ELIGIBILITY & ACADEMIC PROBATION

Course Catalog

2016-2017

2  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

... 5  

MISSION STATEMENT

... 5  

INTRODUCTION

... 6  

CODE OF HONOR

... 7  

ELIGIBILITY & ACADEMIC PROBATION

... 8  

CCSD ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY

... 8  

PHYSICAL EDUCATION II WAIVER CREDIT

... 9  

ACADEMIC RECOGNITIONS

... 9  

Grade Point Average (G.P.A.)  ...  9  

LVA Academic Awards  ...  9  

Las Vegas Academy Medallion Program  ...  10  

Academic Excellence Award  ...  10  

Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship Program  ...  10  

Matriculation  ...  11  

Early Graduation  ...  11  

Issuing of Diplomas  ...  11  

POST SECONDARY PLANNING

... 12  

CCSD Guidance and Counseling Website  ...  12  

Four Year Academic Plan  ...  12  

College / University Preparation  ...  12  

College Readiness Assessments  ...  13  

Student Success Center and Counseling Services  ...  13  

NCAA Initial Eligibility Requirements  ...  13  

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

... 15  

21

_{Century Course of Study Expectations  ...  15}  

Advanced Placement Classes (AP)  ...  19  

Dual Credit Courses  ...  20  

Repeating Courses  ...  20  

Schedule Change Policy  ...  20  

Petitioning a Course  ...  20  

CHANGE OF MAJOR / ADDITION OF MINOR EMPHASIS PROCESS

... 21  

ADDITIONAL CREDIT SOURCES

... 21  

Concurrent Credit Options  ...  21  

EXTERNAL CREDIT OPTIONS

 ...  22  

Core Area Graduation Planner ... 24  

Academic Course Descriptions ... 25  

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

 ...  25  

HEALTH / CAREER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

 ...  31  

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

 ...  32  

PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

 ...  36  

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

 ...  38  

SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT

 ...  43  

WORLD LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT

 ...  48  

4  

MAJOR COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

... 54  

DANCE DEPARTMENT

 ...  54  

LIBERAL ARTS DEPARTMENT

 ...  58  

THEATRE DEPARTMENT

 ...  69  

VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT

 ...  76  

LVA ELECTIVE COURSE OFFERINGS

... 87  

REGISTRATION WORKSHEETS

... 88  

The Clark County School District does not knowingly discriminate against any person on the basis of race,

color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to, or

treatment or employment in, or participation in its programs and activities and provide equal access to the

Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

As you prepare for the 2016-2017 school year at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, it is extremely

important that you review the course offerings as well as determine your choices to ensure your class

selections will support your post-high school career and educational goals. You will be committed to

remaining in the courses you select, once scheduled for the entire year.

The curriculum offered at LVA will prepare you for almost any field you wish to pursue. Your counselor,

teachers, and department coordinators are available to assist you in your decisions on your course selections.

Please be aware that LVA offers expanded opportunities for you to earn high school credits as well as to

begin work towards a post-secondary degree through the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) by Dual

Enrollment and Tech Prep. Your counselor, parents and major instructors are the key individuals who can

help you plan your class selections.

Another new resource available to you for college and career planning is our new Success Center. The

Community Outreach Coordinator and other volunteers are prepared to offer guidance with scholarships,

financial aid, employment, private lessons, auditions, resumes, portfolio development, tutoring and

proficiency preparation. We look forward to a successful year!

Sincerely,

Scott Walker Principal, LVA

MISSION STATEMENT

Las Vegas Academy promotes an interdisciplinary foundation for lifelong learning by motivating,

empowering, and challenging our students to be academic, artistic, and compassionate individuals.

LVA WAY

•

Invest in FAMILY ~ A Sense of Belonging impacts physical and mental health.

•

Build CHARACTER ~ Uphold Integrity, Respect and Honesty

•

Embrace a POSITIVE ATTITUDE ~ Embellish with Humor and Fun

•

ACHIEVEMENT: Exceed Mastery ~ Creativity, Passion and Determination are catalysts.

•

Defend TRUTH, JUSTICE and the LVA WAY.

6  

INTRODUCTION

Parents and students should be aware of LVA’s commitment to providing a rigorous and challenging

curriculum. Student placement in classes will be based upon several factors: (a) teacher recommendation;

(b) previous grades in similar courses; (c) parental guidance; and (d) interest of the student. Every effort will

be made to appropriately place students in challenging courses, which coincide with the student’s assessed

ability. Students are not placed in courses below their ability levels. Students will be scheduled into their

selected classes unless those classes are filled or canceled. The courses offered in this book are dependent on

student requests and staffing. Subsequently, some courses listed may be dropped when the schedule is built.

Courses selected in the spring during pre-registration are the courses students will be required to

attend throughout the 2016-2017 school year.

It is, therefore, essential that parents and students

understand that changing class placements will not occur other than those requests governed by the schedule

change policy. (See page 20).

Choose your classes carefully.

HOW TO USE THIS CATALOG

READ

this entire course registration guide and the course descriptions carefully before you register. Be

certain that you have met the prerequisites for selected courses. Students must meet these prerequisites to

enroll in a course or request permission to challenge the course.

DISCUSS

your course selection with your parents/guardians, teachers, and your counselors before

registration. Many subjects require a teacher recommendation and signature. Teachers will recommend

English, mathematics, science and social studies placements.

CHOOSE

courses that will challenge you and give you the best possible preparation for your future in

terms of your career and educational goals. Students will not be able to take classes below their achievement

level.

COMPLETE

the registration form.

•

List your required classes first, and then list your electives. Make four elective choices.

In the event

elective choices are filled and/or cancelled, you will be assigned your alternate choice(s) based on

the priority listing you designate

. Counselors will review core class recommendations during

one-on-one conferences.

•

Students planning to attend summer school will be pre-registered based on the next logical course

sequence according to their spring schedule. If a student successfully completes summer school, courses

may be changed upon returning to school in the fall.

