MATHEMATICS
Algebra
I
(math track) - one credit
This course is designed
for students to continue on to geometry and advanced algebra.
This course is required for students to graduate with an advanced or
distinguished diploma. All freshmen
are required to take this course unless their parent(s) meet with the
administration and sign a waiver which will put the student on a track for the
standard diploma. Students are
encouraged to take this course if they are able to do so successfully.
This course studies the
solution of equations and inequalities, factoring, and performance of four basic
operations with algebraic expressions.
Algebra
I
(non-math track) - one credit
This course is designed
for students who, because of ability, are unable to take Algebra 1.5 above.
Students will only be allowed to take this class if a parent visits with
the administration and sign a waiver placing the student on a standard diploma
pathway. This class will satisfy the
Algebra I requirement, but will not prepare a student for geometry or advanced
algebra.
This course will study the
basics of algebra as described above but will do so at a pace suited for each
individual student.
Geometry
-one credit
A course studying set
theory, inductive and deductive reasoning, ratio and proportion, congruent and
similar figures, proof and algebraic application of geometric figures.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1.5.
Business
Math
(non-math track) -one credit
A course reviewing the
fundamental operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
through practice with computations involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals
and percents. This course also
relates a student’s computational skills to typical business problems
involving interest, discount, payroll, depreciation, retail selling, and
checking accounts. It will develop a
student’s ability to use shortcut methods and to work with speed and accuracy.
The course will develop a student’s familiarity with the latest tools
for computing in business.
Advanced
II
-one credit
A course studying set
theory, solving equations and inequalities, graphing, radicals, relations,
functions, systems of equations, logarithms, complex numbers and matrices and
determinates.
Prerequisites:
Algebra 1.5 and geometry or special permission from the instructor.
Junior
Math (Algebra 1.5 & Intro to Geometry)
(non-math track) -one credit
A course designed to
continue the study of algebra and include an introduction to geometry and
probability. It is designed for
students who are unable to successfully complete the plane geometry or the math
track Al;gebra I course. It’s
primary purpose is to meet the graduation requirement credit as well as
preparing the student for technical institution entrance exams and further study
in such programs as well as preparing them for the ACT and Dakota STEP tests.
The pace and content of this course will be based upon the abilities of
the students.
Senior
Math (Trigonometry & Pre-Calculus) -one credit
A course involving the
study of logic, fields, proof, vector analysis, probability, trigonometry,
sequences and series, limit theory, and analytic geometry.
Prerequisites: Plane Geometry
and Advanced Algebra.
SCIENCES
Physical
Science
– one credit
This is a general survey
course in the physical sciences that is required for all freshmen.
It introduces each student to the basics of chemistry and physics.
Fundamental topics include the study of matter and energy, chemical
reactions, nuclear power, and environmental concerns.
Biology
– one credit
The study of biology is
the branch of science dealing with living things.
This course teaches the student the inter-relationships between the
simplest one-celled animal and advancing up the ladder of animal complexity to
the ultimate organism,
Biology
– Advanced Studies – one credit
Advanced Biology enriches
on the foundation built by Biology I, studying the six kingdoms of life,
including human anatomy and physiology. Dissection
laboratories will be a necessary aspect of the course.
Biology I is a prerequisite.
Chemistry
(NSU College Prep) – one credit
This class is a survey of
basic topics in chemistry, including models of the atom, the periodic table of
the elements, chemical formulas and reactions, and the behavior of states of
matter. The class will cover basic
chemistry in depth and continue with advanced topics such as biochemistry,
organic chemistry, electro-chemistry, and qualitative analysis.
This course is being offered via distance education from
Physics
(NSU College Prep)– one credit
Physics is a natural
science dealing with matter and energy. Areas
of study include mechanics, motion, heat, light, and electricity.
The majority of the class is dedicated to developing a strong foundation
in the study of motion. It is this
foundation along with the mathematics, experimental technique, and the physical
thinking that prepares the students for college level physics as well as other
college science classes. The
remainder of the class is a survey of thermodynamics, light and optics, special
relativity, quantum physics, and particle physics.
