3D"Pencader

Course Offering= s

2008-2009<= /o:p>

Pencader Charter High School= NINTH GRADE &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; CREDITS

(Required Courses) = ; &n= bsp; = ; &n= bsp;

English &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; 1.0 &= nbsp; &nbs= p; =

Mathematics &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; 1.0

Science &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; 1.0

Social Studies = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; 1.0

Physical Education &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; = 0.5

Business Core &n= bsp; = ; &n= bsp; = ; 1.0

Health &= nbsp; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; 0.5

Foreign Language (suggested) = ; &n= bsp; 1.0

&nb= sp; = &nb= sp; Maximum Total &n= bsp; = ; = 7.0

TENTH GRADE &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; CREDITS

(Required Courses)

English &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; 1.0

Mathematics &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; 1.0

Science &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; 1.0

Social Studies = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; 1.0

Business – Level 2 &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; 1.0

Driver’s Education &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; .25

Physical Education &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; = 0.5

General Elective OR Foreign Language &nb= sp; 1.0 Must have one = credit in Computer Literacy

&= nbsp; &nbs= p; Maximum Total&n= bsp; = ; &n= bsp; 7.0

ELEVENTH GRADE = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; C= REDITS

(Required Courses)

English &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; 1.0

Mathematics &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; 1.0

Science &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; 1.0

Social Studies = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; 1.0

Business – Level 3 &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; 1.0

General Elective OR Foreign Language &nb= sp; 1.0

Other Elective = ; &n= bsp; = ; &n= bsp; 1.0 Must have one credit in Computer Literacy=

&= nbsp; &nbs= p; Maximum Total&n= bsp; = ; &n= bsp; 7.0

TWELFTH GRADE = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = CREDITS

(Required Courses)

English &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; 1.0

Math &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; 1.0

Business – Level 4 &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; 1.0

Senior Research Project &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; 0.5

General Electives &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; 4.0

&= nbsp; &nbs= p; Maximum Total&n= bsp; = ; &n= bsp; 7.0 (seniors must sign up for at least 7.0 credits, not

&nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; Counting the Senior Research Project)

Business Internships will be offered once a year in the spring to the Eleventh Grade= and twice a year (fall and spring) to the Twelfth Grade. Students who successfully complete= a Business Internship will be awarded 0.5 credits towards graduation.

Statement

PCHS is committed to providing students in grades 9-12 an innovative and challenging academic atmosphere. Our school curriculum is a unique combination of academia and character education, as = well as business and finance courses that will enable students to meet or exceed= the Delaware Performance Requirements for graduation. Upon graduation, students will be equipped with the skills needed for employment in the business and finance industry and/or to pursue studies at a post secondary level. Business courses will focus on cur= rent and accepted business practices and modalities and are designed to equip students with an awareness of the rapidly changing and increasingly interconnected world economy.

Goals and Objec= tives

The primary goal of PCHS is to deliver instruction to students that will enable them to be successful in the busin= ess and finance industry immediately following high school graduation and/or to prepare students seeking a post secondary education in business and finance. It is also our goal = to have students meet or exceed the performance standards set for the DSTP and= to be able to receive the highest diploma.

At Pencader Charter, we believe parental involvement is a cornerstone crucial to the success of the school. Parents are encouraged to visit the school and play an active part in their child’s education. A collaborative effort between stu= dents, parents, staff, and administration is imperative to empower our students to= be successful contributors in the business and finance world of today.

To achieve our goals, the staff of Pencader will:

· Provide differentiated instruction to meet the learning needs of all our students.<= o:p>

· Provide an integrated curriculum that supports the Delaware content standards.=

· Provide business and finance curriculum in alignment with the National Council on Economic Education and the NAF Academy of Finance.

· Provide students with an opportunity for internships in the business and finance industry.

· Provide a safe and orderly learning environment.

· Model such character traits as honesty, integrity, excellence, leadership, accountability, responsibility, appreciation of cultural diversity, and res= pect for self and others

Upon graduation, students will be able to:

· Communicate effectively in writing and orally.

· Solve problems using higher order thinking skills.