•

Seniors must apply for a reduced class load (shortened day) during preregistration. Reduced class loads

may not be approved after the school year begins. Only seniors that have passed all exams required for

graduation will be permitted to apply for a reduced class load.

UNDERSTAND

that you are expected to remain in the classes you have selected during preregistration

throughout the 2016-2017 school year. Exceptions will only be made when graduation requirements need to

be met or for reasons governed through the schedule change policy.

CODE OF HONOR

Nevada Department of Education

There is a clear expectation that all students will perform academic tasks with honor and integrity, with the

support of parents, staff, faculty, administration, and the community. The learning process requires students

to think, process, organize and create their own ideas. Throughout this process, students gain knowledge,

self-respect, and ownership in the work that they do. These qualities provide a solid foundation for life skills,

impacting people positively throughout their lives. Cheating and plagiarism violate the fundamental learning

process and compromise personal integrity and one’s honor. Students demonstrate academic honesty and

integrity by not cheating, plagiarizing or using information unethically in any way.

What is cheating?

Cheating or academic dishonesty can take many forms, but always involves the improper taking of

information from and/or giving of information to another student, individual, or other source. Examples of

cheating can include, but are not limited to:

•

Taking or copying answers on an examination or any other assignment from another student or other

source

•

Giving answers on an examination or any other assignment to another student

•

Copying assignments that are turned in as original work

•

Collaborating on exams, assignments, papers, and/or projects without specific teacher permission

•

Allowing others to do the research or writing for an assigned paper

•

Using unauthorized electronic devices

•

Falsifying data or lab results, including changing grades electronically

What is plagiarism?

Plagiarism is a common form of cheating or academic dishonesty in the school setting. It is representing

another person’s works or ideas as your own without giving credit to the proper source and submitting it for

any purpose. Examples of plagiarism can include, but are not limited to:

•

Submitting someone else’s work, such as published sources in part or whole, as your own without

giving credit to the source

•

Turning in purchased papers or papers from the Internet written by someone else

•

Representing another person’s artistic or scholarly works such as musical compositions, computer

programs, photographs, drawings, or paintings as your own

•

Helping others plagiarize by giving them your work

All stakeholders have a responsibility in maintaining academic honesty. Educators must provide the tools

and teach the concepts that afford students the knowledge to understand the characteristics of cheating and

plagiarism. Parents must support their students in making good decisions relative to completing coursework

assignments and taking exams. Students must produce work that is theirs alone, recognizing the importance

of thinking for themselves and learning independently, when that is the nature of the assignment. Adhering to

the Code of Honor for the purposes of academic honesty promotes an essential skill that goes beyond the

school environment. Honesty and integrity are useful and valuable traits impacting one’s life.

Questions or concerns regarding the consequences associated with a violation of the Code of Honor may be

directed towards your child’s school administration and/or the school district.

8  

ELIGIBILITY & ACADEMIC PROBATION

Students at LVA are expected to work with equal dedication in both their Major and Academic courses.

Students are expected to maintain a minimum of a 2.0 (C) overall grade point average every semester with a

minimum of a 2.0 (C) grade point average in all major classes. Students who do not meet these expectations

or fail any class will be placed on Academic Probation and subject to enrollment review by administration.

Therefore, it is imperative you choose your classes wisely to ensure success.

CCSD ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY

Initial Eligibility – General Requirements

1.

Must be enrolled in grades 9 – 12.

2.

Must reside in the school of enrollment’s attendance zone.

3.

Must be enrolled in a minimum of two units of credit consisting of at least four classes per semester

and regularly attend school.

4.

Must have passed a minimum of two units of credit the immediate preceding semester with a minimum

grade point average of 2.0. A student may earn a maximum of one unit of external credit (summer

school, correspondence, etc.) to improve a previous semester deficiency.

5.

Transfer students are automatically presumed ineligible. Rebuttal of presumption of ineligibility

guidelines are contained in Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association regulations (NAC 386.785 –

386.799).

6.

Secondary Magnet/CTA students who enroll for less than a three year (3) program or enroll in

individual classes are ineligible for sports at the Magnet/CTA for 180 days. Students who drop from

the Magnet/CTA will become automatically ineligible for sports at the Magnet/CTA for 180 days. If a

student chooses to return to his/her school residence, he/she would be ineligible for the remainder of

that school year and for 180 days in any sport in which he/she appeared on an NIAA roster during

his/her attendance at the Magnet/CTA.

7.

Secondary Open Enrollment

students who are selected to attend an Open Enrollment school are

eligible to participate in athletics. Students who change schools will become automatically ineligible

for the remainder of the current school year and for 180 school days in any sport his/her name appeared

on an NIAA roster during his/her attendance at the Open Enrollment school.

8.

Career Technical Academy/Charter School/Home-Schooled

students are eligible to participate in

athletics in the school that is located in the attendance zone of the residence of the parent or legal

guardian.

Maintenance of Eligibility

1.

Must maintain passing grades in all subjects during the current athletic season.

2.

Must regularly attend school. Must be in school in order to participate in practice or games on any

given day.

3.

Must maintain positive citizenship. Students on RPC or suspension are not eligible to participate.

Serious and/or chronic behavior infractions may result in suspension of athletic participation for up

to one year, at the discretion of the principal.

Additional specific eligibility guidelines are contained in Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association

regulations (NAC 386.776 – 386.855) and Clark County School District regulation 5135.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION II WAIVER CREDIT

A maximum of ONE Physical Education II Waiver credit may be earned toward graduation. Students are

required to participate in and complete one of the school-sponsored activities listed below.

Team Managers

are not eligible for the P.E. Waiver; however, they may be eligible for Community Service credit.

