Our Digital Elective Course Curriculum Prepares Students for Beyond High School
Some students prefer to work for a few years before they go back to college; this may sometimes be due to financial reasons. Some others opt to go to community colleges to specialize in a specific area and enter the work force much earlier than they would if they went to a traditional 4 year college. These students need preparation to enter the work force with confidence and professionalism. They also need exposure to some key courses that will prepare them for community college.
Our online high school elective curriculum includes digital learning courses in diverse subjects in English, Social Studies, Science and Math.
ELECTIVE READING COURSE – I
Novel: The Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
The Elective Reading course provides an in-depth experience of literature analysis and a reading comprehension of various literary genres. With detailed comprehension of literary elements, students gain knowledge of Short Stories, Poetry, Greek Mythology and Drama. Students will read and study the novel The Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. The course provides students with the foundation to comprehend works of American, British, European and World Literature. Students obtain comprehension skills through various literary analysis exercises and research on authors and historical settings.
Upon completion of this course, students will:
- be able to apply strategies to comprehend words and ideas
- be able to analyze story elements
- be able to evaluate informational materials, including electronic sources, for effectiveness
- be able to evaluate the use of literary devices to enhance comprehension
- be able to evaluate traditional and contemporary literature within a variety of genres
- be able to comprehend a variety of forms/genres
- be able to synthesize information from a variety of sources
- be able to analyze informational/expository text and literary/narrative text to draw conclusions and develop insights
- be able to analyze recurring themes in literature
- be able to analyze web-based and other resource materials (including primary and secondary sources) for relevance in answering research questions
- understand complex organizational features of printed text and electronic sources
- be able to apply understanding of text organizational structures
- be able to apply comprehension monitoring strategies during and after reading
- be able to determine importance using theme, main idea, and supporting details in grade-level informational/expository text and/or literary/narrative text
- understand and apply content/academic vocabulary critical to the meaning of the text, including vocabularies relevant to different contexts, cultures, and communities
- be able to analyze text to generalize, express insight, or respond by connecting to other texts or situations
- be able to analyze and evaluate great literary works from a variety of cultures to determine their contribution to the understanding of self, others, and the world
ELECTIVE READING COURSE – II
Novel: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
The Elective Reading course provides an in-depth experience of literature analysis and a reading comprehension of various literary genres. With detailed comprehension of literary elements, students gain knowledge of Short Stories, Poetry, Greek Mythology and Drama. Students will read and study the novel The Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. The course provides students with the foundation to comprehend works of American, British, European and World Literature. Students obtain comprehension skills through various literary analysis exercises and research on authors and historical settings.
Upon completion of this course, students will:
- be able to apply strategies to comprehend words and ideas
- be able to analyze story elements
- be able to evaluate informational materials, including electronic sources, for effectiveness
- be able to evaluate the use of literary devices to enhance comprehension
- be able to evaluate traditional and contemporary literature within a variety of genres
- be able to comprehend a variety of forms/genres
- be able to synthesize information from a variety of sources
- be able to analyze informational/expository text and literary/narrative text to draw conclusions and develop insights
- be able to analyze recurring themes in literature
- be able to analyze web-based and other resource materials (including primary and secondary sources) for relevance in answering research questions
- understand complex organizational features of printed text and electronic sources
- be able to apply understanding of text organizational structures
- be able to apply comprehension monitoring strategies during and after reading
- be able to determine importance using theme, main idea, and supporting details in grade-level informational/expository text and/or literary/narrative text
- understand and apply content/academic vocabulary critical to the meaning of the text, including vocabularies relevant to different contexts, cultures, and communities
- be able to analyze text to generalize, express insight, or respond by connecting to other texts or situations
- be able to analyze and evaluate great literary works from a variety of cultures to determine their contribution to the understanding of self, others, and the world
ELECTIVE READING COURSE – III
Novel: The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Grade 11 Elective Reading course provides an in-depth experience of literature analysis and a reading comprehension of various literary genres. With detailed comprehension of literary elements, students gain knowledge of Short Stories, Poetry, Greek Mythology and Drama. Students will read and study the novel The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The course provides students with the foundation to comprehend works of American, British, European and World Literature. Students obtain comprehension skills through various literary analysis exercises and research on authors and historical settings.
