Academic Preparation

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Courses Avaiable

1001 Academic Decathlon, 1/2-1 Credit (Local)
Grade 9-12
Prerequisite: Previous test results, prior achievement in high school and other academic data, teacher and counselor recommendations, and/or personal interviews with course instructors.

Academic Decathlon Honors provides an intensive, exciting, demanding, and rewarding educational experience which culminates with competition in area, state, and national competitions. Higher level and critical thinking skills, creative and productive thinking, and independent and guided research are all used in preparation for the competition experienced through the Decathlon program. In researching and writing a speech, students will compose and original paper for oral delivery which encompasses an evaluative and critical process. Additional time beyond regular school hours is often required.

1005 PSAT Team, 1/2 Credit (Local)
Grade 11 only
Prerequisite: This is by invitation only.

The PSAT Team is an intensive educational experience that prepares students for the PSAT administered in October of the junior year. The rigorous instruction is designed to improve both verbal and quantitative test scores. An integral component of this course is attendance at a 20 hour summer seminar and four Saturday sessions preceding the October PSAT administration.

1010 PSAT Class, 1/2 Credit (Local)
Grade 11 only
Prerequisite: Passing score on TAAS

The PSAT Class is open to those juniors who want to develop their verbal and quantitative skills in preparation for the October PSAT. Students can expect a demanding course of study including attendance at a 20 hour summer seminar and four Saturday sessions preceding the October PSAT administration.

1015 SAT Prep. Class, 1/2 Credit (Local)
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: Passed all sections- exit TAAS

The SAT Prep Class is available to any Junior or Senior who wants help preparing for the SAT. Test taking skills and specific test items are emphasized for both the verbal and quantitative sub-tests. An ACT component will also be included.

2575 Reading I, 1 Credit
Grade 9-12
Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to teach students strategies that make reading meaningful and enjoyable. Students read fiction and non-fiction and learn study skills.

2580 Reading II, 1/2 Credit
Grade 10-12
Prerequisite: None

This course focuses on developing advanced reading skills, vocabulary, comprehension, and an improved reading speed.

2615 Reading Application and Study Skills/Analytical Studies, 1/2 Credit
Grade 9-10
Prerequisite: None

The course of study is designed especially for entering freshman and includes learning styles, reading, listening, studying, test-taking strategies, organization, goal-setting, career exploration, research techniques, the learning process, and the writing process.

2620 TAKS Review: Language Arts, 1/2-1 1/2 Credit (Local)
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: Course is required for each student who fails the Exit Level TAAS

This course provides instruction and strategies to prepare students to pass the TAAS reading and/off writing test(s) required for high school graduation.

2625 MTA Reading II, 1/2-1 credit (May be repeated for credit) (Local)
Grade 9-12
Prerequisite: Dyslexia screening and 504 placement

A multi-sensory reading program which provides specific skill instruction for approved students.

2630 MTA Reading II, 1/2-1 credit (May be repeated for credit) (Local)
Grade 9-12
Prerequisite: Dyslexia screening and 504 placement

A multi-sensory reading program which provides specific skill instruction for approved students.

3385 Pre-TAKS Review: Mathematics, 1/2 credit (Local)
Grade 10
Prerequisite: Not mastering the 8th grade Math TAAS Test

This course is highly recommended for students in the 10th grade who did not master the 8th grade Math Test. Instruction will focus on skills and concepts and processing skills related to the Exit Level Math Test.

3390 TAKS Review: Mathematics, 1/2-1 1/2 credits (Local)
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: Required course for each student who fails the Exit Level TAAS

Instruction in this course will focus on skills/concepts and processing skills related to the TAAS objectives.

4800 Peer Assistance and Leadership Training (PAL I), 1/2-1 Credit
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Nomination, application, recommendation, and/or interview

The Peer Assistance and Leadership Training Program will address two groups: (1) high school students who will work as peer facilitators with students on their own campus as well as with sixth graders from the feeder schools; and (2) the recipients of the services. Curriculum for PAL peer helpers will include the development of knowledge and skills in social and listening skills, confidentiality and liability issues, group dynamics, communication skills, helping and facilitating strategies, decision-making and problem-solving skills, conflict resolution, peer pressure reversal, and dealing with grief and loss.

4805 Peer Assistance and Leadership Training (PAL III), 1/2-1 Credit
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Peer Assistance Leadership Training I, nomination by teacher, counselor, or administrator, or interview

The Peer Assistance Leadership Training II course is a peer helping program in which selected high school students will be trained to work as peer facilitators with other students on their own campuses, and/or from feeder middle and elementary schools. Likewise, the Peer Assistance and Leadership course is intended to provide a field experience for young people who are potentially interested in careers in education and/or related helping professions.

4810 Teen Leadership, 1/2 Credit
Grade 9 - 12
Prerequisite: None

Teen Leadership is a program in which students learn to develop a healthy self-concept, healthy relationships, and to understand the concept of personal responsibility. Students will develop skills in public speaking and communication, and awareness about personal image. They will develop the concept and principles for decision making. They will develop an understanding of the effects of peer pressure, will develop skills to counter-act those effects, and will develop problem-solving skills. They will also develop an understanding of the need for vision in goal-setting and setting personal goals.

6220 Reading MTA-S, Level I, 1 credit (Elective) (Local)
Grade 9-12
Prerequisite: Diagnostic approval and ARD placement. May be repeated.

This multi-sensory reading program which provides specific skill instruction for approved students.

6225 Reading MTA-S, Level II, 1 credit (Elective) (Local)
Grade 10-12
Prerequisite: Diagnostic approval and ARD placement. May be repeated.

This multi-sensory reading program which provides specific skill instruction for approved students.

6230 Reading Improvement-S, 1 credit (Elective) (Local)
Grade 9-12
Prerequisite: Diagnostic approval and ARD placement. May be repeated.

This reading program with a prescriptive approach which provides specific skill instruction for approved students. This course will be taught in a resource room.

7450 Career Connection I, 1/2 Credit
Grade 9-10
Prerequisite: None

This career guidance activity-based course designed to assist freshman and sophomores in understanding the connection between academic education and their future career options. Students will develop a "personalized" high school plan based on a career focus. Interest and aptitude testing will also be provided.

7455 Career Connection II, 1/2 Credit (Local)
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: None

This career guidance activity-based course designed to assist juniors and seniors in developing a "personalized" in-depth five year plan for use after graduation. The latest information concerning career choices and advanced education options will be provided, along with interest/aptitude testing.

7460 Advanced Academic Studies, 1-2 credits
Grade 9-12
Prerequisite: Application approval

This course is a mentorship opportunity for students to study with an expert in their field. Students are required to produce a product, representative of their study, as well as give a formal presentation to a review committee. This course meets one of the Distinguished Achievement Program measures.

6235 Career Connections-S, 1 Credit
Grade 10-12
Prerequisite: Diagnostic approval and ARD placement, or recommended prior to VAC placement

This career guidance course is designed to help students understand the connection between their future and career options. The course covers career exploration, goal development, job hunting and acquisition skills, and on the job attitudes and behaviors. This course will be taught in a bridging classroom.

6194 Career Connections-S, 1 Credit
Grade 9-12
Prerequisite: Diagnostic approval and ARD placement, or recommended prior to VAC placement

This career guidance course is designed to help students understand the connection between their future and career options. The course covers career exploration, goal development, job hunting and acquisition skills, and on the job attitudes and behaviors. This course will be taught in a resource classroom.

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