6. Let people at home know you will need their help and about an hour of their time to review courses you are considering.

7. Registration Goals Identify registration activities test results, recommendations, scheduling, home input Interpret SAT 10 results Apply interest inventory results Explore course decision-making process  self  family  teacher  tests  counselor

8. Abilities- What do you do well? Achievement - What are your strengths and weaknesses? Interests - What do you enjoy doing? Careers involved? Learning Style - How do you learn best? Motivation - How much do you want to work towards your goals? Goals - What are yours?

9. Guidance Expectations Insights

10. Make the Most of High School Establish goals, both academic and personal, that you want to accomplish. Recognize that you are building a permanent academic record. Attend school regularly. Take responsibility for completing homework and make up work. Enroll in challenging courses. Check now for college entrance requirements. Check prerequisites for high school courses you want to take in the future. Get organized and budget your time. Establish regular study time and carry assignment notebook. Get involved in activities and consider service/volunteer opportunities. Colleges look for extracurricular involvement and commitments. Standardized tests will be required during most years. Take these tests seriously as they will affect your future plans.

11. Putting It Together

12. 2008-2009 Course Description Guide Telephone: Bloomington High School (309) 828-5201 Area Vocational Center (309) 829-8671 Alternate Education Program (309) 828-5807

13. INTRODUCTION This guide has been developed by the administration of Bloomington High School. Its purpose is to provide information about the over 200 courses which will be offered at Bloomington High School during the 2007- 2008 school year. The guide is intended to help students and their parents become better acquainted with the content of specific courses and to aid them in the decision making process which will be taking place during registration. Additional academic regulations are published in the Student/Parent Handbook published in August. Dr. Robert S. Nielsen Superintendent Timothy L. MooreCarol Smithson Principal Counselor for A-G Kirk VeitengruberDeb Stevenson Associate Principal Counselor for H-O Bryan WolfeStacie Gardner Dean of Students for A-G Counselor for P-Z Lisa MartinezCindy Lundberg Assistant Principal for H-O Counselor for Special Populations Tawn E. Foltz Assistant Principal for P-Z John G. Szabo Athletic Director Administrators for Regional Programs Tom Frazier (829-8671)Glenn Hoffman (828-5807) Area Vocational Center Alternate Education Program

15. System earning credits graduation requirements calculating GPA Understanding BHS Programs Levels of classes fundamental/essential standard advanced Bloomington Academy Vocabulary credit elective prerequisite required course

17. Standard University Requirements - Compared to BHS Years Required BHS University English 44 Math 33 Social Science 32-3 Natural Science 32-3 Fine Arts 12 (For lang., Music, Art, Voc. Ed.)

18. Planning to Be a College Athlete? NCAA Eligibility Requirements Achieve minimum GPA in core courses. Enroll in courses at or above regular academic level. Include Algebra and Geometry. Meet ACT/SAT score standards. Students interested in collegiate athletics are advised to consult the latest list of NCAA-approved classes with the Registrar in the Guidance Office. For additional information: https://www.ncaaclearinghouse.net/NCAA/student/index_student.html

19. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (Class of 2007 and 2008) Required subjects are usually earned in the following years: FreshmanSophomore English(1)English/speech(1/2 +1/2) Mathematics(1)Mathematics(1) Science(1)Science(1) World Studies(1)Safety & Phys. Ed(1) Phys Ed/Health(1/2 + 1/2) Fine/Prac Arts or For. Language(1) JuniorSenior English(1)English(1/2) Am. Hist.(1)Am. Govt.(1/2) Phys. Ed.(1)Cons. Ed. Req. (1/2 or pass state test) Phys. Ed.(1) p. 3 Course Description Guide

