Current Correspondence and Online Course Offerings

Algebra II provides a curriculum that builds on the algebraic concepts covered in Algebra I. Through a "Discovery-Confirmation-Practice" based exploration of intermediate algebra concepts, students are challenged to work toward a mastery of computational skills, to deepen their conceptual understanding of key ideas and solution strategies, and to extend their knowledge in a variety of problem-solving applications. Course topics include conic sections; functions, relations, and their graphs; quadratic functions; inverse functions; and advanced polynomial functions. Students also cover topics relating to rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions; sequences and series; and data analysis and probability.

Within each Algebra II lesson, students are supplied with a scaffolded note-taking guide, called a "Study Sheet," as well as a post-study "Checkup" activity, providing them the opportunity to hone their computational skills by working through a low-stakes, 10-question problem set before moving on to a formal assessment. Unit-level Algebra II assessments include a computer-scored test and a scaffolded, teacher-scored test.

The content is based on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards and is aligned to state standards.

Math Foundations I offers a structured remediation solution based on the NCTM Curricular Focal Points and is designed to expedite student progress through 3rd- to 5th-grade skills. The course is appropriate for use as remediation for students in grades 6 to 12. When used in combination, Math Foundations I and Math Foundations II (covering grades 6 to 8) effectively remediate computational skills and conceptual understanding needed to undertake high school–level math courses with confidence.

Math Foundations I empowers students to progress at their optimum pace through over 80 semester hours of interactive instruction and assessment spanning 3rd- to 5th-grade math skills. Carefully paced, guided instruction is accompanied by interactive practice that is engaging and accessible. Formative assessments help students to understand areas of weakness and improve performance, while summative assessments chart progress and skill development. Early in the course, students develop general strategies to hone their problem-solving skills. Subsequent units provide a problem-solving strand that asks students to practice applying specific math skills to a variety of real-world contexts.

The content is based on the National Council of Teachers of Math (NCTM) April 2006 publication, Curricular Focal Points for Prekindergarten through Grade 8 Mathematics: A Quest for Coherence and is aligned to state standards.

Based on the NCTM Curricular Focal Points, Math Foundations II is designed to expedite student progress through 6th- to 8th-grade skills. The course is appropriate for use as remediation at the high school level or as a bridge-to-high-school or as middle school curriculum. The program simultaneously builds the computational skills and the conceptual understanding needed to undertake high school–level math courses with confidence.

The course’s carefully paced guided instruction is accompanied by interactive practice that is engaging and accessible. Formative assessments help students to understand areas of weakness and improve performance, while summative assessments chart progress and skill development. Early in the course, students develop general strategies to hone their problem-solving skills. Subsequent units provide a problem-solving strand that asks students to practice applying specific math skills to a variety of real-world contexts.

The content is based on the National Council of Teachers of Math (NCTM) April 2006 publication, Curricular Focal Points for Prekindergarten through Grade 8 Mathematics: A Quest for Coherence and is aligned to state standards.

Geometry provides a curriculum focused on the mastery of critical skills and the understanding of key geometric concepts. Through a "Discovery-Confirmation-Practice" based exploration of geometric concepts, students are challenged to work toward a mastery of computational skills, to deepen their conceptual understanding of key ideas and solution strategies, and to extend their knowledge in a variety of problem-solving applications. Course topics include reasoning, proof, and the creation of a sound mathematical argument; points, lines, and angles; triangles; quadrilaterals and other polygons; circles; coordinate geometry; and three-dimensional solids. The course concludes with a look at special topics in geometry, such as constructions, symmetry, tessellations, fractals, and non-Euclidean geometry.

Within each Geometry lesson, students are supplied with a scaffolded note-taking guide, called a "Study Sheet," as well as a post-study "Checkup" activity, providing them the opportunity to hone their computational skills by working through a low-stakes, 10-question problem set before moving on to a formal assessment. Unit-level Geometry assessments include a computer-scored test and a scaffolded, teacher-scored test.

To assist students for whom language presents a barrier to learning or who are not reading at grade level, Geometry includes audio resources in both Spanish and English.

The content is based on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards and is aligned to state standards.

