GIFTED & TALENTED AND AP PROGRAMS

All Children have special gifts.
Some children require differentiated instruction to fully develop extraordinary gifts.
An Overview : Appeals : Exit Criteria : Furloughs : Gifted Program at FHS : Identification of Students : Program Goals : Qualifications : Referrals : Transfer Students

Academic Planning Guide : GT District Website

Links of Interest Outside Our Site
* Educational Resources Information Center
* National Association for Gifted Children
* National Research Center on the Gifted & Talented
* Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented
* The College Board
 
Office of Special Programs
302 Laurel
281-482-1267
 
Sherry Green
Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
 

* Academic Planning Guide
* Academic Decathlon
* Career & Technology Education 
* Exceptional Students 
* GT and AP Programs 
* Library website
* NovaNet & TestPrep
* Physical Education
* TAKS: FISD Study Information
* Technology (Tech Prep) 
* Technology Applications 

AP and Pre-AP
* Advanced Placement Courses
* Procedures for Pre-AP / AP Classes
* Selection Criteria
 
AP Courses
* Computer Science
* Fine Arts Electives
* Foreign Language
* Language Arts
* Mathematics
* Science
* Social Studies
General Information
 
The Gifted Program at FHS
Friendswood High School offers a variety of options for students identified as gifted and talented. Humanities I is an integrated curricular class of English and History and is exclusively offered to students identified as gifted. Humanities II is a Pre-AP class in English and student enrollment is limited to identified GT students during the sophomore year. Students with high ability in English are eligible for Advanced Placement English their junior and senior years by meeting the campus criteria for enrollment in AP classes. Students identified as gifted are encouraged to enroll in Advanced Placement classes in their areas of strength or interest. AP classes are offered in the English, math, science, social studies, foreign language, and fine arts disciplines. For a complete listing of AP courses, prerequisite courses, and course descriptions, see the Friendswood High School Academic Planning Guide. Students and parents should consult with a counselor to determine appropriate placement.
 
An Overview
Gifted and Talented (GT) programming at FHS consists of both Humanities classes at the 9th and 10th grade levels, and Pre AP/AP coursework available for students 9-12th grade. Admission into the 9th and 10th grade Humanities classes is restricted to only students identified as GT. Admission to pre AP/AP classes is based on the following policies explained below. Questions about any of the courses or admission into the GT program may be directed to Ann Mulder at 281-482-3413 x138. Mrs. Mulder coordinates GT services at FHS.
 
Referrals
A student may be nominated for the gifted and talented program by a teacher, counselor, administrator, parent, student, or community member. Once a nominations is made, a screening will be conducted. The screening committee will consist of the counselor, student's teacher, and one of the designated GT teachers. An administrator may also serve on this committee. The screening committee will review the student's achievement, actual classroom performance, information from the referral source and/or parents, and any other available information which is deemed appropriate. The committee may require the student to submit a portfolio. If the screening committee's recommendation is to formally test the student, then parent permission will be obtained first. Testing is completed by district and/or contract staff at the campus.
 
Identification of Students
The identification process is designed to determine which students require program alterations because of their unique educational needs.
Children can be nominated for screening by themselves, peers, parents, or teachers. Students with a standardized test score at or above the 95th percentile in reading or math will be screened.
 
FISD's identification process follows the Texas Education Agency Guideline, which states: "A minimum of 5 criteria are reviewed for each student nominated for the program and these criteria must include both objective and subjective assessments." FISD's identification matrix includes:
  • Performance on a designated intelligence test
  • National percentiles on a national standardized test
  • Learning Abilities Test
  • Subjective criteria such as:
    *an interview
    *parent and teacher evaluation
    *autobiography
    *portfolio of student work considered to meet the expectations for a higher grade level
The selection committee will also consider students whose identification in another school district has been verified. Transfer students will receive a decision about placement within six weeks based on a student record review. Additional testing and observation may be needed for transfer students. 
 
