CUYAMA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Not all courses are offered every year.  See Ms. Cox for current courses offered. Email tcox@sbceo.org

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Agriculture/FFA Business English Fine Arts
Foreign Language Industrial Arts Mathematics Phys. Ed./Sports
Science Social Studies Technology Electives
Advanced Placement Special Education Senior Seminar Pass
  CAHSEE Scholarships  

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION 

It is the policy of the Cuyama Joint Unified School District to promote a school environment free from any action having the effect either directly or indirectly of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, handicap, marital status and religious, political or sexual orientation.  Any act deemed discriminating by a student, employee or other citizen should be immediately reported to school officials for investigation and appropriate action.  

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AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT

Crop Production and Soil Science (5-10 Units)

Grade 9-12, Prerequisite: None

Offered:

This is a comprehensive course covering four related areas of agriculture, Crop Production, Soil Science, Ornamental Horticulture and an Agriculture Production lab.   The curriculum will give students a basic foundation in plant production, plant cell components, plant physiology and growth, plant reproduction and plant pathology and pests.  Students will be expected to understand the principles of plant classification and be able to identify a given selection of plants.  They will be expected to understand cell functions and components and given a series of plants grown under different conditions, describe the plant's reaction in terms of cellar function. Students will learn the principles of plant physiology and growth and will know the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction in plants.  A key component of this course will be the preparing, planting, cultivation and harvesting of a 1-2 acre garden.

The Soil Science unit is designed for students to learn the basic relationship between soils and plant production.  Students will be asked to identify the basics of soil texture and structure, the types of soil conservation.  Students will also learn and understand the effective management practice used in irrigation drainage, watersheds and water conservation as they relate to the Cuyama Valley and the Central Valley.

The Ornamental Horticulture unit will introduce students to the horticulture industry and provide information on career opportunities. This section will stress the important science principles, particularly related to biology.  Objectives include an understanding of growing media, fertilizers and how plant growth is regulated and how pests are controlled.  A major part of this unit will be greenhouse management and production. This section will be enriched with numerous projects relating to bedding plants, flowers and vegetable crops. 

The Agriculture Production Lab will be hands-on with content including the design, construction and management of agriculture structures.  Student projects will include farming operations, handling and showing of fair animals and record keeping and leadership training activities.

Livestock Production (5-10 Units)

Grade: 9-12, Prerequisite: None

Offered:

Livestock production is a two-semester course that will help students understand the importance of animals, their domestication, and their role in modern society.  This course will integrate a multitude of perspectives on animal education.  Basics of biology are included as the foundation of the course while practical applications for beef, sheep and swine are stressed.  Materials covered include major body systems (anatomy), animal genetics, animal nutrition, and animal health.  The content is designed so that students with limited backgrounds as well as those with extensive backgrounds in agriculture can be successful learners.  Included in this course are long-term projects involving the raising, feeding, and showing, breeding and selling of livestock.  

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BUSINESS DEPARTMENT

Accounting Principles and Procedures (5-10 units)

Grade: 9-12, Prerequisite: None

Offered:

This course will help students understand basic accounting principles and procedures affecting businesses.  Students will demonstrate competency buy preparing and maintaining accounting records.   Students will receive instructional content leading to the mastery of the standards for the accounting side, accounting principles, cash management, payroll and receivable and payable.  A primary project for this course is completion of the accounting process for a simulated company.

Business Law (Units 5, One Semester)

Grade 9-12, Prerequisite: None

Offered:

Business law is a two-semester course that helps high school students study the human drama from the perspective of the evolving set of rules that form our legal structure.  Focus is on both the substance and the process of our legal system.  Students encounter and explore many important social and ethical issues and examine practical issues that affect their daily lives.  A course project involves a mock trial competition.  When students complete this course they should show improved insight and appreciation of the legal system, the social impact of legislation and legal decisions, the legal environment of business and personal transactions and the legal consequences of decision making.