· Function effectively in a democratic society.

Advanced Placem= ent Courses

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are appro= ved by The College Board to allow students the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement. Ad= vanced Placement exams are national tests graded on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being= the highest possible grade. Many colleges and universities will allow student who have received a score of 3= or above to waive certain introductory courses and to apply those credits towa= rd their degrees. Students are encouraged to check with their choice of college for specific requirements. In order to enr= oll in an AP course at Pencader, the student must satisfy the prerequisites listed= in this Course Offerings booklet. The student must also obtain both a recommendation from his or her current teac= her in that discipline and the approval of the AP teacher. A minimum final grade of 85 is req= uired in the current course of the same discipline. Due to the rigor of the AP program, students may not register for more than three AP courses in one school year unless they obtain a waiver from the Dean of Instruction. All AP students are required to take the AP exam at the end of the year. Payment for the exam must be made = during the first six weeks of the course in order for the student to continue in t= he course. Refusal or non paymen= t will be cause for the student to be removed from the course.

Credits and Graduation Requirements

Credit will be issued upon successful completion of a course. Parti= al credit for partial completion will not be awarded. Freshman, sophomores, and juniors = must enroll in a minimum of 7 credits per year. Seniors must enroll in a min= imum of 5 credits not to include the Senior Research Project. Students not meeting course requirements = or making progress on the DSTP will not be promoted to the next grade.<= o:p>

Plan for Promotion and Retention<= /u>

A student must earn a minimum of six credits in order to be promoted to the n= ext grade level. To be considered= for graduation a student must complete a minimum of twenty-four credits in the following required areas:

&mid= dot; = Four English credits (Grades 9, 10, = 11, 12)

&mid= dot; = Three Math credits (4 beginning with class of 2011)

&mid= dot; = Three Science credits

&mid= dot; = Three Social Studies credits (must include US History)

&mid= dot; = One Physical Education credit

&mid= dot; = One-half credit in health=

&mid= dot; = Three and one-half credits in electi= ve courses

&mid= dot; = Three credits in a career pathway**<= o:p>

**PCHS requires three additional cre= dits in business and finance courses for a total of 6 (5 for the class of 2011 a= nd subsequent classes) credits in the career pathway.

Academic Eligib= ility for Sports

Students must maintain a 2.00 GPA to be eligible for sports. A student whose grade in a regular marking period does not meet the minimum standards shall be ineligible to participate in a sport for the next marking period. A student loses or gains eligibility with the issuing of the report card. A semester or final grade will determine eligibility over a marking period gr= ade. A student may earn credits in an acceptable summer program to regain eligibility from failing grades of the last report card. =

National Honor Society

&nbs= p; Membership is an honor bestowed upon a student. Selection for membership is by a Faculty Council and is based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Once selected, members have the responsibility to continue to demonstrate these qualities. Selection to NHS is a privilege, n= ot a right. Students shall have a minimum cumulative average 85%. Those students who are scholastically eligible shall be invited to complete and submit the Student Activity Information Form for further consideration for selection.

ENGLISH COURSE OFFERINGS

REQUIRED COURSES

9 English (1010) – 1 credit

This course provides the basics needed for clear and effective written and oral communications skills and is the foundation of the English program. The reading units will include poetry, novels, short stories, and drama. A variety of genres in writing and literature will be explored. Writing will include formats other= than essays such as letters, proposals, resumes, and memos. Text based writing and stand alone writing prompts will be used in preparation for the state assessments. Sentence structure, grammar, and vocabulary will be taught in the context of writing. Honors (1011)

10 English-American Literature (1020) - 1 credit

This course will introduce students to American literature including poetry, prose, and plays. Seeing historical a= nd thematic connections will be a part of the course along with added vocabula= ry and business writing techniques. Vocabulary and grammar skills will be focuse= d on within the context of reading. Students will write expressive, informative, argumentative, persuasive and literature-based essays in preparation for the state assessments.&nbs= p; Honors (1021)