Upon completion of this course, students will:
- be able to apply strategies to comprehend words and ideas
- be able to analyze story elements
- be able to evaluate informational materials, including electronic sources, for effectiveness
- be able to evaluate the use of literary devices to enhance comprehension
- be able to evaluate traditional and contemporary literature within a variety of genres
- be able to comprehend a variety of forms/genres
- be able to synthesize information from a variety of sources
- be able to analyze informational/expository text and literary/narrative text to draw conclusions and develop insights
- be able to analyze recurring themes in literature
- be able to analyze web-based and other resource materials (including primary and secondary sources) for relevance in answering research questions
- understand complex organizational features of printed text and electronic sources
- be able to apply understanding of text organizational structures
- be able to apply comprehension monitoring strategies during and after reading
- be able to determine importance using theme, main idea, and supporting details in grade-level informational/expository text and/or literary/narrative text
- understand and apply content/academic vocabulary critical to the meaning of the text, including vocabularies relevant to different contexts, cultures, and communities
- be able to analyze text to generalize, express insight, or respond by connecting to other texts or situations
- be able to analyze and evaluate great literary works from a variety of cultures to determine their contribution to the understanding of self, others, and the world
ELECTIVE READING COURSE – IV
Novel: Anthem by Ayn Rand
The Grade 11 Elective Reading course provides an in-depth experience of literature analysis and a reading comprehension of various literary genres. With detailed comprehension of literary elements, students gain knowledge of Short Stories, Poetry, Greek Mythology and Drama. Students will read and study the novel Anthem by Ayn Rand. The course provides students with the foundation to comprehend works of American, British, European and World Literature. Students obtain comprehension skills through various literary analysis exercises and research on authors and historical settings.
Upon completion of this course, students will:
- be able to apply strategies to comprehend words and ideas
- be able to analyze story elements
- be able to evaluate informational materials, including electronic sources, for effectiveness
- be able to evaluate the use of literary devices to enhance comprehension
- be able to evaluate traditional and contemporary literature within a variety of genres
- be able to comprehend a variety of forms/genres
- be able to synthesize information from a variety of sources
- be able to analyze informational/expository text and literary/narrative text to draw conclusions and develop insights
- be able to analyze recurring themes in literature
- be able to analyze web-based and other resource materials (including primary and secondary sources) for relevance in answering research questions
- understand complex organizational features of printed text and electronic sources
- be able to apply understanding of text organizational structures
- be able to apply comprehension monitoring strategies during and after reading
- be able to determine importance using theme, main idea, and supporting details in grade-level informational/expository text and/or literary/narrative text
- understand and apply content/academic vocabulary critical to the meaning of the text, including vocabularies relevant to different contexts, cultures, and communities
- be able to analyze text to generalize, express insight, or respond by connecting to other texts or situations
- be able to analyze and evaluate great literary works from a variety of cultures to determine their contribution to the understanding of self, others, and the world
CONTEMPORARY WORLD PROBLEMS
Contemporary World Problems analyzes and evaluates various aspects of world issues from the viewpoint of economics, government and citizenship. This course examines the responsibilities of citizenship; and, how citizens have historically worked to initiate changes in government. The course addresses and analyzes the economic effects and impacts of differing economic systems around the world.
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- learn how individuals and movements have shaped contemporary world issues
- understand the complexities of regions and problems involved in defining those regions
- create a map of new world regions based on cultural and environmental factors
- gain an appreciation for current opportunities and obstacles connected with international migration
- understand the ethics of current and future uses of technology based on how technology has shaped history
- learn the advantages and disadvantages of different economic systems for countries and groups of people
- understand the significance of position, and how to evaluate position
- understand how the development of ideas has influenced institutions and societies
- understand the relationship between the arts and the times during which they were created
- gain an appreciation for how art, architecture, literature, music, and drama reflect the history of the cultures in which they are produced
STATISTICS FOR SOCIAL SCIENCES:
This curriculum covers a variety of statistical methods used in the social sciences. These materials are designed to acquaint you with the fundamental concepts and practical aspects of statistics. You will focus on three primary areas: probability foundations, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics.
Upon completion of this course you will:
- understand hypothesis testing
- apply simple linear regression models
- use non-parametric testing principles
- compute goodness-of-fit
- interpret ANOVA
PSYCHOLOGY
This course is a one-semester course that covers some of the principal areas and concepts of modern psychology. Topics include research methodology, ethics, learning, perception, social interaction, personality, intelligence, social development, and psychopathology.
