VALE Academic Planning Guide

(50300 S1/S2) English I
This year long course is designed to help students transition to the high school English program by refining and
strengthening reading, writing, and communication skills. Students will study world literature through the genres of novel, drama, short story, nonfiction, and poetry, as well as through common themes. The study of grammar, vocabulary, usage, and mechanics will be integrated with the students' writing. 

(85302 S1) World History
The course is designed to build a foundation of understanding modern human history across different cultures and civilizations. The course will provide an opportunity for students to study political, economic and social programs of different historical periods. Students will be actively engaged in class through simulations, primary sources, as well as collaboration which will lead them through the major people, ideas, events and conflicts that helped shape modern world history. This is a modern world history course, covering 1800-2000.

(85865 S2) Geography Global
This class will explore topics in the United States and the world using a current issues based approach. Subjects such as the environment, population, resource management, and others will be addressed. Students will also learn the use of geographic materials and how to classify, interpret, and summarize information. This course will meet all geography standards.

(50330 S1/S2) English II
A  year long course intended to help students strengthen their writing, reading, and communication skills. Students will study a variety of themes, using the genres of novel, short story, nonfiction, poetry, essay, speeches and drama from world authors. In addition, students will be expected to successfully compose a major research paper; multi-paragraph, thesis-driven essays; critical analysis essays; essay tests; nature writing; and first person, narrative accounts. 

(85700 S1) US Government
Students will study the purpose of government, types of governments, the United States Constitution, the three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) and the concept of separation of powers. Students will also study the function and structure of the court system, political parties and the role of a citizen in a government.  

(85550 S2) US History
The content of this course includes topics in U.S. history from 1865-1945. Units include Reconstruction, Westward Expansion, Industrialism, Immigration, the Emergence of Big Business, the Labor Movement, Progressive Era reforms, World War I, the Twenties, the Great Depression, the New Deal and the US involvement in World War II. Students will also trace the major events which have occurred since World War II with an emphasis on the political events and personalities involved. Topics covered in the course include: the Cold War, the Civil Rights movement, Korean and Vietnam, Watergate and contemporary world issues including the terrorist attack on September 11th and the War on Terror.

(50360) English III
In this course, students will prepare for the demanding reading and writing requirements required for students after high school. Students will improve their ability to read deeply and carefully, understanding how authors use language to create meaning. This class will include direction and practice in expository, persuasive, descriptive and narrative writing. Students will engage in the college application process, including writing the college application essay. They will also examine the research process and produce a topical research paper.

(2110 S1/S2) AP Seminar
Students will develop and strengthen the skills of analysis and inquiry, by investigating real-world topics of their own choosing from multiple perspectives which often are different or competing. In groups and individually, they will examine articles, research studies and foundational literary and philosophical texts to collect and analyze information with accuracy and precision, craft arguments based on facts supporting their point of view, and effectively communicate this information through various media. Themes that allow for deep exploration based on students’ interests, local and/or civic issues, global or international topics are typically selected. During the course, students complete a team project and presentation, an individual paper and presentation, and may take the AP exam in May. This course emphasizes further knowledge, practice, and application of the four basic areas as stated in the Colorado Academic Standards: reading for all purposes, writing and composition, research and reasoning, oral expression and listening.

(85800 S1) Economics
This course focuses on the U.S. economic system. Micro economic concepts such as scarcity, opportunity costs, supply & demand and personal financial literacy will be studied as well as GDP, fiscal and monetary policy. Students will learn about valuable personal financial literacy. Particular attention will be given to applying learning to real world situations with interactive and relevant assignments and assessments. 

(55305 S2) Contemporary World Issues
This upper level course will focus on the analysis and interpretation of contemporary world issues. Students will examine current events through themes such as Power, Conflict, Justice, and Technology. Debate, research, discussion, critical thinking, and media analysis are all skills that will be applied during the course of the semester. Students will be required to stay current on world, national, and local issues of importance.

(50660) Public Speaking
Public Speaking courses enable students, through practice, to develop communication skills that can be used in a variety of speaking situations (such as small and large group discussions, delivery of lectures or speeches in front of audiences, and so on). Course topics may include (but are not limited to) research and organization, writing for verbal delivery, stylistic choices, visual and presentation skills, analysis and critique, and development of self-confidence.

(50440) English IV
In this course, students will read and discuss world literature including fiction, poetry, and nonfiction from a variety of literary eras and countries.  Students will identify and understand the thematic concerns of the selected writers and analyze each selected work in terms of traditional fictional elements through a variety of projects including, but not limited to, essays, journals, visuals and oral presentations.