Baseball – Varsity, Junior Varsity

Marching Band/Flags/Mascots

Basketball – Varsity, Junior Varsity, B-Team

Soccer – Varsity, Junior Varsity, B-Team

Bowling – Varsity, B-Team

Softball – Varsity, Junior Varsity, B-Team

Cheerleaders – Varsity, Junior Varsity, B-Team

Swimming – Varsity

Cross Country – Varsity

Tennis – Varsity

Flag Football – Varsity, Junior Varsity, B-Team

Track – Varsity

Football – Varsity, Junior Varsity, B-Team

Volleyball – Varsity, Junior Varsity, B-Team

Golf – Varsity

Wrestling – Varsity, Junior Varsity

Students may also earn P.E. Waiver credit by completing 120 hours of external course work under the direct

supervision of a qualified instructor or coach who is a credentialed and/or licensed professional outside the

school district. Use of external credit for the P.E. Waiver credit requires completion of the CCF-850:

External Credit Application. The activity must be geared toward competition or performance-based and it is

expected that the student will compete/perform in the activity. Membership in a gym does not meet this

criterion.

ACADEMIC RECOGNITIONS

Grade Point Average (G.P.A.)

In order to determine a student’s rank in class, a G.P.A. is used: each A = 4 points, each B = 3 points, each C

= 2 points, each D = 1 point, each F = 0 points. The points are totaled and then divided by the number of

one-half credit classes taken. The G.P.A. is a cumulative total beginning with the student’s 9th grade

coursework and some 8th grade math and foreign language courses.

Refer to Honors program for weighted

G.P.A. calculations

. Each semester, students will be identified for Honor Roll based on their un-weighted

GPA for that semester:

•

Cum Laude

3.5-3.79 GPA

•

Magna Cum Laude

3.8-3.99 GPA

•

Summa Cum Laude

4.0 GPA

LVA Academic Awards

Graduating seniors will be given special recognition if they have achieved an Honors status.

These honors are based on the student’s cumulative grade point average.

•

Las Vegas Academy Medallion Program*

3.85 (weighted) GPA

•

Las Vegas Academy Academic Excellence*

3.25 (unweighted) & 3.85 (weighted)

10  

Las Vegas Academy Medallion Program

The Las Vegas Academy Medallion Program is designed to recognize students who exhibit excellence in

academic achievement above the Clark County School District Honors Program diploma requirements.

Those meeting all requirements of the program will be honored with a special presentation at the annual

Awards Program. In addition, the student will receive a special medallion to be worn at graduation.

1.

Students must meet all minimum graduation requirements as outlined by Las Vegas Academy, the

Clark County School District, and the State of Nevada.

Required Areas of Study:

Required Number of Designated Honors/AP Courses:

a)

English

4

b)

Math

3

c)

Science

3

d)

Social Studies

3

e)

Foreign Language

2

15 credits required

2.

Overall Grade Point Average - The final requirement for the Las Vegas Academy Medallion

Program is that students must have an overall seven (7) semester grade point average of 3.85

weighted or higher with no D’s or F’s on the transcript.

Academic Excellence Award

Graduating seniors will be given special recognition at graduation if they have achieved

Academic

Excellence

status. Students must complete the 21

_{Century Course of Study requirements in addition to}

meeting the below qualifications. Candidates for the Academic Excellence Award will be identified at the

end of the fall semester of their senior year (7 semesters).

•

Academic Excellence

will be awarded for students who achieve 3.25 unweighted and 3.85 weighted

or above GPA overall with no D’s or F’s on their transcript and at least one honors or AP course.

Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship Program

The State of Nevada's Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship Program provides financial support to

Nevada's high school graduates who attend an eligible Nevada community college, state college, or

university. You may receive up to a maximum award of $10,000 for undergraduate coursework during the

six years following your high school graduation. There is no application form to complete. If you meet all

Millennium Scholarship requirements upon high school graduation, the District will submit your name in

mid-July to the Office of the State Treasurer. You will receive an award notification early August. A

factsheet on policy guidelines and requirements for eligibility can be obtained by calling 1-888-477-2667 or

at

www.nevadatreasurer.gov

. Please note that this information is subject to any changes in state law, policies

adopted by the NSHE Board of Regents, availability of funding, and any related matters hereto.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Valedictorian status is awarded to the student(s) earning the highest grade point average (with Bonus Points)

in the graduating class. Salutatorian status is awarded to the student(s) earning the second highest grade

point average (with Bonus Points) in the class.

Candidates for the valedictorian/salutatorian designations

will be identified at the end of the fall semester of their senior year (7 semesters).

The final ranking

will be based on any and all completed high school credit granting courses completed by the end of eight

semesters, including those courses which receive Bonus Points.

Matriculation

Grade classification for high school students is determined by years in school, not on credit earned. Students

are classified to the next grade level at the end of each school year.

Early Graduation

The administration and the counseling staff of Las Vegas Academy strongly discourage students from

pursuing early graduation; however, some students may complete all graduation requirements prior to the

completion of a regular four-year program. Students who wish to graduate prior to completing eight

semesters are required to make a formal application. Application forms available in the Counselor’s Office

must be completed in full and

submitted for administrative approval one semester prior to graduation

.

Students with approval to graduate early will receive senior status upon successful completion of the first

semester and passing all subtests of the NHSPE. Therefore, students graduating early retain their present

class status for first semester. Academy students graduating early should not consider themselves seniors nor

participate in any senior activity until second semester.

Issuing of Diplomas

Diplomas will be issued to all students who qualify during or after, but not before, the regular

commencement exercises as scheduled by the Clark County School District. Students who do not complete

both semesters of their senior year at Las Vegas Academy and wish to receive a Las Vegas Academy

diploma must:

1.

Not be enrolled in any other high school in the State of Nevada.

2.

Not accept any other high school diploma.

3.

Be in attendance on the Las Vegas Academy campus a minimum of one (1) semester of his/her final

year.

4.

Have met all requirements as specified by the State of Nevada and the Clark County School District

for receiving a diploma.

Students who transfer to Las Vegas Academy during their senior year from out-of-state and cannot meet

district and state graduation requirements may request assistance from Las Vegas Academy to receive a

diploma from their previous high school. These students must:

1.

Receive permission from their previous high school to graduate with their class, according to their

graduation requirements.

2.

Not request a Las Vegas Academy diploma.

3.

Request from Las Vegas Academy placement in classes that would meet the graduation requirements

from his/her previous high school. Las Vegas Academy will attempt to make the correct placement

however, a guarantee that all classes the student requires will be offered, or that placement can be

made, cannot be given.