After completing this course, students should understand the major methods, theories, findings, and historical trends in psychology, and be able to apply that knowledge to everyday situations. Knowledge of the mind, including cognition, perception, and other psychological processes, will equip students with understanding that can be applied to real-life situations.
This course integrates multicultural approaches and themes to make psychology meaningful for and accessible to students of diverse backgrounds. Focus is placed on empirical methods of psychological testing in the domains of cognitive, physiological, developmental, and social psychology. Application of theories to human behavior is emphasized.
NON-MAJORS BIOLOGY
This one-semester course will introduce you to the grand sweep of life on Earth and provide you with a basic understanding of the processes that shape and sustain it. You will learn about the ecological ties that bind organisms to one another and to their environment and explore the promising, perilous dance of humans and nature.
Topics include the science of biology, the structure and function of cells, tissues and organs, cellular processes, cell division and the life cycle, principles of inheritance, evolution, the diversity of life, and ecology.
After completing this course, students should understand:
- The scope and methods of biology
- The internal organization of living organisms
- The life cycle of cells
- The flow of energy and matter through organisms and ecosystems
- The evolution and diversity of life on Earth
- The principles of ecology
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
This course is designed to acquaint you with the physical, ecological, social, and political principles of environmental science. The scientific method is used to analyze and understand the inter-relationships between humans and the natural environment. The course shows how ecological realities and the material desires of humans often clash, leading to environmental degradation and pollution. The course covers the following topics: Earth's Systems, Human Population Dynamics, Natural Resources, Environmental Quality, Global Changes, and Environment and Society.
Upon completion of this course you will:
- know and understand the levels of the ecological hierarchy
- appreciate the integration of natural processes that govern the natural world
- appreciate the importance of maintaining a sustaining biosphere for the continued presence of a human population on the earth
- understand the pragmatic and realistic difficulties of integrating human societal needs without further compromising ecological processes
- become familiar with the ecological background to global environmental problems
- realize the consequences of our individual and joint actions upon the biosphere
GENERAL PHYSICS I
This course is designed to acquaint you with topics in mechanics and classical electricity and magnetism. The course covers two semesters. The first semester is devoted to Newtonian mechanics including: kinematics, laws of motion, work and energy, systems of particles, momentum, circular motion, oscillations, and gravitation. The second semester discusses the topics of electricity and magnetism. The course emphasizes problem solving including calculus, and there are numerous interactive examples throughout. You will also gain laboratory experience through interactive lab simulations and wet labs.
Upon completion of this course you will
- understand the basic principles pertaining to Newtonian mechanics and classical electricity and magnetism
- apply these principles to solve practical problems in these areas of study
GENERAL PHYSICS II
This course is designed to acquaint you with topics in mechanics and classical electricity and magnetism. The course covers two semesters. The first semester is devoted to Newtonian mechanics including: kinematics, laws of motion, work and energy, systems of particles, momentum, circular motion, oscillations, and gravitation. The second semester discusses the topics of electricity and magnetism. The course emphasizes problem solving including calculus, and there are numerous interactive examples throughout. You will also gain laboratory experience through interactive lab simulations and wet labs.
Upon completion of this course you will
- understand the basic principles pertaining to Newtonian mechanics and classical electricity and magnetism
- apply these principles to solve practical problems in these areas of study
INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS I
This course is divided into two semesters and is designed to acquaint you with topics in classical and modern physics. The first semester discusses topics in Newtonian mechanics including: kinematics, laws of motion, work and energy, systems of particles, momentum, circular motion, oscillations, and gravitation.
The first semester concludes with topics in fluid mechanics, thermal physics, and kinetic theory. The second semester discusses the topics of electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. The course emphasizes problem solving, and there are numerous interactive examples throughout. You will also gain laboratory experience through interactive lab simulations and wet labs.
Upon completion of this course you will:
- understand the basic principles pertaining to classical and modern physics
- apply these principles to solve practical problems in these areas of study
INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS II
This course is divided into two semesters and is designed to acquaint you with topics in classical and modern physics. The first semester discusses topics in Newtonian mechanics including: kinematics, laws of motion, work and energy, systems of particles, momentum, circular motion, oscillations, and gravitation.
Note: This description is exactly the same as it is for General Physics. Something needs to differentiate them.
The first semester concludes with topics in fluid mechanics, thermal physics, and kinetic theory. The second semester discusses the topics of electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. The course emphasizes problem solving, and there are numerous interactive examples throughout. You will also gain laboratory experience through interactive lab simulations and wet labs.