This course is being offered via distance education from
COMPUTER
STUDIES
Computer
Science
– ˝ credit
This course will teach
computer literacy. Coursework is
entirely hands-on, and will cover such topics as word processing, spreadsheets,
graphics, desktop publishing, and basic Web Page creation.
Advanced
Computer Applications – ˝ credit
This class is a
continuation of the introductory semester course on Computer Science and is open
to Juniors and Seniors who have successfully completed Computer Science.
Coursework will begin with a review of topics covered in Computer Science, and
continue on to advanced features of Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Graphics,
Desktop Publishing, and Web Page creation. Students will develop the ability to
effectively use computers, analyze problems to design and evaluate solutions
using problem-solving procedures with and without computers.
Advanced
Computer – Multi-Media Design ( – ˝ credit
This class is a
continuation of the semester course in Advanced Computer. Coursework will
include project based explorations into advanced spreadsheet applications,
advanced web Page design, HTML, advanced problem-solving strategies.
Computer
Aided Drafting
(see
technology education section)
Advanced
Keyboarding
(see business section)
ENGLISH
English
I
– one credit
English/Literature
(I) 1st sem – English/Composition (1) 2nd sem.
The first semester focuses
on grammar to provide a base for later composition.
The remainder of the course includes composition (expository and
creative) which will correspond with the study of literature.
Literature units include short stories, biographies, essays, poetry,
drama, Greek mythology, and the novel.
English
II
– one credit
English.Composition
(II) 1st sem – Speech (1) 2nd sem.
The study of grammar
includes the eight parts of speech, verbals, subject-verb agreement, phrases and
clauses, tense and dangling modifiers. The
study of speech includes basic speech principles, organization of speeches and
correct presentation and analysis. The
student is expected to present a minimum of seven speeches ranging from
English
American
Literature 1st sem – English/Composition (III) 2nd sem.
Students will focus on
American literature from the time of the first colonization of America up to the
present. The forms of literature
that will be studied include the short story, nonfiction, essays, biography,
autobiography, novels, poetry, and drama. Expository
and creative writing will correspond to the literature.
During the second semester students will be required to organize and
write various types of paragraphs and compositions.
A research paper will be completed during this semester.
English
IV
– one credit
British
Literature 1st sem – English/Composition (IV) 2nd sem.
Emphasis in this course
will be on understanding the written word and learning to express one’s self
in an appropriate manner through writing. The
first unit will focus on journalistic writing.
The class will publish a newspaper on a monthly basis.
English literature with examples from Anglo-Saxon writing to the modern
period, including the novel, will be taught and Shakespeare’s dramas will be
emphasized. Expository essays and
creative writing will correspond mostly to the literature.
A study of grammar and a research paper will be included in this course.
Business
English
– one credit
Literature
1st sem – Research/Technical Writing 2nd sem.
This course will teach
various types of life skills in writing such as letters (business and personal),
forms, and resumes. Grammar and
usage skills will be developed. The
students will be required to complete a research paper.
Selected novels will be read throughout the year.
Short works of literature from authors around the world may be included.
SOCIAL
SCIENCE
World
Geography
– ˝ credit
The study of the
geographical earth. To survive, man
has had to make use of what is found provided by nature in the forms of rivers,
soils, forests, animals, minerals in the ground, varieties of climate and
amounts of rainfall. This course
will concentrate on these geographical features of the Earth in explaining why
people act as they do today as well as they did the past.
World
History – Overview – ˝ credit
World history is the study
of the development of human cultures that illustrates the wide differences and
similarities of the world’s cultures. Beginning
with the ancient
U.S.
History - Comprehensive – one credit
This course traces the
events of development, expansions, and modern importance of the
U.S.
Government - Comprehensive – one credit
A course in which the
fundamental principals of the American political and legal system are discussed.
