Progra… · Core Classes Flowchart ... Students must earn a required number of credits at each grade in order to move to the next level. Students not on pace for graduation will

Updated 2014

www.isdschools.org

Van Horn High School

1109 S. Arlington Ave.

Independence, MO 64053

816-521-5360

N D EP E ND EN C E

C AD E MY 600 W. Mechanic


816-521-5505

William Chrisman High School

1223 N. Noland Rd.


816-521-5355 Truman High School

3301 S. Noland Rd.


816-521-5350

Updated 2014 2

Updated 2014 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Independence Program of Studies

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 1

Graduation Requirements ................................................................................................................................. 2-3

Additional Graduation Information ..................................................................................................................... 4

Courses for College Credit /Weighted Courses................................................................................................ 5-6

Listing of All Courses .................................................................................................................................... 7-17

Core Classes Flowchart ................................................................................................................................ 18-21

Academic Preparation ....................................................................................................................................... 22

Art Courses ................................................................................................................................................... 23-27

Business Technology—Practical Arts Courses ............................................................................................ 28-32

Career Education Courses ............................................................................................................................ 33-34

Communication Skills—Elective Courses ................................................................................................... 35-40

English Language Arts Courses ................................................................................................................... 41-43

Family and Consumer Sciences—Practical Arts Courses ............................................................................ 44-45

Foreign Language Courses ........................................................................................................................... 46-47

Health and Physical Education Courses ....................................................................................................... 48-49

Industrial Technology and Engineering—Practical Arts Courses ................................................................ 50-53

Mathematics Courses ................................................................................................................................... 54-57

Military Science ........................................................................................................................................... 58-59

Music—Fine Arts Courses ........................................................................................................................... 60-62

Science Courses ............................................................................................................................................ 63-66

Social Studies Courses ................................................................................................................................. 67-68

Herndon Career Center Courses ................................................................................................................... 69-73

Summit Technology Academy ..................................................................................................................... 74-76

Board of Education Administration .................................................................................................................. 77

NCAA/NAIA Initial Eligibility Requirements .................................................................................................. 78

MCC-Blue River Trailblazer Collegiate Academy ........................................................................................... 79

Updated 2014 4

Updated 2014

Independence School District

Program of Studies

Grades 9—12

I f students have a valid reason to request a

course change, this should be done

between the time schedules are picked up

and before the start of school. The first few

days of school, the counselors will not

schedule appointments with students unless

it is for a new enrollment or if it concerns

changes needed to meet graduation require-

ments. Very few course changes will be

made once school begins. The only course

changes considered after school begins are:

Changes needed to meet graduation

requirements

Errors in scheduling

Classes failed the previous semester

During the first few days of school, the

counseling staff will be concentrating on

new student enrollment, senior student grad-

uation schedule changes, and obvious errors

generated by the scheduling process.

Introduction

T he Program of Studies provides

secondary students with information

about available courses and graduation

requirements. The purpose is to assist stu-

dents in planning their four-year high school

program. Students are encouraged to discuss

their schedules with parents, counselors and

teachers in order to make appropriate plans

for graduation, college and/or occupational

choices.

To effectively plan, students should:

Review graduation requirements

Read each course description

Use the enclosed planning sheet for

mapping your schedule.

Interscholastic Eligibility Standards

S tudents wanting to participate in inter-

scholastic activities must maintain

minimum grade levels. During each semester

they participate, students must be enrolled in

and attending classes in which they can earn 3

credits during the school day (6 classes at 0.5).

During the previous semester students must

have passed at least 3 credits to be eligible.

Summer school courses may count toward

maintaining academic eligibility. Students

must also comply with requirements of the

Learning First Program. Activities included in

this requirement are interscholastic sports, mu-

sic, cheerleading, drill team, and forensics/

debate.

Course Changes

L imited course work outside of the

Independence School District can be ap-

plied toward graduation requirements.

School Board Regulation 2530 identifies spe-

cific instances for acceptable credit from cor-

respondence courses, MOVIP, night or sum-

mer school from other districts, non-

accredited schooling, waived credit for ca-

reer/technology programs, competency-based

credit, etc. To receive a diploma from a high

school in Independence, a student is required

to successfully complete no less than a se-

mester within the Independence School Dis-

trict with full participation and attendance,

dependent upon circumstances. Please see

your counselor for specific details.

Outside Credit and Graduation

Requirements

S pecial education programs are offered at

all high schools. To participate, students

must be tested for eligibility and placement.

Upon completion of these steps, an Individual

Education Plan (IEP) will be established to

meet each student’s needs.

Special Education

Updated 2014 2

Graduation Requirements

Specific Courses Independence

Requirements

College

Preparatory

Certificate

Four Year

Regional

Colleges

University of

Missouri

System

English Language Arts 3 3 4 units 4 units 4 units 4 units

Social Studies 4 3 units 3 units 3 units 3 units

Mathematics 3 units 4 units 3 units 4 units

Science 3 units 3 units 3 units 3 units

Fine Arts 1 units 1 unit 1 unit 1 unit

Practical Arts 1 units 1 unit 1 unit 1 unit

Career Connections 1/2 unit

Physical Education 1 units 1 unit 1 unit 1 unit

Health 1/2 unit 1/2 unit

Personal Finance 1/2 unit 1/2 unit

Specified Core

Electives or

Career Plan

4 units

Suggested

3 units (from core

subjects or foreign

language)

3 units (from core

subjects or

foreign language)

2 units of the same

foreign language

Other Electives 3 1/2 units 4 units

Total to

Graduate

25 units 25 units

3

4

1 2

1

1

2

3

4

5

5

6

This certificate also requires an un-weighted GPA of 3.0 and an ACT composite score above the national average.

Examples of four (4) year regional colleges are University of Central Missouri, Missouri Western State University,

Missouri State University, etc.

English I and English II or Pre-AP English II are required of all freshmen and sophomores. During the Junior year, students

may enroll in either English III or AP Language and Composition. Seniors must successfully complete one full year from

one of the following: Senior English, English 110 & 214, or College Preparatory English, AP Lit & Comp.

The following is a breakdown of classes required in the Social Studies area:

Ninth Grade—World Geography (1/2 unit) or Pre AP Geography

Tenth Grade—World History (1 unit), AP World History (1 unit), AP European History (1 unit),

Eleventh Grade—American History (1 unit), AP US History (1 unit)

Twelfth Grade—American Government (1/2 unit). AP Government

All students (2018 and beyond) must pass Problems and Statistics or AP Statistics as part of their Mathematics graduation

requirement.

Personal Finance- Students passing the class will earn 1/2 unit toward the practical arts credit. Students may elect to take

this state test without enrolling in the course during the fall of their sophomore year (one time opportunity only). Stu

dents taking this option and successfully passing the test will have this required course waived and 1/2 unit of practical

arts credit awarded. Students taking this test and failing are required to enroll in the personal finance course to assist in

mastering the competencies of the course.

6

Updated 2014 3

Graduation Requirements (cont.)

Additional Information

Students must successfully complete the state and federal constitution tests.

Students must successfully complete a course in personal finance or pass the state exam.

The fine arts requirement may be met by successfully completing two semesters in art,

music, communication skills, and/or dramatics.

The practical arts requirement may be met by successfully completing two semesters in

industrial technology, family and consumer sciences, communication skills, and/or business

technology.

Check with the college of your choice to make sure you meet specific entrance

requirements.

Career Connections satisfies the career education requirement.

Students must earn a required number

of credits at each grade in order to

move to the next level. Students not

on pace for graduation will be re-

quired to develop a graduation plan.

Credits earned to attain the next grade

level are shown in this table.

To be classified as a Minimum

Credits

Graduation Plan

required if less than

Senior 18 18

Junior 12 12

Sophomore 5 5

Student Progress Toward Graduation

Updated 2014 4

Additional Graduation Information

T he Board of Education recommends students

attend eight semesters of high school in the

regular four-year course of study in grade nine

and above. During these eight semesters, the fol-

lowing criteria are part of Board Policy:

Satisfactory completion of twenty-five (25)

units of credit is required for graduation by

the Board of Education

Students who have completed all graduation

requirements are eligible to receive a diploma

during the spring graduation ceremony of that

year.

The attendance requirement may be reduced

for pupils who cannot attend due to illness.

Part of the minimum requirement may be

earned by these students through correspond-

ence or through approved homebound study.

Students who earn two units of credit in sum-

mer school attendance may substitute it for

one-half year of the four-year attendance re-

quirement.

A student desiring to graduate after seven (7) se-

mesters of attendance must have approval of the

Board of Education. A student desiring to gradu-

ate after six (6) semesters of attendance must have

approval by the Board of Education.

Students must submit their request in writing

by November 1st.

Students should be advised that

omission of the eighth semester will:

Affect class rank

Cause them to forfeit participation in activi-

ties regulated by the Missouri State High

School Activities Association under the eligi-

bility requirements.

Additional considerations concerning graduation

involving summer school, correspondence credit,

transfer students, and other issues may be dis-

cussed with a counselor and be approved by the

principal or his/her designee.

Grade Point Average (GPA),

Class Rank, and Weighted Classes

G rade points are awarded based on the table

at the end of this section. These grade

points are used in computing a GPA. Over the

course of the high school career, all semester

GPAs are combined to comprise the cumulative

GPA. However, class rank is based on total accu-

mulated grade points, not GPA. Students who

take a full schedule all four years, and include as

many weighted courses as possible (make sure

these weighted course choices are educationally

sound), will earn more grade points than students

who take fewer weighted courses or who take a

partial schedule during the senior year.

Weighted courses are available in selected sub-

ject areas. They carry an additional grade point

value and some offer college credit as well, due to

the nature of the class. Weighted courses are de-

termined according to the following criteria:

Advanced Placement (AP) and/or Pre-AP

College credit status (Project Lead the Way)

Dual-Credit

Courses taken in Advanced Placement or dual-

credit formats will receive added grade points in

the grading system. Students enrolled in Pre-AP

or Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses will

receive a weighted value of .50 on a 4.0 scale.

Students enrolled in AP or dual-credit courses

will receive a weighted value of 1.0 on a 4.0

scale.

Note: Students who voluntarily withdraw from a

class after the first 20 days of the semester will

receive a failing grade (withdrawal/fail) in the

class for that semester. Exceptions will be made

for students with medical reasons that prohibit

class participation.

Grade Un-

weighted

Dual-

Credit/AP

Pre-AP/

PLTW

A 4 5 4.5

B 3 4 3.5

C 2 3 2.5

D 1 2 1.5

F 0 0 0

Grade Points Awarded

Updated 2014 5

Courses for College Credit

Advanced Placement Courses* College Credit—Metropolitan Community College

(M.C.C.)

AP Literature and Composition English 80

AP Language and Composition English 101

AP Biology Advanced Marketing Education -205

AP Chemistry Business and Computer Technology-150

AP Environmental Science Math-115/Statistics

AP Music Theory Math-120/College Algebra

AP Statistics Math-150/Pre-Calculus

AP Two-Dimensional Design/Photography Math-180/190/Calculus I and II

AP Studio Art: Two-Dimensional Design Portfolio Engineering Graphics and Technology-152

AP Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio Entrepreneurial Studies (not weighted)

AP Studio: Three-Dimensional Design Portfolio Physics-101

AP World History-10th College Credit—University of Missouri-Kansas City

(U.M.K.C.)

AP US History-11th AP Biology

AP American Government English-110, 214

AP European History Competitive Debate III; IV - Argumentation-212

General Physics-210, 240

University of Colorado-Colorado Springs Advanced Computer Science-101

LEAD-151 Character Education AP US History

LEAD-499 Special Topics in Leadership Math 120-College Algebra

LEAD-599 Organization Leadership in a Stressful

Environment

Spanish III-110/120

LEAD-150 Personal Management Spanish IV-211/221

Theatre Arts-130*

College Credit—Metropolitan Community

College (M.C.C.)

Competitive Drama III; IV - Oral Communication Studies-

322

Accounting II-101 Truman State University

Music Theory Math-120

Note: Dual Credit and AP Courses require a fee for the college credit and/or advanced standing.

*The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a cooperative effort among secondary schools and colleges/

universities. The AP Program provides a means for colleges to grant credit, placement or both to students who

have applied themselves successfully. Students need to check with each respective college for specific information

on credit granted through the AP Program.

Herndon Career Center /M.C.C./Summit Technology Academy, Centers of Excellence Courses: An articulation agreement with the Centers of Excellence enables a student who earns a “B” grade or better in se-

lected Career Center courses to receive college credit if he/she pursues an associate degree in that field. Further,

several courses at these Centers of Excellence offer dual-credit (similar to those listed with M.C.C. above). A

complete listing of these opportunities available through the Centers of Excellence is provided in the high school

counseling office or directly from Herndon Career Center, M.C.C., or Summit Technology Academy.

Updated 2014 6

Weighted Courses

Art Industrial Technology and Engineering

7108-Pre-AP Studio Art (.5) 8121-Engineering Graphics & Technology-152

7111-AP Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio 8100-Introduction to Engineering Design (.5)

7109-AP Studio Art: 2-Dimensional Design Portfolio 8101-Principles of Engineering (.5)

7125-AP Studio Art: 3-Dimensional Design Portfolio 8106-Digital Electronics Engineering (.5)

8146-AP 2-Dimensional Design Photography 8110-Civil Engineering & Architecture (.5)

8112-Engineering Design & Development (.5)

Business Technology

5301-Accounting II-101 Mathematics

3514-Advanced Computer Science-101 3114-Honors Geometry

5208-Advanced Marketing (Not Adv Mrkt Internship 5210, 5211) 3116-Honors Algebra II

5113-Business & Computer Technology-150 3144/3145-Calculus-180 / 190

3143-Math-150

Communication Skills 3124-AP Statistics

1525/1527-Competitive Debate III / IV-212 3119-Pre-Calculus with Trig

7809-Theatre Arts-130 3123-Calculus

3127-College Algebra

English Language Arts

1104-Pre-Advanced Placement English II (.5) Science

1155-AP Language & Composition 4114-Pre-Advanced Placement Biology (.5)

1157-AP Literature & Composition 4140-Pre-Advanced Placement Chemistry (.5)

1142/1143-U.M.K.C. English-110 / 214 4209-AP Biology

4145-AP Chemistry

Family and Consumer Sciences 4210-AP Environmental Science

6125-Fundamentals/Early Care & Education 4109-Physics

4143/4144-Physics-210 / 240

Foreign Language

1305-Spanish III-110 / 120 Social Studies

1307 Spanish IV-211 / 221 2304-AP World History

2204-AP US History

Music 2106-AP Government

7319-AP Music Theory 2205-AP European History

2103-Pre-Advanced Placement Geography (.5)

Updated 2014 7

LISTING OF COURSES

FOR ENROLLMENT PURPOSES

SUBJECT COURSE

NUMBER

UNITS GRADE

PLACEMENT

PAGE

NUMBER

DESE

Name

DESE

Number

ACADEMIC PREPARATION

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY—PRACTICAL ARTS

Foundations of Art 7120 Art 024100 1/2 9-12 23

Two-Dimensional Design 7116 Design 024140-1 1/2 9-12 23

Advanced Two-Dimensional Design 7117 Design 024140-2 1/2 10-12 23

Drawing I 7121 Drawing 024150-1 1/2 10-12 23

Drawing II 7122 Drawing 024150-2 1/2 10-12 23

Pre-AP Studio Art 7108 AP Stu Art DR 024495-1 1/2 10-12 24

AP Studio Art: Two-Dimensional Design

Portfolio

7109 AP Stu Art 2D 024295-1 1 11-12 24

Transparent Painting 7123 Painting 024160 1/2 10-12 24

AP Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio 7111 AP Stu Art DR 024495-2 1 11-12 24

Opaque Painting 7124 Painting 024160 1/2 10-12 25

Three-Dimensional Design 7118 Design 024140-4 1/2 10-12 25

Adv Three-Dimensional Design 7119 Design 024140-5 1/2 10-12 26

AP Studio Art: Three-Dimensional Design

Portfolio

7125 AP Stu Art

3D

024395 1 11-12 26

AP Two-Dimensional Design/Photography 8146 AP Stu Art 2D 024295-2 1 11-12 26

Basic Photography 8145 Photo 024130-1 1/2 10-12 27

Digital Photography (WCHS) (VHS) 8147 Photo 024130-3 1/2 11-12 27

Advanced Photography 8148 Photo 024130-2 1/2 10-12 27

Computer Graphic Design I 3501 Comp Sci 991105-1 1/2 10-12 28

Computer Graphic Design II 3502 Comp Sci 991105-2 1/2 10-12 28

Introduction to Multimedia 3503 Multim 034356-1 1/2 10-12 28

Multimedia Productions 3505 Multim 034356-2 1/2 10-12 28

ACT/College Preparation 9990

9991

994025 ACT-SAT 1/2 12-Fall

11-Spring

22

ART—FINE ARTS

Updated 2014 8

LISTING OF COURSES


SUBJECT COURSE

NUMBER

UNITS GRADE

PLACEMENT

PAGE

NUMBER

DESE

Name

DESE

Number

Introduction to Computer Programming 3511 Comp Prog 0343355 1/2 10-12 28

Advanced Computer Science—101 3514 Comp Sci 991105-2 1/2 10-12 28

Electronic Research 3515 Web Des 034393-1 1/2 10-12 28

Computer Troubleshooting & Maintenance I 3521 Comp Sci 991105-1 1/2 10-12 29

Computer Troubleshooting & Maintenance II 3523 Comp Sci 991105-2 1/2 10-12 29

Advanced Topics in Computer Technology 3529 Comp Sci 991105-3 1/2 11-12 29

Introduction to Business 5101 Intro Bus 034300 1/2 9-12 29

Personal Finance 5103 Per Fin 996400 1/2 11-12 29

Accounting I 5109 Acct I 034310 1 10-12 30

Accounting II-101 5301 Acct II 034312 1 11-12 30

Keyboarding Applications 5125 Keybrd 034390 1/2 9-12 30

Microsoft Office I 5111 Bus Tech 034330-1 1/2 9-12 30

Microsoft Office II 5112 Bus Tech 034330-2 1/2 10-12 30

Management 5119 Bus Mgmt 034301 1 11-12 31

Business Internship

5115

5118

Sprv Bus

Exp

034380-1

034380-2

1

2

12 31

Business and Computer Technology-150 5113 Bus Tech 034330-3 1 11-12 31

Marketing Principles 5213 Fund Mkt 040001-1 1/2 9-11 32

Marketing Education 5207 Fund Mkt 040001-2 1 11-12 32

Marketing Internship 5209

5212

Sprv Mkt

Sprv Mkt

040080-1

040080-2

1

2

12 32

Advanced Marketing Education Internship 5210

5211

Supv Mkt 040080-3

040080-4

1

2

12 32

Advanced Marketing Education 5208

Adv Mkt 040002 1

12 32

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY—PRACTICAL ARTS (Cont’d)

CAREER EDUCATION

Career Connections 5401 C Ex On-C 997000 1/2 9 33

Health Science Exploratory 5500 C Ex On-C 997000 1/2 10-11 33

Youth Entrepreneurs 5120 Bus/Entr 034305 1 10-12 33

Updated 2014 9

LISTING OF COURSES


SUBJECT COURSE

NUMBER

UNITS GRADE

PLACEMENT

PAGE

NUMBER

DESE

Name

DESE

Number

CAREER EDUCATION (Cont’d)

Entrepreneurial Studies 5220 Mkt/Entr 040011 3 12 33

FOCUS 9909, 9910

9911, 9912

Exp Enrich 991010 1/4 9-12 33

Public Safety Exploratory 5600 C Ex On-C 997000 1/2 10-12 34

Becoming a Teacher 1811 C Ex On-C 997000-1 1/2 11-12 34

Becoming a Teacher II: Cadet Teaching

Academy

1812 Cadet Tea 999915 1 12 34

COMMUNICATION SKILLS—FINE ARTS ELECTIVE

Introduction to Theatre Arts 7821 Theatre Arts 056550 1/2 9-12 35

Competitive Drama I 1505 Speech 056500-1 1 9-12 35

Competitive Drama II 1509 Speech 056500-2 1 10-12 35

Competitive Drama III—IV 1511

1513

Speech

Speech

056500-3

056500-4

1 11-12 35

Acting I 7803 Dramatics 056520-1 1/2 10-12 35

Acting II 7804 Dramatics 056520-2 1/2 10-12 35

Acting III—IV 7805

7806

Dramatics 056520-3

056520-4

1/2 11-12 35

Theatre Arts 130 7809 Dramatics 056520-5 1 12 36

Theatre Design 7823 Speech 056500-5 1 10-12 36

Advanced Theatre Design 7825 Speech 056500-6 1 11-12 36

COMMUNICATION SKILLS—GENERAL ELECTIVE

Principles of Speech Communication 1501 Speech 056500-1 1/2 9-12 37

Public and Mass Communication 1503 Speech 056500-2 1/2 9-12 37

Competitive Debate I 1521 Debate 056510-1 1 9-12 37

Competitive Debate II 1523 Debate 056510-2 1 10-12 37

Competitive Debate III—Argumentation 212 1525 Debate 056510-3 1 11-12 37

Competitive Debate IV—Argumentation 212 1527 Debate 056510-4 1 12 37

Legal Communications I (THS Only) 1530 Debate 056510-1 1 10-12 38

Legal Communications II (THS Only) 1550 Debate 056510-2 1 11-12 38

Legal Communications III (THS Only) 1570 Debate 056510-3 1 12 38

Leadership Development 1801 CEX ON-C 997000 1 11-12 38

Updated 2014 10

LISTING OF COURSES


SUBJECT COURSE

NUMBER

UNITS GRADE

PLACEMENT

PAGE

NUMBER

DESE

Name

DESE

Number

COMMUNICATION SKILLS—PRACTICAL ARTS

Introduction to Media 1600 Journalism 054810-1 1 9-11 39

Broadcast Media I 1901 Journalism 054810-2 1 10-11 39

Broadcast Media II 1903 Journalism 054810-3 1 11-12 39

Broadcast Media III 1905 Journalism 054810-4 1 12 39

Journalism I 1601 Journalism 054810-2 1 10-11 40

Newspaper II 1603 Journalism 054810-3 1 11-12 40

Newspaper III 1605 Journalism 054810-4 1 12 40

Publications I 1701 Journalism 054810-2 1 10-11 40

Yearbook II 1703 Journalism 054810-3 1 11-12 40

Yearbook III 1709 Journalism 054810-4 1 12 40

Editorial Leadership 1650 Journalism 054810-4 1 12 40

Photojournalism 1710 Journalism 054810-3 1 10-12 40

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

English I 1101 Lang Arts 054800-1 1 9 41

HS Core Literacy Semester 1 & 2 1107A/1107B Lang Arts 054800-Sem 1

054800-Sem 2 1/2 Elect

each

9 41

English II 1105 Lang Arts 054800-2 1 10 41

Pre-Advanced English II 1104 Lang Arts 054800-2 1 10 41

English III 1131 Lang Arts 054800-3 1 11 41

AP Language & Composition 1155 Comp 054895 1 11-12 42

Senior English 1129 Lang Arts 054800-4 1 12 42

College Preparatory English 1141 C-Prep Eng 054861 1 12 42

LEP for Non-English Speakers (THS Only) 1114 ESOL 054865 1 9-12 42

LEP English I Beginning (THS Only) 1110 ESOL 054865 1 9-12 42

LEP English I Developing 1112 ESOL 054865 1 9-12 42

LEP Study Skills 1116 ESOL 054865 1 9-12 42

Updated 2014 11

LISTING OF COURSES


SUBJECT COURSE

NUMBER

UNITS GRADE

PLACEMENT

PAGE

NUMBER

DESE

Name

DESE

Number

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE—PRACTICAL ARTS

Introduction to Family and Food 6101 CFL 096801-1 1/2 9 44

Introduction to Fashion and Interior Design 6102 CFL 096801-2 1/2 9 44

Focus on Fashion I 6103 App Int 096820 1/2 10-12 44

Focus on Fashion II 6104 App Adv 096822-1 1/2 10-12 44

Focus on Fashion III 6113 App Adv 096822-2 1/2 11-12 44

Housing and Interior Design I 6105 Hou Envir 096818-1 1/2 10-12 44

Housing and Interior Design II 6106 Hou Envir 096818-2 1/2 10-12 44

Beginning Foods & Nutrition 6107 Food Gen 096829 1/2 10-12 44

Culinary Arts I 6108 Pro Star I 096815 1/2 10-12 44

Culinary Arts II 6110 Pro Star II 096816 1/2 11-12 44

International Foods 6114 Food Ser 096827 1/2 10-12 44

Child Development 6109 Chld Dev-I 096821 1/2 10-12 44

Family Relations 6121 Fam Living 096823 1/2 12 44

Parenting 6124 Parenting 096830 1/2 12 44

Fundamentals of Early Care & Education 6125 Chld Dev-

A

096826 1/2 11-12 44

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (Cont’d)

