Download - 2009-2010 Pinnacle Course Catalog

OnlineCourse

Catalog

2009-2010

2 Pinnacle Education • Course Catalog • 2009 - 2010

PINNACLEADMINISTRATION

Michael Matwick • CEOCurt Feldtkeller • President

Pinnacle Education, Inc.2224 W. Southern Ave., Suite 1

Tempe, AZ 85282Ph: 480-755-8222Fax: 480-755-8111

Pinnacle Education is dedicated to engaging students through the creation of customized learning plans, supporting student academic and personal growth, and delivering a high qual-ity instructional experience.

RESPECT

INTEGRITY

DEDICATION

COMMITTMENT

TEAMWORK

3Pinnacle Education • Course Catalog • 2009 - 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pinnacle Administration 2

General Information 4

Graduation Requirements 6

Language Arts 8

Social Studies 10

Science 12

Mathematics 14

World Languages 16


Course CatalogThis course catalog contains a listing of the courses offered by Pinnacle Education, along with pertinent information regarding credits, course sequence, and more. Please note that class offerings and policies are subject to change. Students should contact a school advisor if they have any questions regarding the specifi c applicability of program changes.

Please note that some courses may require pre-requisite courses. Students must complete the pre-requisites before enrolling in these classes.

AccreditationPinnacle Education is accredited by two accreditation bodies: the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA) and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI). Accreditation ensures that the credits earned by students at Pinnacle Education will be accepted at any high school and will be recognized by colleges and universities.

GENERAL INFORMATION


POLICIES & PROCEDURES

• Students will maintain academic honesty and not copy others’ work, allow others to copy their work, plagiarize, or give out passwords to others to stand in for them, etc.

• All coursework must be completed within the allotted time frame.

• All written assignments need to be submitted using Microsoft Offi ce products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). If you do not have these programs on your computer, a free version of Open Offi ce is available by following this link: http://download.openoffi ce.org/. Please see the system requirements for further information.

• All packets and assignments within a course must be completed in order.

• All students must check their email daily.

• Failure to follow these guidelines may result in immediate withdrawal from Pinnacle Edu-cation.


High School Diploma Requirements

University Track: 22 credits

Language (4 credits) – English 1A & 1B, English 2A & 2B, English 3A & 3B, English 4A & 4B.•

Second language (2 credits) - additional language courses as chosen by the student.•

Social Sciences (3 credits) – World History A & B, American History A&B, American Government, • Economics.

Science (3 credits) – Physical Science, Life Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Environmental • Sciences .

Math (3 credits) – Algebra 1A & 1B, Geometry A &B, Algebra 2A & 2B •

Arts and Electives (7 credits) –Computer science, visual arts, health, and cultural subjects. •

General Diploma / Community College Track: 20 credits

Language (4 credits) - English 1A & 1B, English 2A & 2B, English 3A & 3B, English 4A & 4B.•

Social Sciences (3 credits) – World History A & B, American History A&B, American Government, • Economics .

Science (2 credits) – Physical Science, Life Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Environmental • Sciences

Math (2 credits) – Algebra 1A & 1B, Geometry A & B.•

Arts and Electives (9 credits) –Computer science, visual arts, health, and cultural subjects. •

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS


English 1A • 1/2 credit unitEnglish 1A is the fi rst semester course of a two-se-mester series. Students will be exposed to a variety of reading selections, ranging from fi ction to non-fi ction and poetry to short stories. Course themes are family relationships and personal interactions. The reading excerpts used within the course focus on the overall theme of the course. Students are also encouraged to continue outside reading through the use of a book report. Skills covered include enhanc-ing vocabulary, identifying literary terms, and ana-lyzing various forms of literature for their use of lit-erary terms. Students will focus on how the themes found within the excerpts apply to situations within their own lives.