Foreign Exchange Students who enroll at Las Vegas Academy will not expect to receive a Las Vegas

Academy diploma.

Because of the tremendous variety of credits the foreign exchange students have

accumulated prior to enrolling in LVA and because of the Nevada Proficiency Examinations, it is unrealistic

that these students should expect to receive a diploma. The Academy pledges to work closely with our

foreign exchange students to provide them with a well-balanced program, including courses in English and

U.S. History or U.S. Government, allowing them to experience the life of an American high school student.

12  

POST SECONDARY PLANNING

CCSD Guidance and Counseling Website

The Guidance and Counseling website which can be found at

http://ccsd.net/departments/guidance-counseling

is designed to provide students and parents with information on counseling services provided by

the school district. It also serves as a support reference for preparing students for their future educational

decisions. Information on diploma requirements, scholarship opportunities and post-secondary opportunities

are just a few of examples of what is available on the website.

Four Year Academic Plan

An online four year Course Plan will be created by all 9th grade students and updated each year thereafter

in Infinite Campus. This plan sets forth specific educational goals that students intend to achieve before

graduation. The Course Plan, which includes a four year high school Academic Program, will be used as a

guide to manage the student’s educational development and course selection in alignment with an identified

Academic Program. Revising the Course Plan annually will assist students in preparation for graduation

and post-secondary goals.

The plan includes students and parents:

• Working in consultation with a school counselor to develop the Course Plan

• Parent review and approval

• Reviewing the plan yearly and revising as needed

Military Service

A career in the Armed Services can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Training is provided in a

specialty occupation based upon individual skills, interests, abilities, and the overall needs of the service.

LVA offers the Armed Services Vocational Ability Battery (ASVAB) each year to help students match their

skills, interests and abilities with military and civilian occupations. Counselors are able to advise students on

military careers; military recruiters are also available to help students make decisions, write contracts,

determine eligibility, and guarantee job training.

Community College System Information

Community colleges, sometimes called junior colleges, offer two-year programs that lead to an Associate of

Arts degree and/or a Certification. A high school diploma is recommended for admission.

College / University Preparation

Minimum graduation requirements do not necessarily prepare students for college. Counselors provide

information on specific college requirements and we recommend that the parent or student contact the

admissions office of the school of the student’s choice. Las Vegas Academy recommends the following

program as a minimum college preparatory program:

MINIMUM ACADEMIC COURSE WORK HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

4 years English – English 9/10/11/12, Literature, Composition

3 years Social Studies – World History, U.S. History, U.S. Government

3 years Math – Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II 3 years Science – Biology, Chemistry, Physics

2 years Foreign Language (see College Handbook) Computer Science or Computer Applications

Honor, dual credit, and/or AP courses 4 years of math and science

College Readiness Assessments

All Clark County School District students will take the PSAT at no cost (pending final budget allocations)

during the sophomore year to provide data that will assist in determining the student’s potential success in

Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Taking the PSAT in the sophomore year also prepares the student for

the SAT. The PSAT taken as a junior (at the cost of the student) is used to identify National Merit

Scholarship Semi-finalists.

All juniors will take the ACT with Writing exam in the Spring. The College and Career Readiness

Assessment (ACT) is a requirement for graduation. Juniors will take the ACT in spring of their junior year

at no cost. Students planning to attend college may also prepare for the ACT entrance exam by taking the

PLAN test during his/her sophomore year. It is recommended that students take ACT and/or SAT in the

spring of their junior year, as most four-year colleges/universities require either test for admission. In

addition, some colleges/universities require a minimum score on the ACT and/or SAT to determine

placement in freshman English and math courses. Finally, some universities determine scholarship eligibility

on ACT and/or SAT results.

Note:

It may be necessary to retake the ACT and/or SAT to increase the student’s score. This may

enable a student to avoid placement in a remedial math and/or English college course. Remedial courses

at Nevada System of Higher Education Institutions provide no college credit and are not paid for by the

Millennium Scholarship program.

Student Success Center and Counseling Services

Though CCSD mandates that every student generate a four-year plan, LVA extends this concept and creates

a ten-year plan for every student so to firmly establish a post-secondary guide. To this end, we have

launched our Student Success Center. This center is open to students and their family members daily during

school hours. There are ample computers with internet access, work space, and friendly volunteers to assist

with a wide variety of needs. We can assist you with Infinite Campus, college and scholarship information,

resume and portfolio building, internship and summer program opportunities, and much more. We look

forward to assisting you!

RETURN TO HOME SCHOOL POLICY

Students who accept enrollment and elect to attend Las Vegas Academy of the Arts are required to remain

enrolled throughout the full school year. Students may choose to return to their home school only at the

conclusion of the school year. Students who give up their seat at LVA must reapply in order to return.

NCAA Initial Eligibility Requirements

In order to participate in collegiate athletics, students must register with the NCAA at

www.eligibilitycenter.org

. This should be initiated in the student’s junior year. NCAA Division I and

Division II require 16 core courses. See the charts below.

NCAA Division I will require 10 core courses to be completed prior to the seventh semester (seven of the 10

must be a combination of English, math or natural or physical science that meet the distribution requirements

below). These 10 courses become "locked in" at the start of the seventh semester and cannot be retaken for

grade improvement.

14  

Beginning August 1, 2018, Division II core GPA to be eligible for competition is 2.200

. Be sure to look

at your high school’s List of NCAA Courses on the NCAA Eligibility Center's website

(www.eligibilitycenter.org). Only courses that appear on your school's List of NCAA Courses will be used in

the calculation of the core GPA.

Beginning August 1, 2016, it will be possible for a Division I college-bound student-athlete to still receive

athletics aid and the ability to practice with the team if he or she fails to meet the 10 course requirement, but

would not be able to compete.

Required Courses*

Division I

Division II

English

4

3

Mathematics (Alg I or higher)

3

2

Science (minimum 1 lab science)

2

2

Additional In Above

1

3

Social Studies

2

2

Additional Core Courses**

4

4

*Remedial, special education, compensatory or related courses do not qualify for initial eligibility. **From any core area, foreign language, comparative religion or philosophy.