Business Management (Units 5, One Semester)

Grade 9-12, Prerequisite: None

Offered:

This is a two-semester course to help prepare students for executive, administrative and human resources positions.  Students will study administrative theories and organizational policies plus receive a foundation in economic principles and systems and the legal environment of business.  Students will have an opportunity to explore and learn about the desirability, possibility, and feasibility of entrepreneurship as a career option along with the importance of entrepreneurship to the economy.

Marketing  (5-10 Units)

Grade 9-12, Prerequisite: None

Offered:

Marketing is a two-semester course based on the discipline of marketing plus the skills that are transferable from one marketing occupation to another.  Students will learn how to apply economic and human resources as well as marketing functions and foundations to solve business problems and develop competence I areas such as product/service planning, selling, pricing, risk management, and promotion.  Students will be involved in marketing an actual product or service as a major project of the class.  

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ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Students in the Cuyama High School District are required to take 4 years of English in grades 9 through 12.  Every course will devote time to the development of the language arts skills-reading, writing, speaking and listening.  We believe students will benefit greatly from practicing all the language arts skills in every English class.  Four years of any of the English courses offered will meet the University of California requirements for entrance with the exception of Individualized Reading.

English 9 (Units 10)

Grade 9

English 9 focuses on development of Basic English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  Emphasis will be on skill work, reading various forms of literature-poetry, plays short stories, novels, and non-fiction.  The overall goal should be to develop reading and writing skills, which will allow students to pass the competency tests given.  In addition the class will read a work of Shakespeare, complete a poetry notebook, read a work of American drams such as the Miracle Worker.  This novel will be studied in detail. Outside reading and analytical writing assignments will be required.

English 10 (Units 10)

Grade: 10

English 10 provides a broad language arts curriculum that picks up where 9th grade leaves off, carrying on with more challenging literature and emphasizing an array of specific writing modes.  Reading is drawn from a full range of literary genres-novels, short stories, poetry, drama and non-fiction.  Students practice critical reading skills, analytical writing and gain an understanding of literary fundamentals.  Literature-based vocabulary building is a common practice.  Writing assignments offer practice with autobiographical incidents, reflective writing.  Generalizations supported with examples, interpretation, comparison /contrast, evaluation, persuasive writing, report of information, imaginative writing and combinations thereof. Outside reading and analytical writing assignments will be required.

English 11 (Units 10)

Grade: 11

English 11 expands on the themes and concepts studied in English 10.  The class is specifically designed for the reading analysis, and appreciation of American literature.  Emphasis will be on selections organized by genre to encourage comprehensive study of literature in America from the Colonial period to the Twentieth Century.  Reading will be drawn from such genres as the novel, short story, poetry, drama, and non-fiction.   Outside reading and analytical writing assignments will be required.

English 12 (Units 10)

Grade: 12

English 12 is a continuation of the language arts skills developed in English 11.  The course stresses the importance and relevance of grammar skill, emphasizing both literature and the writing process.  English 12 serves as an overview of the major literature of Britain.  All major periods, such as Anglo-Saxon, Medieval, Renaissance, 17th Century, Restoration and the 18th Century, Romantic, Victorian and Modern will be featured, and a variety of themes will be investigated.  Composition skills will be developed through the summary and analysis of literature, with emphasis on college preparatory vocabulary building skills. Outside reading and analytical writing assignments will be required.

Yearbook/Journalism (Units 5-10)

Grades: 10-12,  Prerequisite: Teacher approval

This course is designed to teach students basic journalistic skills such as layout, editing, copywriting, and photo design and selection.  It culminates in the production of the school’s yearbook and periodic publication of “Big Blue News” the school’s newspaper.  This is a hands-on student driven course.  There is no formal expectation of homework however students will be expected to work after school and some weekends to meet deadlines.

Advanced Literature (Two Semesters, Units 10)

Grades 11-12 Prerequisite: Must have a grade of A or B in both English 9 and English 10.

