Neil Reid High School

Graduation Requirements Graduation requirements for students enrolled at Neil Reid High School are determined by the student’s home school district. School districts establish their requirements through their local school board. Neil Reid provides the classes required by the local school districts.

The first IEP (Individualized Educational Planning) team meeting reviews the grades and credits a student has earned prior to entering Neil Reid. The team reviews a student’s course history and transcript. An educational/academic plan is then established. After successfully passing all required courses, students’ receive their diploma from their local school district. Course Credit/Grades and Grade Point Averaging System

Grades reflect a student’s level of understanding in material presented. Participation in classroom discussions, assignments and finished projects are some of the factors that contribute to a student’s grade.  Excessive unexcused absences, however, have an adverse effect on learning in any classroom.  For further information, please refer to the attendance policy in the General Information section of the Student/Parent Handbook, found elsewhere in this document.

                                      Grade Point Averages 

The requirement for moving from one grade level to another is determined by the number of credits a student earns.  Neil Reid maintains a history of credits, tracks grade levels and core credits earned toward the required classes per the local district.

Summer school opportunities are available in the local school district.  If interested, contact your local high school or Neil Reid for more information.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

ENGLISH

1 semester             ½ credit

This class is designed to create an awareness and understanding of how individuals develop socially and emotionally.  The emphasis is on establishing personal goals, developing problem-solving skills, time management, learning styles, building self-esteem, developing positive relationships, tolerance, anger management, as well as understanding one’s self and others. 

1 semester             ½ credit

This course is designed for students who have an avid interest in expressing themselves through prose and poetry.  A review of basic literary forms and styles serves as an introduction to the various units of composition, criticism, poetry, drama, and short story.

1 semester (2 period block) 1 credit

The General English course focuses on accuracy and fluency with an integrated skills and strategy-based direct instruction curriculum that aims at improving the four language skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  The course also focuses on improving pronunciation and increasing vocabulary. 

2 semesters           1 credit

Students are taught grammatical concepts and writing techniques; providing them with skill training in vocabulary, sentences, and meaning.  This course emphasizes writing and reading skills through a study of short stories, essays, and poetry.

1 semester             ½ credit

The Film Literature curriculum at Neil Reid High School is designed to increase students’ aesthetic awareness in film.  The class is primarily organized around discussions and assignments that will focus on the literary and cinematic aspects of films from various genres; including comedy, western, science fiction, mystery and suspense, drama, action-adventure and documentary.  Students will analyze literary aspects of films such as plot, central themes and character development.  Students will also evaluate the cinematic tools that actors and directors use to convey messages and meaning to their audience such as dialogue, special effects, lighting, and costumes.  Students will communicate their knowledge, interpretations and analysis through written and oral assignments.

1 semester             ½ credit

This course builds communication skills and develops perception and discrimination in the use of media:  newspapers, radio, television, and magazines.  The student learns about the communication process, biased and non-biased mass media, and current research.  The focus is on concise and precise writing of news, features on opinion articles, as well as oral presentation with an audience in mind. 

MATH

2 semesters           1 credit

The course is intended for students who have successfully completed Pre-Algebra or demonstrated readiness.  The major focus is on basic algebraic concepts.  Students learn using a function-based approach, including problem solving and application.  Students will enhance their knowledge in Quantitative Literacy and Logic, Algebra and Functions, Geometry and Trigonometry, and Statistics and Probability.  This course will focus on the High School Content Expectations mandated by the State of Michigan and the Michigan Merit Curriculum.

1 semester             ½ credit

This online credit recovery class allows students to work at their own pace to utilize the program lectures, assignments, quizzes and tests to complete the Michigan Core Curriculum Requirement for Algebra 1.  Students study linear and quadratic equations, graphing and systems of linear equations.

2 semesters           1 credit

Pre-requisite: Successful completion of Algebra I

This course is intended for students who have successfully completed Algebra I.  Students learn using a function-based approach, including problem solving and application.  Students will enhance their knowledge in Quantitative Literacy and Logic, Algebra and Functions, Geometry and Trigonometry, and Statistics and Probability.  This course will focus on the High School Content Expectations mandated by the State of Michigan and the Michigan Merit Curriculum.

2 semesters           1 credit

This course offers a full continuum of mathematical skills related to every day living.  Students learn functional math skills needed to manage a household and personal finances, buy and prepare food, participate in recreation/leisure, and travel within the community.

