ENGLISH DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS

Three years of English classes are required for graduation. A fourth year of English is strongly recommended. The English Curriculum at Beaverton High School is made up of an assortment of courses according to grade. Students or parents who have questions concerning course selection should contact an English teacher or counselor. All English classes will require practice in vocabulary, reading, discussion, and writing. The minimum writing requirement is approximately a page a week. Papers are evaluated in terms of creativity, organization, spelling, grammar and neatness.

ENGLISH I (REQUIRED) 9/10 Both (1 credit) English I is a two-semester course designed to teach and reinforce the real-life English skills. The major areas covered include grammar, work usage, vocabulary, research papers and writing portfolios. In addition to textbook readings, students will read Romeo and Juliet. The students will also be introduced to art appreciation and/or film interpretation.

ENGLISH II (REQUIRED) 10/11 Both (1credit) PREREQUISITE: English I English II is a two-semester course that will continue the foundation of language skills established in English I. Students will be exposed to a variety of styles from modern literature and practice different writing techniques. Research papers will be required. It is a goal of this class to prepare students for the Communication Arts portion of the MEAP test.

AMERICAN LITERATURE 11/12 Both (1credit) PREREQUISITE: English I & II This course is designed to expose the college-bound student to significant works in American writing. It will concentrate on short stories, poetry, drama and short novels. It will aid the student in developing essential written and oral communication skills. Subjects and styles chosen follow the sequence of US History, the courses are intended to be taken together. In addition to textbook readings, students will read The Crucible, To Kill a Mockingbird, Soldier’s Heart, Stotan and October Sky.

CONTEMPORARY READING 11/12 1st (1/2 credit) PREREQUISITE: English I & II Students will study a variety of short stories, biographies of significant people and an array of multicultural literature. Journals, vocabulary and writing essays will be required. Students will be required to use research techniques to prepare a paper that will be presented orally to the class in the form of a book talk pertaining to a selection of literature they have read.

INDEPENDENT READING 11/12 2nd (1/2 credit) PREREQUISITE: English I & II This course is designed to foster a love for recreational reading. Students are allowed to select their own materials from different genres of literature. Grades are determined by productive use of reading time, reading the required number of books, written activities, vocabulary and journals. Since a classroom environment free from noise and distractions is essential for this course, points are assessed daily on class work habits.

SPEECH 9/10/11/12 1st (1/2 credit) 2nd (1/2 credit) This class is designed to help students overcome the fear of speaking before a group and will provide many speaking opportunities. Students will participate in peer and self-evaluations of performances, group discussions, television commercials, panel discussions and storytelling. This course is highly recommended for all students.

FORENSICS 9/10/11/12 2nd(1/2 credit) PREREQUISITE: Speech Students may choose from fourteen areas of Interpretation and Public Speaking. Evaluations are based on MIFA guidelines. Students will be required to assist in fund-raising and must attend tournaments for credit. Some of the speaking and interpretation areas are: sales, broadcasting, duo, multiple, poetry, impromptu and informative.

PUBLICATIONS 9/10/11/12 Both (1 credit) The student, by working as a member of the yearbook staff, will further develop writing and vocabulary skills through copyrighting. Students will also learn the elements of interviewing, yearbook design, layout and production, basic photojournalism and business management. This class will count for an English credit after English I and English II credit is given.

COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH 12 Both (1 credit) PREREQUISITE: American Literature or Instructor Approval This is a yearlong course for college-bound seniors. The central focus is on researching and writing a major project. This project may be a formal research paper or a creative writing project based on research. The class will also work on proofreading skills, pre-writing and post-writing techniques and rubric systems for scoring written work. Students will write two-page, rough draft assignments in class twice a week, creating a portfolio. Word Processing skills will be featured during class time, as students work on publishing and editing. In addition, College Prep students will read and write about literature assigned as homework. Titles include, The Great Gatsby, All Quiet on the Western Front, Siddhartha and The Grapes of Wrath. This course was created to enable college-bound seniors to earn the four years of English required for acceptance at most colleges and universities.

SCIENCE

Two credits of traditional science are required for graduation at BHS. Four courses (General Science-Earth Science-Physical Science-Life Science) are now incorporated into a two-year program of Science I and Science II. Each course consists of three 12-week blocks taught by three teachers according to their area of expertise. In this way, students will rotate through each block over the course of a year.

SCIENCE I (REQUIRED) 9/10/11/12 Both(1credit) This first course consists of three 12-week blocks. Block A will cover landforms, earthquakes, and glaciers; block B will include a survey of ecosystems and living things; Block C will study matter and energy, including changes in matter.

SCIENCE II (REQUIRED) 10/11/12 Both(1credit) PREREQUISITE: Science I This second course will also consist of three 12-week blocks. Block A will cover groundwater, oceanography, weather and space; block B will include cells, DNA, & genetics; block C will study motion & waves.

ANATOMY 11/12 1st (1/2credit) PREREQUISITE: Science I & II In this course the student will study the structures and systems of living organisms. This class will be lab-oriented and will include dissections of various animals relating to the different structures studied. Priority will be given to students planning a career in the healthcare fields.

PHYSIOLOGY 11/12 2nd (1/2credit) PREREQUISITE: Anatomy with a “C” or better In this course the student will study several body systems, including how they function and carry out life-sustaining activities. Priority will be given to students planning a career in the healthcare fields.

CHEMISTRY 11/12 Both(1credit) PREREQUISITE: 2 years of science & math w/average of C or better. The major portion of the school year will be spent in the study of general inorganic chemistry. The course will also include an introduction to the hydrocarbon series and classes of organic compounds. Methods of instruction will include reading assignments, lecture, demonstrations, written exercises, laboratory investigation, and films. Students will be evaluated by their performance on written exercises, quizzes, and tests.

PHYSICS 11/12 Both(1credit) PREREQUISITE: Algebra and Geometry RECOMMENDED: Algebra II and Chemistry In this course the student will study fundamental principles of physics in the field of mechanics, waves and oscillatory motion, heat, electricity and magnetism. This course will be beneficial to students preparing for vocational or college physics/physical science courses required as part of studies in engineering, medicine, industry, electronics and other related fields.