The course will focus on understanding and analyzing a variety of complex writing styles by studying works from various authors and genres.  Literary works such as poetry, prose passages, novels and plays will be included.  Analysis will center on group discussion, with some written analysis, and outside reading will be required.  The class will cover a minimum of six literary works per semester.

American Literature A Honors  (Units 5)

Prerequisite: teacher approval,

This is the first of a two semester course designed to provide a rigorous curricular experience for students considering going on to a two or four year institution; The course will survey modern American Literature from the 1920 to the present covering short stories, novels, poetry, drama and non-fiction. Works from major American authors may include Hemingway, Steinbeck, Bradbury, Faulkner, Frost, Sandburg, Jarrell, Thurber, O’Neil, Wilder, Miller and Williams will be discussed. The study of five works will be required as a minimum as well as five essays. This is class is offered on line through our on-line Honors and AP lab.

American Literature B Honors

Prerequisite: Teacher approval

This is the second semester of the American Literature honors series.  Students will study novels written by Americans. The class will deal with themes that emerge and reoccur throughout American fiction.  Besides reading the novels, the class may from time to time look at short stories and poems.  Student will be required to read a minimum of four novels and write at least four papers or essay tests. This is class is offered on line through our on-line Honors and AP lab.

Individualized Reading (Units 5-10)

Prerequisite: Teacher approval

This class is designed for students who need to improve their reading skills to pass the High School Exit Exam, improve their STAR scores and to have the necessary reading skills to become productive citizens.  The class will focus on a variety of reading strategies and skills necessary for today’s readers.

Language Acquisition (Units 5-10)

Prerequisite: Teacher approval

This class is offered to students in the intermediate range of English acquisition.  It is intensive study of the language for the purpose of enabling student top successfully function in the core curriculum.  To this end, students will develop skills in grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, written expression and speaking ability.

English Composition Honors (Units 5)

Prerequisites: A or B in recent English courses.  Must have completed sophomore English.

This course teaches students to write college-level essays by acquainting them with each step in the writing process and providing practice in writing descriptive narrative, and various forms of expository writing.  Students will read and write about a variety of essays and books.  This is class is offered on line through our on-line honors and  AP lab.

AP English Language (Units 10)

Prerequisite: A of B in recent English course.  Must have completed sophomore English.

Learn to understand and analyze complex styles of writing by reading the works of varied author, including other students.  The richness and complexity of language is explored through resources such as syntax, imitation, word choice, and tone.  Students learn about their own composition style and process, focusing on exploration, planning, writing, editing, rewriting, and polishing of text.  Texts include: The Norton Reader, 10th e. (WW Norton & Company, 1966) and writing, a college handbook WW Norton & Company. This is class is offered on line through our AP lab.

AP English Literature-2 Semesters (Units 10)

Prerequisites: A or B recent English course.  Must have completed sophomore English

Learn to read and analyze poems and prose passages.  Develop the ability to write critical or analytical essays based on poems, prose passages and complete novels and plays.  Text include: The Norton Anthology (WW Norton & Company, 1960) ANAND The Story and its Writer.  An Anthology of Short Fiction (Bedford/st. Martins, 1980). Novels include: Beloved, Twelfth Night, Hedda Gabler, A Streetcar Named Desire, Gulliver’s Travels, Annie John, The Great Gatsby and Jane Eyre. This is class is offered on line through our AP lab.  

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Fine Arts Department

Art (Units 10) Prerequisite:  None

Art is explored through various hands-on projects.  Students will engage in creating various works of art in different mediums throughout the school year.

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FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

  The University of California entrance requirement in Foreign Language is three years of the SAME language.  All Foreign Language classes require daily homework and frequent exams. The third year of foreign language is available as a college on line course through Taft College.

Spanish I (Units 10)

Grade: 9-12, Prerequisite: none

This class is an introduction to pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and syntax.  Practice in the four basic language skills of oral comprehension, speaking, reading and writing and understanding of Spanish speaking people and culture. 