Program Goals
Qualitative responses to differences in gifted students:
  1. To develop in each student an awareness, acceptance and a positive utilization of his/her giftedness.
  2. To assist in the development of the student's emotional maturity allowing him/her to accept responsibility for self, to sense a need of others, and to respond to that need effectively.
  3. To enhance the gifted student's quest for learning, to develop student skills in planning personal learning experiences, and to develop self-directed (independent) learning skills.
  4. To develop skills and abilities in the advanced levels of thinking (analysis, synthesis, and evaluation).
  5. To foster flexibility in the in-depth exploration of unknown areas; to encourage the development of advanced products challenging existing ideas and generating new ideas; to encourage the development of products using new materials, techniques and forms; to develop skills in locating real and appropriate avenues for sharing products.
To develop the student's capacity to internalize advanced concepts relevant to broad-based issues, themes and problems.
 
Exit Criteria
Student performance in the program shall be monitored. A student shall be removed from the program at any time the selection committee determines it is in the student's best interest. If a student or parent requests removal from the program, FHS shall honor that request after a conference with the selection committee or its representative. A student does not have to be enrolled each semester in a GT designated course or Advanced Placement course in order to be considered current.
 
Furloughs
Students who are unable to maintain satisfactory performance within the structure of the gifted and talented program may be placed on furlough by the selection committee. The purpose of such a furlough is to provide the student an opportunity to attain performance goals established by the selection committee. A furlough also may be granted at the request of the student and/or parent. A student may be furloughed for a period of time deemed appropriate by the selection committee. At the end of the furlough, the student's progress shall be reassessed and the student may re-enter the gifted program, be removed from the program, or be placed on another furlough
 
Transfer Students
When a student identified as gifted by a previous school district transfers into Friendswood High School, the student's records shall be reviewed by the selection committee to determine if placement in FISD's gifted program is appropriate. The committee shall make its determination within 30 days of the student's enrollment in FISD and shall base its decision on the transferred records, observations report of the FISD teachers who instruct the student and student and parent conferences. Additional testing may be necessary and will be conducted during this time frame. Parent permission will be obtained prior to testing.
 
Appeals
Parents or students may appeal any final decision of the selection committee regarding selection for or removal from the gifted program. Appeal shall be made first to the selection committee. Any subsequent appeals shall be made in accordance with FNG (LOCAL) beginning at Level Two. Contact Sherry Green , Assistant Superintendent for Instructiont, (281)482-1267

AP and Pre-AP Programs
 
General Information
The Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement courses offered at the senior high school level seeks to provide students with opportunities for creative and critical thinking and problem solving.Additionally, the ISM (Independent Study/Mentorship) course is available for students interested in pursuing collegiate and/or professional level scientific research. To obtain further information that is not addressed on this site concerning the G/T Program at FHS, call the Counseling Center @ 281.482.3413, ext. 211
 
Honors/Pre-Advanced Placement Advanced Placement Courses
For most students, qualifying for Honors, Pre-Advanced Placement, or Advanced Placement courses is based on student interest, past performance, teacher recommendation, and parental approval. Enrollment in these courses especially should be based on interest as well as ability, since the curriculum requires more advanced and intensive work. Advanced Placement courses prepare a student for the Advanced Placement Examinations given by the College Board. A successful score, stipulated by the university, on an Advanced Placement Examination determines the student's college placement and/or credit for the courses taken in high school. Advanced Placement courses offered in the Friendswood ISD include:
AP English III
AP English IV
AP Spanish V
AP French V
AP German V
AP Latin
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Statistics
AP U.S. Government
AP U.S. History
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Physics
AP Drawing Portfolio
AP Music Theory
AP Computer Science
AP 2-D Design Portfolio
AP 3-D Design Portfolio
The honors, pre-advanced, and advanced placement courses offered at the intermediate school and senior high school levels seek to provide students with opportunities for creative and critical thinking and problem solving. Course descriptions are listed below.
 