Introductory Algebra provides a curriculum focused on beginning algebraic concepts that prepare students for success in Algebra I. Through a "Discovery-Confirmation-Practice" based exploration of basic algebraic concepts, students are challenged to work toward a mastery of computational skills, to deepen their conceptual understanding of key ideas and solution strategies, and to extend their knowledge in a variety of problem-solving applications. Course topics include integers; the language of algebra; solving equations with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; fractions and decimals; measurement; exponents; solving equations with roots and powers; multi-step equations; and linear equations.

Within each Introductory Algebra lesson, students are supplied with a scaffolded note-taking guide, called a "Study Sheet," as well as a post-study "Checkup" activity, providing them the opportunity to hone their computational skills by working through a low-stakes, 10-question problem set before starting a formal assessment. Unit-level Introductory Algebra assessments include a computer-scored test and a scaffolded, teacher-scored test.

To assist students for whom language presents a barrier to learning or who are not reading at grade level, Introductory Algebra includes audio resources in both Spanish and English.

The content is based on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards and is aligned to state standards.

Earth Science offers a focused curriculum that explores Earth's composition, structure, processes, and history; its atmosphere, freshwater, and oceans; and its environment in space. Topics include an exploration of the major cycles that affect every aspect of life, including weather, climate, air movement, tectonics, volcanic eruptions, rocks, minerals, geologic history, Earth's environment, sustainability, and energy resources. Optional teacher-graded labs encourage students to apply the scientific method.

The content is based on the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) standards and is aligned to state standards.

Physical Science offers a focused curriculum designed around the understanding of critical physical science concepts, including the nature and structure of matter, the characteristics of energy, and the mastery of critical scientific skills. Topics include an introduction to kinematics, including gravity and two-dimensional motion; force; momentum; waves; electricity; atoms; the Periodic Table of Elements; molecular bonding; chemical reactivity; gases; and an introduction to nuclear energy. Teacher-graded labs encourage students to apply the scientific method.

The content is based on the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) standards and is aligned to state standards.

American Literature is a literature and composition course offering organized as a survey of American literature. It can stand alone as a complete year of general study in English without a specific prerequisite, but its modular design allows flexibility in how the program is used in the classroom; teachers may use a single unit, lesson, or activity to supplement regular class content. The course builds literary and communication skills, including reading, writing, language appreciation and aesthetics, listening and speaking, viewing and representing, and research.

Within these general topic areas, special emphasis is placed on writing expository, research, and creative compositions; honing critical and analytic skills through close readings of literary, historical, expository, and functional documents; using context strategies and an understanding of etymology to build vocabulary; and practicing communication skills.

Reading selections cover a variety of genres and voices in literature and expository prose. Students read a survey of American literature from colonial to contemporary eras. They learn and practice workplace communication skills in special activities, and each unit features an engaging interactive Web exploration that covers core topics in media literacy. Finally, students practice gathering, evaluating, synthesizing, presenting, and documenting information in a unit dedicated to writing research reports.

Summaries and annotations support fluency and comprehension of all reading material. Robust scaffolding in the form of process guides and graphic organizers helps reluctant writers to internalize strategies and develop composition skills. Select activities target text-handling skills and promote improved performance on commonly assessed literary analysis and response standards. Study sheets support engagement with direct instruction and develop note-taking and study skills.

The content is based on the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards and is aligned to state standards.

British and World Literature is a streamlined survey of British literature that illustrates the origins of English-language literature and reflects its reach beyond the British Isles. The course is standards-based. Each activity correlates to state standards in six core areas: reading, writing, language (appreciation and aesthetics), listening and speaking, viewing and representing (including media literacy), and research. The course gives students meaningful practice in fundamental literacy skills while introducing them to classics of British and world literature. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to think and respond independently, critically, and creatively to the subject matter, whether it's a work of literature, a piece of nonfiction writing, or a media work. The course emboldens students to approach these works — both on their own terms and within a larger context — while providing them with the tools and encouragement they need in order to do so.