Spanish II (10 units)

Grade: 9-12, Prerequisite: Grade of B in Spanish I or permission of the instructor

This class is designed to increase student proficiency and to advance conversational skills and the continuation in understanding and appreciation of Spanish culture.

 French I (Units 10)

Grade: 9-12, Prerequisite: none

Introduction to French stresses basic oral, written and spoken communication with meaningful cultural contexts, This course introduces the people, country, history and emphasis on daily life which incorporates cooperative learning strategies and self expression.  This class features several adventurous videos, oral and written activities.  Vive La France.

  French II (10 units)

Grade 9-12

Prerequisite: Grade of B in French I or permission of the instructor

This class is designed to increase student proficiency, vocabulary, grammar and syntax.  Continues to improve the four basic language skills of I writing, speaking, hearing and reading as well as introductions of basic readings of French literature.  

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INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT

 The Industrial Arts Department will be offering courses in three major disciplines in the area of technology, Wood Manufacturing, Metals and Welding, and Electricity and Electronics.

 Wood Manufacturing (Units 5-10)

Prerequisite: None Offered 2003-2004

This course introduces students to various technologies including drafting, Auto CADD, construction and woodworking.  Students will learn the safe and proper use of commonly used hand and power wood shop tools as well as commonly used wood joints and fasteners.  Students will learn the various stages required to take a project through all of its phases from planning to drawing to manufacturing.   At the conclusion of this course students will have planned, drawn and built a storage shed that will be sold to the community.  The class is designed to help students form opinions and make decisions about how to use technology wisely.   

Metals and Welding (Units 10)

Prerequisite: None

This course provides a foundation of theory and knowledge relating to the welding process.  Industrial applications and occupational opportunities are introduced as well as facility, equipment, and safety aspects.  The metals and welding class consists of the processes required for mastery of essential and manipulative skills. Welding exercises are also provided in selected sections of the text to aid the learner in acquiring and retaining these skills.  Materials requirements set-ups, and welding procedures are listed in concise steps within the exercises.  Specific welding tasks to be practiced are selected from the weld types, weld joints and positions detailed in the respective exercises.  This class will be divided into introduction to metals and shop safety, introduction to welding, oxyacetylene welding, gas shielded and arc welding, special welding process and supplementary welding data.

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MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Students in the Cuyama High School District are required to take 30 units of math in grades 9 through 12.  These units may be made up of a combination of math courses or math and business.  All seven strands of the state math frameworks are covered within the math curriculum.  All of the math courses offered will meet the University of California requirements for entrance. 

Algebra A (Units 5-10)

Grades 9-12, Prerequisite: none

This is a required course to assist students in passing the High School Exit Exam. This course emphasis general mathematics and algebra principles using cooperative learning and concrete instructional strategies.  The course is designed to expose students to all seven strand of the California Mathematics Framework: numbers measurement, geometry, patterns and functions, statistics and probability, logic and algebra. 

Algebra B (Units 5-10)

Grades 9-12, Prerequisite: None

This is a required course which is a continuation of algebra A and meets the high schools graduation requirement for Algebra I.  The courses is designed to assist students in passing the High School Exit Exam. This course emphasis general mathematics and algebra principles using cooperative learning and concrete instructional strategies.  The course is designed to expose students to all seven strand of the California Mathematics Framework: numbers measurement, geometry, patterns and functions, statistics and probability, logic and algebra. 

Algebra I (Units 10)

Grade 9-12, Prerequisite: none

This is designed to be a freshman level math class.  Students will be exposed to abstract thinking.  The course covers the basic concepts of using a variable to solve word problems, using variables to cover polynomials, graphing linear functions, and learning parabolic functions and factoring.  They will also learn the number line and its importance to inequalities and rational expressions.