Major issues covered include:
·
Constitutional
principles and historical background to the U.S. Constitution
·
Civil
Rights and criminal justice system
·
Separation
of powers and the three branches of government
·
State
and local government institutions
·
Political
campaigning, nominations, elections, and pressure groups
Contemporary
U.S. Issues
– one credit
A course designed to study
the past, present, and future in local state, national, and international
events. Current periodicals,
newspapers, and the internet will be used as resources.
Psychology
– ˝ credit
This course studies the
behaviors of individuals and the development of individual personality.
Issues discussed include learning and education, development, child
psychology, romance, individual behavior (normal and abnormal), and attitude and
value formation.
TECHNOLOGY
EDUCATION
Shop
I –
one credit (approved CTE)
CTE
Introduction to Architecture and Construction
Technical Drafting is
essential for students interested in becoming an architect, mechanical engineer
or engineer. Any student wanting to attend vocational school for drafting or a
related trade such as carpentry will also find this class beneficial. This class
is great for those interested in design and problem solving, and provides basic
technical drafting instruction. The beginning woodworking course is exploratory
in nature. The course provides an introduction to the basic properties of woods,
fundamental operations of hand tools and machines, safety, design, basic
construction principles, finishing techniques and problem solving. The student
will construct an appropriate project or projects to carry out the objectives of
the course.
Shop II –
one credit (approved CTE credit)
CTE Computer Assisted Drafting 1st
sem – CTE Cabinetry 2nd sem.
Computer
Aided Drafting/Design is essential for students interested in becoming an
architect, mechanical engineer or engineer. Any student wanting to attend
vocational school for drafting or a related trade such as carpentry will also
find this class beneficial. This class is great for those interested in design
and problem solving, and provides basic working familiarity with CAD.
Cabinetmaking provides for advanced study in the properties and nature of woods,
hand tool skills, machines, safety, design and construction principles, and
finishing. Additional activities will include: veneering, plastic laminates,
wood laminates, bending woods, pattern making, and cabinet making.
(Prerequisite CAD Drafting/Woods
I)
Shop
ATV/Small Engine Mechanics 1st
sem – Welding Technology 2nd sem.
This
course will explain simple one-cylinder engines such as the type commonly found
on lawn mowers. The students will disassemble, inspect, repair, and reassemble
an engine of their own. There will
be a short unit on the basics of welding and career choices. The students will
be mixing their knowledge of small engines and welding to create a mini bike.
Automotive technology will cover basic vehicle systems and maintenance,
and electrical systems including general electrical, battery, starting, charging
and lighting. Students will be
allowed but not required to work on their vehicles.
Shop IV –one
credit (approved CTE credit)
CTE Architectural Drafting 1st
sem – CTE Intro to Building Trades 2nd sem.
This
course is designed to give each student a variety of hands-on experiences in
construction- related areas. The student will become involved with site layout
(use of transit & level), materials estimating and ordering, design,
plumbing, electrical and framing. Upon completion of the course, a student
should have a broad understanding of construction techniques and apply them as a
future homeowner and consumer. This course also has application for the student
who is interested in exploring a career in construction. Completion of
Woodworking Technology I class would be helpful to the student, but not
required. (Prerequisite CAD Drafting/Woods I)
Shop V
–one
credit
Engineering Design & Development
This
course is for students to show off all the skills they have developed in
previous technology education classes. They
will be required to come up with a problem, design a solution, build a prototype
and market the final product. This
can be taken more than one time as long as the student has taken CAD
Drafting/Woods I.
BUSINESS
Introduction
to Business
– one credit
This course is designed to
help prepare students for many of the basic problems they may face every day
throughout their life. The first
quarter will cover knowledge about the American business system as a part of our
total economic society. The second
quarter will inform the students of the world of work and develop a concern for
career opportunities, career preparation and job success.
During the third quarter they will learn about the
Accounting
I
– one credit
This is a comprehensive
course which covers accounting for a variety of businesses.
Accounting will be learned for sole-proprietorship service business’s
as well as partnership and corporate accounting fo merchandising businesses.
The student is taught how to record many types of business transactions
and how to make monthly and yearly statements.
Practice sets will enable the student to see and do the actual
transactions as they would be done in a business.