LEP English for Content Areas (THS Only) 1118 ESOL 054865 1 9-12 42

AP Literature & Composition 1157 AP Eng Lit

Como

054995 1 11-12 43

English 110—UMKC-Introduction to

College Prose

1142 Lang Arts 054800-5 1/2 12 43

English 214—UMKC-Introduction to Fiction 1143 Lang Arts 054800-5 1/2 12 43

Updated 2014 12

LISTING OF COURSES


SUBJECT COURSE

NUMBER

UNITS GRADE

PLACEMENT

PAGE

NUMBER

DESE

Name

DESE

Number

Health 9101 Health 085300-1 1/2 9-10 48

Physical Education I 9103 PE 086000-1 1/2 9-12 48

Strength Training and Conditioning 9107 Body Cond 086025-1 1/2 9-12 48

Team Sports 9114 Team Sport 086035-1 1/2 9-12 48

Advanced Team Sports 9118 Team Sport 086035-2 1/2 9-12 48

Personal Fitness and Wellness I 9115 Life Sport 086030 1/2 9-12 49

Personal Fitness and Wellness II 9116 Life Sport 086030 1/2 9-12 49

Advanced Strength Training and

Conditioning

9120 Body Cond 086025-2 1/2 9-12 49

Fundamentals of Coaching 9121 Othr PE 086099 1/2 10-12 49

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

French I 1201 French 064900-1 1 9-12 46

French II 1203 French 064900-2 1 10-12 46

French III 1205 French 064900-3 1 11-12 46

French IV 1209 French 069400-4 1 12 46

Spanish I 1301 Spanish 066300-1 1 9-12 46

Spanish II 1303 Spanish 066300-2 1 9-12 46

Spanish III (110/120 THS only) 1305 Spanish 066300-3 1 10-12 47

Spanish IV (211-221 THS only) 1307 Spanish 066300-4 1 11-12 47

Spanish for Native Speakers 1309 Spanish 066300-1 1 9-12 47

German I 1401 German 065100-1 1 9-12 47

German II 1403 German 065100-2 1 10-12 47

German III 1405 German 065100-3 1 11-12 47

German IV 1407 German 065100-4 1 12 47

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Updated 2014 13

LISTING OF COURSES


SUBJECT COURSE

NUMBER

UNITS GRADE

PLACEMENT

PAGE

NUMBER

DESE

Name

DESE

Number

Introduction to Engineering Design (Project

Lead The Way) [PLTW]

8100 Int Eng Des 100405 1 9-12 50

Principles of Engineering (Project Lead The

Way) [PLTW]

8101 Prin Eng 100404 1 11-12 50

Architectural Drafting 8105 Arch Dsgn 105431 1 10-12 50

Digital Electronics Engineering [PLTW] 8106 Dig Elec 100406 1 10-12 50

Civil Engineering & Architecture CEA) 8110 Cvl Eng

Arch

100408 1 11-12 50

Engineering Design & Development (EDD)

[PLTW]

8112 Eng Des

Dev

100422 1 12 51

Machine Drafting 8107 Drft/Design 105430 1 10-12 51

Foundations of Wood Technology 8109 Woods 105482-1 1 9-12 51

Wood Manufacturing Processes 8111 Const Tec 105424-1 1 10-12 51

Advanced Manufacturing Processes 8113 Const Tec 105424-2 2 11-12 51

Engineering Graphics and Technology-152 8121 Draft De-

sign

171300 2 11-12 52

Home Maintenance (WCHS) 8123 O Ind Tech 105499 1/2 10-12 52

General Metals 8131 Metals 105470-1 1 9-12 52

Advanced Metals 8133 Metals 105470-2 2 10-12 52

Machine Technology 8135 Metals 105470-3 2 11-12 53

Tool Construction 8137 Metals 105470-4 2 12 53

Principles of Robotics 8140 O Ind

Tech

105499 1 10-12 53

Synergistic/Construction Technology Lab 8166 EX ENG 100428 182 9-12 53

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING—PRACTICAL ARTS

MATHEMATICS

Algebra I Semester 1 & 2 3105A/3105B Algebra 115810-1 Sem 1

115810-1 Sem 2 1/2 each 9-12 54

Freshman Core Math Semester 1 & 2 3126A/3126B Math 115800-1 Sem 1

115800-1 Sem 2 1/2 Elect

each

9 54

Geometry Semester 1 & 2 3113A/3113B Geometry 115830 Sem 1

115830 Sem 2 1/ 2 each 10-12 54

Updated 2014 14

LISTING OF COURSES


SUBJECT COURSE

NUMBER

UNITS GRADE

PLACEMENT

PAGE

NUMBER

DESE

Name

DESE

Number

Honors Geometry 3114 Geometry 115830-2

115830-2

1 9-10 54

Sophomore Core Math Semester 1 & 2 3125A/3125B Math 115800-2 Sem 1

115800-2 Sem 2 1/2 Elect

each

10 54

Algebra II 3115 Algebra 115810-2 1 11-12 55

Honors Algebra II 3116 Algebra 115810-2 1 10-11 55

Algebra II-A 3115A Algebra 115810-2 1 11-12 55

Algebra II-B 3115B Algebra 115810-2 1 12 55

College Algebra 3127 Algebra 115810-4 1 11-12 55

Probability and Statistics 3117 Prob/Stats 115875-11 1/2 9-11 56

AP Statistics 3124 AP Stat 115795 1 11-12 56

Pre-Calculus with Trig 3119 Trgnomtry 115860 1 11-12 56

Calculus 3123 Calculus 115866-1 1/2 11-12 56

Math 150 Pre Calculus 3143 Calculus 115866-2 1 12 56

Math 180-Calculus I 3144 Calculus 115866-3 1 12 57

Math 180-190—Calculus I & II 3145 Calculus 115866-4 1 12 57

LEP Mathematics (THS Only) 1120 Basic Math 115820 1 9-12 57

MATHEMATICS

ROTC Leadership Development I 5511 JROTC 993000-1 1 9-12 58

ROTC Leadership Development II 5512 JROTC 993000-2 1 10-12 58

ROTC Leadership Development III 5513 JROTC 993000-3 1 11-12 58

ROTC Leadership Development IV 5514 JROTC 993000-4 1 12 58

Leadership Edu & Training Honors AP- Staff 5515 JROTC 993000-4 1 10-12 59

ROTC Personal Finance 5516 JROTC 993000-2 1/2 MS

1/2 Per F

10-12 59

ROTC Health & Wellness 5517 JROTC 993000-1 1/2 MS

1/2 Hlth

9-12 59

MILITARY SCIENCE (Van Horn Only)

Updated 2014 15

LISTING OF COURSES


SUBJECT COURSE

NUMBER

UNITS GRADE

PLACEMENT

PAGE

NUMBER

DESE

Name

DESE

Number

Freshmen Women’s Choir 7301 Chorus 126960-1 1 9 60

Women’s Glee Club 7303 Glee Club 126940 1 10-12 60

Men’s Choir 7305 Chorus 126960-2 1 9-12 60

Women’s Choir 7307 Chorus 126960-2 1 10-12 60

Concert Choir / Chorale 7309 Chorus 126960-3 1 10-12 60

Music Appreciation 7311 Music Appr 126920-1 1/2 9-12 61

Music Appreciation (Bach, Beethoven and

the Boys)

7332 Music Appr 126920-2 1/2 9-12 61

Music Appreciation (History and Develop-

ment of Rock and Roll)

7333 Music Appr 126920-2 1/2 9-12 61

Music Appreciation (Music in the Movies) 7334 Music Appr 126920-2 1/2 9-12 61

Concert Orchestra 7314 Orchestra 125520-1 1 9-12 62

Symphonic Orchestra 7315 Orchestra 125520-2 1 10-12 62

Freshmen Band 7312 Band 125510-1 1/2 9 62

Marching Band 7317 Band 125510-1 1/2 9-12 62

Symphonic/Concert Band 7318 Band 125510-2 1/2 10-12 62

AP/Dual Credit Music Theory 7319 AP Music

Thry

126995 1 12 62

Music Theory-Fundamentals of Music 7321 Theory 126920-3 1/2 10-12 62

MUSIC—FINE ARTS

SCIENCE

Physical Science 4111 Phy Sci 135010 1 9 63

Pre-AP Biology 4114 AP Biology 134295 1 9 63

General Biology 4201 Biology 134200-1 1 10-12 63

AP Environmental Science 4210 AP Envir Sci 134195 1 11-12 63

Applied Biology/Chemistry I (2014-15) 4211 Apld Sci 134642-3 1 11-12 64

Applied Biology/Chemistry II (2015-16) 4212 Apld Sci 134642-4 1 11-12 64

Biology II 4202 Biology 134200-2 1 10-12 64

Integrated Science 4112 Gen Sci 135000-3 1 11-12 64

Anatomy and Physiology 4206 Phy/Anato 134221 1 10-12 65

Updated 2014 16

LISTING OF COURSES


SUBJECT COURSE

NUMBER

UNITS GRADE

PLACEMENT

PAGE

NUMBER

DESE

Name

DESE

Number

SCIENCE (Cont’d)

AP Biology 4209 AP Biology 134295 1 11-12 65

Chemistry 4107 Chemistry 134600-1 1 10-12 65

Pre-AP Chemistry 4140 AP Chem-

istry

134695 1 10-12 65

AP Chemistry 4145 AP Chem-

istry

134695 1 11-12 65

Physics 4109 Physics 135900-1 1 11-12 66

Physics 210 4143 Physics 135900-2 1 12 66

Physics 240-Physics for Science and

Engineering I

4144 Physics 135900-2 1 12 66

SOCIAL STUDIES

World Geography 2101 Geography 156640 1/2 9 67

Pre-AP Geography 2103 Geography 156640 1/2 9 67

World History 2303 World Hist 156663 1 10 67

AP World History 2304 AP World

Hist

156395 1 10 67

American History 2203 Amer Hist 156661 1 11 67

AP US History 2204 AP US Hist 156295 1 11 67

AP European History 2205 AP Europe

Hist

156695 1 10-12 67

Missouri History 2403 MO Hist 156662 1/2 9-12 68

Psychology 2407 Psychology 156100 1/2 11-12 68

Public Law 2409 Compr

Govt

156653 1/2 11-12 68

Sociology 2411 Sociology 156670 1/2 11-12 68

American Government 2105 Amer Govt 156651 1/2 12 68

AP American Government 2106 AP US

Govt Pol

156795 1/2 12 68

Updated 2014 17

LISTING OF COURSES


SUBJECT COURSE

NUMBER

UNITS GRADE

PLACEMENT

PAGE

NUMBER

DESE

Name

DESE

Number

Herndon Career Center Career Education Consortium—Center of Excellence Site

Herndon Courses Varied Varied 11-12 69-73

Summit Technology Courses Varied Varied 11-12 74-76

Summit Technology Academy (location in Lee’s Summit)

Career Education Consortium—Center of Excellence Site

Updated 2014 18

Updated 2014 19

Updated 2014 20

Updated 2014 21

Updated 2014 22

ACADEMIC PREPARATION

9990 (Grade 12) / 9991 (Grade 11)-ACT/

College Preparation (1/2 unit, Gr. 12 fall

semester; Gr. 11 spring semester) Prerequi-

sites: Algebra II or concurrently enrolled

The ACT/College Prep course will empha-

size test-taking strategies, math skills, and read-

ing skills. Students will study and practice lis-

tening and note taking techniques, test taking

strategies, questioning and thinking skills, li-

brary research and information retrieval, pre-

ACT test practice, memory technique, reading

in content areas, vocabulary development, and

college application completion. All four ACT

subtests will be reviewed: English, Math, Read-

ing, and Science Reasoning. Students will also

practice writing college admissions and college

scholarship essays.

Updated 2014 23

ART—FINE ARTS

7120-Foundations of Art (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12)

Foundations of Art is a course that is designed for

all students to review or learn basic knowledge of

art by mastering the competencies Art History, Art

Criticism, Aesthetics, and Art Production. Stu-

dents will learn the elements and principles of art,

know how to use them, and create pieces of art-

work that display this knowledge. In addition,

they will be participating in subject-related read-

ing and writing activities and will have outside the

class assignments. Students will be expected to

solve problems using higher-order thinking skills.

This is the initial career pathway to many fields in

fine arts and is the prerequisite for all future art

courses.

7116-Two-Dimensional Design (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-

12)

Prerequisite: C average or better in Foundations

of Art.

Two-Dimensional Design is an advanced art

course. A strong emphasis will be placed on in-

depth study of advanced drawing skills in a varie-

ty of media. Students will gain experience in

drawing, painting, two-dimensional design, graph-

ic design, and computer technology. Art history

will be incorporated with most projects to give

students a base of aesthetic knowledge on which

to create their own art-work. Students will devel-

op a working portfolio. In addition, they will be

participating in subject-related reading and writing

activities and will have outside classroom work.

This will be a continuation of the career pathway

to many fields in the fine arts and is the prerequi-

site for all future art courses.

7117-Advanced Two-Dimensional Design (1/2

unit, Gr. 10-12)


of Art and Two-Dimensional Design.

Advanced Two-Dimensional Design is an

advanced art course. In this course students will

explore more advanced fundamentals of 2-D de-

sign. Using a wide variety of materials and meth-

ods, including the computers, students will be en-

couraged to develop their own design vocabulary

and repertoire of practical techniques. In addition

to introducing formal design strategies, the course

emphasizes content issues and the historical and

cultural context in which works of art are pro-

duced. Regular visual presentations and critiques

are structured

informally to encourage dialogue. Students will

continue developing their portfolio. In addition,



classroom work. This will be a continuation of

the career pathway to many fields in the fine and

graphic arts.

7121-Drawing I (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12)


of Art and Two-Dimensional Design.

Drawing I is an advanced art course. Students

will focus on skill building and drawing from ob-

servation. A strong emphasis will be placed on in-


ty of media. Graphite, ink, colored pencils and

pastels are some of the media that will be used.

Students will use formal critique criteria in view-

ing student work to encourage discussion and the

building of art vocabulary. Art history will be

incorporated with most projects to give students a

base of aesthetic knowledge on which to create

their own art-work. Students will continue to de-

velop a working portfolio. In addition, they will

be participating in subject-related reading and

writing activities and will have outside the class-

room work. This will be a continuation of the ca-

reer pathway to many fields in the fine arts.

7122-Drawing II (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12)


of Art, Two-Dimensional Design, and Drawing I.

Drawing II is an advanced art course. Stu-

dents will focus on skill building from observa-

tion. A strong emphasis will be placed on in-


ty of media. Graphite, ink, colored pencils, oil

pastels, and permanent markers are some of the

media that will be used. More time will be spent

on portrait and figure drawing and mixed media.

Students will use formal critique criteria in view-

ing student work to encourage discussion and the

building of art-related vocabulary. Art history

will be incorporated with most projects to give

students a base of aesthetic knowledge on which

to create their own art-work. Students will contin-

ue to develop a working portfolio. In addition,




the career pathway to many fields in the fine arts.

Updated 2014 24

7108-Pre-AP Studio Art (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12, .5

weighted)

Prerequisite: Foundations of Art, Two-

Dimensional Design, Drawing I, and Transparent

Painting or Opaque Painting

Students in this course will understand how to

develop a portfolio consisting of a wide range of

two-dimensional artworks. This course will have

an emphasis on reinforcing the principles and ele-

ments of design, composition, media control, and

creative expression according to the specifications

prescribed by Advance Placement Services. Stu-

dents will prepare to meet Advanced Placement

expectations. Students enrolling in this course

should intend to enroll in Advanced Placement

Studio Art in the next year of study. Students en-

rolled in AP courses must take the AP exam.

7109-AP Studio Art: Two-Dimensional Design

Portfolio (1 unit, Gr. 11-12, weighted)


of Art and in Two-Dimensional Design

Students in this course will develop a portfolio

of a wide range of two dimensional works of art

for the Advanced Placement Service. The nature

and number of portfolio pieces will be prepared

according to the specifications prescribed by Ad-

vanced Placement Services. An area of concen-

trated study will be chosen by the student. Com-

pletion of the portfolio, approximately thirty-five

works of art, is required for the course, but submit-

ting the portfolio to the Advanced Placement Ser-

vice for evaluation is optional. This rigorous

course of study provides students the opportunity

to earn advanced placement in college courses.

Work outside of class is required to meet Ad-

vanced Placement expectations. Before entering

this class, the enrolling student will undergo a

portfolio review. During this portfolio assessment

process, AP expectations and requirements will be

clarified to the enrolling student.

Students enrolled in AP courses must take the AP

exam.

7123-Transparent Painting (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12)



Transparent Painting is an advanced art course.

Students will focus on skill building using trans-

parent painting techniques. A strong emphasis

will be placed on in-depth study of landscapes,

portraits, and still life. Water color will be the

main medium used and a variety of styles will be

incorporated in production. Students will use for-

mal critique criteria in viewing student work to

encourage discussion and the building of art-

related vocabulary. Art history will be incorpo-

rated with most projects to give students a base of

aesthetic knowledge on which to create their own

art work. Students will continue to develop a

working portfolio. In addition, they will be partic-

ipating in subject-related reading and writing ac-

tivities and will have outside the classroom work.

This will be a continuation of the career pathway

to many fields in the fine arts.

7111-AP Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio (1 unit,

Grades 11-12, weighted)



Students in this course will develop a portfolio

of drawings for the Advanced Placement Service.

The nature and number of portfolio pieces will be

prepared according to specifications prescribed by

Advanced Placement Services. An area of concen-

trated study will be chosen by the student. Com-

pletion of the portfolio, approximately thirty-five

works of art, is required for the course, but submit-

ting the portfolio to the Advanced Placement Ser-

vice for evaluation is optional. This rigorous

course of study provides students the opportunity

to earn advanced placement in college courses.

Work outside of class is required to meet Ad-

vanced Placement expectations. Before entering

this class, the enrolling student will undergo a

portfolio review. During the portfolio assessment

process, Advanced Placement expectations and

requirements will be clarified to the enrolling stu-

dent.

Students enrolled in AP courses must take the AP

exam.

ART—FINE ARTS

Updated 2014 25

7124-Opaque Painting ( 1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: C average or better in Founda-

tions of Art and Two-Dimensional Design

Opaque Painting is an advanced art course.

Students will focus on skill building using

opaque paints. A strong emphasis will be

placed on in-depth studies of landscapes, por-

traits, and still life. Tempera and acrylic paint

and oil pastels will be the media used and a

variety of styles will be incorporated in pro-

duction. Students will use formal critique cri-

teria in viewing student work to encourage

discussion and the building of art-related vo-

cabulary. Art history will be incorporated

with most projects to give students a base of

aesthetic knowledge on which to create their

own artwork. Students will continue to devel-

op a working portfolio. In addition, they will

be participating in subject-related reading and

writing activities and will have outside the

classroom work. This will be a continuation

of the career pathway to many fields in the

fine arts.

7118-Three-Dimensional Design (1/2 unit,

Gr. 10-12) Prerequisite: C average or better in Founda-

tions of Art and Two-Dimensional Design.

Three-Dimensional Design is an advanced

art course. Students will develop skills in us-

ing a variety of materials and technologies to

create three-dimensional projects. A strong

emphasis will be placed on learning how to

manipulate the materials to work successfully.

Students will also develop a deeper under-

standing of three-dimensional composition.

Clay, wood, and plaster are some of the media

that will be used. Students will use formal

critique criteria in viewing student work to

encourage discussion and the building of art-

related vocabulary. Art history will be incor-

porated with most projects to give students a

base of aesthetic knowledge on which to cre-

ate their own artwork. Success in three-

dimensional design could evolve into a portfo-

lio suitable for submission as an Advanced

Placement three-dimensional portfolio. In

addition, student will be participating in sub-

ject-related reading and writing activities and

will have outside the classroom work. This

will be a continuation of the career pathway to

many fields in the fine arts.

ART—FINE ARTS

Updated 2014 26

ART—FINE ARTS

7119-Advanced Three-Dimensional Design

(1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12)


tions of Art, Two-Dimensional Design, and

Three-Dimensional Design

Advanced Three Dimensional Design is an

advanced art course. Students will expand

their three-dimensional experience by creating

more advanced projects. Students will also

develop a deeper understanding of three-

dimensional composition. Clay, found objects,

wood, and plaster are some of the media that

will be used. Students will use formal critique

criteria in viewing student work to encourage

discussion and the building of art-related vo-

cabulary. Art history will be incorporated with

most projects to give students a base of aesthet-

ic knowledge on which to create their own art-

work. Success in advanced three-dimension

design could evolve into a portfolio suitable for

submission as an Advanced Placement Three-

Dimensional portfolio. In addition, students

will be participating in subject-related reading

and writing activities and will have outside the


the career pathway to many fields in the fine

arts.

7125-AP Studio Art: Three-Dimensional

Design Portfolio (1 unit, Gr. 11-12,

weighted)


tions of Art and in Two-Dimensional Design

Students in this course will develop a port-

folio consisting of a wide range of three-

dimensional works of art (including ceramic,

relief, assemblage, sculpture in the round, etc.)

for the Advanced Placement Service. The na-

ture and number of portfolio pieces will be pre-

pared according to the specifications prescribed

by Advanced Placement Services. An area of

concentrated study will be chosen by the stu-

dent. Completion of the portfolio, approxi-

mately thirty-five works of art, is required for

the course, but submitting the portfolio to the

Advanced Placement Service for evaluation is

optional. This rigorous course of study pro-

vides students the opportunity to earn advanced

placement in college courses. Work outside of

class is required to meet Advanced Placement

expectation. Before entering this class, the en-

rolling student will undergo a portfolio review.

During this assessment process, Advanced

Placement expectations and requirements will

be clarified to the enrolling student.

Students enrolled in AP courses must take the

AP exam.

8146-AP Two-Dimensional Design / Photog-

raphy (1 unit, Gr. 11-12, weighted)


tions of Art and in Two-Dimensional Design

Students will be required to investigate all

three aspects of the portfolio, which include

Quality, Concentration, and Breadth. Media

used will be photographic. Students may use

SLR 35 mm camera or digital camera or a

combination of both. Students will have access

to a darkroom and computer room with Adobe

Photoshop CS software, as well as a scanner

and printer. Students are expected to develop

mastery in photographic concepts, composition

and execution of ideas. They will be shown

examples of AP portfolios for ideas and inspi-

ration. The body of work submitted for the

portfolio can include art/photos created prior to

and outside of the AP Studio Art course.


AP exam.

Updated 2014 27

ART—FINE ARTS

8145-Basic Photography (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12) This course is designed to develop knowledge

and basic skills photography. Instruction will pro-

vide the student with basic skills in using his/her

own camera effectively in taking black and white

pictures indoors/outdoors. In addition to picture

taking, darkroom operations in developing black

and white film are emphasized. Each student en-

rolled in this course must furnish a “Single Lens

Reflex” or “SLR” film camera with manual f-

stops and shutter speeds.

8147-Digital Photography (1/2 unit, Gr. 11-12)

(WCHS, VHS)

Prerequisite: Basic Photography and Advanced

Photography

This course will be an intensive study of digi-

tal photography with a heavy emphasis on tech-

nology and photo editing software. Students will

develop critical-thinking skills, decision making

skills, as well as gaining valuable job skills.

8148-Advanced Photography (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-

12) Prerequisite: C average or better in Basic Photog-

raphy

This advanced course acquaints the student

with the role of photography and its application to

education, careers, and the arts. Topics of study

include special effects, lighting, and computer ma-

nipulation. Students will explore areas, which

develop higher level thinking skills required to

utilize photography as a visual communication.

Updated 2014 28

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY - PRACTICAL ARTS

3501-Computer Graphic Design I (1/2 unit, Gr.

10-12)

Prerequisite: Keyboarding Applications

Computer Graphic Design I is designed to in-

troduce students to desktop publishing software

such as Photoshop Elements, Microsoft Publisher,

Illustrator and various graphics programs.