Procedures for Pre-AP/AP Courses
In an effort to place students in appropriate level classes, admission criteria has been established for Pre-AP and AP courses. If your child does not meet these requirements, as a parent you can request that admission requirements be waived for your child by completing the Parent Override Form for Admissions to Advanced Level Courses. When you complete the Parent Override Form you must understand that a schedule change will not be made until the end of the first nine weeks. Schedule changes will only be made with the approval of the principal, counselor, teacher, and parent. The grade earned will appear on the report card and transcript 
 
Selection Critieria
Since enrollment in AP classes do not require identification as a gifted and talented student, formal identification is only necessary for enrollment in Humanities I and II. Nevertheless, students who have been recommended for testing will be considered using objective and subjective data. Students being tested for identification purposes are required to take IQ and achievement tests. Students scoring in the superior range of intelligence on an individually administered IQ test and scoring at the 95th percentile in at least one area on a nationally standardized achievement test accepted by the district, meets the objective criteria for placement. Students must demonstrate gifted characteristics in at least one area considered by the committee to meet the subjective criteria. Students meeting the district's criteria in both objective and subjective criteria are placed in the GT program. Under special circumstances, the committee will recommend placement in the GT program based upon very high aptitude or extremely high achievement.

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LANGUAGE ARTS

PRE AP ENGLISH I
Grade: 9
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: B or higher in previous language arts course
On the Freshman level, the Pre-AP student covers the same basic material as the regular student: grammar, composition, short story, poetry, novel, drama, propaganda, and prose. The Honors student deals with these subjects in a more challenging way and in greater depth. Additional reading material with regard to novels, short stories, and prose is required, and the student is expected to go beyond recognition level to employ critical thinking skills to all work. A greater emphasis is placed on writing style and variety of sentence and paragraph construction in the five-paragraph and multi-paragraph theme.
 
PRE AP ENGLISH II
Grade: 10
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: B or higher in previous English course (recommended that students come from Pre AP Eng I or Humanities I)
Pre AP English II is the advanced English course for the sophomore level. Designed for highly skilled and motivated readers and writers, this course will develop students' literary and critical thinking skills. Research skills, challenging literature and the study of style are integrated throughout the course.
 
PRE AP HUMANITIES I
Grade: 9
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: B or higher in previous language arts course (identified GT students only)
Ninth grade Humanities I is designed for gifted and talented students. This course provides a variety of challenging and engaging reading selections, both fiction and non-fiction. In conjunction with the reading, emphasis will be placed on effective thinking and effective writing. A Humanities approach to content will be followed to provide opportunities for synthesis and integration. Independent studies, simulations and literacy and historical scenarios, and creative projects will provide further opportunities to develop academic talents.
 
PRE AP HUMANITIES II
Grade: 10
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: B or higher in previous English course (identified GT students only)
Humanities English II is designed for students identified as gifted and talented. This course will identify and nurture their talent and potential into productive performances that are commensurate with their abilities. The program will use, as a base, an honors sophomore English curriculum. The study of music and art will be incorporated into the program whenever possible. The curriculum will be modified in order to meet the special needs of the gifted and talented students.
 
AP/HUMANITIES ENGLISH III
Grade: 11
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: B or higher in previous English course (recommended that students come from Pre AP English/Humanities II) - open enrollment
AP English III is the advanced English class for the junior level. Designed for highly skilled and motivated readers and writers, this American literature course will develop students' literary criticism skills. Research skills, challenging literature, the study of style, and preparation for the AP Language test will be integrated throughout this course.
 
AP/HUMANITIES ENGLISH IV
Grade: 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: B or higher in previous English course (recommended that students come from AP/Humanities English III )- open enrollment
AP English IV is the advanced English class for the senior level. Designed for highly skilled and motivated readers and writers, this British and world literature course will develop students' literary criticism skills. Research skills, challenging literature, the study of style, and preparation for the AP Literature test will be integrated throughout this course.
 