11 English-British Literature= (1030) – 1 credit

This course will concentrate on writers a= nd literary movements in literature with emphasis on those from Bri= tain. A variety of reading materials from all ge= nres will be explored. All juniors are required to complete a research pa= per during the third quarter. Wri= ting will not be limited to the research paper.= Students will continue developi= ng writing skills in a variety of genres and will now include exploration of v= oice and literary devices.   Students will exhibit understanding of the writing process in preparation for the SAT and college writing.   Honors (1031)

12 English-World Literature (1040) - 1 credit

The senior course consists of World Literature and concentrates on writers of the world with the exception of American and British writers studied previously. New formats of writing include a c= ollege essay and college resume. Cre= ative writing and oral presentations are required. Students will read a wide variety = of novels with universal themes and philosophies. Honors (1041)

ELECTIVES

AP English Literature and Composition (1= 050) – 1.5 credit

This course will engage students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Students will carefully examine se= lected texts to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to pro= vide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone.   Prerequisites: Grade = of 85 or better in English 11, current teacher recommendation, and AP instructor approval; this course is taken in lieu of the required 12^th grade World Literature course; open to grade 12 only.

Business Communications (1110) - .5 credit

This semester long course will explore the basic knowledge and skills necessary for correct oral communication and wri= tten correspondence within the framework of the business environment.=

Drama (1111) - .5 credit

This semester long course will focus on developing/improving several dramatic, presentational, and communicative skills, while exploring an appreciation for the theatrical arts. Students will explore the history = of theatre, stagecraft, acting, and the business of theater.=

Shakespeare (11= 12) - .5 credit

        &= nbsp;   Although the specific focus of this class might cha= nge from one semester to the next, students will study selection of plays and poetry, and will examine Shakespeare's work= in terms of its historical context, its reception, its criticism, and its influence. A regular feature of this class is discussion of recent film adaptations of Shakespeare's plays.<= o:p>

MATH COURSE OFFERINGS

Integrated Mathematics

What is Integrated Mathematics? The difference between math the wa= y most adults learned it and Integrated Mathematics is the way courses are organized. Integrated Math te= aches the same mathematical topics that most adults experienced in high school but now presents the material as interwoven topics. Most adults studied high sc= hool mathematics in courses that featured a primary branch of mathematics each year--Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II. Many students struggled with this arrangement and stopped their mathematics study as soon as minimum school requirements were met. In an integrated mathematics curriculum, students st= udy algebra, geometry, statistics and mathematical modeling each school year. In addition, subject matter from reasoning, measurement, probability, discrete mathematics, and functions are interwoven throughout the three years. Students are encouraged, through integrated mathematics, to be a problem solver, to understand how the vario= us branches of mathematics are connected and how mathematics is connected to t= he real world.

Note: Eighth grade students with advanced mathematics preparation may be eligible by placement test to enter the curriculum at a point beyond Integrated Math I. Transfer students will be placed i= n the appropriate next level math course.

9 Math - Integrated Math I (2010)= – 1 credit

This course will allow students the chanc= e to use rules of change and a graphing calculator to plot charts and do detailed analysis for a variety of problems. Linear equations, functions, symmetry, surface area and volume will be examined in a variety of ways. Analyzing and displaying data will also be studied. Students will also examine chance and statistical probability. Honors (2011)=

10 Math - Integrated Math II (2020) - 1 credit

Topics of focus will include sampling and reasoning, models of variation, linear systems, quadratic, rational and polynomial functions, coordinate geometry, introduction to circular functio= ns, graphs of trigonometric functions, proof, and figures in space. Honors (2021) Prerequisite: Integrated Math I or by placement (graphing calculator required)

11 Math - Integrated Math III (2030) – 1 credit

Students must successfully complete the 9= ^th and 10^th grade course in order to be eligible to take Integrated Math III. This course continu= es the study of algebra and problem solving = and discrete models of change along with deductive and inductive reasoning techniques. Statistical learning continues with normal distribution and conditional probability along with methods of proof, sequences and series, = and the laws of sines and cosines.   Honors (2031) Prerequisite: Integrated Math II or by placement (graphing calculator required)

ELECTIVES

Senior Math (20= 40) – 1 cred= it

This full year course is offered only to seniors. One half year will f= ocus on trigonometry and one half of the year will focus on statistics. This course offered to seniors only. Prerequisite: Success= ful completion of Integrated Math I, II, and III.

