Direct Instruction Courses Offered
English
English I
This freshman level English course provides support for students who are developing skills in the areas of written communication, reading comprehension, speaking and listening, and grammar. Placement is only available through staff conference recommendation.
Semesters: 2
Level: 9
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: None
Intensive Reading Level I
This two-semester course is required for freshmen in need of improved reading skills. Students are recommended through a staff conference. The content of the course focuses on developing fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Semesters: 2
Level: 9
Credit: 1/2 elective credit per semester
Prerequisite: Students are recommended through their special education team.
English II
This sophomore level English course places an emphasis on building students’ abilities to gain information and ideas from a variety of sources, recognize and respond to ideas expressed in various forms of literature, plan and effectively convey messages to a variety of audiences, utilize effective listening and speaking skills, and organize information for meaningful communication. Placement is only available through staff conference recommendation.
Semesters: 2
Level: 10
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Freshman English I and staff conference recommendation
English III
This junior level English course emphasizes the application of ideas, issues, and perspectives from literature to real world situations. Students will focus on evaluating information from a variety of sources and communicating effectively with others. Basic skills including grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing are addressed as well. Placement is only available through staff conference recommendation.
Semesters: 2
Level: 11
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Sophomore English II and staff conference recommendation
English IV
This senior level English course provides support for students who are continuing to develop basic skills in the areas of grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on students’ abilities to evaluate information, apply knowledge toward real world circumstances, and effectively communicate with peers and others in the community. Placement is only available through staff conference recommendation.
Semesters: 2
Level: 12
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Junior English III and staff conference recommendation
Math
Math I
Emphasis is on the understanding of fundamental mathematical operations. The main areas of concentration are addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Additional focus is given to fractions, decimals, and percent. Placement is only available through staff conference recommendation.
Semesters: 2
Level: 9
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Approval of Special Education division leader and staff conference recommendation is required.
Pre-Algebra
This course builds students’ skills in the areas of order of operations, variables and expressions, mathematical properties, and equations in preparation for the curriculum in an algebra class. Placement is only available through staff conference recommendation.
Semesters: 2
Level: 9, 10
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Approval of Special Education division leader and staff conference recommendation.
Algebra
Algebra skills are developed through attention to the following topics: order of operations, variables & expressions, solving equations and inequalities, manipulating polynomials, simplifying rational expressions and solving rational equations, and solving quadratic equations. Placement is only available through staff conference recommendation.
Semesters: 2
Level: 9, 10, 11
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Approval of Special Education division leader and staff conference recommendation.
Geometry
This course exposes students to the fundamental concepts of geometry. Topics including solving and writing proofs, identifying and applying properties and classifications of polygons, and the measurement of area and volume will be emphasized. Placement is only available through staff conference recommendation.
Semesters: 2
Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Approval of Special Education division leader and staff conference recommendation.
Intermediate Algebra
This course is designed to provide continued work with algebraic concepts. The content includes formulas, equations, graphing, and factoring. Students should have previously mastered basic math operations such as fractions, decimals, and percent. Placement is only available through staff conference recommendation.
Semesters: 2
Level: 11, 12
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Approval of Special Education division leader and staff conference recommendation.
Consumer Math
Consumer Math continues building students computational abilities with a focus on learning consumer skills and understanding basic money management. Areas of focus include: every day and major purchases, household management, basic finances and budgeting. Placement is only available through staff conferences.
Semesters: 2
Level: 12
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Approval of Special Education division leader and staff conference recommendation.
Social Science
Social Science I
As a result of taking this course students will understand the concepts of human and physical geography including the topics of regions, cultures, and the impact technology has had in shaping our world. Placement is only available through staff conference recommendation.
Semesters: 2
Level: 9, 10
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation is required and staff conference recommendation.
Social Science II
This course continues studies addressed in Social Science I and it is designed to present a basic understanding of government, geography, psychology or social concerns. It allows students to explore these areas through lecture, discussion, and individual projects. Placement is only available through staff conference recommendation.
Semesters: 2
Level: 9, 10
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Social Science I and teacher recommendation and staff conference recommendation.
American History
This course is designed as a survey of our nation’s history. It begins with the early explorations and continues into the present time. The state requirement for passing the Illinois and United States Constitution tests is accomplished in this course. A passing grade in both semesters of this course is required for graduation. Placement is only available through staff conference recommendation.
*This course meets the US History graduation requirement.*
Semesters: 2
Level: 11, 12
Credit: 1/2 per semester
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation is required and staff conference recommendation