The Learning Post Courses

ENGLISH

Every student must complete 40 credits (eight courses) in English to meet graduation requirements.

ENGLISH 9 A/B
Credit 10
Prerequisites: Teacher/Counselor recommendation
The major objectives of this course are the development of competence in the writing of clear, coherent, correct sentences and paragraphs, and the development of critical thinking and reading skills, as they are demonstrated in discussion and writing. The curriculum is literature based and includes short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and essays.

ENGLISH 10 A/BA
Credit 10
Prerequisites: Teacher/Counselor recommendation
This course expands upon the critical reading, thinking, and writing skills attained in the preceding class by examining challenging short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and non-fiction. The essential difference between English 9 A/B and English 10 A/B will be found in the levels of difficulty in the materials read, discussed and written about and 10 A/B prepares students for the 11th and 12th grades.

ENGLISH 11 A/B
Credit 10
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of English 10
Open to: Grades 11-12
This course is designed to familiarize students with American literature from the Native Americans and explorers to the modern and contemporary ages through the study of the novel, the short story, and poetry. First semester covers the literature of the Native Americans through the Civil War, while the second semester covers the literature of the late nineteenth through the twentieth centuries.

SCIENCE FICTION
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
Open to: Grades 11-12
Science Fiction is a literary form which looks at tomorrow in terms of today, the future in terms of the present. It presents possible futures (and pasts) based on current scientific knowledge. Space explorations, alien intelligence, robots, space cities, time travel, and UFO's are only a few of the topics explored.

CREATIVE WRITING A/B
Credit 10
Prerequisites: None
Creative Writing is a course, which allows fledgling poets and storytellers the chance to develop their skills through clear, concise, and entertaining writing skills.

BRITISH LITERATURE A/B
Credit 10
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of English 10
Students will be required to do daily reading assignments. Grades will be based on quizzes, paragraphs, essays, and various projects. Part A begins with the Anglo-Saxon period and ends around the Restoration period. Part B begins with the Romantic Age and concludes with the Twentieth Century.

MYTH AND FOLKLORE
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
This course is designed to expose students to myths and legends from around the world and to examine historical and cultural differences expressed through this literature.

POETRY INTRODUCTION
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
This course is designed to expose students to poetry as a form of literature. Through reading and writing students will learn about alliteration, ballad, figurative language, imagery, irony, lyric, poetic license, rhymed and free verse.

CAREER ENGLISH
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
This is a highly practical course, which deals with “saleable” English skills. Writing experiences such as letter writing, job applications, resumés, interviews, and career research make up the content of this course.

ENGLISH IS (LIT I & II)
Credit 10
Prerequisites: None
Literature I concentrates on the short story as a form of literature. Students learn about the elements of fiction, plot structure, characterization, mood, tone, point of view, and conflict. Students continue to improve their writing skills. Literature II is the study of the novel as a form of literature. Twenty-five different novels are explored.

ENGLISH INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable

MATHEMATICS

Every student must complete 20 credits of math to meet graduation requirements.

SENIOR ALGEBRA
Credit 5-10
Prerequisites: None

GENERAL MATHEMATICS A/B
Credit 10
Prerequisites: None
General Math will reinforce skills in adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. These skills will be used in applications and word problems. Other topics will include percent, area, perimeter, volume, and metric units. The course will conclude with an introduction to positive and negative numbers.

Business Math
Credits 10
Prerequisites: None
Business Math is intended for students with basic experience with computers and Microsoft Excel software. Students are taught the basic fundamentals of business math through the use of this software. Material is presented to students in an easy to follow step-by-step approach. This course provides the necessary foundation for students interested in a business career.

CONSUMER MATH A/B
Credit 10
Prerequisites: None
This practical math course offers basic math survival skills to be used in life including review of basic operations, job-related income, banking, buying homes, car insurance and other major purchases. The second semester goes in depth into figuring income; commissions, basic recordkeeping, purchasing and other business related topics. It is designed to survey topics of interest to students entering the business field.

ALGEBRA IA, B; ALGEBRA A, B, C; S1 – S3 and C
Credit 5-20
Prerequisites: B or better in Pre-Algebra B for Algebra IA, passing grade in Pre-Algebra B for Algebra ABC, to continue the following semester: C or higher with teacher recommendation
Open to: Grades 9-12
Algebra I A, B/Algebra ABC/Algebra S1-S3 & C is a course in math utilizing a formal approach to the development of algebraic skills and concepts. These skills are necessary for students who plan to continue in Geometry and other advanced college-preparatory courses. Concepts of directed numbers, sets, linear equations, and inequality solving and word problem solving are expected to be mastered. Additional concepts will include graphing, systems of equations, quadratic equation solving, algebraic fractions, and word problems. Universities view Algebra ABC as the equivalent of one year of Algebra I.