20. Students must earn a minimum of twenty-three and one-half units in order to graduate from Bloomington High School. Three and one-half units must be earned in language arts (one unit in ninth grade, one unit in tenth grade, one unit in eleventh grade, and one-half unit senior elective); one unit in physical science; one unit in biological science; two units in mathematics, one of which may be related to computer technology; two and a half units in social studies (one unit in World History, one unit in American History, and one-half unit in American Government); four units in physical education (one unit in ninth grade, one unit in tenth grade, one unit in eleventh grade, and one unit in twelfth grade); and one unit in music, art, foreign language, or vocational education. The student must also satisfy consumer education and other State of Illinois requirements. All juniors must take the Prairie State Achievement Exam (PSAE). This test is a combination of ACT, Workkeys, and state developed tests. PSAE scores are recorded on students’ transcripts that will be reviewed by colleges and employers. Under limited circumstances, students may receive advance permission to include courses taken at other institutions. These procedures are listed in the Student/Parent Handbook. Students should not assume these courses would be available in their planning. Note: The consumer education requirement may be met by passing a state proficiency test. Alternatively, the student may pass a half-unit course in addition to the requirements in social science and the fine and practical arts. The approved courses for this purpose are resource management, economics, first semester of Intro to Business,WECEP, or Interrelated Cooperative Education. This course would count towards the twenty-three and a half units required for graduation. p. 4Course Description Guide

21. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (Class of 2009 and beyond) Required subjects are usually earned in the following years: FreshmanSophomore English (1)English/Speech(1/2 + 1/2) Mathematics (1)Mathematics(1) Science (1)Science(1) World History (1)Safety & Phys. Ed.(1) Phys. Ed./Health (1/2 + 1/2) Fine/Prac Arts or For. Language (1) JuniorSenior English (1)English(1) Math (1)Am. Govt.(1/2) Science (1)Soc Science Elective(1/2) Am. History (1)Cons Ed Req.(1/2 or pass state test) Phys. Ed (1)Phys. Ed.(1) Course Description Guide p.4

23. English - 4 Math - 3 1 may be computer tech Science - 3 1-Physical Science 1 - Biology Social Science - 3 1 World History 1 American History ½ American Govt. ½ Elective Physical Education - 4 Music, Art, Foreign Language or Vocational Ed - 1 Consumer education requirements

24. 23 1/2 units (credits) required for graduation 7 period day with 7 classes= 7 credits 6 credits per year x 4 years = 24 credits

25. Course Description Guide p.5

26. Freshmen…….…..Promotion from Grade 8 Sophomore………Six Credits Junior……………Twelve Credits Senior……………BHS class schedule sufficient for graduation Graduation……....Earn 23 ½ credits, meet all requirements

27. BHS offers more AP classes than any other school in this area. Who takes an honors course? Independent, responsible, and highly capable students recommended by teachers What is an AP course? An advanced, challenging course using a nationally standardized curriculum in which a student has an opportunity to earn college credit. What are the benefits of taking Honors and AP courses? Improved performance on standardized tests Higher GPA possibilities College admission advantage Preparation for college level work Advanced Placement and Honors Courses

28. p.5 Course Description Guide

29. p. 5 Course Description Guide BLOOMINGTON ACADEMY The Bloomington Academy is designed for 9th through 11th grade students to enhance their academic process. The program is organized around building relationships in a smaller classroom setting and an interdisciplinary approach. Students are block scheduled during the school day and work with the same team of teachers from year to year in four subject areas: English, Math, Social Studies, and Business/Applied Technology

31. CHANGE OF CLASS POLICY P. 6 Course Description Guide

32. *Withdrawal From An Individual Class: A student who withdraws from an individual class will be placed in a study hall and will lose credit for that class. A student who withdraws from a class prior to the end of the first or third grading periods will have a “WP” (Withdraw Passing) or a “WF” (Withdraw Failing) placed in their permanent record. Students are advised that “WP” and “WF” grades may be viewed negatively by some colleges and scholarship programs. For example, a grade of “WF” is sometimes treated as an “F”. Some programs also look at the number of courses taken each year and may ask for an explanation if the number is unusually low. A student who withdraws from a class after the end of the first or third grading periods will receive a grade of “F” for the entire semester. p. 6 Course Description Guide

33. p. 6

34. Course Description Guide p. 7 GRADES, GRADE POINT AVERAGE, CLASS RANK

35. Salutatorian/Valedictorian : Students with a final grade point average of 5.621 or higher will be declared co-valedictorians. This average can be reached by earning straight A’s and taking at least twenty-seven semesters of honors or AP classes. Co-salutatorians are those whose final GPA’s are 5.552 or above, corresponding to twenty-four semesters of Honors/Adv/AP courses. Study halls do not count for credit. Previously passed courses will not receive additional credit.

