Electives (Incl. CTE & AVID)

COURSE NUMBER: CTE567

Graduation Credit: Elective

UC/CSU CREDIT: (g) Elective

P CTE Construction Technology I is an overview and introduction to the construction trades. Students are introduced to measurement systems, safe use of hand and power tools, calculation and characteristics of materials, carpentry, framing, basic electrical wiring, and plumbing. Students learn about the construction trades and construction careers. Coursework is project-based, providing students with opportunities to develop teamwork and project management skills. Students demonstrate responsibility for personal and occupational safety on the job site and have the opportunity to obtain OSHA certifications verifying their competence. This introductory course is also aligned with NCCER Core Curriculum.

Students use safe and appropriate practices following construction processes and systems vital to the industry. Additionally, students work with, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment used in the industry. This year-long, multiple-project course provides a sequential series of industry experiences with the ultimate goal of providing a clear pathway for students interested in professions in the building and construction trades. These experiences will include field trips, job shadows, preliminary certifications, and other work-based learning opportunities offered through partnerships with local construction companies. These partnerships play a key role in highlighting the importance of labor unions' impact on workers’ rights, protections, and fair wages. In addition, these work-based learning opportunities provide applicable knowledge of the local construction industry and economy.

Career Pathway: Construction Technology 1 ⇒ Construction Technology 2

COURSE NUMBER: CTE568

Graduation Credit: Elective

UC/CSU CREDIT: (g) Elective

P CTE Construction Technology II builds on skills and knowledge gained from the level one course in the pathway. Students continue to grow and develop in the construction trades, working on design concept plans and procedures, electrical, green construction, weatherization, wall and roof framing, cabinetry, tile setting, concrete and masonry, and more. Coursework is project-based, providing students with opportunities to develop teamwork and project management skills. The culminating project is a structure that will include: framing, electrical, plumbing, and finish work. Students demonstrate responsibility for personal, occupational safety on the job site and have the opportunity to obtain OSHA cards certifying their competence. Through this course, students also have the opportunity to obtain NCCER certification (The National Center for Construction Education and Research).

P CTE Construction Technology II, allows for hands-on mastery of concepts within a context of construction career preparation. Students use safe and appropriate practices following construction processes and systems vital to the industry. In addition, students maintain and troubleshoot equipment used in the construction industry. This year-long, multiple-project course provides a sequential series of industry experiences with the ultimate goal of providing a clear pathway for students interested in professions in the building and construction trades. These experiences will include field trips, job shadows, preliminary certifications, and other work-based learning opportunities offered through partnerships with local construction companies. These partnerships play a key role in highlighting the importance of labor unions' impact on workers’ rights, protections, and fair wages. In addition, these work-based learning opportunities provide applicable knowledge of the local construction industry and economy. The course is project-based, which includes critical thinking, problem-solving, and analysis of problems following the progression of concepts from inception to contextual (hands-on) completion. Students understand the attributes of good design and how it applies to the design, construction and servicing of structures. In small heterogeneous work groups, students mirror construction sites by demonstrating effective leadership styles, key concepts of group dynamics, and individual decision making that will result in tangible physical products.  

Career Pathway: Construction Technology 1 ⇒ Construction Technology 2

Prerequisite:  CTE Construction Technology 1  

COURSE NUMBER: CTE558

Graduation Credit: Elective

UC/CSU CREDIT: (g) Elective

This engineering course provides a foundation in manufacturing engineering including design and production of mechanical, electrical, electronics, fluid, and electromechanical products and systems.

Students will be engaged in an instructional program that integrates academic and technical preparation focusing on career awareness, exploration and skill development. Students will be designing parts using CAD; designing mechanical and electrical solutions, as well as constructing and assembling a variety of parts and prototypes. Students will be introduced to the world of automation by build and programming a simple robot that can complete a task repeatedly. The course covers the California CTE standards included in the Engineering Technology pathway under the Engineering and Architecture Industry Sector.

The course is designed to prepare students for additional coursework in the pathway or lead to postsecondary technical training or education and entry to a rewarding career.