Pre-Calculus (2060) – 1 credit

Pre-Calculus is a course designed to fill= the gap between Algebra and Calculus. In this course you will study polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and their graphs as well as limits= and an introduction to the wonderful world of calculus. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Integrate= d Math I, II, and III OR teacher recommendation.

Business Calculus (2061) – 1 credit

This course is intended for students preparing for a career in business, economics, and the life, social or environmental sciences. Topics included are functions, graphs, and limits; differentiation; applications of the derivative; exponential and logarithmic functions; and integration.

AP Statistics (2050) – 1.5 cr= edit

AP Statistics will be an activity-based course to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and techniques employed when working with data. The course exposes students to four broad = conceptual themes: exploratory analysis, planning a study, modeling using probability/simulation, and testing hypotheses using statistical inference. Technology plays a= major role in the course. Students = will use the internet as part of the statistical research process. The TI-83+ graphing calculator will be used for modeling and analyzing data sets. Prerequisites: Grade of 85 or better in current m= ath course,, current teacher recommendation, and AP instructor approval; open to grade 11-12 only. TI-83+ grap= hing calculator required.

AP Calculus AB (2062) – 1.5 credit

AP Calculus will be taught as a college level course. Students must have a solid foundat= ion of courses to be prepared to handle the rigor of a course at this level. AB Calculus emphasizes a multirepresentational approach to calculus, with concepts, results, and problems being expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. Technology will be = used regularly to reinforce the relationships among the multiple representations= of functions, to confirm written work, to implement experimentations, and to assist in interpreting results. = Prerequisites: Grade of 85 or better in current math course,, current teacher recommendation, and AP instructor approval; open to grade 11-12 only.

<= /o:p>

SCIENCE COURSE OFFERINGS

9 Science (3010) - 1 credit

This course consists of three curricular units designed by the Delaware Science Coalition. Students will be involved in a han= ds-on and inquiry based classroom through the three units of Force, Motion and Mechanical Energy, Foundations of Chemistry, and Earth Systems. Honors (3011)

10 Science (3020) – 1 credit

This course consists of three curricular units designed by the Delaware Science Coalition. Students will be involved in a han= ds-on and inquiry based classroom throughout the three units of Nature of Science= and Evolution, Chemical Biology, and Genetic Transmission and Biotech. Honors (3021)

Chemistry (3030) – 1 credit

Chemistry is a college preparatory course with respect to topics and includes a major emphasis on problem solving. The course in chemistry is designed to provide students with the fundamentals of chemistry and provide a foundation for further studies in science or a scie= nce related field. The format is to introduce a main concept and then immediate= ly reinforce it with demonstrations, experiments and problem solving. Topics include chemical formulas a= nd reactions, periodic properties, chemical bonding, acid-base chemistry, gas laws, reaction rates and introductions to nuclear chemistry.&nbs= p; Honors (3031) Prerequisi= te: Science 9 and 10.

Physics (3040) = – 1 credi= t

This course surveys the basic topics of classical physics: mechanics, thermodynamics, wave motion, optics, nuclear physics, and electricity and magnetism. Emphasis is place = on developing a solid conceptual understanding of the core concepts in each ar= ea through inquiry-based activities using computer-based technology to acquire= and analyze data and model physical systems.&n= bsp; Prerequisite: Science 9 and 10.

ELECTIVES

AP Biology (3050) – 1.5 credit

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usua= lly taken by biology majors during their first year. Students accepting the challenge o= f an AP course will be required to actively participate in all lectures and laboratory activities that are conducted during the year. To succeed = in AP Biology students must be highly motivated to learn. Reading requirements for the course are rigorous and require a daily commitment in order to stay caught up in the class. Laboratory activities suggested by the College Board are condu= cted to give the student a fair representation of a university-level Biology cou= rse. In addition to the College Board laboratories, the instructors add activiti= es when they supplement the unit effectively.= Prerequisites: Grade of 85 or better in current g= rade science course, current teacher recommendation, and AP instructor approval; open to grade 10-12 only.