English 1B • 1/2 credit unitEnglish 1B is the second semester course of a two-semester series. Students will continue to explore a variety of reading selections, ranging from fi ction to non-fi ction and poetry to short stories. Course themes are overcoming obstacles and challenges. The reading excerpts used within the course focus on the overall theme of the course. As with the fi rst semester class students are encouraged to continue outside reading through the use of a book report. Skills covered include enhancing vocabulary, iden-tifying literary terms, and analyzing various forms of literature for their use of literary terms. Students will focus on how the themes found within the ex-cerpts apply to situations within their own lives.

English 2A • 1/2 credit unitEnglish 2A is a fi rst semester course of sophomore English. Students will be exposed to a variety of reading selections, ranging from fi ction to non-fi c-tion and poetry to short stories. The reading excerpts used within the course focus on the overall themes of familial and romantic love. Students are also en-

couraged to continue outside reading through the use of a book report. Skills covered within the read-ing packets include enhancing vocabulary, identi-fying literary terms, and analyzing various forms of literature for their use of literary terms. Students will focus on how the themes found within the ex-cerpts apply to situations within their own lives. This course does include a research component.

English 2B • 1/2 credit unitEnglish 2B is a second semester course of sopho-more English. Students continue the exploration of literary elements, learning to clearly communicate in the written form. Students will be exposed to a variety of reading selections, ranging from fi c-tion to non-fi ction and poetry to short stories. The reading excerpts used within the course focus on the overall theme of nature. Students continue to be encouraged to continue outside reading through the use of a book report. Skills covered within the read-ing packets include enhancing vocabulary, identi-fying literary terms, and analyzing various forms of literature for their use of literary terms. Students will focus on how the themes found within the ex-cerpts apply to situations within their own lives.

English 3A • 1/2 credit unitEnglish 3A is the fi rst semester course of junior English. The reading excerpts used within the course focus on the overall themes of heroes and heroic deeds. Students will be exposed to a vari-ety of reading selections, ranging from fi ction to non-fi ction and poetry to short stories. Students are also encouraged to continue outside reading through the use of a book report. Skills covered within the reading packets include enhancing vo-cabulary, identifying literary terms, and analyzing various forms of literature for their use of literary terms. Students will focus on how the themes found

Language Arts courses explore the processes of Reading and Writing. The elements of these processes support each other and are woven together to build a solid foundation of linguistic understanding for each student.

LANGUAGE ARTS


LANGUAGE ARTS

within the excerpts apply to situations within their own lives. This course is designed to help students focus on proper essay writing, and the organization and careful planning necessary to execute a well written paper.

English 3B • 1/2 credit unitEnglish 3B is the second semester course of ju-nior English. The reading excerpts used within the course focus on the overall theme of American ex-periences. Students will continue their exposure to a variety of reading selections, ranging from fi ction to non-fi ction and poetry to short stories. Students are also encouraged to continue outside reading through the use of a book report. Skills covered within the reading packets include enhancing vo-cabulary, identifying literary terms, and analyzing various forms of literature for their use of literary terms. Students will focus on how the themes found within the excerpts apply to situations within their own lives. This course is designed to help students focus on proper essay writing, and the organization and careful planning necessary to execute a well written paper.

English 4A • 1/2 credit unitEnglish 4A is the fi rst semester course of senior English. The reading excerpts used within the course focus British and classical literature. Stu-dents will be exposed to a variety of reading selec-tions, ranging from fi ction to non-fi ction and poetry to short stories within these two genres. Students are encouraged to do outside reading through the use of a book report. Skills covered within the read-ing packets include enhancing vocabulary, identi-fying literary terms, and analyzing various forms of literature for their use of literary terms. Students will focus on how the themes found within the ex-cerpts apply to situations within their own lives.

English 4B • 1/2 credit unitEnglish 4b is the second semester course of senior English. The reading excerpts used within the course focus on diversity within literature. Students will be exposed to a variety of reading selections, ranging from fi ction to non-fi ction and poetry to short sto-ries as they explore literary diversity. Skills covered within the reading packets include enhancing vo-cabulary, identifying literary terms, and analyzing various forms of literature for their use of literary terms. Students will focus on how the themes found within the excerpts apply to situations within their own lives.