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MATHEMATICS

PRE AP GEOMETRY
Grade: 9 - 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Teacher Recommendation; *
This rigorous college-preparatory course contains all the elements of geometry. In addition to these topics, students also study the principles of symbolic logic, the comparison of synthetic, coordinate, transformational geometry, and non-Euclidean geometry to the traditional Euclidean geometry. Additionally, students are expected to develop relationships independently through their own and group investigations so they perceive the connection between geometry and the real and mathematical worlds. Projects are assigned to help make these connections.
 
PRE AP ALGEBRA II
Grade: 9 - 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Geometry and Teacher Recommendation; *
Pre AP Algebra II will cover all the regular topics presented in Algebra II plus an introduction to Trigonometry. The curriculum is presented in greater depth and at a more rapid pace. Refinement and extension of algebraic methods will lead to investigation of the connections and interplay among various mathematical topics and their applications. Problem-solving, communication, reasoning, and mathematical disposition will be stressed.
 
PRE AP PRE CALCULUS
Grade: 10 - 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Pre AP Algebra 2, Teacher Recommendation; *
This course provides a solid, well-balanced foundation for AP Calculus and college mathematics and covers the same topics as the regular Pre calculus class (see above) in greater depth and at a faster pace. Also included is an introduction to calculus concepts such as limits, derivatives and integrals. Students are assigned projects that stress real-world application of the material. This course is geared toward students who intend to take AP Calculus and who desire an in-depth foundation for further college­level mathematics.
 
AP CALCULUS (AB)
Grade: 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Pre AP Calculus or Pre Calculus with Teacher Recommendation; *
Advanced Placement Calculus covers the topics of elementary functions, differential calculus and integral calculus. Students who enroll in Advanced Placement Calculus should have a thorough knowledge of algebra, geometry, coordinate geometry, and trigonometry as well as advanced topics in algebra, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and elementary functions. The course is primarily concerned with an intuitive understanding of the concepts of calculus with emphasis on methods and applications. The term is spent on topics in differential and integral calculus which will prepare the students for the College Board Advanced Placement test in Calculus (AB). The use of current technology as problem-solving and discovery tools will be integrated throughout the course whenever possible.
 
AP CALCULUS (BC)
Grade: 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: AP Calculus (AB); *
Calculus BC is an extension of Calculus AB rather than an enhancement. The contents of Calculus BC are designed to qualify the student for placement and credit in a course that is one course beyond that granted for Calculus AB. Topics include extension to topics covered in AP Calculus AB using parametric, polar, and vector functions.
 
AP STATISTICS
Grade: 11 - 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Algebra 2, Teacher Recommendation; *
This Advanced Placement course in statistics will introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes:
Exploring Data (Observing patterns and departure from patterns)
Planning a Study (Deciding what and how to measure)
Anticipating Patterns (Producing models using probability and simulation)
Statistical Inference (Confirming models)
 
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SOCIAL STUDIES

PRE AP WORLD GEOGRAPHY
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation/B or higher in previous English course
Pre AP World Geography is designed for mastery of state essential elements and sub-elements as well as extension beyond this mastery. In this course, critical thinking and analytical skills will be utilized in various projects including interpretation of primary and secondary source materials. Students will use their knowledge of spatial relationships, systematic physical and human processes and the interaction between people and their environment to make intelligent decisions as citizens.
 
PRE-AP WORLD HISTORY
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: World Geography and Pre-AP English I with both semester grades above 84
Approval by Pre AP English I teacher or GT designation
This is a one year world history course for students who would like to prepare for AP/college level work. The purpose of the course is for the students to develop an understanding of the changes in human societies that have taken place over time and the reasons for those changes. Emphasis will be placed on comparing the trends: cultures and technologies of human societies. The course is based upon relevant factual knowledge while also exposing students to interpretive issues within the various types of historical evidence. Periodization and themes will provide the main organization for the course in giving students a global perspective of the significant aspects of the past. Critical thinking, analysis, and interpretation will be encouraged as well as other skills necessary for other AP social studies classes.
 