AP Environmental Science (3060) 1.5 credit

This course is designed to be the equival= ent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. Students will be provided with the= scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmen= tal problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associ= ated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Prerequisites: Integrated Math II, gra= de of 85 or better in 9^th and 10^th grade science courses, current teacher recommendation, and AP instructor approval; open to grade 1= 1-12 only.

Science Olympia= d (3040) – 1 credit

Science Olympiad is a competitive course = for highly motivated students with a strong interest in science. Science Olympiad students will com= plete laboratory investigations and research in all areas of science including bi= ology, chemistry, physics, earth science and engineering. The course is instructed at a coll= ege level in preparation for a statewide competition held each spring. Participation in the statewide competition is a requirement of the course.

SOCIAL STUDIES COURSE OFFERINGS

REQUIRED COURSES

9 Civics/Economics (4010) – 1 credit

This course will intertwine over the enti= re year, American government and economics.&n= bsp; In terms of government, local, state and national models will be examined. The duties of citizenship, the importance of the traditional two party system, the politi= cal process, the responsibilities of governing, and the delicate balance that c= omes with being a part of a democratic nation will be studied. In terms of economics, the American system of a mixed market economy will be examined along with other types of systems. The principles behind trade off and choices will be taught as will the history of money, the fact= ors determining money supply, and the appropriate use of cash, credit, and investing. Honors (4011)

10 World History (4030) – 1 credit

This course will give students the chance= to see how other cultures have developed and lived. As with grade 9 and 10, geography will be covered extensively. Emerging nations such as China, India, Israel, and Brazil and the fall of the = USSR will be looked into in detail. Students will also learn about the centuries of Middle East turmoil and how America has played a decisive= role in many world issues. The over arching goal of the course is to make Delaware student= s more able to draw links between world events today and the corresponding histori= cal linkage. Honors (4031)

11 American History (4020) – 1 credit

This course will examine the history of o= ur nation from the end of the Civil War to present day. From the early days af= ter Lincoln's assassination to the Reagan/Clinton years, students will learn how America made the change from an agrarian society into a manufacturing one. The importance of machines and the rise of minority groups into society's mainstream will also be taught. The wars, the Civil Rights movement, and the turbulence of the 60's are among various topics to be covered. Honors (4021)<= /p>
Psychology (4040) - .5 credit

This course provides students with an overview of current psychological research methods and theories. Students w= ill explore the therapies used by professional counselors and clinical psychologists and examine the reasons for normal human reactions: how people learn and think, the process of human development and human aggression, altruism, intimacy, and self-reflection.&n= bsp; Students will learn about the brain and sense functions, and learn to gauge human reactions, gather information, and form meaningful syntheses.   Prerequisites: Offere= d to seniors only.

Sociology (4041) - .5 credit

   &n= bsp;            Students in this course will study human relationships in society. Students will use a sociological point of view to examine culture, social structure, the indivi= dual in society, social institutions, and social inequality. Students will analyze the changing social world and its implications. = Prerequisites: Offered to seniors only.

AP US History (4050) – 1.5 credit

AP US History is designed to take a comprehensive look at the people, places, events, and themes that have shap= ed our nation from the first days of colonization to the present day. Students will utilize a variety of resources to develop an understanding and appreciation of the characteristi= cs that make our nation unique. Students will be required to read from the assigned text, primary sources, and works of nonfiction.

Prerequisites: = Grade of 85 or better in current course of same discipline, current teacher recommendation, and AP instructor approval; open to grade 10-12 only.

AP World History (4060) – 1.5 credit

        &= nbsp;   Students taking this course will develop a greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in different types of human societies. The course highlights the nature of changes in global frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies. The course covers the chronological time frame from 8000 B.C.E. to present with a foundational focus on 8000 B.C.E. to 600 B.C.E.   Prerequisites: Grade of 85 or better in current course of same discipline, current teacher recommendation, and AP instructor approval; ope= n to grade 11-12 only.