36. p. 7 Course Description Guide HOW TO USE THE GUIDE In this guide you will find the number, the title, and a brief description of each of the courses offered at Bloomington High School. In addition, the length of each course and the credit allotted to each course are shown. Bloomington Area Vocational courses (AVC) are also included in the guide and are represented with an AVC prefix to the course number. (Applications must be approved by administration for these courses.) Prerequisites are listed for numerous courses. Prerequisites are conditions that must be met before enrollment. They have been established to provide the maximum assurance that the courses will be completed satisfactorily. You are urged to read the descriptions, consider the recommendations made by your current instructors, discuss possible selections with your parents, and be prepared to determine your final course selections during the final week in January.

37. ENGLISH Freshman Composition/Grammar Essential Learner Outcomes Continuing with skills learned in eighth grade, students will explore language, including grade-level vocabulary, as a means of improving written communication skills. They will study simple, compound, and complex sentences and punctuation of each type. Students will learn how to select and narrow topics, develop clear thesis statements, and organize ideas to include introductions, support, transitions, and conclusions. They will utilize process writing, which involves prewriting and editing to produce polished final drafts, and learn to adapt writing styles for a variety of purposes and audiences. p. 8 Course Description Guide 01011-2 Honors Freshman Literature and Composition (Year; 1unit) Prerequisite: Teacher/Counselor recommendation One semester is a grammar/composition course for the academically superior student who has advanced reading and writing skills. The student will study grammar and usage extensively as it relates to writing and speaking. Composition assignments will include paragraph development and essay writing. The other semester is a literature program designed for the academically superior student who has advanced reading and writing skills. Classical works in drama, poetry, novel, and short story will be studied with emphasis on literary analysis through discussion and composition.

38. 01030 Freshman Composition/Grammar (Semester; 1/2 unit) 01040 Freshman Literature (Semester; 1/2 unit) Prerequisite: None One semester is composition and grammar for the student who has average to above average reading and writing skills. It is designed to improve the student's ability to write clearly and effectively. Writing process will be analyzed and practiced. The other semester examines the genres of the short story, drama, classical heritage, and the novel. Spelling, vocabulary, and composition skills will be reinforced. The challenging material is suitable for the student who has average to above average reading and writing skills. 01050 Freshman Comp/Grammar Essentials (Semester; 1/2 unit) 01060 Freshman Literature Essentials (Semester; 1/2 unit) Prerequisite: None One semester is designed for the student who has below average reading and writing skills. It begins with basic skills and, through study of the process of writing, encourages clearer and more effective compositions. Strong emphasis is placed on grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and writing development skills. Individual attention is given. The other semester is a study of material suitable for the student who has below average reading and writing skills. The short story, drama, the epic hero, and classical and modern novels are included. Comprehension, literary terms, and vocabulary are stressed in order to develop, expand and improve the student's reading skills. p. 8 Course Description Guide

39. p. 9 Course Description Guide

40. Required Courses p. 8-9 Course Description Guide 01011-2Honors Freshman Lit/Comp 01031-2 Freshman Literature and Composition 01051-2Freshman Lit/Comp Ess 01071-2 Techniques in Reading 01077-8Freshman Lit/Comp BA 16001-2English as a Second Language *English: 1 2 Course# Description sem