Career Pathway: Principles of Engineering & Robotics ⇒ Engineer & Architecture Design

COURSE NUMBER: CTE569

Graduation Credit: (f) Visual & Performing Arts

UC/CSU CREDIT: (f) Visual & Performing Arts

This is the capstone course in the 2-year Engineering Pathway which may lead to further study in a wide range of careers that utilize digital design, such as: engineering, architecture, manufacturing, construction, robotics, automation, digital design, and other industries. The course builds upon the foundations learned in Principles of Engineering/Robotics in which students have gained considerable skill in digital design. This course covers the major engineering disciplines, engineering decision-making, design, problem solving, communication, and ethics. It provides knowledge and skills in engineering and architectural design allowing students to showcase their creativity. It presents the relationship of engineering and architecture to materials, the environment, and mathematics. Students design solutions in order to solve problems and then they communicate those solutions to peers and members of the community. Students gain appreciation of the great inventors, architects, engineers and their accomplishments as well as future trends, including green technology. The class is taught through project based learning. Students put their knowledge to work by designing structures and products that are both practical, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing. Guest speakers, field trips, and classroom activities expose students to the many ways engineering and architecture affect our lives. Students grow towards success in academic and professional settings becoming both college and career ready.

Career Pathway: Principles of Engineering & Robotics ⇒ Engineer & Architecture Design

Prerequisite:  Principles of Engineering & Robotics  

COURSE NUMBER: CTE570

Graduation Credit: (f) Visual & Performing Arts

UC/CSU CREDIT: (f) Visual & Performing Arts

This course provides an introduction to industrial design taking STEM education to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) education. The process of designing a product allows students to develop their skills as an artist, inventor, engineer, and manufacturer. This course introduces traditional and contemporary metalworking and manufacturing techniques including precision measurement and design aesthetics. All aspects of design and layout are applied; students learn the basics of hand tools, drilling, sawing, turning, milling, and fabrication through a series of projects. First, students fabricate a project by following prescribed 2 and precise directions, then they design and create their own projects. Utilizing the elements of art and the principles of design, students design, create, modify and analyze a finished product for aesthetics and craftsmanship. Students present their work and give and receive constructive criticism. Students are introduced to advanced digital design and manufacturing techniques such as computer aided design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM), computer numerical control machining (CNC), and 3-D printing. Students become proficient at reading and following technical industry-based manuals and tutorials. Students explore careers related to industrial design, product development, metal sculpture, engineering, machining and manufacturing. They gain entrepreneurial and project management skills. Math, physics, and the visual arts are integrated into the curriculum adding relevance and rigor. Students apply math through hands-on learning, precision measurements, adding and subtracting fractions, using decimals, algebra and geometry. Safety is a must; safety will be emphasized and reinforced throughout the course.

Career Pathway: Manufacturing & Production Development 1 ⇒ Manufacturing & Production Development 2

COURSE NUMBER: CTE522

Graduation Credit: Elective

UC/CSU CREDIT: (g) Elective

This course builds on the skills and knowledge from Manufacturing and Product Development 1. Students will advance their manufacturing skills with traditional machine tools and will progress to designing and building projects using computer aided design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer numerical control (CNC) machines using more technical machining and manufacturing techniques. Students will be introduced to quality control techniques and will demonstrate increased levels of precision and accuracy using rigorous measurement techniques. Students will explore the financial side of manufacturing, machining and product development. They will learn principles of project management, product costing, justification, and will hone basic entrepreneurial skills by building business plans. A goal of this class is to have students design, build, and take products to market. Pathway graduates will be college and career ready. SAFETY IS A MUST. Students are expected to rigorously follow all safety rules and will be dismissed if they are out of compliance.

Career Pathway: Manufacturing & Production Development 1 ⇒ Manufacturing & Production Development 2

Prerequisite: Manufacturing & Production Development 1

COURSE NUMBER: CTE851

Graduation Credit: Life Science

UC/CSU CREDIT: (d) Laboratory Science or (g) Elective

Medical Science is an academically challenging laboratory science course that examines anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and medical terminology while applying scientific knowledge and research to the study of the human body and its diseases. Students will focus on the physiological, biological, and structural details of the human body, including a rigorous study of the body systems. Students will apply scientific methodologies (inquiry, developing hypotheses, gathering factual information, evaluating data, and drawing conclusions) to the practices employed by medical professionals. Medical terminology will be integrated as students understand each of the body systems. Students will exceed core academic knowledge and demonstrate critical thinking skills as they apply knowledge to laboratory experimentation, real-life scenarios, medical case studies, and physiological and pathological disorders. A variety of resources will be accessed (Internet, medical journals and books, and medical professionals) for the purpose of creating written and oral presentations that demonstrate students’ knowledge and application of scientific principles.  