Summaries and annotations support fluency and comprehension of all reading material. Robust scaffolding in the form of process guides and graphic organizers helps reluctant writers to internalize strategies and develop composition skills. Select activities target text-handling skills and promote improved performance on commonly assessed literary analysis and response standards. Study sheets support engagement with direct instruction and develop note-taking and study skills.

The content is based on the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards and is aligned to state standards.

Critical Reading and Effective Writing is a course that develops both academic and life skills. Concepts are presented in creative and lively ways that reinforce learning goals and engage students. Literary selections include short fiction and poetry from around the globe, modern drama works, and a contemporary novel. Nonfiction selections feature historical correspondence, diaries, logs, and famous courtroom arguments. Life reading skills target forms, applications, and work-related communication. Grammar review and vocabulary development are included in every unit.

Summaries and annotations support fluency and comprehension of all reading material. Robust scaffolding in the form of process guides and graphic organizers helps reluctant writers to internalize strategies and develop composition skills. Select activities target text-handling skills and promote improved performance on commonly assessed literary analysis and response standards. Study sheets support engagement with direct instruction and develop note-taking and study skills.

The writing program builds confidence in young writers by targeting control of organization, effective sentences, and word choice.

The content is based on the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards and is aligned to state standards.

Introduction to Literature and Composition is a course that covers literature study, reading, writing, and language. Students read literature from around the world, including the following genres: short story, poetry, memoir, autobiography, drama, and epic. They read examples of informational writing, such as a letter, Web site, magazine article, newspaper article, speech, editorial, and movie or book review. Along the way, they acquire and practice reading skills and strategies that are directly applicable to these literary and informational reading materials.

Summaries and annotations support fluency and comprehension of all reading material. Robust scaffolding in the form of process guides and graphic organizers helps reluctant writers to internalize strategies and develop composition skills. Select activities target text-handling skills and promote improved performance on commonly assessed literary analysis and response standards. Study sheets support engagement with direct instruction and develop note-taking and study skills.

In addition, students develop and practice writing and language skills. They employ the writing process to create narrative, expository, and persuasive compositions.

The content is based on the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards and is aligned to state standards.

Reading Skills and Strategies is a course is designed to help the struggling reader develop mastery in the areas of reading comprehension, vocabulary building, study skills, and media literacy, which are the course’s primary content strands. Using these strands, the course guides the student through the skills necessary to be successful in the academic world and beyond. The reading comprehension strand focuses on introducing the student to the varied purposes of reading (e.g., for entertainment, for information, to complete a task, or to analyze). In the vocabulary strand, the student learns specific strategies for understanding and remembering new vocabulary. In the study skills strand, the student learns effective study and test-taking strategies. In the media literacy strand, the student learns to recognize and evaluate persuasive techniques, purposes, design choices, and effects of media. The course encourages personal enjoyment in reading with 10 interviews featuring the book choices and reading adventures of students and members of the community.

The content is based on the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards and aligned to state standards.

Writing Skills and Strategies develops key language arts skills necessary for high school graduation and success on high stakes exams through a semester of interactive instruction and guided practice in composition fundamentals. The course is divided into ten mini-units of study. The first two are designed to build early success and confidence, orienting students to the writing process and to sentence and paragraph essentials through a series of low-stress, high-interest hook activities. In subsequent units, students review, practice, compose and submit one piece of writing. Four key learning strands are integrated throughout: composition practice, grammar skill building, diction and style awareness, and media and technology exploration. Guided studies emphasize the structure of essential forms of writing encountered in school, in life, and in the work place. Practice in these forms is scaffolded to accommodate learners at different skill levels.

The content is based on the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards and aligned to state standards.

U.S. and Global Economics offers a tightly focused and scaffolded curriculum that provides an introduction to key economic principles. The course covers fundamental properties of economics, including an examination of markets from both historical and current perspectives; the basics of supply and demand; the theories of early economic philosophers such as Adam Smith and David Ricardo; theories of value; the concept of money and how it evolved; the role of banks, investment houses, and the Federal Reserve; Keynesian economics; the productivity, wages, investment, and growth involved in capitalism; unemployment, inflations, and the national debt; and a survey of markets in areas such as China, Europe, and the Middle East.