2 semesters           1 credit

Geometry encompasses General Math, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra skills.  This class can be taken after completion of Algebra 1.  Geometry requires higher level thinking.  Properties of shapes, relationships, reasoning, constructions, conjectures, transformations, formulas, trigonometry, and proofs are covered. This course will focus on the content expectations mandated by the State of Michigan.

1 semester             ½ credit

This online credit recovery class allows students to work at their own pace to utilize the program lectures, assignments, quizzes and tests to complete the Michigan Core Curriculum Requirement for Geometry.  This course includes the study of lines and angles, conditional statements, proofs, triangle congruence, transformations, measurement and coordinate geometry.

2 semesters           1 credit

Personal Finance Math is a course designed to help prepare students for some of the different financial situations that they will encounter as the transition into adult life.  Personal Finance Math will allow students to practice and apply math skills to various real world situations including banking and calculating interest percentages, setting and calculating a workable budget, purchasing and financing a car and/or a house, working with and understanding credit cards, setting financial goals, etc.  Each situation requires different math skills with specific applications.

2 semesters           1 credit

Students are introduced to a variety of basic concepts.  This class is taken by students displaying Algebra readiness.  Students will become proficient at solving equations with integers, rational and irrational numbers, variables, terms and expressions, solving equations and solving word problems.   

2 semesters           1 credit

This course is aligned with the State High School Content Expectations in Biology.  Units presented will cover scientific methods of inquiry, evolution, cellular functions, genetics, structure of living things and ecological systems. 

2 semesters           1 credit

This basic level class addresses the State High School Content Expectations in Chemistry in an inquiry based format.  The concepts, laws, and theories that explain the properties and behavior of elements and compounds during chemical reactions will be discussed.

2 semesters           1 credit

Integrated Science is a class specifically designated for juniors and seniors.  It consists of units of earth, physical and life sciences.  The class follows the High School Content Expectations.  Students are tested by methods consistent with Michigan’s High School Science Proficiency Test.  This class emphasizes scientific method, research techniques, experimentation, and data interpretation. 

2 semesters           1 credit

This class may include instruction in general knowledge and basic concepts from the following areas of science: weather, earth and its relationship to the sun, water and atmosphere, basic electricity, biology and physical science.  The class emphasis is on practical skills and understanding of the basic scientific laws that affect everyday living.

1 semester             ½ credit

This course is designed to introduce students to basic mechanical concepts while using the bicycle as the main catalyst.  Students will explore the relationship that physics and cycling share.  Throughout this course, students will be given the opportunity to build their own bicycle.  In addition, students will perform many daily hands on tasks involving repairs and standard preventative maintenance. 

2 semesters           1 credit

1 semester             ½ credit

This class focuses on the U.S. economic system and the freedom that supports it.  This economics class studies those operations that make U.S. systems successful.  Students are introduced to economic cycles, comparative economic systems, the stock market and the role of U.S. economics in the world.

1 semester             ½ credit

This class provides the students with a useful knowledge base for local and regional history.  They will investigate the beginnings of our state including the geographical evolution, succession of natural resources that attracted settlement and the changes in those settlement patterns creating the diversity found today.  The goal of this course is to foster a developing appreciation for the landmarks and opportunities found in the state of Michigan.

1 semester             ½ credit

This course fosters intergroup knowledge and understanding, better preparing our students to function in a global society.  Students learn that multicultural education values cultural pluralism as a valuable resource that should be preserved and extended. 

1 semester             ½ credit

1 semester             ½ credit

U.S. Government focuses on the principles of democracy and examines the purpose of government and the basic values, principles, and ideals of American democracy.  Students become familiar with the structure, purpose, and branches of federal, state and local governments.

2 semesters           1 credit

2 semesters           1 credit

This course provides a vehicle to explore various belief systems, historical events, geographic regions, societies, and civilizations.  Through specific concepts and skills acquired, students will learn to become global citizens, forming a fundamental understanding of world history and how history connects them with the rest of the world.

2 semesters           1 credit

This class provides students with working practical knowledge of Spanish language and Latin culture.  Students move from basic pronunciation and vocabulary to speaking, reading, and writing in practical contexts such as traveling, shopping, banking, and eating out.  Students will also explore Latin history in Europe and South America, as well as culture in the areas of music, movies, literature, sports and recreation.