Geometry (Units10)

Grade: 10-12, Algebra I

In this sophomore level math class, students will do an in depth study of shapes and figures as they apply to their use in construction and space.  Students will also come in contact with inductive and deductive reasoning as they are used in the reasoning of constructing proofs.  Through it’s many theorems, postulates, and corollaries; this class will explore the abstract concepts involving parallel lines, triangles, and quadrilaterals. Polygons, circles and their applications in real life.  Finally, trigonometry will be taught as a means for preparing the students for

Algebra II (Units 10)

Grade: 10-12, Prerequisite: At least a “C” or better in Algebra I and Geometry or teacher recommendation.

This is a two-semester course, which expands on the mathematical content of Algebra I and Geometry. Emphasis is placed on abstract thinking skills including mathematical deduction and induction, the concept of functions and the algebraic solution of various “real life” and hypothetical problems.  This course will include laboratory investigations, gathering and organizing statistical data, probability, arithmetic and geometric series and sequence, solving linear and quadratic systems by factoring, using a matrix, graphing, substitution, elimination, and Cramer's rule, applying the fundamental counting principles using combinations and permutations, logarithms and inverse functions, polynomial functions and complex numbers.  Graphing calculators (TI-82 or 83) are required and it is recommended that all college bound students purchase their own personal calculator.

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SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Students are required to take 20 units or 4 semesters of science.  This requirement may be satisfied by taking 10 units of general science and 10 units of general biology.

Biology I, II (Units 10)

Prerequisite: none

This course covers the structure and function of cells as the basic unit of life, the chemistry underlying all life, a survey of all forms of life from viruses and single cell organisms to plants and animals, genetics, and the process of scientific discovery.  Students will use the Internet as a resource for writing research papers and completing class projects.  This is a laboratory course that will include dissections.  Successful completion satisfies college entrance requirements.

General Science 1a, 1b (Units 10)

Prerequisite: none

This survey course covers the atomic structure of matter, mechanics, electricity, force and motion, sound and light, astronomy, the universe, and some aspects of the physical environment including earthquakes, volcanoes, minerals, and rocks.  Students will use the Internet as a resource for writing research papers and completing class projects.    Through laboratory investigation, students will become familiar with the process of scientific discovery.

Ecology (Units 10)

Prerequisite: completion of Biology with “C” or better OR permission of the teacher

This is a lab course.  During the first semester, students will investigate all aspects of biomes, ecosystems, and habitats.  Special attention will be given to the study of how things have adapted to factors in their environment.  During the second semester, students will explore the environmental impacts of such things as air pollution, water pollution, and hazardous waste. Students will come up with and present possible solutions as part of several projects they will participate in.  Students will use the Internet as a resource for writing research papers and completing class projects.  This course will be offered again 2004-2005.

Chemistry I, II (Units 10)

Prerequisite: “B” or better in Algebra I, II (or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II)

Through laboratory investigation and problem solving techniques, the student will explore the elements and compounds that make up living and non-living matter and the changes these substances undergo.  Topics include measurement, atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, solutions, chemical reactions, and introductions to nuclear, organic, and biochemistry.  Applying scientific methods and the quantitative nature of chemistry will be stressed.  Students will use the Internet as a resource for writing research papers and completing class projects.  Chemistry and Physics are offered in alternating years.  Chemistry will be offered 2003-2004.

Physics I, II (10 units)

Prerequisite: “B” or better in Algebra I, II (or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II)

This course covers topics in motion, energy, heat, sound and light, waves, electricity, and magnetism, Newtonian mechanics, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics.  The concepts of physics are explored using mathematics to solve problems and laboratory investigations.  Students will also use a variety of technology including the Internet and Vernier probe are to complete research papers and projects.  Chemistry and Physics are offered in alternating years.  Physics will be offered 2004-2005.

AP Physics B ­– 2 semester (Units 10)

A pre-test needs to be taken before enrollment.