CTE College Credit

CTE College Credit provides an opportunity for secondary students who complete state-approved

programs in career and technical education (CTE) to earn postsecondary credit at no cost to the student.

CTE College Credit is articulated credit, the high school coursework aligns to postsecondary courses and

the teacher of record is a high school CTE teacher.

To qualify for the CTE College Credit, students must:

1.

Earn a 3.0 grade point average in their CTE course sequence;

2.

Pass the state end-of-program technical content assessment;

3.

Pass the state Workplace Readiness assessment for employability skills.

Students who complete a CTE program of study according to the criteria are eligible to earn the CTE

College Credit within three years of graduating from high school and upon admission to the postsecondary

institution. The amount of credit is dependent upon the state standards for each high school CTE program

and how the standards align to the college courses for a certificate or degree in a related career pathway.

CTE COURSES OF STUDY OFFERED AT LVA

Technology Fashion, Textiles & Design Animation I Animation II Animation III Graphic Design I Graphic Design II Graphic Design III

Photography I Photography II Photography III

Video Production I Video Production II Video Production III

Theatre Tech I Theatre Tech II Theatre Tech III Theatre Tech AS

Fashion I Fashion II Fashion III Please note: students must take all courses listed within the specific CTE area in order to qualify for college credit.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Required High School Student Class Load

The State of Nevada, NAC 387.345, requires all high school students be enrolled as follows:

•

Ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students on the block schedule must be enrolled in eight classes or

the equivalent of four periods per day.

•

Twelfth grade students must be enrolled in at least four classes or the equivalent of two periods per

day.

Seniors must take at least two classes per day on the block schedule. Credit deficient

seniors at LVA may be required to enroll in a full schedule.

Please Note: Although Concurrent Courses, Distance Education, Dual Credit, External Courses, and Work

Experience are considered equivalent coursework,

students must receive prior approval of the counselor

and administration.

21

_{Century Course of Study Expectations}

The Clark County School District expects all students to meet the requirements of the 21st Century Course

of Study Expectations. In addition to the three years of mathematics and two years of science necessary

to graduate with a high school standard diploma, students will be scheduled into a fourth year of

mathematics, which will include Algebra II, and a third year of science, which will include Biology.

The

school district expects its students to satisfy the 21st Century Course of Study expectations so that

they may competitive in higher education and the workforce and be prepared to take full

advantage of what the world has to offer beyond high school.

The Clark County School District believes that all students must be prepared for the following

post-secondary opportunities:

•

University/Four-Year College

•

Community/Two-Year College

•

Trade/Technical School

•

Workforce

21

_{CENTURY COURSE OF STUDY EXPECTATIONS}

AREAS OF STUDY   UNITS

ENGLISH 4

MATHEMATICS (Includes Algebra II) 4

SCIENCE (Includes Biology) 3

WORLD HISTORY or GEOGRAPHY 1

U.S. HISTORY 1

U.S. GOVERNMENT 1

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2

HEALTH ½

USE OF COMPUTERS ½

ELECTIVES (Includes one Arts/Humanities or Career

& Technical Education Course) 5½

TOTAL 22½

The 21

Century Course of Study provides the following for students:

•

Opens Doors to Post-Secondary Education and Workforce Opportunities

•

Meets Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) University Admissions

o

Grade Point Average (GPA) and Core Curriculum Requirements are:

16  

•

Prepares Students for the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship

o

GPA and Core Curriculum Requirements are:

§

3.25

cumulative

GPA

(weighted or weighted with Bonus Points),

21 ACT

Composite score, or 990 combined (reading and math) SAT score

and the

core

curriculum

§

Approved NSHE Core Curriculum (4 English, 4 Math – including Algebra II,

3 Natural Science, 3 Social Science & History = 14 units)

§

Students may not take coursework

after graduation

to meet Millennium Eligibility

STANDARD DIPLOMA

The following subjects are needed to meet graduation requirements:

STANDARD DIPLOMA

REQUIRED/ELECTIVE AREAS OF STUDY UNITS

*ENGLISH 4

**MATHEMATICS 3

SCIENCE 2

WORLD HISTORY or GEOGRAPHY 1

U.S. HISTORY 1 U.S. GOVERNMENT 1 ***PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2 HEALTH ½ ****USE OF COMPUTERS ½ ELECTIVES 7½ TOTAL 22½

*English course units for the Class of 2017 and the Class of 2018 must include English 9 or English 1 (1.0

credit, semester 1 and 2) and English 10 or English 2 (1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2).

**Mathematics course units for the following cohort years:

• Class of 2017 and Class of 2018- must include Algebra I or Principles of Algebra (1.0 credit, semester

1 and 2), and Geometry or Principles of Geometry, (1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2).

• Class of 2019 and beyond- must include Algebra I or higher.

*** A maximum of ONE credit may be earned for a P.E. II Waiver by participating in a school approved

activity/athletic.

****Satisfactory completion of a semester of a computer literacy course offered in grades 6, 7, or 8 will

meet the requirement for the use of computers.

To receive a diploma from a Nevada high school, students in the Classes of 2017 and 2018 must

participate in each of the End of Course Exams and pass the aligned courses, take the College and Career

Readiness Assessment- ACT with Writing, in addition to meeting course requirements. Students in the

Class of 2019 must receive a passing score on each of the End of Course Exams, take the College and

Career Readiness Assessment- ACT with Writing and meet course requirements. Passing scores for the

End of Course Exams will be determined by the Nevada State Board of Education.

AB288 in the 2013 Legislature eliminated the Certificate of Attendance. Students must meet all of

the graduation requirements to receive a diploma and participate in graduation ceremonies. Students

receiving an adjusted diploma as prescribed by IEP requirements can also participate in graduation

ceremonies.