Upon completion of this course you will:
- understand the basic principles pertaining to classical and modern physics
- apply these principles to solve practical problems in these areas of study
Health
Health is the study of nutrition, hormones, human physiology, hygiene and the struggle against disease. The course discusses the basic aspects of human nutrition, and outlines the importance of endocrine glands and hormones in the regulation of body functions. The course emphasizes the various systems in the human body and stresses that coordinated functioning of all systems is essential for health. The course also deals with the various diseases faced by humans, their causes and methods of prevention. In addition, the course introduces population education, family planning and the factors needed to maintain the health of an individual and society.
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- identify different classes of food
- define a balanced diet
- relate the importance of various food and the effects of deficiency
- classify malnutrition
- define endocrine glands and their importance in body functions
- name diseases caused by over activity or under activity of endocrine glands
- enumerate various systems in the body
- detail different components of each system
- understand the importance of different systems in our body and how the systems function
- name various diseases caused by malfunction of bodily systems
- identify different diseases
- identify diseases caused by organisms
- learn about disease and immunity
- learn about some common diseases and their cause
- enumerate factors and practices that promote hygiene
- identify important health organizations
- differentiate between active and passive immunity
- enumerate and detail various methods of birth control
- identify the health risks caused by substance abuse
GENERAL CALCULUS I
This course is divided into two semesters and is designed to acquaint you with calculus principles such as derivatives, integrals, limits, approximation, applications and modeling, and sequences and series. During this course you will gain experience in the use of calculus methods and learn how calculus methods may be applied to practical applications.
Upon completion of this course you will:
- be able to work with functions represented in a variety of ways: graphical, numerical, analytical, or verbal
- understand the connections among these representations
- understand the meaning of the derivative in terms of a rate of change and local linear approximation
- be able to use derivatives to solve a variety or problems
- understand the meaning of the definite integral both as a limit of Riemann sums and as the net accumulation of change
- should be able to use integrals to solve a variety of problems
- understand the relationship between the derivative and the definite integral as expressed in both parts of the fundamental theorem of calculus
GENERAL CALCULUS II
This course is divided into two semesters and is designed to acquaint you with calculus principles such as derivatives, integrals, limits, approximation, applications and modeling, and sequences and series. During this course you will gain experience in the use of calculus methods and learn how calculus methods may be applied to practical applications.
Upon completion of this course you will:
- be able to work with functions represented in a variety of ways: graphical, numerical, analytical, or verbal
- understand the connections among these representations
- understand the meaning of the derivative in terms of a rate of change and local linear approximation
- be able to use derivatives to solve a variety or problems
- understand the meaning of the definite integral both as a limit of Riemann sums and as the net accumulation of change
- should be able to use integrals to solve a variety of problems
- understand the relationship between the derivative and the definite integral as expressed in both parts of the fundamental theorem of calculus
INTRODUCTORY CALCULUS I
This course is divided into two semesters and is designed to acquaint you with calculus principles such as derivatives, integrals, limits, approximation, and applications and modeling. During this course you will gain experience in the use of calculus methods and learn how calculus methods may be applied to practical applications.
Upon completion of this course you will:
- be able to work with functions represented in a variety of ways: graphical, numerical, analytical, or verbal
- understand the connections among these representations
- understand the meaning of the derivative in terms of a rate of change and local linear approximation
- be able to use derivatives to solve a variety of problems
- understand the meaning of the definite integral both as a limit of Riemann sums and as the net accumulation of change
- be able to use integrals to solve a variety of problems
- understand the relationship between the derivative and the definite integral as expressed in both parts of the fundamental theorem of calculus
INTRODUCTORY CALCULUS II
This course is divided into two semesters and is designed to acquaint you with calculus principles such as derivatives, integrals, limits, approximation, and applications and modeling. During this course you will gain experience in the use of calculus methods and learn how calculus methods may be applied to practical applications.
Upon completion of this course you will:
- be able to work with functions represented in a variety of ways: graphical, numerical, analytical, or verbal
- understand the connections among these representations
- understand the meaning of the derivative in terms of a rate of change and local linear approximation
- be able to use derivatives to solve a variety of problems
- understand the meaning of the definite integral both as a limit of Riemann sums and as the net accumulation of change
- be able to use integrals to solve a variety of problems
- understand the relationship between the derivative and the definite integral as expressed in both parts of the fundamental theorem of calculus
ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA
This course is a study of the basic skills and concepts of elementary algebra, including language and operations on sets, operations on signed numbers, simple linear equations and inequalities in one variable, operations on polynomials (including beginning techniques of factoring), integer exponents, brief introduction to radicals, introduction to graphing, and applications. This curriculum emphasizes a multi-representational approach to algebra, with concepts, results, and problems being expressed graphically, analytically, and verbally.