Career Pathway: Medical Biology ⇒ Human Anatomy and Medicine

COURSE NUMBER: CTE859

Graduation Credit: Elective Credit

UC/CSU CREDIT: (g) Elective Credit

P CTE Human Anatomy and Medicine is an academically challenging advanced science course for students in grades eleven and twelve who are pursuing a career in the medical health field requiring post-secondary education. It is a continuance of Medical Science I and builds on a common set of skills and knowledge necessary for all health care employees. A variety of resources will be accessed (Internet, medical journals and books, and medical professionals) for the purpose of creating written and oral presentations that demonstrate students’ knowledge and application of scientific principles. P CTE Human Anatomy and Medicine instructs students in Human Biology, Medical Ethics and Legal Questions, Bioethics, patient and Family Interaction, Medication Administration, Infection control, Lab Techniques and Procedures, and Workplace Safety. Students will complete a career portfolio and participate in work-based and outreach experiences including job shadowing, research and discovery experiences, and volunteer or community service related to the health career field of choice.  

Career Pathway: Medical Biology ⇒ Human Anatomy and Medicine

Prerequisite: Medical Biology

COURSE NUMBER: MS927 (AVID Program Video) AVID Flyer (Español)

Grade Level: 9th

Graduation Credit: Elective Credit

UC/CSU CREDIT: (g) Elective

This course is designed to prepare motivated students for entrance into college.  Students will focus on writing, inquiry, collaboration, reading, note-taking, time management, and organization to support their growth academically.  Twice a week, students will receive academic support through a collaborative tutorial model.  Students will learn skills to prepare them for college entrance examinations, including the SAT I and ACT.  Students will be required to develop a Multi-Grade Level Portfolio and participate in student-led conferences.  Students who take this course should be enrolled in other courses that meet the four-year college entrance requirements.  

Prerequisite:  AVID in the 8th grade or application & interview. 

COURSE NUMBER: MS928 (AVID Program Video) AVID Flyer (Español)

Grade Level: 10th

Graduation Credit: Elective Credit

UC/CSU CREDIT: (g) Elective

Similar to AVID 9, This course is designed to prepare motivated students for entrance into college.  Students will focus on writing, inquiry, collaboration, reading, note-taking, time management, and organization to support their growth academically.  Twice a week, students will receive academic support through a collaborative tutorial model.  Students will learn skills to prepare them for college entrance examinations, including the SAT I and ACT.   Students will become experienced speakers and participate in timed writing assessments. Students will be required to develop a MultiGrade Level Portfolio and participate in student-led conferences. Students who take this course should be enrolled in other courses that meet the four-year college entrance requirements and participate in the PSAT.  

Prerequisite:  Completion of AVID 9, or application & interview. 

COURSE NUMBER: MS929 (AVID Program Video) AVID Flyer (Español)

Grade Level: 11th

Graduation Credit: Elective Credit

UC/CSU CREDIT: (g) Elective

Similar to AVID 9 and 10, AVID 11 involves substantial critical reading, writing, and preparation for external exams such as the SAT, ACT, and EAP. Students continue to hone their organizational skills, timed writing ability and analytical discourses in subjects across the curriculum. In addition, students make oral presentations in class on subjects related to college entrance, contemporary issues, and social concerns. Twice a week, students will receive academic support through a collaborative tutorial model.  Students will be required to develop a Multi-Grade Level Portfolio and participate in student-led conferences. Students who take this course should be enrolled in other courses that meet the four-year college entrance requirements and participate in the PSAT, SAT and/or ACT.  

Prerequisite:  Completion of AVID 10, or application & interview. 

COURSE NUMBER: MS930 (AVID Program Video) AVID Flyer (Español)

Grade Level: 12th

Graduation Credit: Elective Credit

UC/CSU CREDIT: (g) Elective

AVID seminar is the culmination of the AVID program.  Seminar students will participate in weekly Socratic Seminars as well as make oral presentations to their class. AVID seniors will complete a research paper, and explore issues in college access. Students will learn to evaluate their own and other’s writing, using rubrics and scoring guides modeled on the UC and CSU entrance requirements.  Students enrolled in this course will complete four-year college requirements and will complete and present a portfolio of their work representing their four years of work in the AVID program.