GEOMETRY IAB/GEOMETRY ABC
Credit 10-15
Prerequisites: Algebra IB/Algebra C with C or higher and teacher recommendation to continue the following semester: C or higher with teacher recommendation
Open to: Grades 9-12
This elective math course covers the basic concepts of two and three-dimensional geometry, inductive and deductive reasoning, formal logic, and proof are stressed in the development. Number and algebraic concepts are used extensively throughout the course by exposure to problem-solving skills and processes. An understanding of postulates, theorems, and definitions will be interwoven through all strands of the course. Universities view Geometry ABC as the equivalent of one year of Geometry.

SCIENCE

Every student must complete 20 credits in science to meet graduation requirements.

EARTH SCIENCE A/B
Credit 10
This course includes the following physics topics: motion, work, energy, heat, sound and light waves, electricity and magnetism. Chemistry topics will include: atomic structure, chemical formulas, mixtures, compounds, reactions and nuclear energy.

EARTH SCIENCE 2
Credit 5
This course presents those physical principles that are essential to the understanding of and appreciation for the earth. A variety of topics will be studied. The units studied include geology, meteorology, astronomy, oceanography, ecology, and the environment. Together with physical science, this class meets the one-year physical science graduation requirement.

BIOLOGY I, II, IIIA/B
Credit 5-15
This course investigates life. It recognizes the recent advances made in the area of biochemistry and biotechnology and its contribution to the understanding of the life processes. Students study the five science kingdoms thoroughly.

HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY A/B
Credit 10
Prerequisite Biology A/B
Human Anatomy and Physiology A/B is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of the human body from the cellular level to the whole organism.

SCIENCE INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable

SOCIAL STUDIES

Every student must pass 30 credits of required social study courses to meet graduation requirements.

MODERN CIVILIZATION A/B (Required)
Credit 10
The primary purpose of studying this course is to introduce students to the major epochs, eras, events and turning points that have shaped human societies. The course includes the historical and geographical relationships of individuals and groups, follows chronologically the flow of events and the relationship they create between the past and the present.

UNITED STATES HISTORY A/B (Required)
Credit 10
U.S. History is designed to develop a better understanding of the United States through study of the nation’s social, political, economic and diplomatic history. U.S. History A emphasizes the areas of colonial experience, constitutional development, westward expansion, separation and reunion. U. S. History B focuses on industrial growth of the late 19th century, social and political change in the 20th century; World War I; the depression; World War II; involvement in international affairs and the new challenges facing the nation today.

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (Required)
Credit 5
Provides students with an overview of constitutional democracy, the structure, organization and operation of the federal, state, and local governments. Students also learn about the election process and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

ECONOMICS (Required)
Credit 5
Provides the student with an overview of general economic theories and principles that will enable them to understand the American economic system, their role in that system, and the impact in their daily lives.

WORLD GEOGRAPHY
Credit 5
Provides student with an overview of the physical and cultural aspects of the world. Students are expected to gain an understanding of the diversity on our planet.

PSYCHOLOGY
Credit 5
An introductory course on the general field of psychology, providing the student with a basic understanding of the principles and dynamics of human behavior.

CALIFORNIA HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT
Credit 5
Survey course on the people, places, and terms in the history of California from the exploration and Spanish settlement to statehood and present day. Students also learn about the organization of state government and the major personalities which have shaped our state.

SOCIOLOGY
Credit 5
This course examines human group behavior and relationships that make up different social environments and societies using the discipline of sociology. Culture, race, religion and class will be studied. Particular emphasis is placed on comparative societies and appreciation of ethnic and cultural diversity.

LAW AND ORDER
Credit 5
Designed to help students gain a realistic understanding of the American legal system. Topics include reasons for laws, types of laws, victims of crime, the juvenile justice system, the courts, the police and the prison system. The rights and responsibilities of citizens are emphasized.

UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHY
Credit 5
Develops basic knowledge in geography; map reading, keys, symbols, elevation, topography, etc. Course includes special section on all the regions of the United States and their unique features.

SOCIAL STUDIES INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable

FINE ARTS

ART IA
Credit 5
This course is designed to explore concepts and techniques found in basic design and color and to provide exposure to various areas of basic design and color with hands on experience.

ART IB
Credit 5
This course is designed to explore concepts and techniques involved in basic drawing. The course exposes students to the complexities of drawing, and to further help students to develop their perception and drawing skills.