42. Required Courses p. 18 Course Description Guide 21127-8Algebra Prep-Bloom. Acad. 21243-4 Algebra Apps-Bloom. Acad. 21211-29th Grade Algebra I 21221-2Algebra Prep 21231-2Techniques in Algebra 21241-2Algebra I 21251-2Geometry 21261-2Honors Geometry 22271-2Problem-Solving w/Comp Prog *Mathematics: 1 2 Course# Description sem

44. Required Courses p. 22-23 Course Description Guide 32311-2Biology I 32321-2Fundamentals of Biology 32341-2Honors Biology I *Science: 1 2 Course# Description sem

46. Required Courses p. 25 Course Description Guide 42421-2World History/Geo Fundamentals 42427-8World History-Bloom. Acad. 41431-2World History *Social Science: 1 2 Course# Description sem

48. Required Courses p. 29 Course Description Guide 51510Health 51520PE 9 54531-2Adaptive PE 00003-4PE Medical Exemption PE and Health: 1 2 Course# Description sem

50. Music Art Drama Computers Business Industrial Technology

51.  Automotive Technology  Metalworking Occupations  Construction Trades  Computerized Architectural Design  Graphic Arts Occupations  Circuit Analysis & Computer Servicing  Information Technology  Cooperative Education  Marketing & Management  Culinary Arts  Child Care  Cosmetology  Health Occupations  Criminal Justice

52. p. 14Course Description Guide 05070Drama 05080Drama II 1 2 Course# Description sem

53. p. 15 Course Description Guide 11111-2French I 11121-2French II 12111-2German I 15111-2Spanish I 15121-2Spanish II Foreign Language: 1 2 Course# Description sem

55. Mathematics: p. 21 Course Description Guide 22271-2Problem-Solving w/Comp Prog 1 2 Course# Description sem Prerequisite: Algebra I

56. p. 31 Course Description Guide Business and Applied Technology: 61140Computer Applications I 61160Computer Applications II 62111Introduction to Business I 62112 Introduction to Business II 61145-6Computer Applications Bloom. Acad. 63121-2 Accounting 76911-2WECEP 1 2 Course# Description sem

57. p. 35 Course Description Guide Industrial Technology 1 2 Course# Description sem 72701-2Basic Materials Tech 72731-2Graphic Communications 72771-2Energy and Power 72781-2Introduction to Engineering Design 72791-2Principles of Engineering

58. p. 39 Course Description Guide 81811-2 Intro to Family & Consumer Science 81821-2 Foods & Nutrition Family& Consumer Science 1 2 Course# Description sem

61. 82911-2Art I 82921-2Art II 829303-D Design I 829403-D Design II 1 2 Course# Description sem Fine Arts p. 41 Course Description Guide

63. p. 42 9+Course Description Guide 86911-2Band 87911-2Orchestra 88911-2Concert Choir 88921-2Treble Choir 88931-2A Cappella Choir Music: 1 2 Course# Description sem

65. 00001-2Study Hall 00007Study Hall ( Fall or Spring ) Extra: 1 2 Course# Description sem

66. Special Education

67. BLOOMINGTON AREA VOCATIONAL CENTER Tom Frazier, Director Tel: (309) 829-8671 Learning a marketable vocational skill and gaining work experience can help students acquire entry-level jobs after graduation or prepare for further training through community colleges, technical schools, and apprenticeships. The following courses are planned at the Bloomington Area Vocational Center. All AVC classes require at least two periods each day and are intended for Juniors and Seniors. Full program descriptions and additional course offerings are available through the AVC catalog that is published separately. An application must be made to enroll in courses offered through the Bloomington Area Vocational Center. Criteria for acceptance: students must have Junior or Senior status (12 or more credits); good attendance (9 or fewer absences in the prior semester), meet the prerequisites for the class, and a GPA of 2.5 or better. Students that have failed core curricular courses may not be accepted until the courses are made up. P. 57 Course Description Guide

70. Student Signature Parent Signature Counselor Signature __________________ ____________________ _______________

71. Four Year Plans

83. August 21, 2007 June 2012