2 semesters           1 credit

1 semester (3 period block) 1 ½ credit

PEP is designed to foster successful learning through job-site training and work-related academics.  PEP encourages community partnership between school and business and helps students begin the transition from school to work.  The semester class is divided into 4 quarters:

Duration: 5 weeks

Duration: 5 weeks

Duration: 5 weeks

Duration: 5 weeks

1 semester             ½ credit

The training focuses on skills necessary for successful employment. The focus is on: regular attendance, punctuality, work quantity and quality, dependability, working relationships and respecting authority. These skills are practiced daily as students are transported to and from their job site during their school day.

1 semester             ½ credit

This is an individualized job placement that is directly related to a student’s transition plan and career interest.  This program provides students an opportunity to practice their job skills in the work place. Students will earn credit for this placement. This is coordinated with an assigned staff person. 

COMPUTER STUDIES

2 semesters           1 credit

1 semester             ½ credit

Students learn basic keyboarding and computer skills such as: word processing, spreadsheets, and database.  They practice these skills by creating reports, telephone and address books, and charts from spreadsheets.

Career Cruising is an online career development course for students helping them take charge of their own career path while meeting the state requirement for online learning.  Career cruising provides exposure to ongoing career planning and it also assists the students in developing an ongoing Educational Development Plan.

1 semester (3 period block) 1 ½ credits

Neil Reid Auto Care provides students with the opportunity to learn and become certified in Valvoline’s Auto Brite Auto Care System©.  Through proper demonstrations of product competency dictated by criteria from Valvoline, students will have the opportunity to receive official certification in Auto Brite© systems.  This certification is a valuable post-secondary vocational asset as it enhances employability greatly.

1 semester             ½ credit

Students learn safe operating procedures when working with electronic equipment.  They learn about semiconductors, conductors, insulators, and printed circuit boards.  Class work includes: constructing electronic kits using schematics, employing proper soldering techniques and using appropriate equipment to test completed stages.  Students also learn basic trouble-shooting techniques.

1 semester             ½ credit

1 semester             ½ credit                                                                         2 semesters           1 credit

This course provides an opportunity for students to enhance their skills and awareness of various art processes such as: drawing, painting, sculpting, textiles, and video production.  The class works on both individual and group projects.

1 semester             ½ credit                                                                     

In this class, students will work with a variety of drawing and painting materials including:  pencil, color pencil, oil pastel, ink, crayon, acrylic, and watercolor paints.  The student will gain an understanding of art:  color, line, space, shape, texture, value and form; and the principles of art:  balance, rhythm, movement, proportion, contrast and spatial relationships.  Through use of these mediums and processes students will explore creativity and style that will enhance personal expression and identity.  Students will focus on both historical and present societal issues and learn to peer critique art projects.

1 semester             ½ credit

In this class, students will work with a variety of mediums to hand build and construct art pieces.  A variety of materials and methods will be used including:  clay, foam board, wire, paper mache, casting materials, jewelry, and wood.  Students will be given the opportunity to use tools necessary to work with the variety of mediums.  Personal identity and expression will drive art projects and students will utilize peer critique.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

1 semester             ½ credit

1 semester             ½ credit

Students are given the opportunity to develop social, emotional, and physical abilities, as well as sportsmanship skills, through a variety of sports and activities.  Students will acquire skills and basic knowledge of team and individual sports, with emphasis on knowledge and acquisition of sport skill and rules.  Students will learn to maintain healthy levels of physical fitness through a variety of sports and activities.

1 semester             ½ credit

Health is designed to enhance and develop skills related to safety, nutrition, family health, consumer health, personal growth and development, substance abuse, emotional and mental health, disease prevention and control, and first aid.  Students are expected to further develop their critical thinking skills through this course.

1 semester             1 credit

This course offers students an opportunity to experience many positive ways to use their free time.  Some activities include: games, projects, crafts, and sports.  Activities may also take place in the community.  A significant goal of Leisure Skills is to help students develop healthy and appropriate social and interpersonal skills.

1 semester             ½ credit

In this class, students learn skills and the rules of basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, and other team sports.  They also explore defensive and offensive techniques. Team sportsmanship is also emphasized.

ELECTIVES

2 semesters           1 credit

This class includes instruction in the area of daily life skills with particular focus on career education and positive consumer practices.  The key targeted areas include:  selecting, using and organizing household materials, exhibiting positive and responsible behavior in the marketplace, and organizing and managing personal finances.

1 semester             ½ credit

Transition class is a class for students working on developing their school-to-work skills.  Students will develop skills and knowledge to get and keep a job.  This class also focuses on getting to know one’s self as well as the direction of life they would like to be heading.  Students set personal short term and long term goals.  Transition class helps to prepare students for independent living.