3502-Computer Graphic Design II ( 1/2 unit,

Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Computer Graphic Design I

Students will use and expand upon the

knowledge gained in Computer Graphic Design I.

Emphasis will be applied through software such as

Photoshop, Microsoft Publisher, Illustrator and

various graphics programs.

3503-Introduction to Multimedia (1/2 unit, Gr.

10-12)

Prerequisite: Keyboarding Applications

This course gives the student an opportunity to

build an understanding of multimedia concepts

and apply their knowledge and skills. Basic pro-

duction in using multimedia to integrate text, im-

ages, sound, video, and video conferencing will be

introduced. Different types of multimedia produc-

tions, and the components and tools are used to

produce multimedia products. Also included are

topics over multimedia careers, ethics, and tips for

improving productivity with technology.

3505-Multimedia Productions (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-

12) Prerequisite: Introduction to Multimedia

Individuals and groups will use multimedia

computers, scanners, laser discs, video tape play-

ers, CD ROM, sound editors, video digitizers, and

digital cameras to complete projects in different

subject areas. This course will include instruction

and practice in a variety of linear and non-linear

multimedia applications.

3511-Introduction to Computer Programming

(1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12) Prerequisite: C average or better in Algebra I or

Geometry I.

Students will use the methodology of structure

programming to write programs to achieve well-

defined goals. Applications will be in the areas of

math, science, and business. We will use ad-

vanced programming languages. Emphasis will

be on programming methodology, data structures,

algorithms, computer systems and responsible use

of computer systems. This course does not fulfill

the practical art requirement for graduation.

3514-Advanced Computer Science-101 (1/2

unit, Gr. 10-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: C average or better in Introduction

to Computer Programming.

This course, in conjunction with Introduction

to Computer Programming will help students learn

problem solving through advanced programming

languages. Emphasis will be on programming,

methodology, data structures, algorithms, comput-

er systems and responsible use of computer sys-

tems. Students can receive three semester hours

of UMKC credit upon the successful completion

of the course. This course does not fulfill the

practical art requirement for graduation.

3515-Electronic Research (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12) This course is an in-depth study of information

retrieval via the internet. Research will be multi-

subject oriented (i.e. current events, history, for-

eign affairs, health issues, legal issues, etc.). It is

recommended that students have a working

knowledge of a computer.

Updated 2014 29


3521-Computer Troubleshooting and Mainte-

nance I (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: At least one course in the Business

Technology Department.

This course will teach diagnostic and trouble-

shooting skills and how to fix problems independ-

ent of computer platform. Students will learn how

to upgrade both software and hardware. Comput-

er maintenance will also be stressed to keep com-

puters running at maximum efficiency. Students

will be taught the basics of networking.

3523-Computer Troubleshooting and

Maintenance II (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Computer Troubleshooting and

Maintenance I

This course will teach diagnostic and trouble-

shooting skills and how to fix problems independ-

ent of computer platform. Students will be taught

more advanced information on networking. This

class along with the completion of Troubleshoot-

ing I will cover information required to pass the

A+ certification exam.

3529-Advanced Topics in Computer Technolo-

gy (1/2 unit, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: C average or better in one of the

following courses: Advanced Computer Science,

Web Publishing, Computer Troubleshooting and

Maintenance II or Multimedia Productions

This advanced course is designed for the stu-

dent who enjoys individual challenges. Students

will design projects involving computer program-

ming, multi-media, telecommunications, techno-

logical equipment, or other computer related tech-

nologies in collaboration with the instructor. Stu-

dents then work for the semester creating these

large-scale projects using a variety of computer

resources.

5101-Introduction to Business (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-

12)

This introductory course is designed to give

students an understanding of business practices. It

serves as a background of information for those

students who plan to continue with other business

courses and as a general information course for

personal use. It includes a study of such areas as

the free enterprise system, economics, exploring

business careers, consumerism, and the comput-

er's role in business.

5103-Personal Finance (1/2 unit, Gr. 11-12)

Understanding and managing personal financ-

es is the key to one’s future financial success.

This one-semester course is based on the Missouri

Personal Finance Competencies and presents es-

sential knowledge and skills to make informed

decisions about real world financial issues. Stu-

dents will learn how choices influence occupa-

tional options and future earning potential. Stu-

dents will also learn to apply decision-making

skills to evaluate career choices and set personal

goals. The course content is designed to help the

learner make wise spending, saving, and credit

decisions and to make effective use of income to

achieve personal financial success. Students may

elect to take this state test without enrolling in the

course during the fall of their sophomore year (one

time opportunity only). Students taking this option

and successfully passing the test will have this re-

quired course waived and 1/2 unit of practical arts

credit awarded. Students taking this test and failing

are required to enroll in the personal finance course

to assist in mastering the competencies of the course.

Updated 2014 30


5109-Accounting I (1 unit, Gr. 10-12) Accounting I is a course designed to meet the

needs of three types of students: (1) those interested

in accounting or business as a major in college (2)

those interested in learning about keeping the finan-

cial records for their own businesses in the future,

and (3) those interested in doing general office

work. The course provides training in bookkeeping

principles, payroll, and financial reports. Students

get practical experience in accounting through the

use of spreadsheets and accounting programs on

computers and through practice sets prepared both

manually and on a computer.

5301-Accounting II (Accounting Principles

BSAD 101) (1 unit, Gr. 11-12, weighted) Prerequisite: Accounting I

Accounting II is a continuation of the first year

course with an emphasis on cost, managerial, and

corporate accounting. There will be additional

study in automated accounting and spreadsheet ap-

plications on computers. After completing this

course, students planning to major in accounting or

business in college will be better prepared for uni-

versity-level accounting and students seeking em-

ployment immediately after high school will be

better qualified for entry-level accounting positions.

Three (3) hours college credit available through

Metropolitan Community College.

5125-Keyboarding Applications (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-

12) This course is a one-semester course geared for

the student who has had no, somewhat limited, or

unsuccessful experiences at typing by touch. Typ-

ing by touch is essential for effectively typing

school assignments as well as future business em-

ployment. The purpose of the course will be to in-

clude proper keyboarding techniques (typing by

touch) to those students who have not yet mastered

this skill. The keyboard will be taught from the

aspect of a beginner. Students will also be instruct-

ed on how to correctly format academic and busi-

ness reports, business letters, and tables. Students

will also learn to correctly format documents for

both school and personal use. Proofreading and

composing skills will also be practiced.

5111-Microsoft Office I (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12)

(Vocational title—Computer Business

Applications I)

Prerequisite: 2nd semester freshmen may enroll

after completing Keyboarding Applications

Students will be prepared for home use, college

work, and the business world in addition to learning

a skill for their current high school assignments.

Students will be introduced to spreadsheets using

Microsoft Excel and to databases using Microsoft

Access. Advanced projects will be completed in

Microsoft Word. In addition students will complete

projects combining all three pieces of software.

5112-Microsoft Office II (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12)

(Vocational title—Computer Business Applica-

tions II) Prerequisite: Successful completion of Microsoft

Office I

Students will advance the skills learned in Mi-

crosoft Office I and will add the new skill of Pow-

erPoint. PowerPoint is a graphics presentation pro-

gram designed to help students produce interesting

and effective presentations that are useful both in

school and in business. Advanced projects in Word,

Excel, and Access will be included as well as pro-

jects which combine Word, Excel, Access, and

PowerPoint.

Updated 2014 31

5119-Management (1 unit, Gr. 11-12) This Management course focuses on the role

of a manager in a small business. Students dis-

cuss theories of leading, organizing, planning,

and controlling; and skills communicating, coor-

dinating, and directing. Students review the role

of small business management in the economy,

create their own small business, and learn to

manage and expand a business venture. Seniors

may concurrently enroll in Marketing Intern-

ship 5209 or 5212.

5115-Business Internship (1 unit Gr. 12)

5118-Business Internship (2 units Gr. 12)

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Business

and Computer Technology or Accounting II

This supervised work-experienced program

provides paid on-the-job training in business

occupations. Students are released from school

to work in an approved business in the commu-

nity. To receive Business Internship credit, the

student must also be concurrently enrolled in

Business and Computer Technology. Students

work 10-19 hours per week for one credit/year.

Students work 20 hours or more per week for

two credits/year.

5113-Business and Computer Technology

(Business Essentials BSAD 150) (1 unit, Gr. 11-

12, weighted)

Prerequisite: One semester of Keyboarding plus

one additional semester business or computer

class.

Students interested in furthering their under-

standing of business topics and strengthening

their technology skills should enroll in Business

and Computer Technology. Students will use

technology such as Palm Pilots, tablet PC’s, wire-

less laptops, digital cameras, and digital video

equipment, along with software such as Microsoft

Office 2010, Dragon Naturally Speaking Voice

Recognition, and Windows Movie Maker to com-

plete business projects. Essential presentation

skills will be developed through the use of the

SMART Board, projector, and the Elmo visual

presenter. Topics covered in the course include:

Career Planning, Stress and Time Management,

Communication, Office Equipment and Technol-

ogy, Office Ergonomics, Planning an Effective

Business Meeting, Administrative Support Activ-

ities, and Business Ethics. Students will be pro-

vided the opportunity to enroll in Business Intern-

ship, and optional work-experience program

where students can earn high school credit, and

the opportunity to participate in Future Business

Leaders of America, and attend a career confer-

ence. This course offers 3 hours of college credit

SAD 150-Business Essentials through Metropoli-

tan Community College. Students will have the

opportunity to enroll in the dual-credit course,

Business Essentials, during September.


Updated 2014 32

5213-Marketing Principles (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-11)

This course addresses the ways in which market-

ing satisfies consumer and organizational needs and

wants for products and services. Students develop an

understanding of basic marketing concepts and the

role of marketing and business. They develop skills

in applying economic concepts to marketing, distribu-

tion and logistics, marketing research, product/service

planning, pricing/advertising strategies, and personal

selling.

5207-Marketing Education (1 unit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: 1 Prior Business Course

This course is designed to provide students with

an introduction to marketing concepts, interpersonal

skills, economic concepts, selling, marketing opera-

tions, advertising-sales promotion, and employment -

advancement. This course will provide students the

opportunity to participate in DECA, an association

for marketing students, and attend a career confer-

ence.

5209-Marketing Internship (1 unit, Gr. 12)

5212-Marketing Internship (2 unit , Gr. 12) Prerequisite: Completion of Marketing Principles

and Enrolled in Marketing Education or Management

This supervised work experience provides on-the-

job training in marketing occupations. Students are

released from school to work in an approved busi-

ness. To receive internship credit, the student must

also be concurrently enrolled in Marketing Education

or Management. Students work 10-19 hours per

week for one credit/year. Students work 20 hours or

more per week in an approved business for 2 credits/

year.

5210-Advanced Marketing Internship (1

unit, Gr. 12)

5211-Advanced Marketing Internship (2

units, Gr. 12) Prerequisite: Enrolled in Advanced Marketing

Education or Management

This supervised work experience provides

on-the-job training in marketing occupations.

Students are released from school to work in an

approved business. To receive internship cred-

it, the student must also be concurrently en-

rolled in Advanced Marketing Education or

Management. Students work 10-19 hours per

week for one credit/year. Students work 20

hours or more per week in an approved busi-

ness for 2 credits/year.

5208-Advanced Marketing Education (1

unit, Gr. 12) (BSAD 205 Marketing)

Prerequisite: Marketing Education

This advanced marketing course develops

student understanding and skills in distribution,

financing, marketing-information management,

pricing, product/service management, promo-

tion, and selling. Opportunities are provided to

apply scientific problem solving when engaged

in marketing information gathering, pro-

cessing, and reporting. Emphasis will be placed

on the impact that customer behavior has on

the implementation of marketing functions.

Financial considerations, as they relate to busi-

ness profit, will also be explored. Throughout

the course, students are presented problem-

solving situations for which they must apply

academic and critical-thinking skills. Enroll-

ment in Advanced Marketing Internship is op-

tional; giving the student the opportunity to

apply newly acquired marketing skills in the

workplace. This course may offer 3 hours of

college credit through Metropolitan Communi-

ty College. Students may have the options of

dual enrolling during the first week of class.


Updated 2014 33

CAREER EDUCATION

5401-Career Connections (1/2 unit, Gr. 9)

Career Connections is a required semester

course for all freshmen designed to assist students

in their successful transition into high school.

This course will help students connect their high

school classes with their future career goals. The

students will learn about themselves through in-

terest and aptitude assessments, and conduct ca-

reer investigations including job trends and work-

place opportunities. Students will explore the six

career pathways/16 career clusters and research

specific career interests in order to create career

portfolios. Students will also strengthen their

study skills and learn how to become effective

citizens in the community. This class will fulfill

the career education graduation requirement.

5500-Health Science Exploratory (1/2 unit, Gr.

10-11)

The purpose of the course is to provide stu-

dents with a realistic exposure to health careers,

they might pursue after graduation from high

school. This experience will assist them in mak-

ing an informed career choice. In addition, this

course is designed to provide students with a real-

istic look at the educational requirements for the

various professions in an effort to encourage them

to pursue a rigorous high school academic plan so

they are prepared to be successful in post-high

school education. This course will provide expe-

riences in nursing, the role of the physician, ca-

reers in rehabilitation, respiratory therapy, emer-

gency medical services, diagnostic imaging, med-

ical laboratory technology, health information

technology, dietetics, and biomedical engineering.

This course will only be offered if adequate

enrollment and funding is available.

5200-Youth Entrepreneurs (1 unit, Gr. 10-12)

This course is designed to offer practical train-

ing and experience to students in the field of en-

trepreneurship and management. Students will

gain an appreciation for business and free enter-

prise, complete a business plan, and have an un-

derstanding of the components for a successful

business. Through team activities, computer sim-

ulations, hands-on experience, Market Day, Dare

to Dream, and competitions, students are chal-

lenged to start their own business, enhance their

business skills for future career opportunities, and

continue into higher education. This class will be

conducted in partnership with area businesses and

Youth Entrepreneurs, which is affiliated with the

Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship. Stu-

dents must fill out an application and interview

for placement in this course.

5220-Entrepreneurial Studies (3 units, Grade

12 by application only) The Entrepreneurial Studies program, located

at Independence Center, is designed to assist stu-

dents with the essentials of planning, starting, and

operating a business of their own. Students will

learn about the rewards and challenges of small

business management, finance, human resources,

technology, and management processes necessary

for a successful business.

Through classroom training, practical experi-

ence, and internships in Independence Center

stores, students will gain the insight and confi-

dence to help prepare for an entrepreneurial ca-

reer. Students can earn college credit by taking

this class if they meet all the eligibility require-

ments. This course requires three (3) blocks of

a student’s schedule all year.

Gr. 9 9909, Gr. 10 9910, Gr. 11 9911, Gr. 12

9912-FOCUS (1/4 unit, Gr. 9-12)

In FOCUS, teachers work as academic advi-

sors, personal mentors, and family advocates.

Teachers work with a group of students and their

parents/guardians to explore educational and ca-

reer possibilities based on valid and relevant in-

formation. They build relationships that encour-

age a sense of self-worth and respect while de-

creasing individual anonymity and alienation.

Finally, they communicate with students and their

families on a regular basis. These consistent

communications decrease parental intimidation

and foster a culture of belonging.

Updated 2014 34

CAREER EDUCATION

5600-Public Safety Exploratory (1/2 unit Gr.

10-12)

This course introduces students to careers

in criminal justice, law enforcement, fire pro-

tection, emergency response services and other

related career areas. It will prepare students for

application as seniors to a possible Center of

Excellence in Public Safety or, as high school

graduates, to police and/or fire academies.

Students will learn about public safety ca-

reers through engagement in classroom and

laboratory activities modeled after real-world

work assignments, scenarios and problems.

Strong emphasis will be placed on written and

verbal communication skills, mathematics ap-

plications, problem solving, ethics, accounta-

bility and cultural diversity. Students will also

learn how current courses they are taking apply

to their future career aspirations. Professionals

and postsecondary instructors will meet with

students to discuss aspects of their respective

careers and programs enabling students to

make a more informed career choices. This

course will only be offered if adequate

enrollment and funding is available.

1811-Becoming a Teacher (1/2 unit, Gr. 11-

12)

You have been sitting in a classroom for

almost twelve years. Now it is time to see what

it is like to be on the other side of the desk!

This course explores a variety of aspects from

the teaching profession. Areas of study include

classroom culture, assessments, educational

philosophies, classroom strategies and ethical

issues in teaching. Classroom observations and

visitations at various levels from elementary to

secondary complete this look at education.

1812-Becoming a Teacher II: Cadet Teach-

ing Academy (1 unit, Gr. 12)

Prerequisites: Becoming a Teacher

This course is for students interested in

teaching careers as well as those students who

want to expand their knowledge of educational

professions. Areas of study will expand upon

units previously covered in Becoming a Teach-

er and their real world applications. This

course includes on-site experiences with cur-

rent Independence School District classroom

teachers and students, ranging from elementary

to the secondary setting. Students will be re-

sponsible for transportation to and from the

field study sites. This course will be offered

second semester and will require two (2)

blocks of a student’s schedule.

Updated 2014 35

7821-Introduction to Theatre Arts (1/2 unit,

Gr. 9-12) This is an introductory course in which stu-

dents will examine people, places, occupations

and equipment in the world of theatre to learn the

basics of both technical theatre and acting. Stu-

dents will participate in fundamental acting, theat-

rical design and stagecraft activities. This course

is a prerequisite for Theatre Design.

1505-Competitive Drama I (1 unit, Gr. 9-12) This course is designed for the student who

wants to improve skills in acting and performance.

Activities in humorous and dramatic interpreta-

tion, prose and poetry reading, duet acting, and

duo interpretation allow individuals to refine act-

ing skills and techniques. Participation in inter-

scholastic competition is required. Students

must remain eligible as defined by MSHSAA.

1509-Competitive Drama II (1 unit, Gr.10-12) Prerequisite: Competitive Drama I

This course is designed for the student who








1511 or 1513-Competitive Drama III - IV (1

unit, Gr. 11-12 weighted) Prerequisite: Competitive Drama II

This course is designed for the student who








7803-Acting I (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12) This is an introductory course in acting. Stu-

dents will take part in improvisations, warm-ups,

team building, memorization, movement, staging,

blocking, and duet performances. Character de-

velopment, vocal and physical techniques will

also be explored.

7804-Acting II (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: C average or better in Acting I

Acting II will utilize and expand basic acting

techniques. Students will create characters using

emotional, intellectual, and social characteristics.

The analysis of dramatic literature will be used to

enhance the performance of acting. Students will

incorporate subtext, motivational units and dra-

matic build to assigned scene work. The study of

different acting theories emphasizing works from

the American Theatre will be explored.

7805 or 7806-Acting III—IV (1/2 unit, Gr. 11-

12)

Prerequisite: C average or better in Acting II

Acting III and IV will require students to

stretch their acting abilities into different genres

and periods of theatre. Students will perform

scenes and monologues from contemporary, mod-

ern and classical theatre (primarily Shakespeare).

The study and analysis of dramatic literature will

include directing and playwriting. Students will

take part in written one-acts and/or children’s the-

atre and study American Musical Theatre.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS—FINE ARTS ELECTIVES

Updated 2014 36

7809-Theatre Arts 130 (1 unit, Gr. 12,

weighted) Prerequisite: C average or above in Acting III

This course will refine acting skills, provide

instruction in both production projects and pre-

paring audition materials. Students will demon-

strate knowledge of historical periods, produc-

tion styles utilized within historical periods,

research historical topics relative to theatre, and

correlate research materials into a written pa-

per.

7823-Theatre Design (1 unit, Gr. 10-12) Prerequisite: C average or above in Introduc-

tion to Theatre Arts

Students learn to research, appreciate and

interpret both technical and graphic design for

the theatre. Creativity, practicality and the eco-

nomics of the designs are emphasized through-

out the full-year course as students learn to take

direction and work in the four phases of pro-

duction. Students will learn to organize, plan in

writing, create and analyze appropriate designs

that will fulfill the responsibilities of various

school productions.

7825-Advanced Theatre Design (1 unit, Gr.

11-12) Prerequisite: Theatre Design

Students create technical and graphic

designs, artistic elevations and scaled building

plans, which are then applied to actual theatri-

cal productions. Students learn and work in the

four phases of production: design, build, run

and strike. Precisely written plans, original ide-

as and fully executed designs are required for

each phase. Each student will fulfill a theatre

position for school productions. Organization,

creativity, management of student crews, de-

pendability and practicality of the designs are

emphasized throughout the course.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS—FINE ARTS ELECTIVES

Updated 2014 37

COMMUNICATION SKILLS—GENERAL ELECTIVES

1501-Principles of Speech Communication (1/2

unit, Gr. 9-12) Principles of Speech Communication is de-

signed to improve interpersonal skills in real-

world communication situations. This class devel-

ops the practical skills of communicating in per-

sonal relationships, interviewing, job-required

speaking and group interaction. The class also

challenges students to become more effective

speakers and listeners in a variety of communica-

tion tasks.

1503-Public and Mass Communication (1/2

unit, Gr. 9-12) Public and Mass Communication is designed

for the student who wishes to be competent in

areas of speaking that exceed daily communica-

tion tasks. These competencies include the skills

necessary to prepare for college or leadership-

related responsibilities. This course develops the

student’s ability in organizing and expressing ide-

as in presentational speaking situations, in leader-

ship roles and in the dynamics of group interac-

tion. This course also offers an introduction to

radio and television performance. Scholarship

opportunities in community-provided speaking

contests are offered.

1521-Competitive Debate I (1 unit, Gr. 9-12) Competitive Debate I is an introductory course

to develop critical thinking, teach structured argu-

mentation, and introduce basic library research

skills. Students practice written communication of

the issues introduced and perform oral communi-

cation of the events introduced. Participation in

interscholastic competition is required. Stu-

dents must remain eligible as defined by

MSHSAA.

1523-Competitive Debate II (1 unit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: C average or above in Competitive

Debate I

Competitive Debate II is designed to develop

further critical thinking, teach persuasive argu-

mentation and introduce computerized library re-

search skills. Students will practice written and

oral communication of current national debate

topics. Emphasis will be on improved writing

skills and enhanced performance skills. Partici-

pation in interscholastic competition is re-

quired. Students must remain eligible as de-

fined by MSHSAA.

1525-Competitive Debate III—Argumentation

212 (1 unit, Gr. 11-12, weighted)


Debate II

Competitive Debate III is designed as a

complete study of the national debate topics.

Higher-level reasoning skills, critical thinking,

basic theories of argumentation, and university-

based library research are required. Emphasis will

be on oral presentational skills in a minimum of

two events.

Semester evaluation of advanced-level re-

search and theory proficiency is required. Partici-

pation in interscholastic debate competitions is

required on a regular basis. Students (twelfth

grade only) enrolled for both semesters in Com-

petitive Debate III are eligible to participate in the

college credit course, Argumentation 212.

UMKC fees are required for students enrolled for

three hours of college credit. Participation in

interscholastic competition is required. Stu-

dents must remain eligible as defined by

MSHSAA.

1527-Competitive Debate IV—Argumentation

212 (1 unit, Gr. 12, weighted)


Debate III

Competitive Debate IV is a complete study of

national debate topics and requires inter-

scholastic performance in at least three

competitive events. The course requires semester

evaluations of proficiency in advanced theory and

oral presentations, peer coaching of Level I and II

students, and supervisory positions in the tourna-

ment hosted by the school. Students enrolled for

both semesters in Advanced Debate IV are eligi-

ble to participate in the college credit course, Ar-

gumentation 212. UMKC fees are required for

students enrolled for three hours of college credit.

Participation in interscholastic competition is

required. Students must remain eligible as de-

fined by MSHSAA.

Updated 2014 38

1530-Legal Communications I (1 unit, Gr. 10-

12) (THS Only)

Legal Communications I is a practical, hands-

on course for students interested in careers in law,

legal studies, or the criminal justice system. Stu-

dents will study and apply the skills of legal argu-

mentation strategies and oral advocacy, learn and

apply the legal rules of evidence for courtroom

use and evidence presentation, and will learn to

research and analyze legal court cases. Students

will participate in classroom mock trials to help

them synthesize and apply their acquired

knowledge. Visits to city and county courtrooms

to observe the legal process will be included.

Guest speakers from the legal community will be

utilized, including attorneys, paralegals, legal sec-

retaries, and officers of the court.

