to provide cooperation and appreciation for individual differences. Continuous emphasis will be placed on awareness and creative self-expression in order to increase knowledge of the theatre arts concept

and encourage social adjustment. Participation in theatre production will be required. $30 fee required for materials.

GUITAR

This one-year course focuses on group instruction in fundamentals of guitar, music and musicianship. This includes basic techniques for classical guitar including correct posture, left and right hand position, and sight-reading. Other skills include music notation, terminology, scales, key signatures and time signatures, basic guitar chords, rhythms and fingering techniques.

This course also includes rehearsal and performance of guitar ensemble literature. Students in this class will present public concerts that may include concerts with guest artists. Students will utilize a classical guitar in class and at concerts and performances and are required to supply their own guitar. $30.00 fee required for materials.

ADVANCED GUITAR This course will expand upon topics introduced in Guitar. It is intended for the advancing guitarist who is seeking increased performance opportunities and a greater understanding of music. Students will perform intermediate to advanced solo and ensemble music in a variety of styles. They will also analyze the works of accomplished composers and guitarists, with the goal of developing a musically discerning ear. Advanced Guitar may be taken several times and is designed to accommodate multiple levels at the same time. Advanced Guitar is primarily geared toward the student whose main instrument is the guitar and who wants to gain a higher playing proficiency. The ultimate goal of the course will be in preparing solo and ensemble works to be performed both inside and outside school. The repertoire will be drawn from a variety of styles including classical, jazz, popular and world music. Throughout this process, students will learn how music is connected to history and culture and how developing a means of self-expression helps learning in other disciplines. Developing musical ability can promote a feeling of positive self-worth as well as the desire to learn.

Students must have taken and passed Guitar or

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demonstrate proficiency in the following areas as a pre-requisite for taking Advanced Guitar: A minimum of 7 major and minor chords (including 2-octave scales), the principal chords in the Keys of D, G, A, E, C, Am and Em, the basic moveable major, minor and dominant seventh chords (bar chords), the notes in 1st and 5th position, basic right-hand finger style (free-stroke, rest stroke) and pick style techniques, the symbols of music and music fundamentals and familiarity with the minor pentatonic/blues scale for improvisation. Students will utilize a classical guitar in class and at concerts and performances and are required to supply their own guitar. $30.00 fee required for materials.

MEDIA ARTS

This one-year middle school course is designated to introduce students to the use of technology as a creative tool. Students will gain a working knowledge of computers as well as acquire a basic knowledge of graphic design to create attractive designs and layouts, multimedia presentations and computerized publications. Students will be introduced to graphics, audio, video, multimedia and desktop publishing software. $30.00 fee required for materials.

MEDIA PRODUCTION

This is a one-year advanced middle school class incorporating digital art into multimedia projects and presentations. Students will use a variety of graphic art techniques to produce projects combining sound, music, video, and art. The course will provide a culminating experience for students who have been through the Intro to Media Technology curriculum, or who have excelled in their computer classes. Students will also get practical experience preparing materials for the school such as news broadcasts, public service announcements, event recap/coverage, etc. $30.00 fee required for materials.

OFFICE/STUDENT AIDE

Students are selected to work in offices or designated classrooms. Staff may require office/classroom aides to be responsible for filing, answering phones, and running office/classroom

errands on property. Students must have good attendance and no “N’s” in citizenship.