Physics is the science of matter and energy-how the universe is put together.  This course is a non-calculus survey course covering five general areas:  Newtonian mechanics, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics.  Students will get an understanding of the core principles involved and learn to apply these principles in the solution of problems.  This course is accompanied by hands-on lab.  This class is offered on-line through our AP lab.

AP Biology (Units 10)

Prerequisite:  Biology and Chemistry

This course fosters an understanding of the general concepts of life including reproduction, balance in nature and the nature of living things.  This course focuses on three broad sections: molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations.  This course will be valuable to all students planning to continue in science or health sciences in college.  This course is accompanied by hands-on labs, which require a school lab facilitator.  This class is offered on-line through our AP lab.  

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SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT

World History (Units 10)

Grade: 10

This course meets the California Social Studies stands guidelines by starting with a review of geographical terms and having students create their own “fantasy islands” incorporating these terms.  Then, it continues with a review of major world civilizations and historical events from prehistory, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, the Dark and Middle Ages through the Renaissance and Reformation.  Far Eastern cultures and dynasties are researched in China, Japan and Korea.   This course continues tin the study of explorers and colonial exploration and the global impact of these voyages and colonization. The course studies the concepts of isolationism, imperialism, industrial revolution and diplomacy.  It continues to study the cause and consequences of World War I, the rise of Fascism, Communism, and the causes and consequences of World War II.  In addition the course will explore nationalism in the contemporary world, and the unresolved problems of these world nations.  The major emphasis in this course is on the major political and economic cultural considerations in the world of the past and today.  The course has a variety of learning strategies including musical themes, art and model projects, essays, book reviews and research papers.

United States History (Units 10)

Grade: 11

This course commences with a geographical terms review and a model creation using those terms.  The course then continues with a review of the age of exploration, colonization, revolutionary war period, the rise a of a new nation, causes of the war of 1812, the age of Jackson, Indian removal policy, expansionism and manifest destiny.  Students will study the causes and consequences of the civil war, reconstruction, industrialization immigration, reform attempts that led to the progressive era and the unionization of workers.  Students will also examine the concept of imperialism, World War I, the jazz age, the roaring 20’s, the great depression, the rise of Fascism , the causes and consequences for World War II, the cold war, hemispheric relationships following the war, the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam era, the turbulent 60’s and finally the U.S. in recent times.  This course integrates music and involves students in active participation to understand the history of America.

U.S. Government and Introduction to Economics (Units 10)

Grade: 12

This is a two-semester course designed for students to learn the foundations and political philosophical foundations of our U.S. Government.  Students study philosophers such as John Locke, Montesquieu and other philosophical thinkers from which the constitution was formed.  Using the “We The People” curriculum, students will learn all levels of Federal, state and local government by panel discussions, debate and other group activities.  Students will study the Constitution, how the government operates and how students are effected by it in their lives.  Using the “Project Citizen” booklet, students will research and create solutions for a local community problem and then report their findings in front of a panel of school administrators and/or local business owners.  By doing this, students will have the opportunity to learn of their civic role and responsibilities in the structure of local, state and national government.

The Economics course teaches theory and problems of economics, which involves the choices they make in the market place, and how those choices impact the global market.  Students study supply and demand curve possibilities, buying and spending habits, problem solving approaches, geometric models, bar graphs, and schedule analysis.  Current economic world problems are discussed as well as solutions to these and other social problems.  Students will also be active participants and learners in the “Stock Market Game”, in which teams of four learn firsthand how to analyze and research companies, investment and portfolio strategies, global and market analysis and how the choices they make can influence their lives.

AP U.S. Government and Politics (Units 5)

Prerequisite: US History and good writing skills.

This course covers the nuts and bolts of the American political system including its structure, operations, and the behavior of the electorate and politicians.  Students will gain an analytic perspective, enabling them to critically evaluate political information, hypotheses, concepts, opinions, and processes.  Texts include: Lanahan Reading in the American Government, 6th e. (WW Norton & Co., 2000). This is class is offered on line through our AP lab.