Prerequisite:  Completion of AVID 11 as well as enrollment in at least one Advanced Placement course during junior and/or senior year. 

COURSE NUMBER: MS941

Graduation Credit: Elective

UC/CSU CREDIT: None

Academic Tutor is a one-year elective course for students who wish to help other students succeed in their learning. Potential tutors must complete an application to be considered and be willing to attend tutor training sessions as required. Tutors are placed in courses with the greatest needs and do not choose their placement. Tutors will work one-on-one or in small group settings with students in the classroom. Academic tutors will help students with note-taking and organization skills. Tutors will also serve as role models by demonstrating good behavior and attendance. Tutors will receive instruction and training using the AVID inquiry method that encourages higher level thinking by students. Tutors will need to be able to work independently and show initiative when interacting with students in the class. 

Note that the Tutor Coordinator will help place students as an Academic Tutor, Bilingual Tutor, or AVID Tutor based on the student's strengths.

Prerequisite: Application filed during application window. On-track for graduation and demonstrate good attendance, as well as a clean discipline record. GPA expectations of 3.0 or higher.

COURSE NUMBER: MS000

Graduation Credit: Elective

UC/CSU CREDIT: (g) Elective

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.

COURSE NUMBER: MS881

Graduation Credit: Elective

UC/CSU CREDIT: None

This one year Directed Studies course is designed to assist the special education or 504 Plan students to progress in his/her general education classes and to prepare for the exit exam. The students who need assistance with all or part of the exit exam will be given materials specifically designed for this purpose. AVID strategies will be used in this course and students will be required to keep a binder, participate in Socratic Seminar, tutorials, and Cornell note taking.  This course is required for all 9th grade RS students and will be required for 10th grade students who do not meet the exit criteria in the 9th grade.

COURSE NUMBER:  (LAYLA Program Video)

9th - 11th Grade - P Social Science Elective = SS001

12th Grade - P Community Service = MS275

Graduation Credit: Elective

UC/CSU CREDIT: (g) Elective

LAYLA is an excellent opportunity for committed student to develop leadership skills through academic, community organizing, and personal experiences.  This class meets at McPherson Elementary School where students develop community projects that benefit the children and families living within the McPherson Neighborhood.  9th and 10th grade students are expected to commit to the LAYLA program for 4 years.  This is an exciting program and looks great on college and scholarship applications.

Prerequisite: Application 

COURSE NUMBER: MS858

Graduation Credit: Elective

UC/CSU CREDIT: None

This course offers experience in general office work in various business offices throughout the school.  There are a limited number of positions available and some students may be placed in Library Practice.

Prerequisite: On-track for graduation and demonstrate good attendance, as well as a clean discipline record. GPA expectations of 3.5 or higher.

COURSE NUMBER: MS908

Graduation Credit: Elective

UC/CSU CREDIT: None

Student Leadership is for students who want to improve their leadership skills. (Students elected to serve as class or student body officers are expected to sign up for the classroom activities, student forum, student body activities and events, on campus programs, clubs, and school/community service programs. They develop leadership skills by participating in the planning and implementation of a variety of student and staff activities. Leadership students will participate in teacher led discussions about topics such as goal setting, communication, decision making, habits of highly effective teens and leadership styles. Students who apply for the Leadership Class must have outstanding citizenship and no discipline referrals during the school year; students who do not meet these criteria may be removed from the course.   

Prerequisite: Application, interview and teacher recommendations for enrollment, minimum 2.25 GPA and no loss of credits during the previous semester.

COURSE NUMBER: MS865

Graduation Credit: Elective

UC/CSU CREDIT: None

Students work in an office like atmosphere and are responsible for planning, designing, marketing, and distributing the book, all while meeting publisher’s deadlines. Students will use the latest technology while learning about reporting, writing, editing, marketing, photography, design and business.  Seniors who have been on staff for two or more consecutive years will be eligible to become the editor-in-chief. Summer get-togethers are held for new and experienced staff members, and meetings are mandatory for those who wish to participate in selecting the design of the book. This course does not fulfill the English graduation requirement.

Prerequisite: Consent of Yearbook Advisor.