US History A • 1/2 credit unitUS History A is the fi rst course of a two-semester series which begins with the American Revolution and covers American history ending with Women’s Suffrage and the social changes of the 1920s. Stu-dents will also learn how to interpret historical data and evaluate sources of information. Students will be required to learn important names, dates, and major events in U.S. history.

US/Arizona History A • 1/2 credit unit **US and Arizona History A is the fi rst course of a two-semester series which begins with the Ameri-can Revolution and covers American history ending with Women’s Suffrage and the social changes of the 1920s. Students will also learn how to interpret historical data and evaluate sources of information. Students will be required to learn important names, dates, and major events in U.S. history. Student will learn about Arizona’s history as it corresponds to major historical events and movements.

US History B • 1/2 credit unitUS History B is the second course of a two-semester series. The class begins with an examination of the Great Depression and covers American history into current events. Students will explore topics such as the roles of women in the WWII environment, Wa-tergate, and the Cold War.

US/Arizona History B • 1/2 credit unit**US and Arizona History B is the second course of a two-semester series. The class begins with an examination of the Great Depression and cov-ers American history into current events. Students will explore topics such as the roles of women in

the WWII environment, Watergate, and the Cold War. Students will learn about Arizona’s history as it corresponds to major historical events and move-ments.

World History/Geography A • 1/2 credit unitWorld History and Geography A is the fi rst semes-ter course of a two-semester series focusing on the history of the world starting with the earliest Egyp-tian civilizations and ending with the 1800s. The course also covers general world geography and the spread of civilization relative to various geographi-cal regions. Students will explore such topics as the social, economic and political impact of early Euro-pean exploration, ideas of the Renaissance, and the fall of Rome.

World History/Geography B • 1/2 credit unitWorld History and Geography B focuses on the his-tory of the world from the global impact of World War I to the revolutionary reforms of the late 1900s. Students will explore such topics as the fall of the Soviet Union, the sociocultural impact of the Cold War, and current sociopolitical issues from a global perspective. Student will also learn about contem-porary geography issues, including urbanization and the impact it plays on the environment.

Economics • 1/2 credit unitThe Economics single semester course will teach students about the major types of economies in the world and how they are related to U.S. markets. They will learn about different business practices and the history of business in the United States. Stu-

A well rounded knowledge of World and American history allows students to view world and national events in the past and present with an analytical eye. Through the study of Civics and Government, students become

informed and responsible participants in public life.

SOCIAL STUDIES


dents will learn about making fi nancial decision and will also learn how to track the Stock Market. They will be required to learn key vocabulary and major concepts associated with each lesson. Students will research current events that impact the economy and demonstrate understanding through writing exercis-es. At the completion of this course students will be able to demonstrate competencies in various topics such as free enterprise, credit, investments, interna-tional trade and global economic systems.

US Government • 1/2 credit unitThis single semester course will cover basic concepts in American government. Students will explore the origins and principles of government as it relates to the local, state and federal levels. Students will learn about the different branches of the U.S. government. They will be required to research political issues and compare them with contemporary political events. Students will also learn about civil rights and free-doms, how new laws are created and the basic politi-cal, social responsibilities of citizenship.

US/Arizona Government • 1/2 credit unit** This single semester course will cover basic con-cepts in American government. Students will explore the origins and principles of government as it relates to the local, state and federal levels. Students will learn about the different branches of the U.S. govern-ment as well as Arizona State government. They will be required to research political issues and compare them with contemporary political events. Students will also learn about civil rights and freedoms, how new laws are created and the basic political, social responsibilities of citizenship.