AP UNITED STATES HISTORY
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Pre AP English II or teacher recommendation
This course is recommended for junior level students to enhance and complement junior level American Literature. AP US History is a comprehensive course that covers the age of exploration and colonization through the present era. Advanced Placement US History offers an introduction of college level skills and curriculum at the secondary level, as well as an opportunity to receive 6 hours of college credit (upon successful completion of the College Board Examination) for the course work while still in high school. Students taking this course may expect heavy reading assignments and extensive preparation for the AP Exam. Students must have teacher approval before registering for this course. Summer reading will be required.
 
AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
Credit: 1/2
Prerequisite: AP English III or teacher recommendation
The goal of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to analyze and interpret the relationship between current events and the foundations and principles of the United States government. Students are presented with more than a basic understanding of the ideas of the founding fathers, democracy, federalism, the separation of powers, and the rights of citizens. Students must understand the changes that these ideas and principles have undergone and how they impact the way the United States government functions today and the effect on citizens. AP United States Government and Politics courses vary. However, all AP courses attempt to cover as much of the material that would be covered in a college course. Summer reading will be required.
 
AP ECONOMICS (MACRO)
Grade: 12
Credit: 1/2
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
Encouraged for all college bound students, especially those students planning on studies in social sciences and business. This class will teach the basic concepts including scarcity, opportunity costs, aggregate supply, and aggregate demand. Students will study market structures, economic systems, the Federal Reserve system, measuring the economy, money and banking, international trade and the Global Economy, as well as current economic challenges. Students will examine the relationship between the government and the economy including the federal budget, fiscal policy and monetary policy. History of the stock market and trading on the market will be included in this course. Several simulations and role-playing will take place during the course. Students are encouraged to take the College Board exam at the completion of the course.
 
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SCIENCE

PRE AP BIOLOGY I
Grade: 9
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
The concepts are similar to the regular Biology I course but are taught on a higher level, in more detail, and at a faster pace. Students will be exposed to aspects of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, biotechnology, evolution, ecology, taxonomy, and human systems. Integral to this course is a field and laboratory program that stresses accurate observations, data collection, analysis, critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as manipulation of laboratory equipment
 
Pre AP INTEGRATED PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
Grade: 10
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Completed Algebra I and Teacher Approval
The concepts are similar to the regular Integrated Physics and Chemistry course but are taught on a higher level, in more detail, and at a faster pace. Students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem-solving. This course integrates the disciplines of physics and chemistry in the following topics: motion, waves, energy transformations, properties of matter, changes in matter, and solution chemistry.
You may not take this course if you have already passed Chemistry.
 
PRE AP CHEMISTRY
Grade: 10 - 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Biology, Geometry and Teacher Approval
The concepts are similar to the regular Chemistry course but are taught on a higher level, in more detail, and at a faster pace The Pre AP Chemistry curriculum is designed for students to achieve the following objectives: to become proficient in the use of the scientific method and laboratory equipment, to solve problems using dimensional analysis and the mole concepts, to understand the properties of matter and energy and use this information quantitatively and qualitatively to predict behavior, and to develop an appreciation for the work of earlier scientists. This course will provide a more in depth background for AP Chemistry.
 
PRE AP PHYSICS

Grade: 11-12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, (Pre AP Chemistry recommended) Algebra II and Teacher Approval

The Pre-AP physics course will have a heavy emphasis on the Mechanics (Kinematics and Dynamics) and Thermal physics chapters. These topics will be trigonometric or vector based. A college text will be utilized at times to bring in supplemental problems. In addition to this all of the topics covered in the standard physics course will still be covered. Students study a variety of topics that include: laws of motion, changes with physical systems and conservation of energy and momentum, force, thermodynamics, characteristics and behavior of waves, light, electricity and magnetism, and quantum physics. This course provides students with a conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical and scientific skills and prepares the student for the vector or trigonometric based physics of AP Physics B. This class is required prior to taking AP Physics B.