1550-Legal Communications II (1 unit, Gr. 11-

12) (THS Only)

Prerequisite: Legal Communications I

Legal Communications II is a continuation of

the concepts learned in Legal Communications I,

but at an advanced level. Students will study and

apply the skills of legal argumentation strategies

and oral advocacy at an advanced level, learn and

apply more advanced rules of evidence for court-

room use and evidence presentation, and will uti-

lize electronic legal resources to research and ana-

lyze legal court cases. Students will participate at

an advanced level in mock trials. Students must

participate on a competitive Mock Trial team or

participate in the Independence Youth Court.

Guest speakers and mentors from the legal com-

munity will be utilized, including attorneys, para-

legals, legal secretaries, and officers of the court.

1570 Legal Communications III (1 unit, Gr. 12)

(THS Only)

Prerequisites: Completion of Legal Communica-

tions I and II

Legal Communications III is the capstone

course of the study and practice of legal communi-

cations. Students will continue their study and

application of the skills of legal argumentation

strategies and oral advocacy at a proficient level

and utilize the Federal Rules of Evidence for

courtroom use and evidence presentation, and will

utilize electronic legal resources to produce legal

briefs of court cases. Students will participate at a

proficient level in mock trials, or continue their

involvement with Independence Youth Court.

Guest speakers and mentors from the legal com-

munity will be utilized, including attorneys, para-

legals, legal secretaries, and officers of the court.

1801-Leadership Development (1 unit, Gr. 11-

12) This year-long course begins with the devel-

opment of intra-personal and inter-personal man-

agement. Students will practice such leadership

skills as effective oral and written communica-

tion, history of leadership styles, parliamentary

procedures, problem-solving skills, strategic-

planning skills, team building, motivation theory,

stress and change management, and conflict reso-

lution techniques. Students will have a major

project as they analyze and resolve a problem in

an organization. Students will be selected for the

class through an application process.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS—GENERAL ELECTIVES

Updated 2014 39


1600-Introduction to Media (1 unit, Gr. 9-11)

This introductory year long course focuses on

broad knowledge of journalism. Students will

examine the production of all media formats. The

course is a prerequisite to Broadcast Media I,

Journalism I, and Publications I unless approved

by the instructor.

1901-Broadcast Media I (1 unit, Gr. 10-11)


to Media (Truman Only)

This course is to develop introductory skills in

broadcast production. The content includes, but is

not limited to, broadcast production; the history of

broadcasting and its role as an element of the mass

media; broadcast-related careers; ethical and legal

issues; writing for broadcast; and use of basic

equipment in broadcast production, such as video,

audio, editing, and lighting.

1903-Broadcast Media II (1 unit, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: C average or better in Broadcast

Media I

This course is to develop skills for

broadcast production and to apply these skills in

producing broadcast packages/segments. The

content includes, but is not limited to, skills devel-

opment in writing, planning, directing, and record-

ing broadcast packages/segments; and basic de-

sign; use of equipment, such as camera control

units, audio boards, editors, special effect genera-

tors, and equipment for graphic preparation. Stu-

dents must devote time outside of the regular

school day to meet deadlines.

1905-Broadcast Media III (1 unit, Gr. 12) Pre-

requisite: C average or better in Broadcast Media

II

Through internships, job shadowing and other

career investigation activities, students enrolled in

Broadcast Media III will be given many opportu-

nities to explore “real world” opportunities in the

broadcast field. Students will also be responsible

for producing a monthly public affairs program

highlighting activities in the Independence School

District.

Updated 2014 40

1601-Journalism I (1 unit, Gr. 10-11)

Prerequisite: C average or better in Introduc-

tion to Media

Students in Journalism I will analyze media

content, follow the development of journalism

through its history and literature, study news-

paper writing techniques, design and produc-

tion. Emphasis will be on actual writing experi-

ence.

1603-Newspaper II (1 unit, Gr. 11-12) Prerequisite: Journalism I

This laboratory course is designed to pro-

duce the school newspaper. Students will be

exposed to practical experience in newspaper

journalism through story generating, writing,

designing, advertising, and the editing process.

Additional responsibilities include meeting

deadlines and recognizing legal and ethical

scholastic press standards at the local, state and

national levels.

1605-Newspaper III (1 unit, Gr. 12)

Prerequisite: C average or better in News-

paper II

Students will further their skills through

working on the school newspaper. They will

learn the skills necessary to lead others, coach

writing, and improve in-depth reporting skills.

Students will also get additional preparation for

a journalism career.

1701-Publications I (1 unit, Gr. 10-11)

Prerequisite: C average or better in Introduc-

tion to Media

In addition to examining yearbooks through

content analysis, students will study design,

photographic and writing techniques of produc-

tion.

1703-Yearbook II (1 unit, Gr. 11-12,) Prerequisite: Publications I

This laboratory course is designed to produce

the school yearbook. Students will be exposed to

yearbook (magazine) journalism through story

generating, writing, designing, advertising, and

the editing process. Students will observe and

meet deadlines and follow student press laws.

This class involves some after-school work.

1709-Yearbook III (1 unit, Gr. 12,) Prerequisite: Yearbook II

Students will further their skills through

working on the school yearbook. They will learn

the skills necessary to lead others, coach writing

and improve reporting and graphics preparation

for a career in publications.

1650-Editorial Leadership (1 unit, Gr. 12)

Prerequisite: Leadership position on a publica-

tion

The Editorial Leadership course is designed

for student editors of the yearbook and newspa-

per. It emphasizes the development of skills in

human relations, oral and written communica-

tion, critical thinking and advanced problem

solving. This laboratory class is designed to help

student editors meet the increasing demands of

producing high-quality publications.

1710-Photojournalism (1 unit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: C average or better in Basic Pho-

tography or Digital Photography

Students in this laboratory course will pro-

duce photographs for the school publications,

including newspaper and yearbook. This in-

volves some after-school work and should im-

prove digital photography skills of student pho-

tographers, including proficiency in photo editing

software. Students should submit an application,

which can be obtained from the advisor for en-

trance into this course.


Updated 2014 41


1101-English I (1 unit, Gr. 9) This ISD-Missouri Learning Standards based

curriculum focuses on skills and concepts of rig-

orous ELA coursework . Students who meet

these grade level standards readily undertake the

close attentive reading that is at the heart of un-

derstanding and enjoying complex texts. They

habitually perform the critical reading necessary

to pick carefully through the staggering amount of

information available today in print and digitally.

They actively seek the wide, deep, and thoughtful

engagement with high-quality literary and infor-

mational texts that builds knowledge, enlarges

experience, and broadens worldviews. In short,

students who meet the standards of this course

develop the skills in reading, writing, speaking,

and listening that are the foundation for any crea-

tive and purposeful expression in language.

1107A/1107B-HS Core Literacy Semester 1 &

2 (1/2 unit of Elective each semester, Gr. 9 ) This course is designed to build the founda-

tional literacy skills necessary for success in rig-

orous high school coursework. Literacy Acade-

my curriculum is based on foundational skills/

concepts to help students:

Read closely and analytically to comprehend

a range of increasingly complex literary and

informational text.

Produce effective and well-grounded writing

for a range of purposes and audiences.

Employ effective speaking and listening skills

for a range of purposes and audiences.

Engage in research/inquiry to investigate top-

ics and to analyze, integrate, and present in-

formation.

1105-English II (1 unit, Gr. 10) Prerequisite: Successful completion of English I

English II places emphasis upon the effective

use of the English language in both oral and writ-

ten communications. Students study world litera-

ture with a focus on the literary forms of drama

and the novel. The basic skills of reading, writ-

ing, speaking and listening continue to receive

primary emphasis.

1104-Pre-Advanced Placement English II (1

unit, Gr. 10, weighted)

Prerequisite: Students must possess disciplined

study habits. The course will involve considera-

ble outside class preparation. Students enrolled

in this course will be assessed during the first

three weeks of the school year to determine if the

placement in this course is appropriate. Students

enrolling in this course will be expected to partic-

ipate in frequent formal and informal writing pro-

jects.

This course is designed for students who plan

to enroll in AP English and/or English 110 and

214 as upperclassmen. The skills of reading,

writing, and listening continue to receive primary

emphasis. The rigorous survey course of litera-

ture incorporates the integrated study of vocabu-

lary, grammar, analysis, and composition skills

through the study of short stories, poetry, fiction,

non-fiction, and drama. Both modern and Shake-

spearean text will be included in the literature.

Compositions focus on literary analysis using lit-

erary terms as well as narrative, expository, and

persuasive styles. The research process will be

addressed through the literature component of the

course.

1131-English III (1 unit, Gr. 11) Prerequisite: Successful completion of English II

English III is centered on American Litera-

ture, vocabulary development, composition, de-

scriptive, persuasive, historical, narrative, and

research. Students will continue to develop skills

in writing, vocabulary, and critical thinking. Stu-

dents will enhance their ability to recognize the

use of various literary elements and to understand

the importance of these elements in the American

Literature selections they read. Further, students

will develop an awareness of mass media and its

influence and impact. Students can choose to

enroll in this course for Dual Credit (high

school/college).

Updated 2014 42


1155-AP Language & Composition (1 unit, Gr.

11-12, weighted) AP Language and Composition engages students

in becoming skilled readers of primarily non-fiction

prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and

rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers

who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their

writing and reading should make students aware of

the interactions among a writer's purposes, audience

expectations, and subjects as well as the way generic

conventions and the resources of language contrib-

ute to effectiveness in writing. Students enrolled in

AP courses must take the AP exam. Students can

choose to enroll in this course for Dual Credit

(high school/college).

1129-Senior English (1 unit, Gr. 12) Prerequisite: Successful completion of English III

This course will focus on reading comprehen-

sion and analysis, writing skills, and basic forms of

professional communication that students will use in

postsecondary/career settings. These would include,

but not be limited to, technical writing, research-

based problem solving, proposals, research reports,

documentation of sources, and oral presentations.

Students will be expected to work in collaborative

groups to develop written and oral presentations.

This course will also include reading assignments

drawn from a variety of sources: technical docu-

ments, world literature, and essays. Students will

respond to the reading through reflective, profes-

sional, analytical, and evaluative essays.

1141-College Prep English (1 unit, Grade 12)

Prerequisite: C average or better in English III or

AP Language and Composition.

This course is designed to prepare students who

anticipate attending a community college or a four-

year college/university after high school. The em-

phasis of this class is the study and practice of pro-

cess writing in addition to analytical and critical

reading skills. Reading will include various genres

of classical and contemporary literature. Vocabu-

lary, college preparatory skills, writing assignments,

and oral presentations will be incorporated into the

curriculum. There will be one research paper re-

quired second semester.

1114-Limited English Proficiency for Non-

English Speakers (1 unit, Gr. 9-12) Truman HS

only

Prerequisite: Referral, placement testing

This course is designed to help Non-English

Speaking students to build English language fluency

in the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and

speaking. Students will study language topics,

mostly focused on daily social activities. Students

will also begin some preliminary English writing

skills and read extensively, according to their lan-

guage proficiency levels, and will also use Rosetta

Stone software to increase their fluency.

1110-LEP English I Beginning (1 unit, Gr. 9-12)

Truman HS only

This course is designed for English Language

Learners who are beyond the Newcomer stage. Stu-

dents will continue to work on the four skills of

reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students

will read and analyze both fiction and non-fiction

pieces through discussion and in writing. Students

will continue to work on basic grammatical struc-

tures. This class will prepare students for LEP Eng-

lish I Developing

1112-LEP English I Developing (1 unit, Gr. 9-12) This course is a modified English I curriculum

with ELL supports for limited English speaking stu-

dents. Students will read a variety of literature, un-

derstand basic grammatical structures of English,

and communicate their ideas clearly in oral and

written form.

1116-LEP Study Skills (1 unit, Gr. 9-12)

This course is a support class for limited English

speaking students. Students will learn study and

time management strategies as they receive assis-

tance with work in their other classes. The instruc-

tor serves as a liaison between the student and the

student’s teachers.

1118-LEP English for the Content Areas (1 unit,

Gr. 9-12) Truman HS only

Prerequisites: Referral, placement testing

This course is for Non-English Speaking stu-

dents at the high school level. Currently, Non-

English Speaking (NES) students take two hours of

Limited English Proficiency (LEP). However, the

two hours are significantly different. While LEP for

NES focuses on building social language fluency in

English, this course focuses on building and sup-

porting academic language fluency in English.

Updated 2014 43


1157-AP Literature & Composition (1 unit, Gr.

11-12, weighted) AP Literature & Composition includes the de-

velopment of reasoning skills, reinforcement of dis-

ciplined study habits, the critical analysis of written

text, and essays demonstrating expository, analyti-

cal, and argumentative writing. Course work is de-

signed to include frequent formal and informal writ-

ing assignments, a research paper, some creative

writing and reflective writing concentration, and a

final portfolio. Readings will represent a variety of

literary genres and periods. The Advanced Place-

ment Literature and Composition program provides

seniors an opportunity to pursue college level stud-

ies. During the second semester students may take

the College Board exam that will test close reading

of text and the planning, writing and revising of

sustained analytical essays. This three-hour exam is

a determinant for earning three to six semester

hours of English credit at nationally and internation-

ally accredited colleges and universities. Students

enrolled in AP courses must take the AP exam.

1142-English 110—UMKC-Introduction to Col-

lege Prose (1/2 unit, Gr. 12, weighted) Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA or better and C average or

better in AP Language & Composition. Students

enrolling in this course are expected to enroll in

English 214 as the companion course designed to

make a full year of English credit.

Writing is both a way of learning and a way of

expressing what we have learned; writing is inextri-

cably related to speaking, listening, reading and

thinking. Consequently, UMKC’s composition

classes emphasize these interrelationships. In writ-

ing classes at all levels, students can expect to learn

that writing consists of a process demanding crea-

tivity in invention, revision, and editing. The em-

phasis on socially relevant readings and the focus of

the writing assignments leads students to an aware-

ness of themselves not just as writers but as mem-

bers of a cultural and social world as well. Our ulti-

mate goal is to provide our students with the intel-

lectual skills to respond critically to their academic,

social and professional worlds.

The goal of the Composition Program is to teach

students how to write academic prose at an ad-

vanced college level. The ability to develop sus-

tained, essayistic prose that is coherent and cohe-

sive, the effective use of quotations and other forms

of evidence and support, and the presentation of

revised work that is carefully proofread and edited

are important and will be assumed as basic formal

requirements passing English 110.

Students should demonstrate the ability to draft and

revise assigned essays of at least six pages (1500

words).

A student successfully completing English 110 will

demonstrate, during the course of the semester, the

ability to:

a. Express and analyze personal ways of thinking,

b. Engage in critical, political, and rhetorical anal-

ysis of assigned texts, including

c. Cultural, historical and scholarly essays, and

d. Revise, edit and proofread essays that develop

complex thinking and that conform to academic

convention of quotation and presentation.

Students enrolled in 110 may be eligible to apply

for the college credit program and the opportunity

to earn three credit hours in English through the

University of Missouri-Kansas City.

1143-English 214—UMKC-Introduction to Fic-

tion (1/2 unit, Gr. 12, weighted)

Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA or better and C average or

better in AP Language & Composition.

Emphasis in this course is on critical reading of

short stories and the novels selected from all periods

of English, American, and European literatures.

The course will introduce the systematic study of

fiction as a literary genre and will equip students for

more advanced work in literature. Writing assign-

ments are designed to aid the understanding of the

structure and content of the material covered.

Classwork also includes language and vocabulary

study, college preparatory skills, ACT/SAT prepa-

ration, analytical study of fiction, and experience

with word processing and various research tools and

techniques.

Students enrolled in English 214-UMKC Intro-

duction to Fiction maybe eligible to make applica-

tion to their high school English Language Arts de-

partment to participate in the college credit pro-

gram.

Updated 2014 44

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES—PRACTICAL ARTS

6101-Introduction to Family and Foods (1/2

unit, Gr. 9)

Introduction to Family and Foods is a fresh-

men only course that provides a basic background

in self-management skills, family structures, and

an introduction to child care principles. This

course also includes learning and practicing

healthy habits and safe food preparation.

6102-Introduction to Fashion and Interior De-

sign (1/2 unit, Gr. 9)

Introduction to Fashion and Interior Design is

a freshmen only course that provides a basic back-

ground in clothing care, selection, and construc-

tion as well as an introduction to housing and inte-

rior design.

6103-Focus on Fashion I (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12) This course investigates current fashion

trends. Emphasis is on selection of garments that

enhance the figure, stretch the clothing budget,

and provide lasting, easy care quality. This

course is suitable for beginners or students having

previous clothing experience. Use of the sewing

machine and commercial patterns are covered dur-

ing the construction of projects. The student will

provide supplies and fabrics for the construction

units.

6104-Focus on Fashion II (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12) Prerequisite: C average or better in Focus on

Fashion I

This course continues the study of fashion to

include planning a fashionable wardrobe to fit

one’s activities and budget; fabrics currently used

in clothing; and careers related to fashion. Sew-

ing projects using a serger, electronic, and tradi-

tional sewing machines are more advanced than

those made in Focus on Fashion I. The student

will provide supplies and fabrics for the construc-

tion units.

6113-Focus on Fashion III (1/2 unit, Gr. 11-

12) Prerequisite: C average or better in Focus on

Fashion II

This course is designed for the student desir-

ing additional experience in clothing construction

or pursuing fashion as a career. Emphasis is on

advanced sewing techniques including those

found in ready-to-wear, designer, and tailored

fashions. Garments of the student’s choice will

be constructed using the techniques. The student

will provide supplies and fabrics for the construc-

tion units.

6105-Housing and Interior Design I (1/2 unit,

Gr. 10-12) Housing and Interior Design includes a study

of influences on the architectural style of houses,

house plans, furniture style and arrangements, and

the application of the elements and principles of

design in the decorating and in the furnishing of

the house. Instruction in computer-aided drawing

is also a component of the course.

6106-Housing and Interior Design II (1/2 unit,

Grades 10-12)

Prerequisite: C average or above in Housing and

Interior Design I

This course will expand students’ knowledge

of architectural and interior design. This ad-

vanced course will expand element and design

principles, and phases of blueprint floor plan, in-

cluding exterior and interior elevations. This ad-

vanced course will further their knowledge in the

most recent versions of computer-aided drawing.

Additional emphasis will be placed on career op-

portunities.

6107-Beginning Foods and Nutrition (1/2 unit,

Gr. 10-12) Beginning Foods and Nutrition is designed as

a basic foods course intended to increase the

awareness of the contribution food makes to indi-

vidual health and well-being. Individual and fam-

ily food needs are identified through a study of

kitchen organization, nutrition, menu planning,

buying, preparing, and serving simple foods.

6108-Culinary Arts I (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12) Prerequisite: C average or better in Beginning

Foods and Nutrition

This advanced course is designed to increase

skills in food preparation and presentation. Work-

ing as a team, students will develop competence

in time management and explore the diverse psy-

chological, social, and cultural aspects of food as

they exist throughout the world. Additional em-

phasis will be placed on career opportunities.

Updated 2014 45

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES—PRACTICAL ARTS FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES—PRACTICAL ARTS

6110-Culinary Arts II (1/2 unit, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: C average or better in Culinary Arts

I

This course will increase the exposure for stu-

dents to the growing field of culinary arts, food

preparation, continue to stress safety and sanita-

tion practices, and analyze career pathways in the

food industry through job shadowing and intern-

ships. (Successful completion of this class is re-

quired to attend the Herndon Career Center’s

Culinary Arts Program)

6114-International Foods (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: C average or better in Beginning

Foods and Nutrition

This course provides a path for interested stu-

dents to explore international dishes, customs, and

etiquette for personal growth and to prepare for

work in a global economy.

6109-Child Development (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12) Child Development is designed for juniors and

seniors where information on children’s growth is

combined (whenever possible) with actual experi-

ences with children in the classroom. The class

includes information on reproduction, prenatal

development, pregnancy, and birth process. New-

born care, toddler growth and development, and

safety are included. This class is the prerequisite

for Child Development Internship.

6121-Family Relations (1/2 unit, Gr. 12) This course is designed to enable high school

seniors to explore the relationships of family life

in order to gain concepts for healthy, long term

relationships. Personality, self-image, relation-

ships in dating, marriage, and the family are cov-

ered.

6124-Parenting (1/2 unit, Gr. 12) This course is designed to help young adults

learn many positive family life skills. It includes

information about early married life, finances,

communication, coping with family crisis, child

abuse, children’s behavior and discipline, and sin-

gle, adoptive, and step-parenting. This course

endeavors to strengthen the family as the most

important influence in a child’s life.

6125-Fundamentals of Early Care and Educa-

tion (1/2 unit, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: C average or better in Child Devel-

opment. Student must be able to provide their

own transportation to Child and Family Learning

Centers, no carpooling is allowed per district pol-

icy.

For students interested in early childhood ca-

reers as well as those who want to enhance their

knowledge of child care and development. Areas

of study will include: professional child care tech-

niques, development and psychology of the child,

child care management skills, problem solving,

emergency care information, and formal observa-

tion. This class includes on-site experience with

children.

Updated 2014 46

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

These courses DO NOT fulfill the English Lan-

guage Arts or Fine Arts graduation require-

ment.

1201-French I (1 unit, Gr. 9-12) Prerequisite: C average or better in English

French I is designed to give students ability in

handling basic conversational French. The four

skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing

are developed using authentic French materials.

French I students will have many opportunities to

experience various aspects of French culture.

1203-French II (1 unit, Gr. 10-12) Prerequisite: C average or better in French I

French II is designed to reinforce the skills

presented in French I and to continue to develop

multicultural awareness. Practical applications of

the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and

writing will be emphasized. Units on World Ge-

ography, cuisine, and aspects of daily life in Fran-

cophone countries will provide cultural enrich-

ment.

1205-French III (1 unit, Gr. 11-12) Prerequisite: C average or better in French II

French III is an advanced course covering all

grammar points previously presented in the first

two courses and emphasizing new and more com-

plex grammatical structures needed for oral com-

munication and written composition. This course

offers an enhanced understanding of French cul-

ture through the study of art, architecture, music,

film, literary excerpts, and current events.

1209-French IV (1 unit, Gr. 12)

Prerequisite: C average or better in French III

French IV is designed for students with a de-

gree of proficiency and ability in the language. A

detailed study of grammar points will continue.

The emphasis of this course, however, will be on

readings that convey cultural information about

the French speaking world. This course may be

offered for dual-credit.

1301-Spanish I (1 unit, Gr. 9-12) Prerequisite: C average or better in English

The first level is an introductory course de-

signed to provide a basic knowledge of Spanish.

Emphasis is placed on listening and speaking. Stu-

dents are also introduced to reading and writing.

Class activities are based on life communication

situations and cultural themes.

1303-Spanish II (1 unit, Gr. 9-12) Prerequisite: C average or better in Spanish I

This course is designed to further develop

oral/written communication skills in Spanish. An

integral part of the class is application of language

and culture concepts to real-life communication

situations.

Updated 2014 47

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

1305-Spanish III (1 unit, Gr. 10 (with permis-

sion) 11, 12, weighted) Prerequisite: C average or better in Spanish II or

Teacher Recommendation

This is a college- level course intended to pro-

gressively develop the ability to communicate well

with native speakers, according to class level. The

effectiveness of this program depends on the stu-

dent’s active participation in a structured set of

learning activities in the classroom, the language lab

and at home. The textbook presents a gradual se-

quence of topics and situations supporting the ac-

quisition of grammar and vocabulary in context.

Communicative and cultural goals are achieved

through listening, speaking, reading, and writing in

the second language, skills that will be tested in the

evaluation process. Proficiency in speaking and

writing is progressively emphasized through this

course. Students should carefully read the policies

and instructions contained in the syllabus, which is

intended to provide a fair and effective common

framework for all sections of each level. Students

may optionally enroll in UMKC to receive up to

10 credits with this course. This is the equivalent

of a first-year college Spanish Class. Applica-

tions are made available during the first few

weeks of class.