**These courses are specifi cally designed for Ari-zona students.

SOCIAL STUDIES


Life Science A • 1/2 credit unitThe Life Science A course examines basic concepts in biology and chemistry. Topics covered in this course include the scientifi c method, cell structure and function, nucleic acids, protein synthesis, cell division, meiosis, and inheritance.

Life Science B • 1/2 credit unitThe Life Science B course introduces different the-ories of evolution and classifi cation systems. Addi-tional topics covered include the biosphere, popula-tions and communities, and the impact of human infl uence on these systems.

Physical Science A • 1/2 credit unitStudents in Physical Science A will use and apply the scientifi c method, understand matter, mixtures, compounds, elements and the periodic table. Stu-dents will also plan and execute an appropriate sci-ence project related to the principles they will be learning.

Physical Science B • 1/2 credit unitPhysical Science B examines the basic concepts in physics with additional exposure to the scientifi c method. Students in this course will be introduced to force, Newton’s Laws, gravity, pressure, work, energy, and heat. Students will also execute an ap-propriate science project related to the principles they will be learning.

Earth Science A • 1/2 credit unitEarth Science A is an in-depth study of Earth as a system. Students will examine the use of mapping and the scientifi c method as a means of scientifi c

communication. The course will also explore ge-ology, weathering, mass movement, and the atmo-sphere.

Earth Science B • 1/2 credit unitEarth Science B examines several dynamics of Earth and space. Topics include: the ocean, continental drift and mountain building, geologic time scale, and dating techniques.

Biology A • 1/2 credit unitBiology A is an advanced science course that intro-duces students to general biology and to the process of scientifi c inquiry. It will include the fundamen-tal principles of living organisms including physical and chemical properties of life, cellular organization and function, the transfer of energy through meta-bolic systems, cellular reproduction, the classifi ca-tion of living things, and the examination of the six kingdoms of life.

Biology B • 1/2 credit unitBiology B is the second semester advanced science biology course and will continue examining the fun-damental principles of biology and the process of scientifi c inquiry. Students will delve into the geo-logic time scale, biodiversity, plant structure, animal organization through morphology and population ecology.

Chemistry A • 1/2 credit unitThis fi rst semester advanced science course empha-sizes the mathematical, theoretical and experimental analysis of modern chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the use of theoretical and mathematical concepts

Exploration of the world through the fi elds of Biology, Life Science, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science leads students to a better understanding of the scientifi c process and prepares them to be scientifi cally liter-

ate members of the community. Students will actively use the scientifi c process to understand the various course content and make connections to real life and related areas of study.

SCIENCE


to explain and predict chemical behavior. Topics covered include: measurement, atomic structure, chemical bonding, conservation of matter, stoichi-ometry, gases, acids and bases, solutions, chemical thermodynamics, reaction rates, chemical equilib-rium, organic nomenclature, biochemistry, and nu-clear chemistry.

Chemistry B • 1/2 credit unitDuring this second semester advanced science course students delve deeper into chemistry through the mathematical, theoretical and experimental analysis of modern chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the use of theoretical and mathematical concepts to explain and predict chemical behavior. Topics covered include: measurement, atomic structure, chemical bonding, conservation of matter, stoichi-ometry, gases, acids and bases, solutions, chemical thermodynamics, reaction rates, chemical equilib-rium, organic nomenclature, biochemistry, and nu-clear chemistry.

Physics A • 1/2 credit unitThis two-semester advanced science course is de-signed to acquaint students with topics in classical and modern physics. The fi rst semester covers top-ics in Newtonian mechanics, oscillatory motion, waves and static electricity. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding of basic physics princi-ples, with some problem solving. The student also gains laboratory experience through interactive lab simulations and in-school labs. Knowledge of sec-ond year algebra and very basic concepts in trigo-nometry are required for this course.