AP BIOLOGY
Grade: 11 - 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Biology (Pre AP Biology recommended), Chemistry, and Teacher Approval
This course offers students a college level curriculum equivalent to an introductory biology course in the freshman year of college and follows the syllabus set by the Development Committee of the College Boards. Two major goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. Included within this course are the twelve advanced laboratory investigations, which are experimental, analytical, and qualitative in nature. Students will develop an advanced background in biotechnology (such as DNA restriction analysis), molecular genetics, biochemistry, organisms and populations, heredity, evolution, and ecology. Students will be using a college text, and the student completing this course in May will have a well rounded preparation to take the Advanced Placement Biology exam for college credit.
 
AP CHEMISTRY
Grade: 11 - 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Chemistry (Pre AP Chemistry recommended), Algebra II, and Teacher Approval
(If you did not take IPC, and are wishing to take AP Chemistry your Jr. year, you must also take Physics)
This course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. Included in this course are advanced investigations and presentations of the structure of matter and atomic spectra, the wave particle theory, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, electrochemistry and the basic concepts of thermodynamics. Class work involves lecture and lab. Students will be required to spend time outside of the allotted 50 minute period completing laboratory investigations. Students will use a college textbook and lab book and will have the opportunity to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam for college credit.
 
AP PHYSICS B
Grade: 11-12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: PreCal or PreCal concurrent, Physics (Pre AP Physics recommended) and Teacher Approval
This course will cover the following topics; Mechanics (including linear and angular motion, linear and angular momentum work and energy, periodic motion and wave motion), Thermal physics (including thermodynamics, gas laws, and states of matter), Electricity and Magnetism, Optics, and "Modern" physics (including atomic structure, quantum mechanic, and others if time permits). The course will be trigonometric and vector based. Since Mechanics and Thermal Physics were an emphasis in the Pre-AP physics class, Electricity and Magnetism; Optics; and Modern Mechanics will be the emphasis of this course. Mechanics and Thermal physics will be reviewed during year as time permits and during the last 9 weeks before the AP exam. Students will use a college text and will have the opportunity to take the Advance Placement Physics B exam for college credit.
 
MENTORSHIP / INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
Grade: 11-12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
This course allows academically advanced junior and senior students an opportunity to conduct career and research investigations through an independent study mentorship. Course content includes planning and organizational skills as well as empirical research under the guidance of a teacher facilitator and mentor. Students must be self-motivated and have transportation to visit off-campus mentor.
 
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FINE ARTS ELECTIVES

The Advanced Placement Art Program makes it possible for highly motivated high school students to do college level work. The student is asked to submit a portfolio of work for evaluation at the end of the school year. A.P. art candidates prepare their portfolios through organized A.P. instruction. Portfolios must be submitted to the A.P. coordinator at the beginning of May at the end of the school year. The fee for this is $46.00. There are three Advanced Placement courses for the 2003-2004 school year. They are the Drawing Portfolio, 2-D Design Portfolio, and 3-D Design Portfolio.
AP DRAWING PORTFOLIO
Grade: 10 - 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Art I, Art II & Art III or Teacher Approval
The Drawing Portfolio is designed to address a broad interpretation of drawing issues. For example, painting, printmaking, studies for sculpture, some forms of design, and abstract and observational works would qualify as addressing drawing issues. Photos, digital works, videotapes, three-dimensional works and color photocopies of a student's work may not be submitted. Twenty-four pieces of high quality artwork are required.
 