(22112 S1/S2) - AP Research
This class allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of personal interest. Students will design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their work through a process and reflection portfolio.The course culminates in an academic paper of 4 - 5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense. (Note: AP Seminar is a prerequisite for AP Research. Completing AP Seminar and all its required assessment components is necessary for students to develop the skills to be successful in AP Research.)

(85750 S1) Psychology
This course will focus on the role of the individual as he or she interacts with the environment. Specific areas of psycho-neurology, developmental psychology, personality theory, and the abnormal aspects of human behavior will be addressed. Students will be introduced to the history and application of psychology research methods, sensation and perception, altered states of consciousness, sleep and dreaming, learning, development, theories of personality, and abnormal behavior. They  will also learn and demonstrate successful communication and group interaction skills.

(85770 S2) Sociology
This course will introduce you to the study of humankind’s most important creation-- the social group. When you think about it, everything that we do is either directly or indirectly influenced by the society in which we live. Through interactive lessons and activities students are introduced to key issues such as class, race, gender, conformity, deviance, crime, the media, and many others.Sociology also examines the basic concepts, theories, and principles of sociology as well as human culture, social groups, and the social issues of age, gender, class, and race.

(50660) Public Speaking
Public Speaking courses enable students, through practice, to develop communication skills that can be used in a variety of speaking situations (such as small and large group discussions, delivery of lectures or speeches in front of audiences, and so on). Course topics may include (but are not limited to) research and organization, writing for verbal delivery, stylistic choices, visual and presentation skills, analysis and critique, and development of self-confidence.

(80624 S1/S2) Global Leaders & Learners
This interactive, 2-semester class will prepare students to develop an understanding of innovation and Design Thinking through the process of collaborative problem solving, visual thinking, hands-on activities, immersion, empathy, social connectivity in the community, and prototyping. Through direct instruction and hands-on projects, students will create possible design solutions to real-world problems. This project-based class is hands-on and requires students to work as a team and collaborate with others, give presentation pitches to both students and adults (in the school and community) and receive feedback. In addition to creating possible design solutions, a strong emphasis is placed on reflection of the projects through the creation of individual and group portfolios to help students grow socially, academically, and emotionally. Students will choose their area of exploration and design, making this a cross-curricular.

(30456 S1) Project Management
This practical arts class introduces students to the planning, implementation, and control activities of project management. The course is designed to enable individuals to initiate, plan, execute and control project events using the application of knowledge, skills, tools techniques and practices to meet project requirements. It  requires students to work cross-functionally and in ad hoc project teams. In addition, it also provides an in depth exploration of project management techniques that use software to automate the project management processes. The course emphasizes management strategies, goal setting and communication with team members, management and vendors. Critical thinking, discussion, and real world projects will be used to explore throughout the course. Project is defined as a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product service or result.

(25525 S2) Entrepreneurship
This course is a course designed for students and explores taking a problem or challenge from concept to idea to prototype while leveraging the design thinking process in order to build, scale, market, and finance. This is a course that will require you to demonstrate your ability to work independently, identify and utilize available resources, and write and present an extensive formal business plan for a proposed business of your choice. Active participation in DECA is an integral component of the curriculum and is strongly encouraged. 

(15450) Graphic Design
Graphic Design courses will introduce students to various tools, techniques, and concepts employed by the graphic artist. Students will learn design and layout while completing professional projects such as typeface, packaging, lettering, illustration, and advertising.

(79061101 S1/S2) CTE Business and Marketing Essentials
This course is an introductory business and marketing course, enabling students to acquire a realistic understanding of business processes and activities. Students examine fundamental economic concepts, the business environment, and primary business activities. They develop an understanding of and skills in such areas as customer relations, economics, emotional intelligence, financial analysis, human resources management, information management, marketing, operations, professional development, and strategic management. Throughout the course, students are presented with ethical dilemmas and problem-solving situations for which they must apply academic and critical-thinking skills.

(79061105 S1) CTE Ethical Leadership
This course is a principles-based ethics course introducing students to key leadership, ethical knowledge and skills, including integrity, trust, respect, accountability, transparency, fairness, rule of law, and viability. Students will apply ethical principles to contemporary, real-world situations that teens and young adults often encounter in school, at home, with friends, and in entry-level job positions. They examine the concept of ethical leadership and strengthen their leadership and ethical decision-making skills through the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a class service-learning project.

(79061304 S2) CTE Legal Environment of Business
This course emphasizes public law, regulation of business, ethical considerations, and various relationships existing within society, government, and business. Specific attention is devoted to economic regulation, social regulation, regulation and laws impacting labor-management issues, and environmental concerns. Students develop an understanding of the role of law in social, political, and economic change.