Neil Reid High School

		Length of Course
Credit	Length of Time	# of semesters	# of marking periods
0.25 (1/4)	10 weeks	½ semester	1
0.50 (1/2)	20 weeks	1 semester	2
0.75 (3/4)	30 weeks	1 ½ semesters	3
1.00 (1)	40 weeks	2 semesters	4

Letter Grade	Numerical Equivalent
A+	4.3
A	4.0
A-	3.7
B+	3.3
B	3.0
B-	2.7
C+	2.3
C	2.0
C-	1.7
D+	1.3
D	1.0
D-	0.7
E	0.0

Grade Level

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

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

English 9, 10, 11, 12
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.

MATH

Pre-Algebra
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.

Algebra I
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 study algebra by application and problem-solving exercises.  This course will focus on the High School Content Expectations mandated by the State of Michigan.

Algebra II
2 semesters           1 credit
Pre-requisite: Successful completion of Algebra I

Algebra II is designed for students in the college-prep curriculum.  It begins as a continuation of Algebra, covering advanced topics in Algebra such as: quadratic functions, higher degree polynomials, matrices and determinants, complex numbers, and later introduces topics in Trigonometry.  This course will focus on the High School Content Expectations mandated by the State of Michigan.

Geometry
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.

Daily Living Math
2 semesters

Daily living math 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.

SCIENCE

Biology
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.

Chemistry
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.

Physics
2 semesters           1 credit

This course will cover the State High School Content Expectations in physics.  The units will be presented in an inquiry base approach and cover such topics as matter and energy, waves and motion and simple machines.

Mechanics in Motion
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.
 

Integrated Science
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.

Life Science
2 semesters

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.

SOCIAL STUDIES

United States History (1865-present)
2 semesters           1 credit

This class is aligned with the American History portion of the Macomb County Core Curriculum in high school social studies and follows the State High School Content Expectations.  The class uses a multi-sensory approach, with a strong emphasis on reading comprehension and written language.  Students also develop research skills with the help of classroom technology support.

World History
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.

Economics
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.

U.S. Government
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. 

General Social Studies
2 semesters

This class provides instruction in any of the following areas related to: geography, history, government and civic responsibility. This may also include understanding local laws and individual responsibilities.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Spanish I
1 semester (2 period block) 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.

Spanish II
1 semester (2 period block) 1 credit

This class provides students with the opportunity to work on sentence construction and speaking in practical contexts such as: eating at a restaurant, traveling, banking, and renting a hotel room. Students will view movies and discuss differences in customs and how they affect interactions with Spanish speaking persons.  Students will also learn how to prepare for a trip to a Spanish speaking country starting from making airline reservations and moving to exchanging money and planning an itinerary.

COMMUNITY BASED VOCATIONAL TRAINING
PEP (Pre-Employment Program)
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:

Quarter 1: Students spend the first week of class completing an extensive work assessments to determine the most appropriate placement for them.  In addition, students will practice interviewing skills and attend an actual interview at the job-site of their choice.  For the remaining four weeks, students are transported by bus to work at their community job site.

Duration: 5 weeks

Quarter 2: During this time the student’s job title and duties will change, however, the student’s placement will remain the same.  Added and/or different responsibilities, goals, and objectives will be assigned by both the workplace and the school staff. 

Duration: 5 weeks

Quarter 3: For the remaining 10 weeks of the semester, the students will switch to a different job placement.  This will give them the opportunity to explore how different business structures operate and function.  It also enables the student’s job experiences to be more diverse. 

Duration: 5 weeks

Quarter 4:  Again, the students’ job title/responsibilities will change at their second designated job placement. 

Duration: 5 weeks.

Vocational Training
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.

Work Study
1 semester             ½ credit

This is an individualized job placement that is directly related to a students 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

Computers
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.

Computer Yearbook
2 semesters           1 credit

This class provides students with an opportunity to produce the high school yearbook.  Learning experiences include interviewing staff and students, photographing school events and classes, and designing layouts using pictures and other graphics.  Students acquire creative writing and computer skills.

Online Computer Requirement

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.

OCCUPATIONAL GUIDANCE AND PREPARATION

This class focuses on the competencies student must acquire for adult success in the following areas: exploring and selecting occupational possibilities, planning occupational choices learning about specific skills required for a particular career and understanding appropriate work habits and behavior.

INDUSTRIAL ARTS

Wood Shop
1 semester             ½ credit

Wood shop begins with training and written assignments on safety and power equipment.  Students are expected to pass the units on safety, band saw, and jointer with a 70% or better score before proceeding to teacher-approved projects.  Upon completion of a project, students complete the next workbook assignment.  Students also acquire a basic understanding of wood-frame house construction.

Electronics
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.

Computer Aided Drafting (C.A.D.)
1 semester             ½ credit

Students learn the fundamentals of mechanical drawings, including dimensions and various kinds of drawings: orthographic, isometric, and auxiliary.  They will operate a C.A.D. system to locate points, lines, circles, and arcs using coordinate, polar, and basic functions.  Students also learn to plot, make 3- dimensional drawings, and add text and dimension to drawings. (This course meets either computer studies or industrial arts requirements.)

Auto Tech
1 semester (2 class block)   1 credit

Auto tech teaches students safe working techniques in an auto shop setting.  They learn the basics of a four stroke cycle engine and its systems, including: electrical, fuel, exhaust, emission, and computers.  Students perform some or all of the following, with or without assistance:

APPLIED AND PERFORMING ARTS

Music I, II
1 semester             ½ credit
2 semesters           1 credit

Music class teaches students many aspects of playing in a group.  They learn discipline while developing skills in voice and/or on musical instruments.  Students also learn social skills in a performance group where behavior and cooperation are necessary for success.  In addition, they learn about different musical styles and expand their musical interests.

Art I, II
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.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

General Physical Education
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.

Team Sports
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.

Strength and Conditioning
1 semester             ½ credit

This class provides students the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge of muscular strength, cardiovascular fitness, nutrition, and individual and team sports.  Students will participate in activities such as: strength training, circuit training, fitness testing, and aerobic and anaerobic activities.  Students will be expected to transfer skills learned to different environments including team and individual sports.

Leisure Skills
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.

Health
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.

Fit for Life
1 semester             ½ credit

Fit for Life is an individualized, concepts-based course designed to give students the knowledge and skills necessary to self-assess, create, conduct, evaluate and redesign personal fitness programs.  The course is a combination of classroom and activity-based learning activities with a focus on proper nutrition and the mastery of skills and concepts necessary for students to become accomplished monitors of their personal lifetime fitness.

ELECTIVES
Psychology
1 semester             ½ credit

Psychology teaches a scientific approach to understanding human behavior.  Students examine the basic motivations of human beings as they begin to attempt to gain insight into their own-and others’ personalities.  Units include: the history of psychology as a science, personality theory, psychological testing, psychopathology and methods of behavior change.

Personal Development
2 semesters

This class is devoted to the development of non-academic skills critical to independent living, i.e. home management, cooking, shopping, home care and repair and the appropriate use of leisure time. Students will have the opportunity to enhance these skills in a performance-based classroom setting.