U.S. and Global Economics is designed to fall in the fourth year of social studies instruction. Students perfect their analytic writing through a scaffolded series of analytic assignments and written lesson tests. They also apply basic mathematics to economic concepts. Students read selections from annotated primary documents and apply those readings to the course content.

The content is based on standards from the National Council for History Education (1997), the National Center for History in the Schools (1996), and the National Council for Social Studies (1994) and is aligned to state standards.

Geography and World Cultures offers a tightly focused and scaffolded curriculum that enables students to explore how geographic features, human relationships, political and social structures, economics, science and technology, and the arts have developed and influenced life in countries around the world. Along the way, students are given rigorous instruction on how to read maps, charts, and graphs, and how to create them.

Geography and World Cultures is based on standards from the National Council for History Education (1997), the National Center for History in the Schools (1996), and the National Council for Social Studies (1994) and is aligned to state standards.

Geography and World Cultures is designed as the first course in the social studies sequence. It develops note-taking skills, teaches the basic elements of analytic writing, and introduces students to the close examination of primary documents.

U.S. Government and Politics offers a tightly focused and scaffolded curriculum that uses the perspective of political institutions to explore the history, organization, and functions of the U.S. government. Beginning with basic theories of government, moving to the Declaration of Independence, and continuing to the present day, the course explores the relationship between individual Americans and the governing bodies. It covers the political culture of the country and gains insight into the challenges faced by presidents, congressional representatives, and other political activists. It also covers the roles of political parties, interest groups, the media, and the Supreme Court.

U.S. Government and Politics is designed to fall in the fourth year of social studies instruction. Students perfect their analytic writing through a scaffolded series of analytic assignments and written lesson tests. Students read annotated primary documents and apply those documents to the course content.

The content is based on standards from the National Council for History Education (1997), the National Center for History in the Schools (1996), and the National Council for Social Studies (1994) and is aligned to state standards.

U.S. History offers a tightly focused and scaffolded curriculum that traces the political, social, economic, and cultural heritage of the United States through four centuries of change and development. Students learn about the Native American, European, and African people who lived before the Declaration of Independence in what is now the United States. They also explore the multiple causes and effects of the Civil War, Industrial Revolution, and Great Depression. Students learn to interpret historical documents using examples from the Great Awakening, westward expansion, the "roaring twenties," McCarthyism, and the struggle for civil rights.

U.S. History is designed as the third course in the social studies sequence. Students receive scaffolded guidance for their analytic writing, with an emphasis on analyzing and extending course instruction. Students study primary documents in detail, with annotations and scaffolded questions to guide their reading and comprehension.

The content is based on the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) standards and is aligned to state standards.

World History offers a tightly focused and scaffolded curriculum that uses multiple perspectives to trace the development of civilizations around the world from prehistory to the present. The course covers major events in world history, including the development and influence of human-geographic relationships, political and social structures, economics, science and technology, and the arts. Students investigate the major religions and belief systems throughout history and learn about the importance of trade and cultural exchange. Other topics include the development of agriculture, the spread of democracy, the rise of nation-states, the industrial era, the spread of imperialism, and the issues and conflicts of the 20th century. Students learn to use primary historical documents as evidence as they learn about past events.

World History is designed as the second course in the social studies sequence. Students develop confidence in their analytic writing through a scaffolded sequence of short analytic pieces and short essays, including document-based questions. Primary documents are embedded in the instruction to encourage students to make frequent connections to evidence from the past.

The content is based on standards from the National Council for History Education (1997), the National Center for History in the Schools (1996), and the National Council for Social Studies (1994) and is aligned to state standards.

Spanish I teaches students to greet people, describe family and friends, talk about hobbies, and communicate about other topics, such as home life, occupations, travel, and medicine. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, and culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises. Vocabulary includes terms to describe school subjects, parts of the body, and people, as well as idiomatic phrases. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes the structures and uses of present-tense verb forms, imperatives, adjective agreement, impersonal constructions, formal and informal address, and reflexive verbs. Students explore words used in different Spanish-speaking regions and learn about the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries and regions within and outside Europe.

The material in this course is presented at a moderate pace.

The content is based on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) standards.