ADVANCED DIPLOMA

The following subjects are needed to meet the Advanced Diploma requirements:

ADVANCED DIPLOMA

REQUIRED/ELECTIVE AREAS OF STUDY UNITS

*ENGLISH 4

**MATHEMATICS 4

SCIENCE 3

WORLD HISTORY or GEOGRAPHY 1

U.S. HISTORY 1 U.S. GOVERNMENT 1 ***PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2 HEALTH ½ ****USE OF COMPUTERS ½ ARTS / HUMANITIES or

CAREER AND TECH ED ELECTIVE 1

ELECTIVES 6

TOTAL (3.25 GPA without Bonus Points) 24

*English course units for the Class of 2017 and the Class of 2018 must include English 9 or English 1(1.0

credit, semester 1 and 2) and English 10 or English 2 (1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2).

**Mathematics course units for the following cohort years:

• Class of 2017 and Class of 2018- must include Algebra I or Principles of Algebra (1.0 credit,

semester 1 and 2), and Geometry or Principles of Geometry, (1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2).

• Class of 2019 and beyond- must include Algebra I or higher.

*** A maximum of ONE credit may be earned for a P.E. II Waiver by participating in a school approved

activity/athletic.

****Satisfactory completion of a semester of a computer literacy course offered in grades 6, 7, or 8 will

meet the requirement for the use of computers.

To receive a diploma from a Nevada high school, students in the Classes of 2017 and 2018 must

participate in each of the End of Course Exams and pass the aligned courses, take the College and Career

Readiness Assessment- ACT with Writing, in addition to meeting course requirements. Students in the

Class of 2019 must receive a passing score on each of the End of Course Exams, take the College and

Career Readiness Assessment- ACT with Writing and meet course requirements. Passing scores for the End

of Course Exams will be determined by the Nevada State Board of Education.

AB288 in the 2013 Legislature eliminated the Certificate of Attendance. Students must meet all of the

graduation requirements to receive a diploma and participate in graduation ceremonies. Students

receiving an adjusted diploma as prescribed by IEP requirements can also participate in graduation

ceremonies.

ADVANCED HONORS DIPLOMA

Students planning to apply to universities with competitive admission requirements may pursue the CCSD

Advanced Honors Diploma. The Advanced Honors Diploma requires additional rigorous coursework beyond

those required for the Advanced Diploma. Students will be required to fulfill the 24.0 credit Advanced

Diploma requirements (including 4-years of mathematics, 3-years of science and an additional

Arts/Humanities or Career and Technical Education course) and must complete the Honors, International

18  

GPA calculations are exact and not rounded to meet diploma requirements.

The following subjects are needed to meet the Advanced Honors Diploma requirements:

ADVANCED HONORS DIPLOMA

Required/Elective Areas of Study Advanced Diploma Units Honors Course Program Units *ENGLISH 4 3 **MATHEMATICS 4 2 SCIENCE 3 2

SOCIAL STUDIES (must earn all 3 credits) World History or Geography

U.S. History U.S. Government 3 2 ***PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2 HEALTH ½ ****USE OF COMPUTERS ½ ARTS/HUMANITIES or

CAREER TECH ED ELECTIVE 1

+ELECTIVES 6 3*

TOTAL

(unweighted GPA = 3.25, weighted GPA = 3.85)

24 12

+Must include one Honors Foreign Language Course. First year foreign language classes

will not receive Honors credit. Student must achieve a minimum 3.25 GPA without Bonus

Points and a minimum 3.85 GPA with Bonus Points.

*English course units for the Class of 2017 and the Class of 2018 must include English 9 or English 1(1.0

credit, semester 1 and 2) and English 10 or English 2 (1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2).

**Mathematics course units for the following cohort years:

• Class of 2017 and Class of 2018- must include Algebra I or Principles of Algebra (1.0 credit,

semester 1 and 2), and Geometry or Principles of Geometry, (1.0 credit, semester 1 and 2).

• Class of 2019 and beyond- must include Algebra I or higher.

*** A maximum of ONE credit may be earned for a P.E. II Waiver by participating in a school approved

activity/athletic.

****Satisfactory completion of a semester of a computer literacy course offered in grades 6, 7, or 8 will

meet the requirement for the use of computers.

To receive a diploma from a Nevada high school, students in the Classes of 2017 and 2018 must

participate in each of the End of Course Exams and pass the aligned courses, take the College and Career

Readiness Assessment- ACT with Writing, in addition to meeting course requirements. Students in the Class

of 2019 must receive a passing score on each of the End of Course Exams, take the College and Career

Readiness Assessment- ACT with Writing and meet course requirements. Passing scores for the End of

Course Exams will be determined by the Nevada State Board of Education.

AB288 in the 2013 Legislature eliminated the Certificate of Attendance. Students must meet all of the

graduation requirements to receive a diploma and participate in graduation ceremonies. Students

receiving an adjusted diploma as prescribed by IEP requirements can also participate in graduation

ceremonies.

Honors Courses with Bonus Points

Students will earn Bonus Points for successful completion of Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and

International Baccalaureate (IB) courses will be added as follows:

Honors

.025

Advanced Placement (AP)

.050

International Baccalaureate (IB)

.050

The GPA Cap with Bonus Points for the Honors Program for students will be added as follows:

•

The GPA with Bonus Points for the Honors Program is no more than twenty-eight semesters (14

classes) of Honors/AP/IB courses. The highest possible GPA under this system is 4.80.

•

Students will receive Bonus Points of .050 for four semesters (2 classes) of AP and/or IB courses and

will also receive Bonus Points of .025 for twenty-four semesters (12 classes) of Honors courses.

•

Students who choose to enroll in only Honors level courses will receive Bonus Points of .025 for

twenty-eight semesters (14 classes) of Honors courses.

Advantages of the Honors Course Offerings

•

Most competitive colleges and universities consider not only students’ grades, but also their

academic background evidenced by courses listed on the transcript, letters of recommendation from

teachers and counselors, and SAT I or ACT scores.

•

Enrollment in the Honors Program will assist students in their preparation for college entrance exams.

•

The GPA with Bonus Points is used when determining ranking in class.