 AP US History (Units 10)

Prerequisites: A or B in recent Social Studies courses and good writing skills.

Students build an understanding of the economic, political, and social changes that have occurred in United States history.  This course encourages students to weigh evidence and interpret problems presented by historians.  Through assessment and critical analysis of historical documents and interpretations of them, students learn to analyze data, form conclusions, and present well-reasoned, persuasive arguments in written form.  Texts include: America, A Narrative History, 5th e. (WW Norton & Co.). This is class is offered on line through our AP lab.

Honors Sociology- (Units 5)

Prerequisites: A or B in recent English Course

This sociology course considers the influence of social phenomena on human behavior using comparative multicultural and cross-cultural approaches and drawing on current, relevant examples.  Topics include social ranking and mobility, crime and deviance, poverty, racial and ethnic minority status, gender discrimination, aging as a social process, the family, economic systems, political systems, religion, health care, education, and types and theories of social change.   Texts include: Sociology: An Introduction, 6th e. (McGraw-Hill, 1999). This is class is offered on line through our AP lab.

Honors Psychology (Units 5)

Prerequisite: A or B in recent English course

An introduction to the principal areas, problems, and concepts of psychology.  Topics include development, learning, perception, emotion, personality, stress, and pathology.  Texts include: Psychology, 3rd e. (Prentice Hall, 2000). This is class is offered on line through our AP lab.  

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TECHNOLOGY Department

Technology I -Introduction to the world of computers (Units 10) 

Grades 9-12, Prerequisites: None

This is a two-semester course, offered every year.  It is designed to take students into the world of computers.  This course is a required course for all freshmen. This course emphasizes MS Office application.  This includes student mastery in computer applications for graphics, word-processing, PowerPoint presentation, database, and spreadsheet.  A continued emphasis is also placed on student mastery of the keyboard and computer literacy. This will also follow the State Technological Certification program/level one proficiency which also ensures students will be able to use related software to enhance personal productivity, locate information and conduct research via e-mail, and the internet, and operate a variety of common media display devices.

(Units10)

Grades 10-12, Prerequisites: Technology I, or teacher approval. 

This is a two-semester course that is offered every year. It is designed to further enhance the student’s world of computers. This course is designed to take students beyond the basics an further enhance the student mastery in spreadsheet, word-processing, desktop publishing and other commonly used software applications.  This course will also follow the state technological Certification program/level two and three proficiency which will ensure students are able to apply technology skills to: customize an electronic portfolio by using effective software selection criteria and using classroom organization for technology use, Integrate software/courseware into students curriculum, Improve student ability to access relevant technologies, Use technology to more effectively meet individual curriculum needs.  Finally, each student will learn to create their own web page and be involved in the continued update and development of the Cuyama web page. Students will finally learn to utilize and identify basic principles of instructional design associated with the development of multimedia and hypermedia devices.  The student will conclude the course by learning to take and utilize digital pictures and incorporate this into desktop publishing, animation, web page and print shop. 

Technology III-Advanced Computers and Technology (Units 5-10)

Grades 10-12, Prerequisite-Teacher Approval

This is a hands-on mind-on elective course designed to further enhance the following technology areas: Collaborate on projects that incorporate the use of technology and student learning.  Set-up, Design, implement and troubleshoot our First Class e-mail service.  Evaluate the internet, software and help implement into our technology curriculum.  Provide leadership and peer tutors for our beginning computer students.  Collaborate with others through electronic media and computer-based collaborative tools.  Set-up, evaluate and incorporate online learning programs to meet student need in the area of mathematics and algebra.  Troubleshoot and maintain the district network.  

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Physical Education (Units 10)

Grades: 9-10, Prerequisites-None. 