1307-Spanish IV (1 unit, Gr. 11-12, weighted) Prerequisite: C average or better in Spanish III or

Teacher Recommendation

This is a college- level course intended to pro-

gressively develop the ability to communicate well

with native speakers, according to class level. The

effectiveness of this program depends on the stu-

dent’s active participation in a structured set of

learning activities in the classroom, the language lab

and at home. The books chosen for this course in-

clude grammar and vocabulary in context. The text-

book presents a gradual sequence of topics and situ-

ations supporting the acquisition of grammar and

vocabulary in context. Communicative and cultural

goals are achieved through listening, speaking,

reading, and writing in the second language, skills

that will be tested in the evaluation process. Profi-

ciency in speaking and writing is progressively em-

phasized through this course. Students should care-

fully read the policies and instructions contained in

the syllabus, which is intended to provide a fair and

effective common framework for all sections of

each level. Students may optionally enroll in

UMKC to receive up to 10 credits with this

course. This is the equivalent of a first-year col-

lege Spanish Class. Applications are made avail-

able during the first few weeks of class.

1309-Spanish for Native Speakers (1 unit, Gr. 9-

12) Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation only

This is a course designed to refine skills of those

individuals who have a high functioning knowledge

of Spanish. Emphasis will be on refining the gram-

matical, spelling, and reading skills of students who

have demonstrated fluency in spoken Spanish, but

who desire advanced skills.

1401-German I (1 unit, Gr. 9-12) Prerequisite: C average or above in English

This course is designed to familiarize the student

thoroughly with the sounds of the German lan-

guage in order to develop listening and speaking

skills. Students will also be developing skills in

reading and writing; however, emphasis is on gram-

mar and structure of the language as well as the cul-

ture of the German people.

1403-German II (1 unit, Gr. 10-12) Prerequisite: C average or better in German I

The second year is designed to develop skills

further in listening, speaking and conversation. Ad-

ditional emphasis is placed on reading and writing,

while grammar and culture continue to be an inte-

gral part of the course.

1405-German III (1 unit, Gr. 11-12) Prerequisite: C average or better in German II

The third year is designed to improve fluency

and progress in oral and written communication.

1407-German IV (1 unit, Gr. 12)

Prerequisite: C average or better in German III

The fourth year is designed to expand a stu-

dent’s knowledge of the German language and cul-

ture.

Updated 2014 48


HEALTH-Note: Health courses do not satisfy the

physical education requirement, but are consid-

ered a valuable source of knowledge to maintain a

life style of wellness.

9101-Health (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-10) This required course is a part of a comprehen-

sive health curriculum which has been offered

throughout the student’s educational process. Ma-

jor areas of emphasis will be mental health; physi-

cal fitness and safety; substance use and abuse;

nutrition; contagious diseases; and human growth

and development.

9103-Physical Education I (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12) Physical Education I is a course that will em-

phasize physical fitness and team sports. The fol-

lowing activities will be included in this course:

fitness training, flag football, soccer/speedball,

basketball, and volleyball.

9107-Strength Training and Conditioning (1/2

unit, Gr. 9-12)

This is an entry-level course designed to pro-

vide an emphasis on strength training and condi-

tioning safety, etiquette, and technique. The stu-

dent will also learn basic strength and conditioning

concepts and principles. The course will also

make the connection between training and perfor-

mance. The activities focus on improving athletic

performance by developing, maintaining, and im-

proving strength, endurance, flexibility, speed,

power, and agility.

9114-Team Sports (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12)

This course emphasizes physical fitness and

team sport activities. Students will learn the histo-

ry, strategy, and rules of various team sports as

well as develop and improve their physical skills

and techniques. Sports include: soccer, football,

basketball, and volleyball.

9118-Advanced Team Sports (1/2 unit, Gr. 9 -

12)

Prerequisite: Team Sports

This course emphasizes physical fitness and the

team sport activities of volleyball and basketball.

Students will learn the history, strategy, and rules

of volleyball and basketball as well develop and

improve their physical skills and techniques.

Updated 2014 49


9115 Personal Fitness and Wellness I (1/2

unit, Gr. 9-12)

Along with an emphasis of physical fitness,

this course provides the student with a basic

foundation of rules, strategies, and skill tech-

niques in recreational lifetime activities. These

activities include: softball, racquet sports, and

volleyball.

9116 Personal Fitness and Wellness II (1/2

unit, Gr. 9-12)

This course emphasizes participation in ac-

tivities that develop, maintain, and improve car-

diovascular fitness, body composition, flexibil-

ity, and muscular strength and endurance. The

student will learn basic lifetime fitness concepts

and principles. Activities include aerobic dance,

fitness walking and/or jogging, and muscular

strength/toning exercises. Activity level will be

light to moderate.

9120 Advanced Strength Training and Con-

ditioning (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of 1/2 unit

of credit in Strength Training and Conditioning

This course is designed to provide the inter-

ested student with the opportunity to stay in-

volved in strength training and conditioning ac-

tivities. This course builds on previously

learned physical training concepts with more

advanced information on exercise physiology

and biomechanics. The student will also engage

in more rigorous and strenuous physical activity

designed to improve athletic performance by

developing, maintaining, and improving

strength, endurance, flexibility, speed, power,

and agility.

9121 Fundamentals of Coaching (1/2 unit,

Gr. 10-12)

This course is designed to introduce students

to the basic fundamentals of coaching young

athletes. The course also helps prepare students

for a possible career in coaching. Students will

develop and refine their own coaching philoso-

phy through field experiences, class activities,

and individual and group research. Emphasis

will be placed on learning the psychology of

young athletes, leadership and communication

skills, practice and game preparation, and sport

pedagogy.

Updated 2014 50

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING—PRACTICAL ARTS

8100-Introduction to Engineering Design

(Project Lead The Way) [PLTW] (1 unit, Gr. 9

-12, 0.5 weighted)

This course is for students interested in engi-

neering and architecture related fields. Units of

study include sketching, multi-views, pictorial and

3-D drawing, sections, dimensions, auxiliary and

architectural drawing. Students will be expected

to uses 2-D and 3-D CAD software to solve prob-

lems and present designs. Technical reading and

math skills are needed. This course is the first

course in the PLTW program. PLTW is a nation-

ally recognized engineering curriculum being of-

fered through the Independence School District.

Ask your advisor or guidance counselor about

information regarding PLTW or go to

www.pltw.org.

8101-Principles of Engineering (Project Lead

The Way) [PLTW] (1 unit, Gr. 11-12, 0.5

weighted)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering and

Design (PLTW)

This course explores the wide variety of ca-

reers in engineering, technology systems, and

manufacturing processes. Using activities, pro-

jects and problems, students learn first hand how

engineers and technicians use math, science and

technology in an engineering problem-solving

process to benefit people. PLTW is a nationally

recognized engineering curriculum being offered

through the Independence School District. Ask

your advisor or guidance counselor about infor-

mation regarding PLTW or go to www.pltw.org.

8105-Architectural Drafting (1 unit, Gr. 10-12) Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design.

This advanced course in drafting deals with

the principles involved in site selection, room

Planning, exterior styling, designing structural

elements of house dwellings, and computer

graphics as it relates to architectural drawing.

Students will be introduced to various construc-

tion methods, building materials, and terminology

used in the architectural fields. Preparation of a

complete set of plans and specifications for a

house of traditional and/or contemporary design

will be required.

8106-Digital Electronics Engineering (Project

Lead The Way) [PLTW] (1 unit, Gr. 10-12,

weighted 0.5)


to Engineering and Design and Principles of En-

gineering (PLTW).

This course is designed so that students gain

skills in basic electronics, logical thinking, prob-

lem solving, and electronic trouble shooting. Stu-

dents will seek answers to questions such as how

do robots make decisions, how does a calculator

work, and what does an electrical engineer do?

Digital electronics is so embedded in daily life,

from listening to music to withdrawing money

from a bank, that it has invaded many other areas

of engineering. By gaining a basic understanding

of digital electronics in high school, a student

gains a head start on an engineering career—no

matter what field. Digital Electronics Engineering

is a course in applied logic that encompasses the

application of electronic circuits and devices.

Computer simulation software is used to design

and test digital circuitry prior to the actual con-

struction of circuits and devices.

8110-Civil Engineering and Architecture

[CEA] (PLTW) (1 unit, Gr. 11-12, 0.5

weighted)

Prerequisite: C average or above in Geometry

The major focus of this course is completing

long-term projects that involve the development

of property sites. As students learn about various

aspects of civil engineering and architecture, they

apply what they learn to the design and develop-

ment of a property. The course provides teachers

and students freedom to develop the property as a

simulation or to students to model the experiences

that civil engineers and architects face. Students

work in teams, exploring hands on activities and

projects to learn the characteristics of civil engi-

neering and architecture. In addition, students use

3D design software to help them design solutions

to solve major course projects. Students learn

about documenting their project, solving prob-

lems, and communicating their solutions to their

peers and members of the professional community

of civil engineering and architecture.

Updated 2014 51


8112-Engineering Design and Development

[EDD] (PLTW) (1 unit, Gr. 12, 0.5 weighted)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering and

Design (IED), Principles of Engineering (POE),

Digital Electronics Engineering (DE)

This is an engineering research course in

which students will work in teams to research,

design, test and construct a solution to an open-

ended engineering problem. The product develop-

ment life cycle and a design process are used to

guide and help the team to research a solution to

the problem. The team presents and defends their

solution to panel of outside reviewers at the con-

clusion of the course.

8107-Machine Drafting (1 unit, Gr. 10-12) This is an advanced course in drafting,

emphasizing the techniques and skills gained

through mechanical drafting applied to industrial

parts. The course is organized as follows: drafting

standards for detail drawings, technical infor-

mation related to machine drafting, manufactur-

ing processes and machine drafting, drafting

standards for assembly drawings, and computer

graphics in machine drafting.

8109-Foundations of Wood Technology (1 unit,

Gr. 9-12)

This fundamental course stresses the develop-

ment of tools, machine safety, and skills. Students

will gain knowledge in the safe use of hand and

power tools, machines, career exploration, project

planning, problem-solving, and applied math and

science. Students will have an understanding for

the awareness of industry employment expecta-

tions, job outlooks, and educational requirements.

This is a project-oriented course in wood working

where students will be assigned to construct medi-

um sized project. Required: Safety glasses and 3-

ring binder.

8111-Wood Manufacturing Processes (1 unit,

Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: C average or above in Foundations

of Wood Technology both semesters

This is an advanced project-oriented course in

wood working. This class is designed around ma-

terials, processes, designing, finishes, and hard-

ware used in the wood manufacturing industries.

Instruction continues in machine safety, wood-

working tool, and machine maintenance. Special

emphasis is placed on setting up and operating

machines and tools that are introduced as a part of

this course reflecting industry standards. Students

will apply previously learned skills to new lessons

that this course builds upon from the previous

woodworking experiences provided in Founda-

tions of Wood Technology. Required: Safety

glasses and 3-ring binder.

8113-Advanced Manufacturing Processes (2

units, 2 periods, Gr. 11-12) Prerequisite: C average or better in both semes-

ters of Wood Manufacturing Process I

This project-oriented course allows for a more

in depth study of the wood industry. This class is

designed around materials, processes, designing,

finishes, and hardware used in the wood manufac-

turing industries. Instruction continues in ma-

chine safety, operation, and maintenance. Special

emphasis is placed on setting up and operating

computer assisted manufacturing (CAM) technol-

ogy. Required: Safety glasses and 3-ring binder.

Updated 2014 52


8121-Engineering Graphics & Technology (2

units, 2 periods, Gr. 11-12, weighted) Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design

This advanced course is designed for students

who are interested in the field of engineering.

Course work activities primarily involves transla-

tion of ideas, specifications, and sketches into

complete working drawings. Advanced classes

will explore and gain experience in concepts and

techniques involving assembly drawings, produc-

tion drawings, field surveying, passive solar struc-

tural design, and computer aided design and draw-

ing. Students will be placed in areas of student

choice based upon career interest and background

of experience. Students enrolled in Engineering

Graphics and Technology are eligible to apply for

college credit through Metropolitan Community

College.

8123-Home Maintenance (WCHS) (1/2 unit,

Gr. 10-12) Classroom and shop experiences will be con-

cerned with the installation, maintenance, and re-

pair of buildings. Instruction includes experienc-

es in the use of assorted materials, such as metal,

wood, electrical wiring, and concrete. Career ob-

jectives are identified with a variety of occupa-

tional groups and specialization such as: electrici-

ty, plumbing, roofing, construction, maintenance

trades, and repairing equipment. Required: Safety

glasses. Recommended: Accident insurance.

8131-General Metals (1 unit, Gr. 9-12) This fundamental course in metals is designed

to give the student a basic understanding of tools,

materials, and processes of the metal working in-

dustry. Problem solving experiences will be pro-

vided in the areas of sheet metal, wrought iron,

welding, casting, and machine shop work on the

lathe, mill, shaper, drill press, and finishing areas.

Required: Safety glasses. Recommended: Acci-

dent insurance. 8133-Advanced Metals (2 units, 2 periods, Gr.

10-12) Prerequisite: C average or better in General Met-

als

This advanced course gives an in-depth study

in the uses of the engine lathe, shaper, arc and gas

welder, vertical and horizontal mills, metal spin-

ning, bench, and maintenance work. Required:

Safety glasses. Recommended: Accident insur-

ance.

Updated 2014 53


8135-Machine Technology (2 units, 2 periods,

Gr. 11-12) Prerequisite: C average or better in Advanced

Metals

This course prepares students for employment

in a machine shop or related field. Each student

will have the opportunity to learn how to properly

operate and use the basic machines and hand tools

located in most shops. The correct handling and

reading of precision measuring tools will be in-

cluded in the course. Basic shop math and blue-

print interpretation will be taught. Required:

Safety glasses. Recommended: Accident insur-

ance.

8137-Tool Construction (2 units, 2 periods, Gr.

12) Prerequisite: C average or better in Machine

Technology

This advanced course in Machine Technology

emphasizes the construction of special tools, jigs,

fixtures and dyes. Each student will be able to

gain additional knowledge and skills in using hand

tools, precision measuring tools, and also operat-

ing the power machines. Individual study will be

worked out to coincide with the special tool a stu-

dent selects to construct as his/her major project.

The student will be taught how to interpret work-

ing drawings and construct a project to meet the

drawing specifications. Required: Safety glasses.

Recommended: Accident insurance.

8140-Principles of Robotics (1 unit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: C average or above in Algebra I

Students will have the opportunity to see robots

and robotic applications through the current use of

automation and production. Machines are not just

a part of everyday life, but these concepts are a

vital component to modern society. Through this

course students will gain an insight to concepts

that are required not only for standalone robots,

but students will also gain a strong understanding

of the importance of automation and control in

modern society.

8166-Synergistic Lab ( 1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12) Van

Horn HS only

The Synergistic Lab is a Construction Tech-

nology Lab were students design houses, grow

plants, launch rockets and race CO2 cars in this

class! Students learn about subjects related to

building design, earth issues, and construction in a

computer-based, modular environment. A

“module” is a period of 7 days students spend

learning a particular subject. 15 subjects are

learned at one time in the classroom. The learning

sequence of each module encourages students to

take ownership of their own learning. Students

work in pairs, share a computer, and work with

high-tech equipment to learn many areas of a sub-

ject. A standards based curriculum, relevant

hands-on activities, and a cooperative learning

environment combine to deliver what Synergistic

Learning Systems is all about—student success!

Modules offered are: Alternative Energy

Biotechnology

CADD

Climate & Biomes

Construction Management

Electricity

Environmental Issues

Graphic Communications

Gravity

Heat and Energy

Home Makeover

Interior Design

Research and Design

Rocket Science

Simple Machines

Orientation

Updated 2014 54

MATHEMATICS

3105A-Algebra I-Semester 1 (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12)

3105B-Algebra I-Semester 2 (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12)

Prerequisite for Semester 2:Algebra I-Semester 1

This course deepens and extends the understand-

ing of expressions, equations, and functions studied

in middle school math. The focus will be on:10 rela-

tionships between quantities and reasoning with

equations, 2) linear and exponential relationships, 3)

polynomial expressions and equations, and 4) quad-

ratic functions and modeling. Students will analyze,

solve and use functions to model situations. The

Mathematical Practice Standards will be applied

throughout this course.

3126A-Freshman Core Math-Semester 1 (1/2

elective unit, Gr. 9)

3126B–Freshman Core Math-Semester 2 (1/2


This course is designed to accompany Algebra I

and will focus on specific fundamentals of math di-

rectly related to being successful in Algebra I and

beyond. Students will work on operations with real

numbers; solving, graphing, and writing linear equa-

tions; and properties of exponents. This class will be

differentiated to meet the needs of each student. Stu-

dents meeting Core Math candidate requirements

take this course.

3113A-Geometry-Semester 1 (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Algebra I-Semester 1 and 2

3113B-Geometry-Semester 2 (1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Algebra I-Semester 1 and 2, Geometry

-Semester 1

This course formalizes and extends students’

geometric experience from middle school. Students

explore more complex geometric situations and

deepen their explanations of geometric relationships,

moving toward formal mathematical arguments.

Using rigid transformations early in the course pro-

vides a lens for students to explore subsequent geo-

metric concepts. Topics include: 1) congruence,

proof, and constructions; 2) similarity, proof, and

trigonometry; 3) extending to three dimensions; 4)

connecting algebra and geometry through coordi-

nates; and 5) circles with and without coordinates.

The Mathematical Practice Standards will be applied


3114-Honors Geometry (1 unit, Gr. 9-10,

weighted) Prerequisite: Algebra I-Semester 1 and 2

Students meeting Honors requirements take

Honors Geometry. Honors Geometry students will

demonstrate deep mathematical understandings

through additional projects and assessments in addi-

tion to the rigorous requirements of Geometry

3125A-Sophomore Core Math-Semester 1 (1/2


3125B–Sophomore Core Math-Semester 2 (1/2


This course is designed to accompany Geometry

and will focus on specific fundamentals of Algebra

directly related to being successful in Geometry and

beyond. Students will work on operations with real

numbers; solving, graphing, and writing linear, non-

linear, and systems of equations; properties of expo-

nents, and factoring. The class will be differentiated

to meet the needs of each student. Students meeting

Core Math candidate requirements take this course.

Updated 2014 55

MATHEMATICS

3115-Algebra II (1 unit, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: Algebra I-Semester 1 and 2, Geome-

try (may be taken concurrently if meets require-

ments)

Algebra II is a full year course building on the

work from Algebra I. Students will extend their

repertoire of functions to include polynomials and

rational/radical functions. Students will continue

to improve their skills in solving equations over

the complex numbers and solve exponential func-

tions by using the properties of logarithms. The

Mathematical Practice Standards will be applied


3116-Honors Algebra II (1 unit, Gr. 10-11,

weighted) Prerequisite: Algebra I-Semester 1 and 2, Geome-


ments)

Students meeting Honors requirements take

Honors Algebra II. Honors Algebra II students

will demonstrate deep mathematical understand-

ings through additional projects and assessments

in addition to the rigorous requirements of Alge-

bra II.

3115A-Algebra II-A (1 unit, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: Algebra I-Semester 1 and 2, Geome-


ments)

Algebra II-A is a full year course covering the

topics from the first semester of the regular Alge-

bra II course, thus providing students an oppor-

tunity to study Algebra II topics in depth in an

extended version. Students will continue the

study of functions started in Algebra I and will

focus on polynomials and rational/radical relation-

ships. The complex numbers system will be intro-

duced. Students will use functions to model rela-

tionships and determine solutions to problems.

The Mathematical Practice Standards will be ap-

plied throughout this course.

3115B-Algebra II-B (1 unit, Gr. 12)

Prerequisite: Algebra II-A

Algebra II-B is a full year course covering the

topics from the second semester of the regular Al-

gebra II course, thus providing students an oppor-

tunity to study Algebra II topics in depth in an

extended version. Students will continue the mod-

eling with functions. The students will advance

the study by including trigonometric and logarith-

mic functions. The Mathematical Practice Stand-

ards will be applied throughout this course.

3127-College Algebra (1 unit, Gr. 11-12,

weighted)

Prerequisites for college credit: C or above in

Algebra II and un-weighted GPA of 3.0 or higher

AND/OR ACT score of 22 or higher. C– or higher

in Algebra 2.

Prerequisite for high school credit: Recommenda-

tion from Algebra II teacher

Review of elementary algebra, solutions of

equations, functions, exponential and logarithmic

functions, inequalities, systems of linear equa-

tions, equations of second degree and their graphs,

binomial theorem, complex numbers and polyno-

mials. The course consist of college level curricu-

lum. Students can choose to enroll in this course

for Dual Credit (high school/college).

Updated 2014 56

MATHEMATICS

3117-Probability and Statistics (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-11) Prerequisite: Algebra I, Geometry, or concurrently

enrolled in Geometry

This course is designed to investigate categorical

and quantitate data, make inferences and justify con-

clusions, and use conditional probability to interpret

data and compute using the rules of probability. Fo-

cus will be placed on real-world problem-solving and

mathematical situations in context. The Mathemati-

cal Practice Standards will be applied throughout this

course. Students must take this course unless they

plan to take AP Statistics.

3124-AP Statistics (1 unit, Gr. 11-12 weighted)

Prerequisite: Algebra II

This course is designed to prepare students for the

Advancement Placement Statistics test in the spring.

Studies in this course will be advanced topics in

probability as it applies to exploring data, sampling

and experimentation, anticipating patterns, and statis-

tical inference. Students enrolled in AP courses

must take the AP exam. Students can choose to en-

roll in this course for Dual Credit (high school/

college).

3119-Pre-Calculus with Trig (1 unit, Gr. 11-12,

weighted) Prerequisite: C or above in Algebra II

This course is a prerequisite for the courses offered at

the Mathematics/Physics Institute held at the Inde-

pendence Academy.

Topics covered in this course include defining,

evaluating and graphing Trig & Pre-Calculus func-

tions, developing Trig & Pre-Calculus identities,

solving triangles, polar coordinates and complex

numbers, sequences and series, and conic sections.

3123-Calculus (1/2 unit, Gr. 11-12, weighted) Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus with Trig, (may take con-

currently second semester)

This course is an overview of the skills in calcu-

lus. Students will develop the ideas of limits, deriva-

tives and integrals, along with applications in busi-

ness and science. Note: this course will not prepare a

student for the AP Calculus tests.

3143-Math 150 Pre Calculus (1 unit, Gr. 12,

weighted)

Prerequisite: Algebra II and a 3.0 un-weighted GPA.

Students will be required to complete the Calculus

Readiness Test as part of the entrance requirement

for the Math Physics Institute. Students must enroll

concurrently in Physics 210.

This course is offered at MPI and is a study of

various types of algebraic equations and inequalities,

functions and their inverses, theory of higher degree

polynomial equations, system of equations, determi-

nants, logarithms, exponentials and applications. A

study of Trig & Pre-Calculus functions and their in-

verses, formulas and identities, conditional equa-

tions, radian measure, arc length, angular velocity,

function graphing and solutions of triangles will be

measured in this course. Students taking Math 150

will also be enrolled in Physics 210. Students will

take an entrance test to qualify for this course. Stu-

dents may receive five (5) college credit hours from

Blue River Community Students must provide their

own transportation.

Updated 2014 57

MATHEMATICS

3144-Math 180-Calculus I (1 unit, Gr. 12,

weighted) Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus with Trig,

a 3.0 un-weighted GPA, and an acceptable

score on the Mathematical Association of Amer-

ica Calculus Readiness Exam (administered in

the spring): OR consent of the MPI Staff. This

course is offered at the Mathematics and Phys-

ics Institute, which meets from 7:00 to 8:45 AM

daily at the Independence Academy Campus.

Students interested in earning Advanced Place-

ment credit for this course should contact their

counselor. Students must enroll concurrently in

Physics 210.

This course is a college-level introduction to

Calculus. It covers the topics of functions,

graphs, limits and continuity, differentiation,

maxima and minima, applications of the

derivative, anti-derivatives, and applications of

integration. The course is worth 1 unit of high

school credit, with an option for five (5) hours of

college credit through Blue River Community

College. Students taking Math 180 will also be

enrolled in Physics 210. Students must provide

their own transportation.

3145-Math 180-190 - Calculus I & II (1 unit,

Gr. 12, weighted) Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus

with Trig, a 3.0 un-weighted GPA, and an ac-

ceptable score on the Mathematical Association

of America Calculus Readiness Exam

(administered in the spring): OR consent of the

MPI Staff. This course is offered at the Mathe-

matics and Physics Institute, which meets from

7:00 to 8:45 AM daily at the Independence

Academy Campus. Students interested in earn-

ing Advanced Placement credit for this course

should contact their counselor.

For the first semester, this course covers the

same material as Math 180, described above.