Students may take Honors/Advanced Placement courses even if they have not chosen to complete the

requirements for the

Advanced Honors Diploma.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES (AP)

AP courses are college-level courses taught as part of the high school curriculum. In the spring of each

school year, a cumulative exam is administered for each AP course. AP exams are graded on a scale of 1

(minimum) to 5 (maximum). University credit is generally granted for test scores of 3 and above. The

program is administered by the College Board.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES OFFERED AT LVA

• AP Calculus AB • AP Statistics • AP Biology

• AP Physics 1: Algebra Based • AP Environmental Science • AP Chemistry

• AP Human Geography • AP World History • AP U.S. History

• AP U.S. Government & Politics • AP Microeconomics

•

• AP Psychology

• AP English Language & Composition • AP English Literature & Composition • AP Studio Art: 2-D Design

• AP Studio Art: 3-D Design • AP Studio Art: Drawing

• AP Music Theory

• AP French Language & Culture • AP Japanese Language & Culture

• AP Spanish Language & Culture • AP Spanish Literature & Culture

•

NOTE: Students enrolled in AP classes must take the AP exam in May.

The anticipated cost of the

exam is $93. Please pay the AP exam fee at the school bank by the start of the 2016-2017 school year at the

same time you pay your class fees. For the 2016-2017 school year, for every three AP exams a student takes,

LVA will reimburse the student the cost of one AP exam.

See the Student Achievement Office if you have a

20  

DUAL CREDIT COURSES

The Jumpstart Dual Credit Program offers high school students college credit courses at a reduced fee.

Through a partnership with the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) and the Clark County School District,

qualified Junior and Senior high school students can earn college credits prior to high school graduation.

Qualified Junior and Senior high school students can take up to two (2) classes per semester at a reduced fee.

DUAL CREDIT COURSES OFFERED AT LVA

•

English 100

•

English 101

•

English 102

•

Chemistry 103

•

Chemistry 105

•

History 101

•

History 102

Repeating Courses

All students may repeat courses via summer school, Nevada Learning Academy, BYU online, Compass

online or other sources. Additional credit will not be granted; the higher grade will be recorded in the course

history and the lower grade replaced with a repeated course notation (RP).

Schedule Change Policy

Our teaching staff is hired and assigned based on students’ course selections. Since much advanced

planning and guidance are provided for each student prior to registration, schedule changes

will not be

made after registration

. Students will be expected to remain in year-long courses for the entire school

year.

Class changes will not be granted to accommodate a student’s request for a specific instructor.

Due to the State of Nevada Department of Education Guidelines, no student may change a class and

receive credit after the third week of the semester. Any class drops at this point will result in an “F” on the

transcript. Requests for schedule changes are considered only during the first three weeks of the semester

and are granted only for the following reasons:

1.

Graduation requirement fulfillment

2.

Misplacement in an academic area according to test scores and/or ability

3.

Successful completion of summer school course work

The administration may, due to increased/decreased enrollment and staff changes, balance course sections

by transferring students from one class and/or teacher to another section. Every effort will be made to

ensure a smooth transition for students.

Petitioning a Course

Students have the right to petition a course for which they do not meet a course’s recommended

achievement range.

If approved, students must remain in petitioned courses for the entire year.

CHANGE OF MAJOR / ADDITION OF MINOR EMPHASIS PROCESS

ALL STUDENTS ATTENDING THE LAS VEGAS ACADEMY ARE REQUIRED TO BE

ENROLLED IN A BLOCK CLASS AND TO HAVE A DECLARED MAJOR AREA OF STUDY.

All change of majors or addition of a minor emphasis requires an audition.

Students may apply for a

minor emphasis only after their freshmen year. Students must follow the process outlined below to change a

major or add a minor for the following academic school year.

1.

Students must maintain the primary or original major in which they initially enrolled. If they wish to

drop this original major, they must apply for a change of major. Due to the intensive study involved

and expected level of proficiency required in a major, students will only be allowed to apply for a

change in majors in their 9

_{or 10}

_{grade year.}

2.

Students may apply for a minor emphasis in another area while still maintaining their original major.

3.

Pick up a form from the Curriculum Office at a date TO BE ANNOUNCED via the daily

announcements. Forms are usually available by December.

4.

Acquire the appropriate signatures on the form and bring the completed form the Curriculum Office

prior to the deadline and schedule an audition. The deadline is usually the first week in January.

5.

Any current LVA student who has changed majors and wishes to return to their previous major, must

re-audition to be accepted once they have left a program.

6.

Changing emphasis within the Theatre or Visual Art Departments requires approval from both teachers

involved.

7.

Upon acceptance of a seat, Liberal Arts majors committed to their program for the entirety of their

enrollment at LVA. Therefore, Liberal Arts students may not change majors. They may, however,

pursue a minor.

8.

Students wishing to change their major may only audition once, and only at the regularly scheduled

first round auditions in January.

ADDITIONAL CREDIT SOURCES

Concurrent Credit Options

Students may earn credits beyond the regular school day by enrolling in any of the approved concurrent

programs. There is no limit to the number of concurrent credits a student may earn. See your counselor for

more information on the following concurrent programs:

•

Nevada Learning Academy

- For specific information, including fees, call (702) 855-8435 or visit

http://nvlearningacademy.net/

.

•

Adult Education -

For specific information on this program, call (702) 799-8650, extension 317 or visit

http://schools.ccsd.net/aded/

•

Sunset High Schools/Programs

- Call (702) 855-9775 for more information or visit

http://ccsd.net/divisions/education- services-division/adult-education-horizon-sunset-high-schools

.

•

Summer School

- Students may earn credit during the summer. Registration information is available in

the counseling office in the spring. Additional information is available at

http://ccsd.net/schools/summer-school/

.

22  

EXTERNAL CREDIT OPTIONS

Students currently enrolled in a Clark County high school may earn a maximum of six external credits (with

no more than three being in academic courses) toward graduation. External credits are credits earned beyond

the regular school day. No external credit will be granted without prior approval and completion of the

appropriate application.

Students may not enroll to take a class outside of school if the class is offered

and scheduling will allow the student to take the course during the school day.