This is a ten-unit course.  This is a yearly course for all freshmen and sophomore students. This course is designed to help students gain an insight into the broad discipline of physical education through team and individual activities. It is designed to acquaint students with the organized body of knowledge embraced within the discipline of physical fitness.  This course begins and ends with the state approved physical fitness performance test. This course is designed to show the proper relationship of physical education to the fields of Recreation and Health Education.  PE classes are co-educational.  P.E. uniforms must be worn during class.   P.E. classes may include the following activities: baseball, basketball, flag football, jogging, physical conditioning, soccer, swimming, volleyball, and weight lifting.

Sports, (Units 5)

Prerequisite: Teacher approval, Only 10 units per year may be earned.

Cuyama Valley High School participates in several sports including, football, volleyball, basketball, and baseball.  Students may receive P.E. credit to satisfy the state requirement for 9th and 10th grade P.E. if they participate in one or more of these sports.  You must have permission of the coach for the sport, counselor and administrative approval.  All 9th and 10th grade students who elect to take sports in instead of P.E. must attend a mandatory meeting with your parents, coach and counselor to sign a contract outlining the requirements for a sports option. No exceptions!

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ELECTIVE CLASSES

Driver Education/ First Aid and Health  (Units 10)

 Prerequisites-None

This is a required two-semester course for all Freshmen. The course designed to teach students how to drive, basic emergency action principles, first aid, CPR, drug, tobacco and sex education and nutrition and driver education.  This course is a required course for all freshmen.  The first semester is designed to focus on basic emergency action principles, first aid and health education.  The second semester is designed to focus on driver education, nutrition and sex education.

Journalism  (Units 10)

Grades 10-12, Prerequisite: Teacher approval

This course is designed to teach students basic journalistic skills such as layout, editing, copy writing, and photo design and selection. It culminates in the production of the school’s yearbook and periodic publication of “Big Blue News”, the school’s newspaper. This is a “hands-on”, student driven course.  There may not be assigned homework but there will always be deadlines that will need to be met.  This may require working after school and weekends.

Pass  (Unit: Variable)

Prerequisite: Administration approval

The PASS program is available on a limited basis to students who need to make up units in a specific subject area in order to graduate from high school.  The PASS program offers classes in all curricular areas.  This program is available through Sierra Madre on a self -paced independent study basis. 

Senior Seminar (Units 10)

Grade 12

The Senior Seminar class is a graduation requirement for all seniors.  The class is designed to provide graduating seniors skills necessary to successfully enter the world of work or to continue on with their education.  Students will learn job interviewing and hunting skills, vocational awareness, how to create a resume, review survival math skills, participate in the senior ambassador program, sponsoring a career day and complete a senior project.  

Student Assistant (Units: 5 units semester, 10 total/yr.)

Grades 11-12

Students are assigned to work with a classroom teacher or in the school office. 

Activities may include learning the fundamentals of office work, filing, switchboard operation, correcting papers, etc.

Special Education (Units: 5-10)

Special education support services are available to all students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to insure their access to an appropriate public education.  The program provides support for a wide range of social, intellectual and emotional maturity of individuals with special needs, coupled with the concept of movement toward the least restrictive placement, necessitates great flexibility for courses of study for each individual.  Electives or selected required course may be taken by students in Special Education programs when deemed appropriate by the IEP team composed of parents, teachers and support staff.

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HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAMINATION

  Education Code Section 48980, Senate Bill 2, Chapter One, authorizes the development of a high school exit examination (CAHSEE).  Commencing with the 2000-01 school year, and each school year thereafter.  Each pupil completing 12th grade will be required to successfully pass the high school exit examination administered pursuant to Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 60850) of Part 33.  The CAHSEE is given to all 10th grade students beginning 2001-2022.

   Students who fail the CAHSEE will have a chance to retake the test in the 11th and 12th plus six months after graduation.  Remedial support will be available to all students who do not pass the CAHSEE.

CVHS COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

  Every student must pass four STAR competency tests, which are also given to all 8th grade students.  The tests include language arts, writing, reading and math.  

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