The second semester covers the topics of loga-

rithmic functions, inverse Trig & Pre-Calculus

functions, more advanced techniques of integra-

tion, improper integrals, approximation meth-

ods, infinite series, conics, and polar coordi-

nates. The course is worth 1 unit of high school

credit, with an option for ten (10) hours of col-

lege credit through Blue River Community Col-

lege. Students taking Math 180-190 will also be

enrolled in Physics 240. Students must provide

their own transportation.

1120-LEP Mathematics (1 unit, Gr. 9-12)

(THS Only) Students who have already received credit for

Algebra I are not eligible for this class.

This course is for ELL students who need to

develop their math skills and language before

they are ready for Algebra I. Students will: 1)

engage in basic conversations about algebraic

concepts; 2) apply skills in mathematical and

real-world contextual settings; 3) develop opera-

tions in real numbers, expressions, and equation

concepts; 4) compose text using standard Eng-

lish conventions in responding to mathematical

problems; 5) prepare to participate in CCSS ac-

tivities and assessments.

Updated 2014 58

MILITARY SCIENCE Van Horn Only

5511-ROTC Leadership Development I (RLD

I) (1 unit, Gr. 9-12)

Introduction to the Reserve Officers’ Train-

ing Corps (ROTC) focuses on and motivates the

development of skills in the following areas:

appreciation of principles, values and skills

which underlie active good citizenship, develop

individual leadership potential through participa-

tion as a team member, appreciation of the im-

portance of maintaining good health, develop

proficiency in skills required to work effectively

and successfully as a member of a team, develop

a sense of attention to detail, and communicate

effectively both orally and in writing.

5512-ROTC Leadership Development II,

(RLD II) (1 unit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: RLD I

Intermediate development level in Reserve

Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) focuses on

and motivates the development and application

of skills in the following areas: appreciation of

ethical principles which underlie good citizen-

ship and leadership, continued development of

individual leadership skill while participating as

a small group leader responsible to plan, conduct

and lead small unit formations (squad, platoon

sized) physical fitness, and student led class-

room peer instruction. Student leaders continue

to develop the ability to work effectively in larg-

er, more complex work groups. Team members

will develop the ability to undertake and be suc-

cessful in confronting increasingly more com-

plex and demanding tasks. Students begin to

exercise concurrent, multi-directional “leader-

led” skills. Time and resource management

skills are introduced to the leadership develop-

ment program. Critical thinking and creative

problem solving skills are introduced. Emphasis

on development of effective, clear oral and writ-

ten communication skills continues. Introduc-

tion to advanced technology resources and tools

for learning, instruction, leading and manage-

ment begins.

5513-ROTC Leadership Development III,

(RLD III) (1 unit, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: RLD II

Advanced development in Reserve Officers’

Training Corps (ROTC) focuses on and moti-

vates the development and application of skill in

the following areas: demonstration of principles

that underlie good citizenship, development of

an understanding of the federal government,

further development of leadership skills and

potential by participating as a formal classroom

leader and peer instructor/trainer for junior ca-

dets. Students further develop their understand-

ing of responsibilities and skills necessary to

lead increasingly larger for formations, fitness

training, classroom tasks, and projects. Size and

complexity of assigned tasks for work groups

increases. Students continue to improve oral

and written communication skills. Use of tech-

nology resources as tools to learning, leading

and management continues. Students develop

multi-media informational, decision and instruc-

tional briefings.

5514-ROTC Leadership Development IV

(RLD IV) (1 unit, Gr. 12)

Prerequisite: RLD III

Application of Reserve Officers’ Training

Corps (ROTC) course knowledge focused on

the following areas: demonstration of ethical

reasoning and decision-making, application of

leadership principles to senior leader roles, su-

pervising and leading the complex multi-layered

work groups (multi-company, battalion sized

units), providing proponent staff support to sen-

ior/executive decision maker, develop an under-

standing of and ability to use management per-

formance indictors and metrics. Demonstrate

skill at using oral and written communication to

determine positive organizational outcomes,

issue effective orders, plans, and operational

guidance. Serve as senior peer role model and

leader for cadets of junior experience. DUAL-

CREDIT OPTION– Completion of this course

with a grade of “B” or better, plus completion of

additional academic requirements and success-

ful execution of an approved service learning

project qualifies students to apply for dual

course credit from University Colorado-

Colorado Springs for the course LEAD 151,

Character Education, for up to 2 credit hours of

academic credit (student responsible for pay-

ment fee). Contact instructor for additional in-

formation and support with the dual-credit op-

tion.

Updated 2014 59

MILITARY SCIENCE

Van Horn Only

5515-Leadership, Education and Training

Honors/AP—Staff, (LET), (1 unit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: C average or above in RLD I

Course is composed of senior grade/ranked

“key-man” cadet leaders who function as pro-

gram peer leaders and operational staff princi-

pals. These cadet leaders operate under close

facilitation of the Senior Army Instructor. Class

provides the opportunity for cadet leaders to

plan, organize, coordinate and resource program

wide operations, events and classes. Cadet lead-

ers are responsible for instruction of basic cadet

skills, development of proper classroom de-

meanor, peer critique of subordinate cadet per-

formance, conduct of periodic inspections and

assessments, maintenance of cadet records, pro-

gram logistical requirements, program public

relations and effective orchestration of integrat-

ed co-curricular teams. Instruction is focused on

techniques of counseling, conflict resolution

techniques, principles and methods of instruc-

tion, techniques of effective listening, extempo-

raneous speaking, development of lesson plans,

and advanced leadership principles. DUAL-

CREDIT OPTION- Completion of this course


additional academic requirements and successful

execution of an approved service learning pro-

ject qualifies students to apply for dual course

credit from University Colorado-Colorado

Springs for the course LEAD 499/599, Special

Topics in Leadership: Organization Leadership

in a Stressful Environment for up to 2 credit

hours of academic credit (student responsible for

payment fee). Contact instructor for additional

information and support with the dual-credit

option.

5516-ROTC Personal Finance (1/2 unit MS

and 1/2 unit Personal Finance, Gr. 10-12)

This course examines the positive linkage

between effective leader development, responsi-

ble citizenship and success in personal finance

fundamentals. Along with introduction to lead-

ership and leadership principles this course pro-

vides instruction and skills development in basic

financial planning, development of positive fi-

nancial behaviors, and sound money manage-

ment skills necessary to establish and achieve

financial goals, plan for, understand, and attain

financial maturity and establish the basis for a

secure future. Students develop a basic working

knowledge of personal budgeting; understand

the value of insurance, and understand the rela-

tionship of savings and investing as components

of financial security. A basic introduction to

banks and banking assists students to meet the

performance standards mandated for personal

finance as a pre-condition to graduation. DUAL

-CREDIT OPTION– Completion of this course


additional academic requirements and success-

ful execution of an approved service learning

project qualifies students to apply for dual

course credit from University Colorado-

Colorado Springs for the course LEAD 150,

Personal Management for up to 2 credit hours of

academic credit (student responsible for pay-

ment fee). Contact instructor for additional in-

formation and support with the dual-credit op-

tion.

5517-ROTC Health and Wellness (1/2 unit

MS and 1/2 unit Health, Gr. 9-12)

This course examines the positive linkage

between personal wellness, good health habits

and effective leader development. In addition to

focus on fundamentals of leadership develop-

ment special emphasis areas of focus include

exercise, nutrition, and habits for a healthy life-

style, first aid, and drug-alcohol awareness/

avoidance.

Updated 2014 60

MUSIC – FINE ARTS

7301-Freshman Women’s Choir (1 unit, Gr. 9) High school choir has curricular requirements

as do other academic disciplines, but also has out-

of-class time commitments. Required concerts

and performances take place outside of the school

day. These are performing groups of students

interested in vocal training in group singing and

performance. This course is preparation for stu-

dents interested in participating in the audition

ensembles as upperclassmen.

7303-Women’s Glee Club (1 unit, Gr. 10-12) High school choir has curricular requirements




day. This class is comprised of women interested

in vocal training, group singing and performanc-

es.

7305-Men’s Choir (1 unit, Gr. 9-12) High school choir has curricular requirements




day. This class is comprised of men interested in

vocal training, group singing and performances.

7307-Women’s Choir (1 unit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: See requirements below

High school choir has curricular requirements




day. Women’s Choir is a selected performing

group of accomplished singers. Tryouts are nec-

essary to gain entrance into this class. Girls will

be given an opportunity to qualify for this group

in the spring. You may tentatively enroll and

instructors will arrange for auditions. Perfor-

mance is an important part of the activities of this

class.

7309-Concert Choir/Chorale (1 unit, Gr. 10-

12) Prerequisite: See requirements below

High school choir has curricular requirements




day. Concert Choir/Chorale is a select group of

performing singers. Tryouts are necessary to gain

entrance into this class. You may tentatively en-

roll and instructors will arrange for auditions.

Performance is an important part of the activities

of this class.

Updated 2014 61

MUSIC – FINE ARTS

7311-Music Appreciation (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12) This is one-semester course dealing with mu-

sic and its elements. The student will see how

these elements are used in virtually all music, and

how music is used in virtually all cultures and

parts of life. An emphasis on listening skills will

assist the students to enjoy and to understand

whatever style of music they might select. There

will be opportunities for some “hands-on” types of

activities like rhythmic “stomp” ensembles, writ-

ing melodies, writing stories to music and sharing

their own music with the class. (This is not a per-

formance class.)

7332-Music Appreciation (Bach, Beethoven

and the Boys) (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12) This course takes a historical approach to mu-

sic’s development. The students will follow mu-

sic as it passes through various stages of history

and become familiar with some of music’s true

giants. Students will be able to listen to some of

the world’s greatest music ever written. Students

will be able to understand how cultural changes

affects development in music as well.

7333-Music Appreciation (History and Devel-

opment of Rock and Roll) (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12) During this one-semester course students will

examine how rock and roll music got its start by

looking at its roots and the culture from which it

came. Students will then follow rock’s develop-

ment through the last 50 years and the many styles

that emerged. Attention will be paid to those indi-

viduals and groups that were the real trend setters,

tune makers, and earth shakers.

7334-Music Appreciation (Music in the Movies)

(1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12) This one-semester course will focus on mu-

sic’s roll in motion pictures. Students will make a

brief historical study of how the film industry

grew and incorporated more and more music into

its movies. Students will look at the many differ-

ent kinds of music that are used in different mov-

ies. Students will also examine how different

styles of movies might use different kinds of mu-

sic. Some of the all time great film score compos-

ers will be highlighted.

Updated 2014 62

MUSIC – FINE ARTS

7314-Concert Orchestra (1 unit, Gr. 9-12) Prerequisite: Participation in ISD Middle School

Orchestra or a comparable program.

Concert Orchestra is a non-auditioned course.

In this course students will solidify musical con-

cepts such as key signatures, notes outside of the

first position, and tone quality. Concert Orchestra

will prepare students for Symphonic Orchestra.

Students will be expected to provide their own

instrument.

7315-Symphonic Orchestra (1 unit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Concert Orchestra and audition.

Students enrolling for Symphonic Orchestra

are sophomores, juniors, or seniors that have com-

pleted a year of Concert Orchestra and passed the

audition for Symphonic Orchestra. Students will

be expected to have knowledge of first through

fourth position, solid tone quality, and basic

knowledge of music theory. Students will be ex-

pected to provide their own instrument.

7312-Freshmen Band (1/2 unit, Gr. 9)

(THS only)

Upon the completion of marching band sea-

son, students in 9th grade will participate in

Freshmen Band. This band performs 3 concerts

annually and will participate in an adjudicated

festival. Other performance opportunities are

made available to members of the Freshmen Band

including but not limited to woodwind choir, bass

choir, percussion ensemble, district and state solo/

ensemble festival.

7317-Marching Band (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12) Marching Band is a co-curricular course

which meets during first semester. This band pro-

vides unique and worthwhile performance oppor-

tunities for each student involved. Each member

is expected to attend all required performances

and rehearsals, many of which occur outside of

the school day and prior to the start of the school

year.

7318-Symphonic/Concert Band (1/2 unit, Gr.

10-12)

Upon the completion of marching band sea-

son, students in grades 10-12 will participate in

either Symphonic or Concert Band(s). Member-

ship in either band is based upon a student’s audi-

tion. These bands perform 3 concerts annually

and participate in the MSHSAA sanctioned large

ensemble contest. Other performance opportuni-

ties are made available to members of the Sym-

phonic and Concert Band(s), including but not

limited to woodwind choir, brass choir, percus-

sion ensemble, district and state solo ensemble

festival.

7319- AP Music Theory (1 unit, Gr. 12,

weighted) This advanced music course will have a strong

emphasis on listening skills involving melodic

perception, harmonic function and recognition of

compositional techniques. In this AP Music The-

ory class “the ultimate goal is to develop a stu-

dent’s ability to recognize and understand the

basic material and process of music that is heard

or read in score.” (AP Course Description, Music

Theory--College Board) College credit is availa-

ble by concurrent enrollment through Blue River

Community College. These 3-6 hours of credit

may fulfill both Fine Arts and Humanities re-

quirements at 2 or 4 year colleges / universities.


AP exam.

7321-Music Theory-Fundamentals of Music

(1/2 unit, Gr. 10-12) Prerequisite: Enrollment in a performing music

ensemble or completion of Music Appreciation.

This course will study the basics in music the-

ory and composition. Key content areas of study

will be harmony, melody, composition, form and

rhythm.

Updated 2014 63

SCIENCE

Freshman students wishing to pursue a rigor-

ous science preparation are encouraged to ex-

plore the opportunity to enroll in the Pre-

Advanced Placement Biology, course number

4114.

4111-Physical Science (1 unit, Gr. 9)

Physical science will introduce students to

basic chemistry concepts of physical and chemical

properties, atoms, and the periodic table. Students

will learn physics concepts such as energy, forces,

and motion. In the laboratory, students will use

the techniques of the scientists in gathering infor-

mation, analyzing it, and interpreting it’s signifi-

cance in relation to other living organisms includ-

ing themselves. Students should expect home-

work on a regular basis and will be exposed to the

study skills necessary to succeed in future science

courses. This class is required for 9th grade stu-

dents unless they take pre-AP Biology.

4114-Pre-Advanced Placement Biology (1 unit,

Gr. 9-10, weighted 0.5)

Biology introduces students to the world of

living organisms, the methods used to study them,

and the principles that govern their existence.

Students will learn about organic and inorganic

chemistry as it relates to biological functions and

processes. In the laboratory, students use the

techniques of the scientist in gathering infor-

mation, analyzing it, and interpreting its signifi-

cance in relation to other living organisms includ-

ing themselves. The course will be taught at a

more rigorous and deeper level than general Biol-

ogy by incorporating some of the curriculum from

AP Biology. Students will take the Missouri Biol-

ogy End-of-Course exam. A goal of the class is to

prepare students for the Biology end of course

exam as well as AP Biology their junior or senior

year. Students should expect homework on a reg-

ular basis and will be exposed to the study skills

necessary to succeed in college preparatory cours-

es. This class will be open to 9th and 10th grade

students. Ninth grade students must enroll in Pre-

AP Chemistry or Chemistry their 10th grade year

in order to meet college entrance requirements for

a life and physical science course.

4201-General Biology (1 unit, Gr. 10-12) Prerequisite: Physical Science

General Biology introduces the student to the

world of living organisms, the methods used to

study them and the principles that govern their

existence. In the laboratory, students use the tech-

niques of the scientist in gathering information,

analyzing it, and interpreting its significance in

relation to other living organisms including them-

selves. Students will take the Missouri Biology

End-of-Course exam. Students who have success-

fully completed Pre-Advanced Placement Biology

will not take this course.

4210-AP Environmental Science: (1 unit, Gr.

11-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: C or better in Physical Science or

Biology and Proficient or Advanced on prior EOC

This course is an inquiry-based approach to

Environmental Science, Environmental Chemis-

try, and Environmental Geology. The design of

the course will enhance critical thinking, problem

solving, and process skills as defined by state and

national standards. Projects will balance field and

lab studies with analysis and presentation of re-

sults through electronic, oral, and written means.


AP exam.

Updated 2014 64

SCIENCE

4211-Applied Biology Chemistry I [ABC I] (1

unit, Gr. 11-12) (2014-15) Prerequisite: Physical Science and General Bi-

ology

Applied Biology Chemistry is a laboratory-

based science course that provides students with

integrated instruction in the areas of Biology and

Chemistry. The course is designed for students

who have passed both Physical Science and

General Biology who wish to take another

science course, but do not desire to take a

weighted science class. Applied Biology Chem-

istry will take a different approach to learning

science than other science courses students have

taken. The purpose of this course is to apply

science concepts in real world situations. As a

student in the class, you will be an employee of

ABC Technologies. You will work on a re-

search team to solve the client’s science problem

and explore new career opportunities. You will

respond to the client through writing a letter ex-

pressing the results of your lab investigation.

4212-Applied Biology Chemistry II [ABC II]

(1 unit, Gr. 11-12) (2015-16)

Prerequisite: Physical Science and General

Biology

Applied Biology Chemistry will take a dif-

ferent approach to learning science than other

science courses students have taken. The pur-

pose of this course is to apply science concepts

in real world situations. As a student in the

class, you will be an employee of ABC Technol-

ogies. You will work on a research team to

solve the client’s science problem and explore

new career opportunities. You will respond to

the client through writing a letter expressing the

results of your lab investigation. Students will

solve problems in the areas of Forensic Science,

Genetics, and Biotechnology.

4202-Biology II (1 unit, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: C average or better in General

Biology or Pre-AP Biology

Biology II includes the study of plants, ani-

mals, and other organisms. Topics will include

classification, evolution, anatomy, metabolism,

reproduction and genetics of each group of or-

ganisms. Students will also study the interaction

of species, including the impact of humans on

other populations. This course includes student-

designed, long-term labs that support the under-

standing of the study organisms in each area, as

well as other hands-on labs, research papers,

simulations, and case studies. This course is a

college preparatory course, which requires learn-

ing abstract concepts and using effective study

skills outside of class time in order to be suc-

cessful.

4112-Integrated Science (1 unit, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: Physical Science and Biology

Integrated Science will challenge students to

tie together scientific principles from a variety of

scientific disciplines such as earth science, as-

tronomy, meteorology, and environmental sci-

ence. Students will study how these areas of

science impact their everyday lives. In the la-

boratory, students will use the techniques of the

scientist in gathering information, analyzing it,

and interpreting its significance.

Updated 2014 65

SCIENCE

4206-Anatomy and Physiology (1 unit, Gr.

11-12)

Prerequisite: General Biology or Pre-AP Biology

This course includes studies of the body struc-

ture and processes occurring in animals with spe-

cial emphasis on vertebrate animals including hu-

mans. Large mammal dissection and lab activities

are required components of the course. The

course is a college preparatory course which re-

quires learning abstract concepts and using effec-

tive study skills outside class time in order to be

successful.

4209-Advanced Placement Biology (1 unit, Gr.

11-12, weighted) Prerequisite: C or better in Physical Science or

Biology, Algebra II (may be taken concurrently),

and Proficient or Advanced on prior EOC

Studies in this course will be those that would

be pursued in an introductory level college biolo-

gy course. Topics will be biochemistry, cytology,

thermodynamics, genetics, evolution, taxonomy,

and ecology. Lab activities are an important com-

ponent of this course. This course is a college

preparatory course which requires learning ab-

stract concepts and using effective study skills

outside class time in order to be successful.

The course may be available for college credit

or advanced college standing based on the stu-

dent’s AP exam score, which is administered at

the end of the school year. Students enrolled in

AP courses must take the AP exam. Students can

choose to enroll in this course for Dual Credit

(high school/college).

4107-Chemistry (1 unit, Gr. 11-12) Prerequisite: Algebra I-Tenth grade students may

enroll with recommendation from ninth grade sci-

ence teacher. Students are urged to have a

strong math background and are encouraged to

be concurrently enrolled in Algebra II or Geome-

try.

In this course, emphasis is placed upon labor-

atory work. Laboratory work provides experi-

mental data for discussion and assists students in

understanding the basic concepts of matter and its

behavior. This course provides a basis for further

study in science as well as understanding of the

role of chemistry in our everyday world. This

course is a college preparatory course which re-

quires learning abstract concepts and using effec-

tive study skills outside class time in order to be

successful.

4140-Pre-Advanced Placement Chemistry (1

unit, Gr. 10-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: Pre-AP Biology

This is a more intense chemistry course aimed

at challenging students in math, writing, and in

the laboratory to better prepare students for upper

level science courses and/or AP Chemistry.

4145-Advanced Placement Chemistry (1 unit,

Gr. 11-12, weighted) Prerequisite: C or better in Physical Science or

Biology, Algebra II, and Proficient or Advanced

on prior EOC

Studies in this course will be advanced topics

typical of an introductory college-level general

chemistry course. Topics such as structure of

matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibri-

um, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of

thermodynamics will be studied in considerable

depth.

The course may be available for college credit

or advanced college standing based on the stu-

dent’s AP exam score, which is administered at

the end of the school year. Students enrolled in

AP courses must take the AP exam.

Updated 2014 66

SCIENCE

4109-Physics (1 unit, Gr. 11-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: Algebra I—Students are

encouraged to have a strong math background.

The following math courses will assist students in

their study of Physics: Geometry, Algebra II, and

Trig & Pre-Calculus.

A modern introduction is given to the science

of physics, dealing with the Newtonian principles

of motion and matter in the world in which we

live. Topics covered in this course include

motion, forces, energy, waves, electricity, light,

and the energy of the atom. Concepts are taught

through the laboratory, problem solving, films

and discussions. The course provides a good

background for any field in which physics is an

integral part. Students can choose to enroll in

this course for Dual Credit (high school/

college).

4143-Physics 210 (1 unit, Gr. 12, weighted) Prerequisite: Algebra II, a 3.0 un-weighted GPA

OR consent of the MPI Staff. This course is of-

fered at the Mathematics and Physics Institute,

which meets from 7:00 to 8:45 AM daily at the

Independence Academy Campus


algebra-based Physics. Topics include one-and-

two-dimensional motion, forces, energy, mo-

mentum, rotational motion, fluid mechanics,

thermodynamics, waves, and sound. Bi-weekly

lab experiments are used to reinforce concepts.

The course is worth 1 unit of high school credit,

with an option for 4 hours of college credit

through UMKC.

4144-Physics 240-Physics for Science and

Engineering I (1 unit, Gr. 12 weighted)

Prerequisite: Trig & Pre-Calculus, a 3.0 un-

weighted GPA, and an acceptable score on the

Mathematical Association of America Calculus

Readiness Exam (administered in the spring);

OR consent of the MPI Staff. This course is of-

fered at the Mathematics and Physics Institute,

which meets from 7:00 to 8:45 AM daily at the

Independence Academy Campus.


calculus-based Physics. Topics include one-and-

two-dimensional motion, forces, energy,

momentum, rotational motion, fluid mechanics,

thermodynamics, waves, and sound. Bi-weekly

lab experiments are used to reinforce concepts.

The course is worth 1 unit of high school credit,

with an option for 5 hours of college credit

through UMKC.

Updated 2014 67

SOCIAL STUDIES

2101-World Geography (1/2 unit, Gr. 9) This required course deals with the natural

features of the Earth, its climate, products and in-

habitants. This course is designed to acquaint the

student with the location and characteristics of

the various nations of the world with some em-

phasis being given to the influence of geograph-

ical factors on the development of political, social,

and economic institutions.

2103-Pre-AP Geography (1/2 unit, Gr. 9)

This course is designed for students planning

to enroll in Social Studies AP courses. Students

will examine the location and characteristics of

the various nations of the world with emphasis

being given to the influence of geographical fac-

tors on the development of political, social and

economic institutions. Greater emphasis will be

placed on appropriate literacy strategies for suc-

cess in future Social Studies AP courses.

2303-World History (1 unit, Gr. 10) First semester of this required course offers an

opportunity to review the ancient river valley civi-

lizations and study in detail medieval Europe, the

Crusades, the Renaissance and Reformation, and

conclude with the emergence of European nation-

alism.

Second semester of this required course deals

with industrialization, imperialism and unifica-

tion, European aspects of World Wars I and II,

Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and developments

of the modern world since 1945.

2304-AP World History (1 unit, Gr. 10,

weighted)

The purpose of this course is to develop a bet-

ter understanding of how societies interact with

other societies through out the course of human

history. There will be a greater emphasis on how

cultures improved upon technology, how they ad-

vanced certain systems of government and what

sets them apart from other cultures. The goal of

this course is to assist students who want to take a

high school class that is equivalent to a college

level course and receive college credit or ad-

vanced college standing through the AP exam.