2D ART B
Credit 5
Designed to provide technical skills on how to prepare cartoons for gags, comic strips, sports, advertising and drawing for television. In simple and practical terms, the student is taught how to draw different parts of the anatomy and the materials to use.

BASIC DRAWING
Credit 2.5
This is an introductory course that explores concepts and techniques involved in basic drawing.

ART HISTORY A
Credit 5
Designed as an introduction to the history of art by exploration of major art movements. Included are biographies on some of the best-known artists in history as well as artists living today. Assignments include reading, writing, and projects.

ART HISTORY B
Credit 5
This course introduces and guides students through the world of art by providing the fundamentals needed to understand a piece of art through the elements and principles of art. Students also learn to critique artworks and are exposed to a variety of artwork and artists. Art traditions from around the world, as well as careers in art, are covered.

ART INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable

MUSIC APPRECIATION
Credit 5
Course surveys music and its role in our lives. Students are exposed to a variety of music from Renaissance to contemporary, as well as composers and musicians. Part of the course requires listening to, evaluating and describing musical performances.

PRACTICAL ARTS

KEYBOARDING IA (BEGINNING)
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
Open to: Grades 9-12
This course is designed to develop personal typing skills, emphasizing "touch" typewriting, proper typing techniques, and speed and accuracy development. Content: Introduction of Alphabetic, Numeric, and Symbol keys; Horizontal and Vertical Centering, Block Format Letters, Unbound Reports.

KEYBOARDING IB (INTERMEDIATE)
Credit 5
Prerequisites: Keyboarding IA with Technique grade of "B" or better, or Instructor Approval
Open to: Grades 9-12
This course is designed to develop formatting skills for vocational typing, emphasizing problem and production work, speed and accuracy building, and technique maintenance. Content: Keyboarding and Formatting Review, Lists and Outlines, Business Letters with Attention Line, Left-Bound Business Reports, Advanced Tables, Memos and Forms, Advanced Business Letters.

INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS A/B
Credit 5-10
This course is designed to help prepare students to make decisions in their interrelated roles as consumers, wage earners and citizens. It examines basic economic principles and theories, and then encourages individuals to develop competency to apply this economic knowledge to practical ends.

BUSINESS LAW
Credit 5
Course acquaints students with the law as it relates to both business and personal activities. To show that law is a force in everyone’s life, such topics as contracts, consumer protection, insurance, property, wills and government regulations are covered.

LIFE MANAGEMENT A & B
Credit 10
Prerequisites: None
Open to: Grades 9-12
This course is designed to help students understand their choices and decisions relating to personal development, family, career, and social relationships.

BUSINESS INDEPENDENT STUDY
Credit 5

HOME ECONOMICS INDEPENDENT STUDY
Credit 5

CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Credit 5
Designed to help parenting teens deal with pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care and toddler care. Course also includes a focus on teenage pregnancy and the law.

NON-DEPARTMENTAL

ASB (Group Class)
Variable
In this class, students volunteer to provide service to both the school and community. Students may be asked to work at school functions like “Back to School” or “Open House”, attend District meetings as representatives from the Learning Post, come to meetings at school for a variety of projects. Students are also expected to volunteer their time in the community. For example, students spend hours helping at retirement centers, city functions, etc.

CAREER SEARCH (Group Class)
Variable
Students earn credits as they learn about Career Vision Skills Goals. This course will enable students to identify personal interests and abilities as they relate to potential career areas, conduct an effective search for employment, fill out a job application and resume with cover letter; successfully proceed through a job interview, understand appropriate work site behavior, and identify other job related concerns such as money management.

DRIVER’S EDUCATION
Credit 2.5
Designed to give the students an awareness of vehicle safety, the basic fundamentals of driving and to develop a good philosophy toward the motoring public. Course includes traffic laws, signs, signals, vehicle restriction and classes of license.

HEALTH (2.5 Required)
Credit 2.5
This course is designed to present students with facts and information concerning public and personal health issues. Topics include alcohol, drugs, tobacco, communicable diseases, mental and emotional wellness, diet, nutrition, physical fitness and hygiene.

HEALTH FOR LIVING
Credit 5
Expanded health course instruction in health topics mentioned above. May include information regarding human reproduction.

WORK EXPERIENCE (Group class)
Variable
Prerequisites: A job that qualifies for Work Experience and has the approval of the W.E. Coordinator. Must be 16 years of age.
Students earn credit for the learning they acquire working in our community. In the classroom they receive instruction that relates to their current employment, future employment and career exploration.

STUDENT SERVICE
Variable
See teacher.