Upon completion of this course you will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of algebraic concepts, properties and terminology when working with the real number system
- Demonstrate mastery of algebraic algorithms relative to subsets of the real numbers, numerical expressions, algebraic expressions, linear equations and inequalities, graphing of linear equations by applying the necessary algebraic manipulations, and quadratic equations
SCHOOL TO WORK
The School To Work course will help students prepare for the world of work. Students will have the opportunity to explore answers to many of life's biggest questions, such as "What should I do after I graduate?" and "How do I find a job?"
The course leads the student step-by-step through the process of getting and keeping a job. All students who complete the School to Work course will have a definite edge in the job market.
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- identify their values and describe how they affect their career choices
- identify their temperaments based on a personality inventory
- understand the influences of wants and values
- be able to distinguish the difference between short and long term goals
- write goals for themselves
- identify the different reasons why people work
- identify potential causes for job satisfaction or dissatisfaction
- understand the different types of hours worked and identify advantages and disadvantages of each
- learn the importance of good time management
- learn various ways to receive training for a career choice
- learn various ways of finding employment
- gain knowledge to conduct a job search using the newspaper and various other sources
- understand how a positive attitude and high self-esteem can lead to success on the job
- differentiate between positive and negative criticisms
- identify desirable qualities that employers seek in employees
- create a resume
- write an effective cover letter
- learn how to fill out a job application
- recognize the importance of a job interview
- anticipate the challenges and activities of the first day at work
- learn to calculate hours worked and wages
- learn about various benefits employers offer
- learn to appreciate the significance of ethics in the workplace
- identify the different components of effective communication
- learn about laws, policies, and organizations that protect worker safety
- write a letter of resignation
ARTS
This course is designed to acquaint you with the understanding and applications of visual arts concepts and vocabulary. A methodical approach is used to analyze and understand the inter-relationships between humans and arts.
Upon completion of this course you will:
- know and understand the concepts and vocabulary in art
- create, analyze and evaluate the visual arts elements of line, shape, form, color, value, texture, and space in the production of a work of art
- differentiate between two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional forms in artworks using geometric and organic shapes and forms
- distinguish between, select and produce the illusion of three-dimensional form on a two-dimensional surface and actual three-dimensional form in a variety of artworks including various media, techniques and/or virtual space.
- critique and justify the use of shapes and/or forms in a variety of artworks.
- create a series of artworks using shapes/forms in combination with other elements around a specific student defined theme.
MUSIC
This course is designed to acquaint you with the understanding and applications of music concepts and vocabulary. A methodical approach is used to analyze and understand the inter-relationships between humans and music.
Upon completion of this course you will:
- know and understand the concepts and vocabulary in music
- appreciate the various elements of music
- learn to appreciate expression, dynamics, style, tempo, and phrasing
- develop music skills and techniques
- understand and apply music genres and styles from various artists, cultures and times
- understand and apply audience conventions in a variety of arts settings and performances for music
- apply a performance process in music. (Identify, select, analyze, interpret, rehearse, adjust, refine, present, produce, reflect and self-evaluate)
- use music to express and present ideas and feelings
- develop personal aesthetic criteria to communicate artistic choices in music
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
This course is designed to acquaint you with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain an active life: movement, physical fitness, and nutrition. The student is encouraged to apply complex motor skills and movement concepts to activities to enhance a physically active life.
Upon completion of this course you will:
- Gain understanding of movement concepts
- Learn how to perform activities and tasks safely and appropriately
- Apply skills and strategies necessary for effective participation in physical activities
- Analyze the progress of a personal fitness plan
- Analyze how fitness relates to careers/ occupations/ recreation
- Analyze the relationship of nutrition planning to physical performance and body composition
RESEARCH
This curriculum covers a variety of research methods used in diverse fields ranging from medical research to social sciences. These materials are designed to acquaint you with the fundamental concepts and practical aspects of research.
Upon completion of this course you will:
- understand hypothesis testing
- study and apply simple research models and approaches
- use testing principles