Other objectives of the course are to develop traits of neatness,
accuracy, and patience and to learn to make associations and form conclusions.
Accounting
II
– one credit
This course covers
accounting for partnerships, corporations, and reviews small business
accounting. The student is exposed
to specialized accounting methods and cost accounting.
Practice sets will enable the student to see and do the actual
transactions as they would be done in the business world.
Ths course is recommended for those students who plan to enter the
business field. Prerequisite: Accounting I
Word
Processing
– one credit
This course is a
continuation of what was taught in 8th grade keyboarding.
This course is designed to build greater speed and accuracy and also
acquiring improved knowledge in performing office typing jobs.
Computer hardware and word processing software will be used.
The student will learn to handle variations in office procedures and to
follow a tested plan for developing real production typing proficiency.
The goal will to become proficient for personal keyboarding use and in
office procedures.
Personal
Finance
-1/2 credit
This course is designed to
help the students make good financial decisions – now and in the future.
Part I, Understanding Income, will be the study of how career choices
affect future income. Students will
learn about options for continuing their education and how to pay for education
as well as topics related to work such as benefits and taxes.
In Part 2, Money Management, students will learn how to manage money,
develop a financial plan, and about insurance.
Part 3, Spending and Credit, focuses on buying wisely.
Students will study sources and costs of using credit and credit
pitfalls. Part 4 will cover Saving
and Investing.
FOREIGN
LANGUAGE
Spanish
I
– one credit
This course will help
students gain an awareness of the culture and language of Spanish speaking
countries. Students will experience
listening, speaking, reading, and writing the Spanish language.
Some areas of the language the students will be introduced to and will be
able to talk about are: friendly
greetings, the weather, the days of the week and month of the year, their family
and friends, sports and leisure, pastimes, animals, telling time, etc.
Students will use a variety of learning tools in addition to their
textbooks. With the exposure to a
foreign language, students will better understand their own language and begin
to bridge the gap of international communication and understanding.
This course may be delivered through the
Spanish
II –
one credit
This course is a
continuation and extension of Spanish I. The
four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish will be
refined. Emphasis will be placed on
expanding the student’s ability to communicate in past and future time.
Spanish composition and literature may also be presented.
This course may be delivered through the
FINE
ARTS
Band
and/or Vocal Music –
˝ credit each per year
Music extra-curricular
activities include marching band, concert band, jazz band, men’s chorus,
women’s chorus, swing choir, and concert choir.
Auditions for concert band and concert choir will be required for
entrance into these select groups. To
receive a letter in music, the student must first earn the required honor points
and participate in contests.
AP
Class Options
Learning Power Advanced
Placement courses are challenging, so a solid academic background in the
identified content area is essential. Students
must not only have strengths in the academic areas, but must be self motivating,
organized, and serious in their approach to the course.
Learning Power courses are taught by experienced South Dakota classroom
teachers with track records of impressive student proficiency on AP exams.
There may be additional
methods of delivering and receiving AP coursework.
Any student requesting AP coursework must clear it through the
administration and all registration for AP courses must
be completed by the principal. The
following AP courses are available through the SD Online AP program:
Calculus AB, English Literature & Composition, English Language and
Composition
Biology, Physics B, Statistics, Chemistry
Virtual
High School Options
The SD Virtual School
offers a variety of courses that students can take which are aligned to the
state’s content standards. Many of
these are online courses which the students can take on their own time.
All courses must be cleared through the administration.
Most courses do have a cost that must be paid by the student/parent.
An estimate is $225 per course.
Visit: www.sdvs.k12.sd.us/ for more information and/or see the principal.
Dual
Credit Options
Several colleges offer
coursework, much of it online, which can be taken for dual credit.
All courses must be cleared through the administration to ensure that
dual credit applies. Students
successfully completing the coursework will earn college/tech school credit as
well as high school graduation credit on their transcripts.
All costs relating to dual credit must be paid by the student/parent.
A typical 3 credit course will cost approximately $600.
Visit: college websites
and/or see the principal.