See your counselor for prior approval and applications for the following External Credit options:

A maximum of one credit may be earned for students who complete 120 hours of volunteer service with an approved community agency. One-half credit may be earned for 60 hours of service; court mandated hours do not count for Community Service credit.

Credit By Exam

Students may earn credit by obtaining a score of 70% or better on an examination for a course they have not taken previously or are not enrolled in currently. For a complete list of credit by exam course offerings and fees, see the NVLA website at http://nvlearningacademy.net/ . Credit by Exam cannot count toward Honors credit.

Dual Credit

High school credit can be earned for approved college or university courses not offered at the student's school of enrollment. A three credit college/university course equals one-half unit of high school credit.

Educational Travel Credit A maximum of one credit may be granted to students who keep a journal while traveling for 42 consecutive days or 1/2 credit for 21 consecutive days. Students must submit their completed journals for evaluation to determine credit.

Enrichment Program Credit Students may receive credit for academically accelerated courses taken at

accredited institutions.

Music Equivalent Credit

A maximum of one credit may be granted to students participating in a music program not offered by the Clark County School District. Credit granting is monitored by the CCSD Department of Fine Arts. Specific application forms must be submitted along with time log. Call (702) 799-8531 for more information.

Online Courses Credits may be earned for courses completed online from approved institutions. _{The cost of courses vary. Students must conform to the procedures set by the}

Transcript Interpretation Guide

1. School in which student is currently enrolled 2. Student Information

3. Grade Point Average (GPA) Summary

• Cumulative GPA is the grade point average for all courses taken from grade nine to current

• Weighted GPA is the Cumulative GPA plus the Bonus points up to 28 semesters of AP/IB/Honors classes

completed successfully, .025 for honors, .05 for AP (4 semesters or two classes only at .05) for honors and AP, and IB courses

• Class rank shows the student’s place in his/her graduating class according to the weighted GPA as compared to

other students in the graduating class

4. Denotes approved Core GPA for NSHE (Nevada System of Higher Education) 5. Attendance Information

6. Computer literacy requirement earned in middle school, should be grade of P and .5 credits

7. PE II Waiver earned from participation in an approved interscholastic activity, maximum of 1 credit PE Waiver 8. Term

• Term 2 means First Semester • Term 4 means Second Semester • Term 5 or 6 means Summer School

9. Bonus Points added

10. GPA for that term /semester only 11. Summer School course posting 12. Credit Summary includes:

• Attempted – Credit(s) that the student has attempted to complete • Earned – Credits completed to date in specific courses/subjects

24  

Core Area Graduation Planner

9th _{GRADE 10}th _{GRADE 11}th _{GRADE 12}th _GRADE

ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH

4 years required for graduation

English 9 English 9 Honors English 10 English 10 Honors English 10 Pre-AP English 11 English 11 Honors English 100 / 101 / 102

English Language & Composition AP

English 12 English 12 Honors English Literature & Culture

MATH MATH MATH MATH

4 years required for Advanced / Advanced Honors Diploma

Algebra I Geometry Geometry Honors Algebra II Algebra II Honors Geometry Geometry Honors Algebra II Algebra II Honors Pre-Calculus AB Honors Algebra II Algebra II Honors Topics in Mathematics Pre-Calculus AB Honors AP Calculus AB AP Statistics Topics in Mathematics Mathematics in Personal Finance

Pre-Calculus AB Honors College Preparatory Mathematics

AP Calculus AB AP Statistics

PHYSICAL EDUCATION PHYSICAL EDUCATION

2 years required for graduation

P.E. I Dance I Ballroom I P.E. Dance II Ballroom II Advanced Ballroom

SCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE

2 years required for graduation; 3 years required for Advanced / Advanced Honors Diploma

Biology Biology Honors Chemistry Chemistry Honors Chemistry Chemistry Honors Physics Physics Honors Geoscience Geoscience Honors Physics Physics Honors Geoscience Geoscience Honors Chemistry 103/105 AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science AP Physics 1 Geoscience Geoscience Honors Chemistry 103/105 AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science AP Physics 1

HEALTH SOCIAL STUDIES SOCIAL STUDIES SOCIAL STUDIES

1 semester required for graduation 3 years required for graduation: World History, U.S. History and U.S. Graduation

Health World History

World History Honors World History AP

U.S. History U.S. History Honors

History 101/102 AP U.S. History

U.S. Government U.S. Government Honors

AP U.S. Government

USE OF COMPUTERS 1 semester required for graduation

Graphic Design I

WORLD LANGUAGE WORLD LANGUAGE WORLD LANGUAGE WORLD LANGUAGE

2 years required (one honors level) for Advanced Honors Diploma

Spanish I Spanish II Honors French I French II Honors Japanese I Japanese II Honors Spanish II Honors Spanish III Honors

French II Honors French III Honors Japanese II Honors Japanese III Honors

Spanish III Honors AP Spanish Language

French III Honors AP French Language

Japanese III Honors AP Japanese Language

AP Spanish Language AP Spanish Literature

AP French Language AP Japanese Language

AP English

Language & Comp

Academic Course Descriptions

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Students are expected to complete the summer reading assignments noted in the Course Catalog.

COURSE TITLE DESCRIPTION PREREQUISITES

ENGLISH 9 This one-year course (Foundations in Composition and the Elements of Text) provides instruction in the English Language Arts strands identified by the Common Core State Standards as reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language. This course is designed to build on knowledge and skills acquired in earlier grades but in more sophisticated ways such as mastering the language, structure, and rhetoric of text; completing more complex writing assignments; reading and analyzing a range of literary and informational discourse, both classic and contemporary; delivering more extensive oral presentations; and participating in a variety of conversations and collaborations with peers. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology and digital media are integral parts of this course. Students are expected to read the assigned text for Summer Reading and complete the related assignment prior to the start of the Fall Term. This course fulfills one of the English credits required for high school graduation.

9th _grade

AP English

Literature & Comp

English 9

English 9

Honors

English 10

English 11

English 12

English 10

Honors

English 10

Pre-AP

English 11

Honors

English 12

Honors

English

100/101/102