AP exam.

2203-American History (1 unit, Gr. 11) First semester of this required course begins

with Reconstruction and concludes around the

events of WWI. Some of the topics will be our

political system, growth of separate economies

between North and South, Civil War and Recon-

struction, the Westward Movement, the Rise of

Industrialism, the Spanish-American War, and the

beginnings of the U.S. as a world power. Second

semester of this required course is designed to

assist the student in developing an understanding

of the events that have shaped America since the

beginning of WWI. Topics to be considered will

be World War I, the Versailles Conference and its

effects, social changes of the Roaring Twenties,

the Great Depression, World War II, Korean con-

flict and the future based on historical perspec-

tives.

2204-AP US History (1 unit, Gr. 11, weighted)

AP US History is designed for students who

wish to complete coursework equivalent to a col-

lege introductory course in US History. Students

successfully completing this course fulfill the

graduation requirements as in American History,

course number 2203. The class emphasizes ana-

lytical skills, academic writing, and factual inter-

pretation in order to prepare interested students to

take the AP US History Exam in May for which

he/she may earn college credit. This weighted

course is a survey of American History from the

Age of Columbus to present day. Students en-

rolled in AP courses must take the AP exam.

Students can choose to enroll in this course for

Dual Credit (high school/college).

2205-AP European History (1 unit, Gr. 10-12,

weighted) Course can meet 10th grade history

requirement or be an elective at the 11th/12th

grade level.

This course is intended as one of the options

for the required sophomore history credit. It is

also for students who wish to complete a class in

high school that is equivalent to a college intro-

ductory course. The study of European history

since 1450 introduces students to cultural, eco-

nomic, political, and social developments that

played a fundamental role in shaping the world in

which they live. Without this knowledge, stu-

dents, would lack the context for understanding

the development of contemporary institutions, the

role of continuity and change in present-day socie-

ty, politics, the evolution of current forms of artis-

tic expression and intellectual discourse. Students

enrolled in AP courses must take the AP exam.

Updated 2014 68

SOCIAL STUDIES

2403-Missouri History (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12) This semester course is offered as a special in-

terest elective and will trace the history of Missouri

from its exploration to the present. It is designed to

allow students to develop understanding and appre-

ciation for the “Show Me” state. Some study of

state government will be included.

2405-Contemporary Issues (1/2 unit, Gr. 12)

Attention will be focused on national and world

news. Two major news magazines will be substi-

tuted for the usual textbook. As news events are

discussed, emphasis will be placed on the roots of

world and national situations, distinguishing

between fact and opinion in the news, bias in news

presentation, and recognition of various propaganda

techniques used to sway public opinion. Research

will be used to learn how national and international

situations have developed, and what proposals have

been advanced to deal with these situations. Stu-

dents who enroll in this course should be able to

read at or above grade level, have good comprehen-

sion skills, and have the ability to think and ana-

lyze situations. They should be able to express

themselves both verbally and in writing and be able

and willing to participate in class discussions. Ex-

tensive reading and research will be required.

2407-Psychology (1/2 unit, Gr. 11-12)

This course is designed to assist students in

gaining an appreciation of psychology as the sci-

ence of studying and understanding human behav-

ior. Emphasis will be on the development of phi-

losophies and methods used to gain insights

into behavior, and the individuals developing

these philosophies and methods.

2409-Public Law (1/2 unit, Gr. 11-12) This is a semester course designed to allow the

student to examine his/her place in the American

system of justice and law. The course will deal

with how the law and the judicial system directly

affect the individual. It will deal with the individu-

al rights and responsibilities under our legal system.

Topics include: why law, where law comes from,

different types of law, the adversary system, rights

and responsibilities under the law, juvenile law, etc.

2411-Sociology (1/2 unit, Gr. 11-12)

The study of human behavior in groups is de-

signed to acquaint the student with the types of

groups we form, how we function in these groups

and how we deal with social problems resulting

from the interaction within and between these

groups.

2105-American Government (1/2 unit, Gr. 12) This required course deals with the operations

of national, state and local governments. The

course will emphasize the roles played by each of

the three branches of government at the state and

national levels. Attention will also be given to ex-

ecutive agencies, pressure groups, lobbyists and

political parties. Included will be a study of the

federal and state constitutions thereby meeting the

state’s constitution requirements.

2106-AP American Government (1/2 unit, Gr.

12, weighted) AP American Government gives students an

analytical perspective on government and politics

by studying the basic foundation and general con-

cepts on US government along the various institu-

tions of government and the groups, beliefs, and

ideas that constitute US politics: the political par-

ties, interest groups and mass media, public policy,

civil rights and civil liberties and institutions of na-

tional government, including Congress, the Presi-

dency, bureaucracy and the Federal Courts. This

course prepares the student to take the AP US Gov-

ernment and Politics exam in May for which he/

she may earn college credit. Included in this course

will be a study of the federal and state constitutions

thereby meeting the state’s constitution require-

ments. This course will be offered second semes-

ter only. Students enrolled in AP courses must

take the AP exam.

Updated 2014 69

Herndon Career Center 2014-2015

Course Descriptions

ADVERTISING AND DISPLAY ART

Grades: 11/12 Credit: 3 - 3 Hours Daily, AM and PM Sec-

tions

PREREQUISITE: Minimum 2.0 GPA; 90 % attendance rec-

ord; reading, writing, and math at the 10th grade level; at least

one semester of keyboarding, and/or computer applications

coursework and a minimum of 2 semesters of art

Recommended: Background in drafting and graphics or pho-

tography

The purpose of this course is to prepare students for entry-

level employment in the field of graphic design, or to continue

their education in college. This program is organized into two

one-year programs. The student may take one or both years.

There is no prerequisite of taking this course sequentially.

8500-ADVERTISING AND DISPLAY ART Year 1 Cur-

riculum First year curriculum consists of an in depth study

and application of Adobe Creative Suite Software, specifically

Adobe In-Design, Illustrator and Photoshop. The emphasis is

on print production, car-wrap, decaling and large format out-

put, so as to develop skills necessary for employment or con-

tinuing education.

8501-ADVERTISING AND DISPLAY ART Year 2 Cur-

riculum. Second year students will build on their foundation

by studying competitive software such as Corel Draw Suite.

In addition, students will focus on the internet, and animation.

Dreamweaver (website development) and Flash (animation)

are the software students will study. Students will manually

code pages for the internet and develop skills in HTML (Hyper

Test Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets).

Hardware for this program includes both Mac and Windows

platforms, plus a variety of input and output devices, such as

scanners, cameras, and printers. College credit: An articula-

tion agreement exists with the Metropolitan Community

College and the Art Institute of America for up to 8 hours

of college credit. --Industrial Internship

8503-AUTO COLLISION AND REPAIR TECHNOLOGY

I

Grade: 11/12 Credit: 3 Units, 2 Semesters, 3 Hours Daily,

AM/PM Sections

PREREQUISITE: Min 2.0 GPA; 90% attendance record;

reading, writing, and math at 10th grade level; strong mechani-

cal aptitude

Recommended: Industrial arts, metalwork, art, and computer

skills

This course is the first year of a two-year program

designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs repairing and

refinishing collision damaged vehicles. Employment opportu-

nities exist in automotive dealerships, independent repair

shops, specialty shops or fleet operations. Emphasis is placed

on classroom instruction during the first year of the program

while students work toward industry-recognized certifications

from ICAR, PPG, and ADP. Lab experiences develop person-

al pride and craftsmanship using hand tools, power tools,

welding and refinishing equipment.

College credit: Agreements with the Metropolitan Commu-

nity Colleges enable qualified students to earn up to 26

hours of college credit during the two-year Auto Collision

Technology Program.

8502-AUTO COLLISION AND REPAIR TECHNOLOGY

II* Grade: 12 Credit: 3 Units, 2 Semesters, 3 Hours Daily,

AM/PM Sections.

PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Auto Collision

and Repair Technology I

This course is the second year of a two-year program

designed to further develop the skills needed for entry-level or

advanced positions in the automotive collision industry. Em-

ployment opportunities demand trained technicians who can

use the changing technology in the auto collision field. Stu-

dents will spend the majority of their time in the lab mastering

the technical skills necessary to repair customer-owned, late-

model vehicles with collision damage.

College Credit: Agreements with the Metropolitan Com-

munity Colleges enable qualified students to earn up to 26

hours of college credit during the two-year Auto Collision

Technology Program. —Industrial Internship

8523-AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY I


AM/PM Sections

PREREQUISITE: Minimum 2.0 GPA; 90% attendance rec-

ord; reading, writing, and math at the 10th grade level

Recommended: Basic technical writing course

This course is the first year of a two-year course in-

tended to prepare students for entry-level jobs as technicians in

maintenance and repair of passenger cars and light trucks.

Students will have both classroom instruction and laboratory

Center of Excellence Programs

Herndon Career Center courses are offered year-long in daily 3 hour blocks at the Herndon Career Center in

Raytown. For more complete information see our web site http://www.raytownschools.org/schools/hs/rqs/hcc/

*Center of Excellence is the site of a specialty career-related program. Acceptance into a Center of Excellence program.

Acceptance into a Center of Excellence program requires a student to have a minimum 2.0 GPA and a 90% or better at-

tendance rate. Students interested should contact their counselor for an application. Programs marked with an asterisk (*)

are approved Center of Excellence programs.

--Industrial Internships are available to qualified seniors during the second semester of a one-year program or during the

fourth semester of a two year program. Interested students should contact their HCC instructor or counselor for additional

information about opportunities and eligibility.

http://www.raytownschools.org/schools/hs/rqs/hcc/

Updated 2014 70

experiences with approximately 60% of the time devoted to

classroom instruction. Proficiency in use of automotive service

tools and instruction in the more advanced scientific and me-

chanical principles on the automobile will be an important part

of the training experience. College credit: Agreements with

the Metropolitan Community Colleges enable qualified stu-

dents to earn up to 10 hours of college credit during the two-

year Automotive Technology Program.

8524-AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY II Grade: 12 Credit: 3 Units, 2 Semesters, 3 Hours Daily, 2

AM/PM Sections

PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Automotive Tech-

nology I

This is the second year of a two-year course intended to

prepare students for entry-level employment as technicians in

the maintenance and repair of passenger cars and light trucks.

Approximately 75% of the student's time will be spent repairing

customer-owned vehicles with special emphasis in the use of

test equipment for the purpose of diagnosing engine malfunc-

tion. Classroom instruction will involve the introduction of

more technical information pertaining to the power plant, power

train, automotive electronics, transmissions, and automotive air

conditioning. College credit: Agreements with the Metropoli-

tan Community Colleges enable qualified students to earn

up to 10 hours of college credit during the two-year Automo-

tive Technology Program.

--Industrial Internship

8521-CLIMATE AND ENERGY CONTROL TECHNOLO-

GIES I (HVAC/R) Grade: 11/12 Credit: 3 Units, 2 Semesters, 3 Hours Daily,

AM/PM Sections

PREREQUISITE: Min 2.0 GPA; 90% attendance record;

math, reading, & writing at 10th grade level

Recommended: Intro to CADD, Technical Writing, Microsoft

software, Physical Science or Physics

This course is the first year of a two year program in-

tended to prepare the student for the entry –level employment in

energy related industries with a primary focus on heating, venti-

lation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R). Instruction

will involve extensive work in refrigeration theory an electrical

fundamentals using actual industry equipment. The student will

progress in a self-paced manner by utilizing this equipment and

interactive computer training modules. These modules have

been developed by and for the industry to provide documenta-

tion and national certification recognized by employers. A

hands-on approach, accompanied with classroom instruction by

an instructor with over twenty-five years of field experience,

characterizes this program. This course provides an introduc-

tion alternative energy such as solar, wind and geothermal, as

well as networked digital controls as they relate to climate con-

trol equipment. Aspects of energy production and distribution

including Green sources are part of the curriculum. All aspects

of the application of these theories will be demonstrated in vari-

ous real-world applications such as residential heating and cool-

ing, commercial refrigeration such as food storage, and industri-

al process refrigeration.

Expectations: Prospective students should have an interest in

physical science and how things work in general. Climate and

energy control training is the basis for any number of careers at

all levels of employment including management, engineering, as

well as the hands on careers available. All aspects of modern

life are affected, or made possible with the basics introduced in

this class. Students must be able to work in teams, have good

interpersonal verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and

have the ability to acquire info and use critical thinking process-

es to resolve technical issues. Self-motivation is a must.

College Credit: State Articulation Agreements enable quali-

fied students to earn up to 12 hours of college credit toward

an HVAC/R Degree Program. National Industry Certifica-

tions: HVAC Excellence (ESCO) Employment Ready, 608

Refrigerant, with several additional equipment specific certi-

fications. 10 Hour Occupational Safety and Health Admin-

istration (OSHA) certification. National Center for Con-

struction Education and Research (NCCER) Core, HVAC 1,

2, and 3.

8522-CLIMATE AND ENERGY CONTROL TECHNOLO-

GIES II (HVAC/R)

Grade: 12 Credit: 3 Units, 2 Semesters, 3 Hours Daily,

AM/PM Sections

PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Climate and Ener-

gy Control Technologies I


intended to prepare the student for entry-level employment as a

technician in the Climate and Energy Control (HVAC/R) indus-

try. Continuation of instruction in electrical and electronic com-

ponents and considerable laboratory experience will involve a

major portion of the second year. Diagnostic skills in the areas

of mechanical and electrical equipment failure will be developed

through the extensive use of test equipment. Expectations: In

addition to the requirements listed above student must complete

the EPA-608 Refrigerant Certification Exam. This allows stu-

dent to purchase the necessary refrigerants, which are now con-

trolled by Federal Law. The study guide is $10 and the exam

cost is $35. These costs are the responsibility of the students

and must be paid in advance of sitting for the exam.

College Credit: State Articulation Agreements enable quali-

fied students to earn up to 12 hours of college credit toward

an HVAC/R Degree Program. National Industry Certifica-

tions: HVAC Excellence (ESCO) Employment Ready, 608

Refrigerant, with several additional equipment specific certi-

fications. 10 Hour Occupational Safety and Health Admin-

istration (OSHA) certification. National Center for Con-

struction Education and Research (NCCER) Core, HVAC

1,2and 3.

—Industrial Internship

8526-CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY


AM/PM Sections

PREREQUISITE: Minimum 2.0 GPA; 90% attendance record;

reading, writing, and math at the 10th grade level

Recommended: Industrial arts courses in wood, metal, electrici-

ty, and drafting

This is a one year course that provides instruction in

these areas: Blueprint Reading, Basic Concrete Finishing, Struc-

tural Framing, Electrical, Plumbing, Interior Finishing, and

Roofing. We promote safety with training in the proper opera-

tion of hand tools and power tools. We teach communication

and employability skills to prepare students for the workplace.

Updated 2014 71

Students will acquire knowledge and develop technical skills

through classroom instruction as well as planning and construct-

ing related projects. Each of the areas consists of some hands-

on training. This is an Associated General Contractors of Amer-

ica certified program and also uses curriculum developed by the

National Center for Construction, Education, and Research.

College credit: An agreement with the Carpenters Appren-

ticeship Program enables students who meet specified re-

quirements to receive apprenticeship hours for skills learned

at HCC. Articulated college credit up to 12 hours are also

available. Students desiring more in-depth study may opt to

return for a second year of training if space is available. The

second-year program option may be offered to a limited number

of students who meet the following criteria: Career Ed instruc-

tor recommendation and evaluated aptitude for construction

field. (Career Ed instructor must approve returning student’s

plan prior to actual enrollment through high school.) --

Industrial Internship

8528-COSMETOLOGY

Grade: 12 Credit: 8 Units, 2 Semesters, 7.5 Hours Daily

PREREQUISITE: Min. 2.0 GPA; 90% attendance record;

reading, writing and math at the 10th grade level. Applicants

must have completed all high school graduation requirements

(except Practical Arts electives) by the beginning of their senior

year

Recommended: Art, biology, chemistry, business management

and speech courses

The Cosmetology program at Herndon Career Center

prepares students for the Missouri State Board of Licensing ex-

amination and to become employed as a cosmetologist. The ma-

jor study units of this 1,220-hour, full-day program are under-

standing the properties of hair and scalp; haircutting techniques;

chemical applications; skin care and make up; nail care; person-

al hygiene; business and professional ethics; safety, sterilization

and sanitation methods; salesmanship and communication skills;

and state laws and rules. Expectations: Students are expected to

purchase a salon kit totaling approximately $900 and including

items that prepare students for the State Board of Cosmetology

exam and giving them a foundation kit for entering the cos-

metology profession. There will also be other licensing fees for

instruction during the year. Students are expected to have and

wear approved uniforms daily and provide daily transportation

for themselves to school. Students are expected to work well in

a teamwork environment

8540-CULINARY ARTS

Grade: 11/12 Credit: 3 units, 2 semesters, 3 Hours Daily,

AM/PM Sections

PREREQUISITE: Minimum 2.0 GPA & 90% attendance rec-

ord; reading and writing at the 10th grade level; Algebra I with a

C grade or better. Applicants must successfully complete the

Year-One ProStart curriculum if it is available at their high

school and pass the Year-One ProStart examination. Applicants

from high schools without ProStart curriculum available must

complete an advanced foods and nutrition class with a min. B

grade AND have a written recommendation from their advanced

foods teacher.

Recommended: Foods and nutrition courses, health courses,

business courses

The Culinary Arts program is a one-year program

constituting the second year of the two-year ProStart commer-

cial culinary arts curriculum. Major units of study include

ServSafe certification; potatoes and grains; desserts and baked

goods; meat, poultry and seafood; stocks, soups and sauces;

the history of food service; the lodging industry; the art of

service; marketing and the menu; purchasing and inventory

control; standard accounting practices; tourism and the retail

industry; and communicating with customers. Expectations:

Students must supply and wear a “chef’s” coat at all times

when attending the culinary arts program. Students may occa-

sionally be required to work after regular school hours in or-

der to participate in catered events. Students will be required

to pay a $150 consumable materials charge per semester and a

$38 ServSafe certification fee. (Total student contribution to

course expenses will be approximately $310.) College credit:

Successful students are eligible to earn up to seven hours

of credit in the Johnson County Community College Culi-

nary Arts program, up to 12 credit hours from the Arts

Institute, 9 hours from Le Cordon Bleu and their affiliated

colleges, 7 hours from Johnson and Wales. --Industrial

Internship

8507-DIESEL, INDUSTRIAL & AGRICULTURAL ME-

CHANICS I


AM/PM Sections


reading, writing, and math at the 10th grade level. Above av-

erage mechanical aptitude

Recommended: Industrial arts courses

This course is the first year of a two-year program

intended to prepare students as entry-level technicians work-

ing on heavy construction equipment, trucks, industrial plant

vehicles, and agricultural equipment. Instruction will involve

practice in the maintenance, service, repair, and overhaul of

equipment such as engines, power trains, controls, and other

components on buses, heavy trucks, earth moving equipment,

agricultural equipment, lift trucks, and stationary power

plants. College credit: Students can earn up to three hours

of college credit at Linn State Technical College.

8508-DIESEL, INDUSTRIAL & AGRICULTURAL ME-

CHANICS II Grade: 12 Credit: 3 Units, 2 Semesters, 3 Hours Daily,

AM/PM Sections

PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Diesel, Indus-

trial, & Agricultural Mechanics I


designed to prepare students as entry-level technicians work-

ing on heavy construction equipment, trucks, industrial plant

vehicles, and agricultural equipment. The second year of in-

struction will involve extensive shop experience on customer-

owned equipment. College credit: Students can earn up to

three hours of college credit at Linn State Technical Col-

lege. --Industrial Internship

Updated 2014 72

8511-EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFESSIONAL

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 3 Units, 2 Semesters, 3 Hours Daily,

AM/PM Sections


reading, writing and math at the 10th grade level; Biology I with

C or better; B or better in Child Development and Parenting

classes. If a student wishes to pursue dual credit, they will need

to have completed CDCG101: Fundamentals of Early Care and

Education through MCC-Penn Valley and have a qualifying

ACT or Compass test score

Recommended: Classes in health, nutrition and psychology

The Early Childhood Professional program prepares

students to pursue two- or four-year postsecondary education or

work with children ages birth to ten in occupations such as early

childhood and elementary teachers, child care workers, teacher

assistants, and child care center directors. Major units of study

include careers in early childhood; health, safety and nutrition;

child development observation; child growth and development;

curriculum and instruction; behavior management; working and

communicating with families; managing and maintaining early

childhood programs; early childhood laws, regulations and poli-

cies; and professional and leadership development. The Child

Development Center adjacent to the Early Childhood Profes-

sional classroom provides daily, on site training. Students also

have the opportunity to apply their skills and observe children in

other day care centers and public school programs and partici-

pate in volunteer internships. A second-year Special Topics

class is available to students who excel. Second year students

may participate in paid internships and complete requirements to

apply for the Child Development Associate Credential. Expecta-

tions: Prospective students should have an interest in becoming

an early childhood professional and possess a true desire to nur-

ture, motivate, teach and influence young children in a positive

way. They must (1) provide their own transportation to and

from assigned locations; (2) complete a ‘new’ TB test, physical

examination , and background check prior to participating at

day care centers or preschools; (3) pay a $50.00 fee for materi-

als, services and lamination; (4) provide additional minimal

supplies as needed. College credit: Students can earn up to

fifteen hours of college credit at Penn Valley Community

College --Industrial Experiential Internship

8514-FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING

Grade: 12 (Grade 11 with recommendation) Credit: 3

Units, 2 Semesters, 3 Hours Daily, AM/PM Sections

PREREQUISITE: Min 2.0 GPA; 90% attendance record; Bi-

ology 1 with C or better; reading, writing, & math at 10th grade

level.

Recommended: Anatomy and Physiology, Intro to Health Ca-

reers, Chemistry, Psychology

This is a one year program designed for students to

explore a career in Nursing and related health careers. This pro-

gram includes classroom and hands on/clinical experiences.

Classroom instruction includes anatomy, physiology, medical

terminology and entry level nursing topics. Classroom instruc-

tion also includes American Heart Association CPR and First

Aid certification. Students will learn and practice clinical skills

in a controlled simulation lab. Students will then spend 100

hours at various long-term care facilities perfecting their clinical

skills. Students will have opportunities to observe other health

care professionals. Students who complete the program will

have met the requirements to take the final examination to be-

come a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). The student must

provide his/her own transportation to the clinical sites. A

background check will be required for clinical experiences.

Uniforms will be required for clinical experiences, paid directly

by the student to the uniform company. Student contribution

to course expenses are approximately $240 (for registration,

equipment, etc.).

8505-LAW ENFORCEMENT/POLICE SCIENCE I and II

Grade: 11/12 Credit: 3 units, 2 semesters, 3 Hours Daily,

AM/PM sections

PREREQUISITE: Min. 2.0 GPA, 90% attendance record;

reading, writing and math at a 10th grade level

This course is a two-year course and will provide stu-

dents knowledge in the field of law enforcement/police science

and prepare them for continuing education and ultimately, em-

ployment in a related field. This course is designed to acquaint

the student with historical perspectives of law enforcement and a

variety of criminal justice career fields, including but not limited

to: Crime Scene Investigation, Law enforcement, Police Sci-

ence, Patrol Theories and Report Writing, Legal Studies, and

Leadership Competencies. Course content may include the dis-

cussion and viewing of some of man’s worst crime scenes. All

are significant and vital to our past, present and future in the

investigation of such crimes committed by our fellow man. The

goal is to become increasingly aware of the social forces that

shape our lives and gain insight into the many different aspects

of law enforcement and how they influence society’s views and

opinions on how we deal with and handle the crimes of man.

The atmosphere of this class is similar to a mini-police academy.

Students will be expected to stand when an adult enters the

classroom; they will participate in Roll Call and the Pledge each

day. They will be expected to participate in Drill Procedures,

learn to march in unison and there will be a physical fitness

component.

Expectations: Students will be expected to purchase and wear

an approved uniform of a gray short-sleeved polo shirt with

Herndon logo, black BDU’s, plain black Velcro uniform belt

and black tennis shoes or black boots. Student contribution to

the course will range from $75.00 to $150.00.