AP 2-D DESIGN PORTFOLIO
Grade: 10 - 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Art I, Art II & Art III or Teacher Approval
2-D Design involves purposeful decision-making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative way. This portfolio is intended to address a very broad interpretation of design issues. The student is asked to demonstrate proficiency in 2-d design using a variety of forms. These could include but are not limited to graphic design, typography, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, illustration, painting, and printmaking. etc. Videotapes, three dimensional works, and color photocopies of your work in other media may not be submitted. Twenty-four pieces of high quality artwork are required.
 
AP 3-D DESIGN PORTFOLIO
Grade: 10 - 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Art I, Art II & Art III or Teacher Approval
The 3-D Portfolio is intended to address a broad interpretation of sculptural issues in depth and space. These may include mass, volume, form, plane, light and texture. Such elements and concepts may be articulated through additive, subtractive, and/or fabrication processes. Examples of approaches include traditional sculpture, architectural models, ceramics, and three-dimensional fiber arts or metal work, among others. Twenty-five pieces of high quality sculpture are required.
 
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COMPUTER SCIENCE

PRE-AP COMPUTER SCIENCE II
Grade: 10-12
Credit: 1 Computer Elective
Prerequisite: Computer Science I or teacher recommendation
This is a beginning level computer programming class. Structured programs are written using the C++ and Java languages. This course will study basic programming methods such as input/output, conditions, loops, arrays, files and classes. Preparation for UIL competition will be emphasized. This course is designed for the individual that has some programming experience and is interested in pursuing a career in Computer Science. Beginning preparation for the AP exam will be covered. The AP exam is recommended to all students.
 
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE III
Grade: 11-12
Credit: 1 Computer Elective
Prerequisite: Computer Science II
This is an advanced level computer programming class. Structured programs are written using the Java language. This course will study advanced programming methods such data structures, sorting algorithms, pointers, and object oriented design. Preparation for UIL competition and real world group projects will be emphasized. This course is designed for the individual that has programming experience and is pursuing a career in Computer Science. Thorough preparation for the AP exam will be covered. The AP exam is strongly recommended to all students.
 
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE

PRE AP FRENCH IV
Grade: 11 - 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: French III
This course emphasizes listening, reading, and speaking fluency. Longer stories and novels are read and analyzed. Students will write compositions and lead class discussions. A wider range of cultural knowledge is gained from reading about famous writers, painters, history, and social customs. The class is conducted entirely in French. Performance of 80% mastery is recommended to ensure success at the next level.
 
AP FRENCH V
Grade: 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Pre AP French IV
AP French V is a continuation of advanced study to prepare for the AP French exam.
 
PRE AP GERMAN IV
Grade 11 -12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: German III
Speaking fluency continues to be stressed by conversing in German and working with partners using dialogues. Grammar is reviewed through texts that are read during the course. Listening skills are strengthened through radio plays. Practice tests for the AP exam are given periodically to gage students' progress.
 
AP GERMAN V
Grade 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Pre-AP German IV
AP German V continues to prepare students for the AP exam through readings, grammar exercises, conversation and writing in journals.
 
PRE AP LATIN III
Grade: 10-12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: 80% Mastery of Latin II and Teacher Recommendation
Having achieved a basic understanding of written and oral Latin communication, students will now learn advanced grammatical concepts, idiomatic intricacies, and begin to learn an appreciation for Latin literature and poetry. They will learn to read, comprehend, and analyze complex Latin sentences. They will learn those skills necessary to succeed in the Vergil AP syllabus covered in Level IV.
 
PRE AP SPANISH IV
Grade 11--12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Spanish III
Spanish IV is a survey of Spanish and Latin American literature, history, art, music, and culture. Students have constant opportunities to read, write, and speak in Spanish. Language essays are written, with great emphasis on organization in writing. Skills tested on the AP exam are constantly reinforced: oral interview, story telling, grammar, and written communication.
 
AP SPANISH V
Grade 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Pre-AP Spanish IV
Spanish V is a continuation of advanced study to prepare for the AP Spanish Language exam. Irregularities in grammar are studied. Emphasis on oral interview, story telling, and writing techniques continue.
 
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