Physics B • 1/2 credit unitThis two-semester advanced science course is de-signed to acquaint students with topics in classical and modern physics. During the second semester students will study current electricity, magnetism,

SCIENCE

electric circuits, sound, fl uids and gases, heat, and modern physics. The course emphasizes concep-tual understanding of basic physics principles, with some problem solving. The student also gains laboratory experience through interactive lab sim-ulations and in-school labs. Knowledge of second year algebra and very basic concepts in trigonom-etry are required for this course.


MATHEMATICS

Problem solving, reasoning and proof, connections, and number relationships are all concepts explored with-in the fi eld of Mathematics. The ability to comprehend and apply these concepts in specifi c context is vital.

Basic Math A • 1/2 credit unitBasic Math A is a semester course covering basic math topics including number sets, place value, ba-sic operations, integers, decimals, fractions, prob-ability, as well as an introduction to pre-algebra.

Basic Math B • 1/2 credit unitBasic Math B is a semester course covering topics such as basic geometry, US measurements, metric measurement, data and graphs, as well as a review unit and an introduction to pre-algebra.

Pre-Algebra A • 1/2 credit unitPre-Algebra A is the fi rst semester course of a two-semester series. Students will learn basic pre-alge-braic concepts that include variables, one and two-step equations, integers, ratios and proportions.

Pre-Algebra B • 1/2 credit unitPre-Algebra B is the second semester course of a two-semester series. This course covers pre-alge-braic concepts such as problem solving, measure-ment, geometry, probability and basic statistics, in-equalities, and one and two-step equations.

Algebra 1A • 1/2 credit unitAlgebra 1A is the fi rst semester course of a two-semester series. Algebra 1A begins with fundamen-tals of algebra. The course covers the real number system, variables, expressions, properties of real numbers, solving and analyzing linear equations and graphs and functions.

Algebra 1B • 1/2 credit unitAlgebra 1B is the second semester course of a two-semester series. This course is designed to expand on the fundamentals of algebra. The course covers systems of equations, quadratic equations, monomi-als, properties of exponents, analyzing graphs and functions, radical expressions, probability, permuta-tions, and combinations.

Geometry A • 1/2 credit unitGeometry A is the fi rst semester course of a two-se-mester series. Geometry A begins with an overview of basic geometry terms. The course also covers line segments, complimentary angles, and supplemen-tary angles. Other topics covered are theorems of parallel and perpendicular lines, theorems of trian-gles, proofs, the coordinate plane, and understand-ing transformations.

Geometry B • 1/2 credit unitGeometry B is the second semester course of a two-semester series. Geometry B begins with deter-mining perimeter, area and volume of 2-D and 3-D geometric shapes. The course also covers circum-ference and area of circles and spheres. Other topics covered are similarity, trigonometric ratios, vectors, and relationships of tangents, chords, secants, and inscribed angles.

Algebra 2A • 1/2 credit unitThis two semester course teaches students the fun-damental concepts of Algebra such as integers, lin-ear equations, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing monomials and polynomials, factoring and solving quadratic equations. Radicals and exponents are also introduced.


MATHEMATICS

Algebra 2B • 1/2 credit unitAlgebra 2B is the second semester of a two-semes-ter series. During this second semester students will further explore the the fundamental concepts of algebra such as integers, linear equations, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing monomials and polynomials, factoring and solving quadratic equations.


Business Management Technology • 1/2 credit unitIn this course students will receive a comprehensive overview of general business practices. The goal of this course is to provide students with the knowledge base they need for their economic roles as consumer, worker, and citizen.

Computer Fundamentals A & B • 1 credit unitIn this introductory two-semester course, students learn how to use Microsoft Word, Excel and Power-Point 2000 to create analyze, edit, share, and publish information for a variety of audiences and purposes. Through step-by-step tutorials and a project-based ap-proach to learning, students become familiar with the key concepts and basic skills of today’s information technology sector.

Fundamentals of Health • 1/2 credit unitThis course provides students with a broad overview of health and wellness. The goal of this course is to provide students with a working knowledge about healthy issues such as fi tness, nutrition, disease, and personal choice.