8542-POWERSPORTS, PERFORMANCE & REPAIR

Grade: 11/12 Credit: 1.5 per semester. 2 semesters, 3 Hours

Daily One year, AM/PM sections

PREREQUISITE: 2.0 GPA; 90% attendance record; Math,

Reading & Writing at a 10th grade level

Recommended: Small engines, power technology or equiva-

lent course, math skills and English skills

Powersports, performance & repair is a fast growing

industry that includes motorcycles, ATV’s, UTV’s and personal

watercraft. The program prepares students to either move into an

entry-level technician position or further education in a post-

secondary facility. This program is a one-year course aimed at

students who are enthused about the exciting use of both off-

road and on-road vehicles. The program introduces the student

to the workings of a small engine, basic electricity, theory and

repair on tires and brakes, plus routine maintenance. Suspension,

fuel systems and accessories will be addressed along with shop

safety and personal safety. Students will also be required to

work on math skills related to the field, resumes and technical

writing applicable in the industry.

Updated 2014 73

8535-WELDING/METAL FABRICATION I


AM/PM Sections


reading, writing and math at the 10th grade level

Recommended: Students should take basic drafting and metals

classes if they are available at their high school

This course is the first year of a two-year program that

prepares students to meet the American Welding Society’s entry

-level employment requirements or pursue postsecondary train-

ing. Laboratory work includes basic flame cutting, oxy-fuel

welding and shielded metal arc welding of mild steels. Class-

room instruction covers welding theory, terminology, tech-

niques, measuring and mathematics. Safety, work ethic and em-

ployability skills are emphasized at all times. Expectations:

Students must supply their own protective cotton clothing (a

long-sleeved work shirt, welding cap, above-the-ankle leather

work boots, and jeans or coveralls in good condition). Students

who wear glasses are recommended to purchase prescription

safety glasses. Students are responsible to replace any equip-

ment initially supplied by the school, such as gloves, helmet,

goggles, pliers, etc. College credit: Students who complete the

qualifications below will receive articulated credit to the

Missouri two-year postsecondary institution of their choice

in the Welding area. Student must: Achieve a min. of 3.0

GPA (4.0 = “A”); Complete coursework in an American

Welding Society (AWS) Schools Excelling through National

Skills Education (SENSE) accredited program; Achieve a

score of 75% or higher on the American Welding Society

(AWS) Schools Excelling through (SENSE) examination(s)

center or postsecondary institution. Upon meeting the re-

quirements students will receive minimum college credits as

listed below: Postsecondary institutions may, but are not

required to limit credits awarded to those areas related to

comparable courses –Shielded Metal Arc Welding (3 hrs.),

Gas Metal Arc Welding (3 hrs.), Flux Cored Arc Welding (3

hrs.), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (3 hrs.).

8535-WELDING/METAL FABRICATION II

Grade: 12 Credit: 3 Units, 2 Semesters, 3 Hours Daily,

AM/PM Sections

PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Welding/Metal

Fabrication I

This class is the second year of a two-year program that

prepares students to meet the American Welding Society’s entry

-level employment requirements or pursue postsecondary train-

ing. Major units of study include advanced shielded metal arc

welding (structural and pipe), plus gas metal arc welding, gas

tungsten arc welding and plasma arc cutting on carbon, stainless

steel and aluminum. Classroom instruction covers advanced

welding theory, blueprint reading, layout and fit-up. Safety,

work ethic, employability skills, quality of work and pride in

workmanship are emphasized at all times. Expectations: Stu-

dents considering a career in welding should plan to purchase

their own welding tools and supplies for use in the program. The

cost of these items is approximately $150. Additional expecta-

tions are noted in Welding/Metal Fabrication I above. College

credit: Students who complete the qualifications below will

receive articulated credit to the Missouri two-year postsec-

ondary institution of their choice in the Welding area. Stu-

dent must: Achieve a min. of 3.0 GPA (4.0 = “A”); Com-

plete coursework in an American Welding Society (AWS)

Schools Excelling through National Skills Education

(SENSE) accredited program; Achieve a score of 75% or

higher on the American Welding Society (AWS) Schools

Excelling through (SENSE) examination(s) center or post-

secondary institution. Upon meeting the requirements stu-

dents will receive minimum college credits as listed below:

Postsecondary institutions may, but are not required to limit

credits awarded to those areas related to comparable cours-

es –Shielded Metal Arc Welding (3 hrs. 4 hrs.), Gas Metal

Arc Welding (3 hrs.), Flux Cored Arc Welding (3 hrs.), Gas

Tungsten Arc Welding (3 hrs.). --Industrial Internship

SPECIAL TOPICS

Grade :12 Credit: 1 1/2 unit per Semester 1 or 2 Semes-

ters, 3 Hours Daily

This course is designed for students who wish to devel-

op higher-level skills. It will be offered to students who have

successfully completed their program or are currently enrolled

in the advanced level. The Herndon instructor, director and

sending school counselor must approve enrollment in Special

Topics. The instructor will provide an individual syllabus for

each student. Required supplies are the responsibility of the stu-

dent.

ENROLLMENT PROCEDURE FOR ADULT AND

POST SECONDARY STUDENTS:

Adult applications for admission are available at the

Herndon Career Center (HCC) Office, East Campus.

A high school diploma or GED is required for admis-

sion. Applicants should submit the completed appli-

cation and a non-refundable fee of $50 to the Herndon

counselor. The HCC Director will make final deter-

mination of acceptance into the program. The $50 fee

will be applied to tuition charges when applicant be-

gins class at HCC. The Pell Grant is available to stu-

dents who apply and meet federal financial aid guide-

lines.

East Campus Telephone: 816.268.7140

Updated 2014 74

SUMMIT TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY 2014-2015

denotes Missouri Innovation Campus (MIC) program, which

is a progressive initiative by the University of Central Missouri,

Metropolitan Community Colleges, as well as numerous busi-

ness partners such as Cerner Corporation, DST, Burns &

McDonnell, and Black & Veatch. The selection of students to be

part of the MIC will encompass numerous steps. Each step of

the student’s plan towards a baccalaureate degree will include

industry immersion with local businesses that are in need of de-

veloping a skilled workforce. MIC students must meet more

rigorous standards, such as a 3.0 GPA, 95% attendance, and ap-

propriate COMPASS or ACT scores. For more information

visit, http://ucmo.edu/mic or ask your guidance counselor.

*8606-IT ESSENTIALS / 8608-NETWORK ESSENTIALS

Grade: 11-12

Credits:3 units, 1.5 Fall Semester, 1.5 Spring Semester

Dual Credit: UCM Net 1060, 1061, 2060 & 2061 (3 hrs credit

each course for eligible students) or State-wide Articulated Cred-

it

PREREQUISITE: GPA: 2.5 cumulative or better; Attendance:

90% or better; Math: Algebra I, B- or better; Reading/Writing:

10th grade level; Other requirement: Keyboarding, minimum 30

WPM. Outside class internet access is highly recommended

Recommended: Computer Hardware and Operating Systems

IT-Essentials-This course prepares students for careers as net-

work technicians, as well as, help desk and customer service

positions. It provides a basic overview of routing, remote access,

addressing, monitoring, security, and troubleshooting. It also

familiarizes students with servers that provide email services,

web space, and authenticated access. This course helps the stu-

dent prepare for the Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician

certification exam.

Network Essentials-This course familiarizes students with the

equipment, applications, protocols, and design principles in en-

terprise networks. This course focuses on switched networks, IP

telephony requirements, and security and introduces advanced

protocols. With IT Essentials, this course helps the student pre-

pare for the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification ex-

am.

8602-DIGITAL MEDIA TECHNOLOGY

Grade: 11-12

Credit: 3 units, 1.5 Fall Semester, 1.5 Spring Semester


90% or better; Math: Algebra I, C or better; Reading/Writing:

10th grade level; one credit in Fine Arts

Recommended: Computer Applications or Programming; profi-

ciency in keyboarding

The Digital Media Technology program at Summit Technology

Academy gives students an opportunity to explore and prepare

for careers in the entertainment and media communications in-

dustries. Students will focus on audio production technologies

including sound generation, studio recording, and live sound

reinforcement. They will work in teams to integrate music,

graphics, and video technologies in entrepreneurial projects for

their schools and/or communities.

8609-NETWORK SECURITY

WEIGHTED: 0.5 (0.666) Fall PM Only

Grade: 12

Credits: 1.5 units

PREREQUISITE: Instructor Approval

This course teaches students the skills needed to obtain entry-

level security specialist jobs. It provides a hands-on introduction

to network security. Students in the course will examine, design,

and implement security rules and policies that govern corporate

networks with special emphasis given to Information Technolo-

gy in Healthcare. This course helps the student prepare for the

Certified Cisco Network Associate Security certification exam.

*8615-DIGITAL ELECTRONICS PLTW

Grade: 11–12

Credits: 1.5 units, Fall AM & PM

Dual Credit: UCM ET 1026, ET 1050 (8 hrs credit for

eligible students) or MCC Credit by Examination

PREREQUISITE: minimum 2.0 GPA and a 90% or better at-

tendance; Math: Algebra I, B or better

PLTW MEMBER SCHOOL PREREQUISITE: Introduction to

Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering

This is a course in applied logic that gives students the oppor-

tunity to learn how computers/logic circuits think and control the

world around us. Computer simulation software is used to design

and test digital circuitry prior to the actual construction of the

circuits. Students will have the opportunity to learn everything

from basic electronic circuit design, logic circuit design, all the

way up to and including programming and interfacing with mi-

crocontrollers, which includes robot applications.

*8610-COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING

PLTW

Grade: 11–12

Credits: 1.5 units, Spring AM & PM

PREREQUISITE: minimum 2.0 GPA and a 90% or better at-

tendance; Math: Algebra I, B or better

PLTW MEMBER SCHOOL PREREQUISITE: Introduction to

Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Digital Elec-

tronics

Recommended: Geometry

This course is designed to expose students to the fundamentals

of computerized manufacturing technology. The course is built

around several key concepts: Computer Modeling-using a three

dimensional, solid modeling software package with mass proper-

ty analysis. CNC Equipment-understanding the machine tools

and its operating and programming aspects. CAM Software-

converting computer generated geometry into a program to drive

CNC machine tools. Robotics-using a robot for materials han-

dling and assembly operations. Flexible Manufacturing Systems-

in teams to design manufacturing work cells and table top facto-

ry simulations

Summit Technology Courses are Offered as a Daily 2 hour and 5 minute block at the

Summit Technology Academy in Lee’s Summit

http://ucmo.edu/mic

Updated 2014 75

8605--ENGINEERING DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

PLTW

Grade: 12

Credits: 3 units, 1.5 Fall Semester, 1.5 Spring Semester


90% or better; Math: Algebra II B or better; Physics B or better

PLTW MEMBER SCHOOL PREREQUISITE: Intro to Engi-

neering Design, Principles of Engineering, and one of the fol-

lowing Digital Electronics C or better, Computer Integrated

Manufacturing, or Civil Engineering/Architecture

Recommended: Pre-calculus (completed or concurrent enroll-

ment)

This is a full-year engineering research course in which students

work on two major engineering projects, as well as a research

topic during the year.

Fall semester students work on an open-ended EDD problem in

which they research, design, and devise a solution. During the

second semester, students work in teams to research, design, and

construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem

through the Lee’s Summit Public Works Department. Students

apply principles developed in the four preceding courses, learn

advanced physics applications, and are guided by an engineering

mentor. They must present progress reports, submit a final writ-

ten report, and defend their solutions to a panel of outside re-

viewers at the end of the school year.

Spring Semester is an Engineering Field Experience course in

which students will be expected to travel two days per week to

local firms such as The City of Lee’s Summit Public Works

(LSPW) Engineering Department and HDR-Archer. It is the

goal of these organizations to provide students with real on-

going or planned infrastructure (roads, traffic, waste-water con-

veyance, rainwater runoff, etc.) projects. The remaining three

days will be spent at STA learning the fundamentals of fluid

statics, and fluid dynamics most of which will be applied direct-

ly to the aforementioned projects at LSPW and HDR-Archer.

*???? - SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Grade: 11–12

Credits: 3units, 1.5 Fall Semester, 1.5 Spring Semester

Dual Credit: MCC GEOG and CSIS (available to eligible stu-

dents)


90% or better; Math: Algebra II, B- or better-or previous pro-

gramming knowledge; Reading/Writing; 10th grade or higher;

Home internet access

This course will introduce computer science concepts, code

writing, networking concepts, privacy, security, discrete mathe-

matics, probability, data visualization, computability, and artifi-

cial intelligence. Students will use environments such as

Scratch, HTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL, AppInventor, Python or

Processing. This course emphasizes programming methodology

and problem-solving using Object-Oriented Programming, algo-

rithm design and development, data abstraction, good program-

ming style, testing and debugging will be presented. Object-

Oriented languages such as C++, Java, or Python will be used in

this course. As time allows, students may build custom software

for not-for-profit organizations in the community. Along with

the learning fundamental concepts and elements of GIS, students

will analyze spatial information, utilize real-world applications,

and create and analyze GIS maps.

8604-MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS / 8607-BIOMEDICAL

INNOVATION

Grade: 11-12

Credit: 3 units, 1.5 Fall Semester, 1.5 Spring Semester

Dual Credit: Missouri S&T Bio Sci 188 & Bio Sci 175 (3 hrs

credit each course for eligible students)


90% or better

PLTW MEMBER SCHOOL PREREQUISITE: Principles of

Biomedical Science and Human Body Systems OR two of the

following science courses; biology, chemistry, anatomy, and

physiology or other related sciences.

Learner Profile: independent learner; able to apply knowledge

to new situations and concepts,; strong desire to pursue a career

in medicine.

Medical Interventions™-Students investigate the variety of

interventions involved in the prevention, diagnosis and treat-

ment of disease as they follow the lives of a fictitious family.

The course is a “How-To” manual for maintaining overall health

and homeostasis in the body as students explore how to prevent

and fight infection, how to screen and evaluate the code in hu-

man DNA, how to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, and how

to prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Students are

exposed to the wide range of interventions related to immunolo-

gy, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diag-

nostics.

Biomedical Innovation™-In this capstone course students de-

sign and conduct experiments related to the diagnosis, treatment,

and prevention of disease or illness. They apply their knowledge

and skills to solve problems related to Bio-Medical science.

They may work with a mentor or advisor from a university, hos-

pital, physician’s office, or industry as the complete their work.

Projects include; problems in emergency medicine, forensic

medicine, anatomy and physiology, and water quality. A back-

ground check and TB test may be necessary for hospital place-

ments.

8601-PRE-PROFESSIONAL NURSING Grade: 12

Credits: 3 units, 1.5 Fall Semester, 1.5 Spring Semester

Dual Credit: MCC BIO 150 (2 credit hours for eligible stu-

dents) UCM NURS 1700 & 2000/2070 (4 hrs credit for eligible

students)



10th grade level; Biology and Chemistry, C or better

Recommended: Anatomy/Physiology (completed or concurrent

enrollment); Chemistry II; Algebra II; College Prep English

Requirement for Clinical Placement: Upon approval in the

program, a negative drug screen and TB skin test results (at

student expense), background check and proof of immunization

This course is designed to prepare senior students, who have

identified nursing as a clear career goal, for a collegiate regis-

tered nursing program. Students will learn through classroom

instruction and practice in a clinical skills lab. Major units of

study include nursing history and career exploration, pharma-

ceutical math, CPR/First Aid, nursing skills, and medical termi-

nology. The course will introduce students to the nursing pro-

cess, nursing documentation, effective communication skills and

medical ethics.

Updated 2014 76

8601-PRE-PROFESSIONAL NURSING (continued) Students will learn and use APA style in the production of a

research paper. Dual college credit options are subject to

change based on instructor qualifications and college require-

ments. Student must provide their own transportation for

clinical experiences.

????-PRE-PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION CADET

Grade:12

Credits: 2 units

Dual Credit: UCM EDFL 2100 Foundations of Education &

EDFLDX 2150 Field Experience (3 hrs credit for eligible stu-

dents)



10th grade level

COURSE PREREQUISITE: Any one full credit of child devel-

opment: pre-school and parenting, child and adolescent psy-

chology, psychology, or sociology

This class is designed for students who are seriously considering

the elementary or secondary teaching profession or corporate

educator. Each student is assigned to a district school within

the high school attendance boundaries. Cadets complete

weekly journals, prepare and present a lesson(s) and work close-

ly with students of the assigned supervising teacher. Students

will demonstrate good moral character, good work habits, re-

sponsibility, punctuality and organizational skills. Online in-

struction is used as an instructional delivery method. Student

must provide their own transportation. Students must have

access to a computer to complete weekly assignments online.

Participation in FEA (Future Educators Association) is required.

8613-PRE-ALLIED HEALTH ACADEMY

Offered as a semester course Fall and Spring

Grade: 11-12

Credits: 1.5 units

Location: Summit Technology Academy/MCC-Penn Valley

Health Sciences Institute

Dual Credit: MCC BIOL 150 Medical Terminology & ALHT

100 Introduction to Health Care Careers (2 hrs. credit each

course)


90% or better; Math/Reading/Writing: 11th grade level

Recommended: Algebra I, Biology or Chemistry, with a C or

better; Anatomy/Physiology; Psychology

This one-semester (offered fall and spring) program is for jun-

iors and seniors interested in learning more about Allied Health

careers or who would like to enter college healthcare programs

after graduation. Students will be engaged in hands-on skills lab

work and projects related to Dental Assisting; Health Infor-

mation Technology; Occupational Therapy/Occupational Thera-

py Assistant; Paramedic/EMT; Physical Therapy/Physical Ther-

apy Assistant; Radio-logic Technology and Respiratory Care,

Surgical Technology, Nursing, Polysomnography, Chiropractic,

Athletic Training, Laboratory, Pharmacy, and other Allied

Health careers. Students will have to provide transportation

one day a week to STA on lab days. Lab days will start at

7:15 a.m. Transportation will be provided from STA to Kan-

sas City Health Sciences Institute on lab days.

????-INTERNSHIP IN STEM CAREERS

Grade: 12

Credit: .5 credit per semester for minimum 10-19 hrs per week

1.0 credit per semester for minimum 20 hours per week

PREREQUISITE: unweighted GPA: 3.0 cumulative or better,

Attendance: 95%; earned a minimum of 3 credits in area of fo-

cus OR completion of STA program as a junior; completed ap-

plication approved by counselor and teacher/supervisor

This course/internship offers students a chance to earn high

school credit for a unique, problem-based learning experience in

a highly competitive work environment in the areas of science,

technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Students will se-

cure an internship in an area that matches their chosen area of

focus. Interns will work collaboratively to solve a variety of

relevant problems, as well as participate in real-work and job

exploration activities. At the completion of the program, interns

will demonstrate their communications and collaborative skills

through a senior exposition. Students must provide their own

transportation.

8603-INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ACADEMY

Fall & Spring Semester PM only

Grade: 11-12

Credit: 3 units, 1.5 Fall semester, 1.5 Spring Semester

PREREQUISITE: GPA: 2.5 cumulative or better, Attendance:

90% or better; Completed or enrolled in at least level two Mod-

ern Language course

The course is designed for students who wish to pursue an in-

depth understanding of world cultures, languages, and diversity.

Students will learn multiple languages through online programs

as well as develop cultural understanding through case studies,

guest speakers, and international video conferencing. Students

considering SISA should have a love of cultures, languages, and

diversity. They should also be comfortable using technology,

presenting in front of groups, and understand the expectations of

professionalism. Students will be expected to think “out-of-the-

box” as they explore our global society. Students will work in

teams to prepare cultural presentations for real business clients

and learn about being a professional. In addition, student teams

will lead classroom presentations over specific cultures of their

own choosing. SISA is a flexible classroom environment that

simulates a realistic intercultural consulting company. Student

grades are determined through a unique system where students

receive a simulated salary and bonuses. Students are expected

to think for themselves and be able to manage projects on their

own. Students will also be given the chance to develop their

leadership and collaboration skills through cultural projects.

Students must provide their own transportation to off-site

presentations.

Updated 2014 77

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Mrs. Ann Franklin, President

Dr. Matt Mallinson, Vice President

Mrs. Jill Esry, Treasurer

Mrs. Jana Waits, Director

Mr. Ken Johnston, Director

Mrs. Denise Fears, Director

Mr. Greg Finke, Director

SUPERINTENDENT

Dr. Dale Herl

The Independence School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or

disability in admission/access to treatment/employment in its programs and activities.

Any person having inquiries concerning Independence School District’s compliance with the regulations implementing

Title VI and Title IX is directed to contact the Director of Instruction and Assessment. Inquiries concerning

compliance with regulations implementing Section 504 are directed to the Director of Special Programs. Both

coordinators are located at 201 N Forest Ave, Independence, MO 64050, telephone 521-5300, or the Office for Civil

Rights, Department of Education, Washington, D.C.

Any person may also contact the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, regarding the

institution’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504.

Updated 2014 78

NCAA (www.eligibilitycenter.org)

Core Courses

NCAA Divisions I and II require 16 core courses. See the charts below

Test Scores

Division I uses a sliding scale to match test scores and core grade-point averages.

Division II requires a minimum SAT score of 820 or an ACT sum score of 68.

The SAT score used for NCAA purposes includes only the critical reading and math sections. The writing section of the SAT is not

used.

The ACT score used for NCAA purposes is a sum of the following four sections: English, mathematics, reading and

science.

When you register for the SAT or ACT, use the NCAA Eligibility Center code of 9999 to ensure all

SAT and ACT scores are reported directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center from the testing agency.

Test scores that appear on transcripts will not be used.

Grade-Point Average

• Be sure to look at your high school’s List of NCAA Courses on the NCAA Eligibility Center's website

(www.eligibilitycenter.org). Use the list as a guide.

• Only courses that appear on your school's List of NCAA Courses will be used in the calculation of the core grade-

point average. Use the list as a guide.

• Division I core grade-point-average requirements can be found at www.eligibilitycenter.org

• The Division II core grade-point-average requirement is a minimum of 2.000.

• Remember, the NCAA grade-point average is calculated using NCAA core courses only.

NAIA (www.playnaia.org)

NAIA Initial Eligibility requirements are: High school graduation, plus two out of three of these requirements:

DIVISION I 16 Core Courses

4 years of English. 3 years of mathematics (Algebra I

or higher). 2 years of natural/physical sci-

ence (1 year of lab if offered by high school).

1 year of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science.

2 years of social science. 4 years of additional courses

(from any area above, for-eign language or compara-tive religion/philosophy).

DIVISION II Core Courses

3 years of English. 2 years of mathematics (Algebra I

or higher). 2 years of natural/physical sci-

ence (1 year of lab if offered by high school).

3 years of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science.

2 years of social science. 4 years of additional courses

(from any area above, for-eign language or compara-tive religion/philosophy).

Achieve a minimum of 18 on the ACT or 860 on the SAT

Graduate in the top half of your high school class.

Achieve a minimum overall high school GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and National Association of

Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Initial Eligibility Requirements

Updated 2014 79

MCC-Blue River’s Trailblazer Collegiate Academy

Program Overview Do you want to present your highly motivated high school students with a challenge that really

rewards their hard work? If you know of students who need the opportunity to reach for their

full potential, the Trailblazer Collegiate Academy could help them to complete their Associate’s

degrees during high school while earning their high school diploma. It’s challenging. It’s fun.

And it will make the investment in higher education more affordable.

Admissions Process

Request information pertaining to Trailblazer Academy. A packet will be sent containing

application and parent information.

Take ACT or Compass Placement test. Scores for Reading and English will be used for ac-

ceptance into program. Students must be able to read and write at college level. Students

must have a minimum of 3.00 GPA.

Fill out online MCC Application, as well as Trailblazer Academy packet. Included in appli-

cation packet are the Academy application, parental support piece, FERPA release, three

reference forms and four return envelopes.

Attend a welcome event and meet faculty and staff assisting with the program. Students

will participate in writing a proctored essay and planned interaction activities.

Information sessions are held at your high school and on the MCC-Blue River campus.

For more information, visit or call:

http://www.mcckc.edu/explore/campuses/blueriver/welcome.asp

816-604-6504

MCC-Blue River

20301 E. 78 Hwy


Program Benefits

Curbs the rising cost of higher education

Puts students on a fast track to a college degree

Exposes students to a wider range of advanced-level classes

Challenges students to push themselves further academically.

Upcoming Informational Meeting Learn more about earning a degree while still in high school. Visit the Blue River page at

mcckc.edu or call 816-604-6504.

Documents

Progra… · Core Classes Flowchart ... Students must earn a required number of credits at each grade in order to move to the next level. Students not on pace for graduation will