HART REGIONAL OCCUPATIONAL PROGRAM (ROP)
ROP classes are open to high school students, 16 years of age or older, and adults. Priority is given to high school seniors and juniors. Credits earned in ROP classes are based on actual attendance.
COURSE OFFERINGS
Many ROP classes are one-year long and most ROP courses are at least two periods. If the course is held off-campus, more time may be involved in traveling.

ANIMAL CARE& SERVICES
Credit 10
Prerequisites: None
1 Semester
Combine classroom activities and hands-on experiences in the animal farm servicing exotic and domestic animals.

AUTOMOTIVE TUNE-UP/FRONT-END
Credit 10 per semester
Prerequisites: Auto I or Instructor Permission; contact your local ROP advisor
1 Year
Specialized skills in tuning up a car, aligning front suspension systems, repairing and maintaining brake systems.

BANKING OCCUPATIONS***
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
1 Semester
Combines classroom and on-the-job training to be a bank teller. Course includes experiences in various bank skills and exposure to other bank positions.
*** Additional hours T.B.A. to meet job related competency requirements.

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
Credit 10 per year
Prerequisites: None
2 Years
Hands-on experience with tools leading to a career in Building Construction.

CAREERS IN TEACHING
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
1 Semester
Learn about the increasing number of opportunities in the educational field through job mentoring, shadowing, and observation.

CHILD CARE
Credit 10 per year
Prerequisites: None
2 Years
This course prepares students for entry-level employment as childcare and teacher aides in nursery schools, day care centers, kindergartens, and primary grade classes. Provides weekly training at local community child care sites.

COMPUTER ASSISTED DRAFTING (CAD)Credit 10 per year
Prerequisites: None
2 Years
The course covers the basics of Technical drawing and design using AutoCad and VersaCad software and introduction to 3-Design.

COMPUTER DRAFTING & DESIGN (CDD)
Credit 5
Prerequisite: None
2 Semesters
CDD combines Computer Assisted Drafting and Graphic Communications in order to solve drafting and basic design-related problems.

COMPUTER & ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY (CEET)
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
2 Semesters
Students study circuits, systems and specialized techniques used in electronics and computer technology careers such as aviation, communication, etc.

COSMETOLOGYCredit 10 per semester
Prerequisites: None
Length - Variable
Open to: Grades 11-12 (12th graders first)
Total Hours 1600
Gives classroom theory and practical experience in all phases of Cosmetology. Provides training for the State licensing.

DENTAL ASSISTANT
Credit 10 per semester
Prerequisites: None
1 Year
This course provides a combination of classroom and practical experience designed to prepare students to assist the dentist in chair side operations. Students will learn specific job-seeking skills related to this occupation.

DESK TOP PUBLISHING
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
1 Year
Instruction will include the application of desk-top publishing concepts where students will receive step by step directions that will teach them how to create, format and produce fliers, brochures, reports, newsletters, student resumes, forms and specialized projects.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY (Pre)
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
1 Semester

ENTERTAINMENT/PERFORMANCE OCCUPATIONS
Credit 10 per semester
Prerequisites: None
2 Semesters
Students learn about the field of entertainment such as auditions, agents, production and studio work.

ESTHETICIAN
Credit 10 per semester
Prerequisite: None
Length - variable
Open to: Grades 11-12 (12th grade first)
Total hours: 600
Classroom instruction and practical experience in make-up applications and skin care sciences. Provides training for state licensing examination.

FASHION MERCHANDISING
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
1 Semester
Training in sales, merchandising, fashion coordination and personal grooming. Includes poise and modeling techniques.

FIRE FIGHTING TECHNOLOGY (Beginning)
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
2 Semesters
Course includes training with equipment, forest service exam and techniques of fire control.

FLORISTRY - BEGINNING
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
1 Semester
Fundamentally, the student will learn procurement, care, design, construction and merchandising of basic floral pieces. The student will be able to identify flowers, plants, supplies and equipment commonly used in the floral trade. The student will learn retail floral practices in pricing, order taking, and merchandising.

FLORISTRY - ADVANCED
Credit 5
Prerequisites: Floristry - Beginning
1 Semester
The basics of commercial floral arrangements, corsages and decorations are stressed. Students will also learn the operations of a shop, care of flowers and its commercial application.

FOOD SERVICE
Credits 10 per semester
Prerequisites: None
1 Year
This course will provide students with the knowledge of all aspects of food service – from food storage to cash register.

HOTEL OPERATIONS
Credit 10 per semester
Prerequisites: None
1 Year
This course provides an on-site hotel/motel training experience in various aspects of hotel operations, including housekeeping, executive offices, and front desk operations.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
2 Semesters
The process of design, development, implementation, maintenance and upgrade of computer-based information systems in its software and hardware context is covered in this class.

INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT
Credit 5
Prerequisite: None
2 Semesters
Learn skills necessary to perform as an Instructional Assistant in elementary and secondary schools. Includes classroom instruction and on-site training in local schools.

INTERIOR DESIGN
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
1 Year
The basics of room design, color, textile blueprints, furniture and fabric will be learned.

LAW ENFORCEMENT
Credit 10
Prerequisites: None
1 semester
Always wanted to be a police officer, security guard or a probation officer? Get the basics of law enforcement through classroom discussions on criminology, crime prevention, court systems, arrest, search and seizure procedures, etc.

LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPLORER ACADEMY
Credit 10
Prerequisites: None
1 Semester

LEGAL CAREERS (Introduction to)
Credit 5
Prerequisites: Basic Keyboarding or typing
2 Years
Students will receive on-the-job training through classroom and on-site applications such as processing legal documents, use of legal reference materials, and becoming familiar with the court structure and process.

MANICURING
Credit 10
Prerequisites: Age 17
Length - Variable
Open to: Grades 11-12 or 17 years of age
Total Hours 400
Provides students with classroom theory and practical experience in the field. Trains students for the State License in Manicuring.

MEDICAL OFFICE (Introduction)
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
1 Semester
This course is designed to teach students the basic skills necessary for entry level positions within a medical office, covering the basics of back office as well as reception and billing services.

NURSING ASSISTANT (Pre-certified)
Credit 10
Prerequisites: None
1 Year
THIS IS A YEAR-LONG COURSE. Classroom and hospital training involving basic care of patients such as temperature, pulse, respiration, weight, feeding, transporting, and assisting staff. Provides training for state licensing examination.

OFFSET LITHOGRAPHY
Credit 10
Prerequisites: None
1 Year
This is a production-oriented class with many new pieces of equipment. You will specialize in and rotate through various phases of printing including composition, camera work, press work, to the actual printing and Graphic Arts bindery.

OFFSET LITHOGRAPHY (Advanced)
Credit 5
Prerequisites: Offset Lithography or Instructor Permission
1 Year
Four color process printing, advanced color separating and quality control.

PC NETWORK COMPUTER REPAIR
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
1 Year
Theory and practical applications in troubleshooting microcomputers, use of diagnostic manuals/procedures, and preventive maintenance.

PHARMACY ASSISTANT
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
1 Year
This course is designed to teach students the basic pharmaceutical skills necessary to assist the pharmacist in providing services to the consumer in a retail or hospital setting.

PHOTOGRAPHY (Commercial)
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
2 Years
Emphasis on studio photography and portraiture composition, camera and photographic darkroom techniques.

PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
1 Year
Provides classroom instruction in physical therapy modalities.

RETAILING
Credit 10
Prerequisites: Working in retail store
3 Semesters
Students receive paid on-the-job training while developing skills in retail sales. Students must have a job in retail industry. Exceptions only with teacher permission.

SECURITY GUARD
Credit 10
Prerequisites: None
1 Semester
Students qualify for unarmed security guard jobs through on-site training in various aspects of security services such as applications of law enforcement and security procedures.

SILK SCREEN PRINTING
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
2 Years
Students will learn techniques of printing, using silk screen procedures, including imprinting on T-shirts, greeting cards and other materials.

TV/VIDEO PRODUCTION (Beginning)
Credit 10
Prerequisites: None
1 Year
This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding and knowledge of the various aspects of the TV/video industry. This course will include student involvement in the components necessary to produce a TV/Video program such as training in the operation of camera, editing, script writing, and directing. Students will produce a public service announcement to be aired on local cable channel.

TV BROADCAST JOURNALISM & EDITING
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
1 Semester
This course will provide students with advanced proficiencies in the field of television and video production. Basic skills achieved in the beginning course will be refined and further developed.

TRAVEL OCCUPATIONS
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
1 Semester
Teaches students all aspects and operations of a travel agency, including ticket writing, booking, group tours, etc. Train in classroom and travel agency.

WEB DESIGN
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
1 Semester
This course provides an introduction to Web-site design, covering both human factors and technical design issues.

WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
1 Semester
Wildland Fire is a course designed to prepare students for entry-level positions within the Department of Forestry. Emphasis is placed on wildland fires, safety, and equipment and control.

WORD PROCESSING – Microsoft Office Applications
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
2 Years
Students learn Microsoft Word and introductory skills in Power Point, Excel and Internet.

WORD PROCESSING – Advanced Microsoft Certification Course
Credit 5
Prerequisites: None
1 Semester
Advanced training in Word, Power Point, and/or Excel. Qualify to earn proficient or expert certification through Microsoft training.