Introduction to Art • 1/2 credit unitThroughout this course, students will learn how cul-ture, time, and place infl uence artists and the art they create. Additionally, students will analyze how art can be used as a form of expression as they create personal works of art.

Sports Marketing • 1/2 credit unitThis course will introduce students to the world of marketing. Particular emphasis is placed on the re-lationship between marketing and the world of sports and entertainment. Students will recognize customer dynamics and need for the integration of marketing efforts to communicate effectively.

Tools for Success • 1/2 credit unitStudents will participate in a course designed to pre-pare them for success as on online student. Through online assessments, students will understand their individual learning strengths and needs, study hab-its, and therefore develop strategies for their success. Students will understand how learning online is dif-ferent and explore online reference tools for both aca-demic and technology support. Students will create a personalized master plan for their academic course of study, examine work opportunities, and schedule stan-dardized test preparation. This course is appropriate for any online learner at any point in their high school career. It is offered as a pass/fail class for ½ of an elective credit.

Pinnacle offers a variety of elective courses geared towards helping students gain skills and profi ciency in areas that will improve their chances of success in future academic pursuits as well as the workplace.

ELECTIVES


WORLD LANGUAGES

In the face of our rapidly expanding global economy, knowledge of a second or even third language is advanta-geous. Pinnacle is moving forward with a broad and deep World Language program.

discussion, and broaden students’ understanding of the Hispanic world.

The vocabulary focus will include describing friends and family members, professions, work-related verbs, names of stores, places around town, emotional reactions, and getting ready. The gram-mar concepts will include using nouns, adjectives, and regular, stem changing, and irregular verbs in the present, present progressive and preterite tense. Cultural information from Latin American coun-tries such as Mexico, Peru, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica will be introduced.

Spanish II B • 1/2 credit unitSpanish IIB is the second course in a two-semester series designed specifi cally for students who have successfully completed Spanish IA & B. Activities and tests are designed to accommodate the early stages of language acquisition; grammatical struc-tures and lexical items presented accordingly.

The vocabulary focus will include childhood activi-ties, restaurant terms, market activities, and con-versational activities. The grammar concepts will include using verbs in the imperfect, subjunctive, future, and past participle. Reciprocal pronouns, adverbs, comparatives, and superlatives, por and para, and using adjectives as nouns will also be in-cluded. Cultural information from Latin American countries such as Spain, Puerto Rico, Chile, and Ar-gentina will be introduced.

German I A • 1/2 credit unitGerman IA has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on suc-

Spanish I A • 1/2 credit unitSpanish I A is the fi rst course in a two-course series that has been carefully designed to meet the stan-dards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Course strategies include vocab-ulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes and exams.

Spanish I B • 1/2 credit unitSpanish I B is the second course in a two-course series that has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teach-ing of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These stan-dards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writ-ing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Course strategies include vocabulary study, reading, threaded discus-sions, multi-media presentations, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes and exams.

Spanish II A • 1/2 credit unitSpanish IIA is the fi rst course in a two-semester se-ries designed specifi cally for students who have suc-cessfully completed Spanish IA & B. Activities and tests are designed to accommodate the early stages of language acquisition; grammatical structures and lexical items presented accordingly. Activities are designed to practice and consolidate all language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Cultural readings to expand vocabulary, stimulate


cessful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough ground-ing in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories de-scribed in this document. Unit activities blend dif-ferent forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, read-ing, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specifi c themes such as weather, time, food, and fam-ily.

German I B • 1/2 credit unitGerman IB has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on suc-cessful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough ground-ing in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories de-scribed in this document. Unit activities blend dif-ferent forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, read-ing, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams.

WORLD LANGUAGES

2224 W. Southern Ave., Suite 1Tempe, AZ 85282p: 888.567.1844

www.pinnacleeducation.com

Download - 2009-2010 Pinnacle Course Catalog

Top Related