Madison Promise

Art in World Culture

Art tells a story. Go on a journey of when humans began creating art in prehistoric times to ancient Roman, early Christian, and Medieval periods. Explore the artistic characteristics of the Renaissance, Americas, Baroque, Romantic, and more. Learn the elements and design principles of art, and about some of the greatest artists in the world, while creating your own art, both on paper and digitally. It’s time to tell your story through art.

• Recommended Grades: 9-11
• Credits: 1/2 credit
• Note: Counts toward Humanities graduation requirement

Drawing

Learning to draw is like learning any new skill: it takes practice, practice, practice. Introduction to Drawing is a one-semester course for beginning and intermediate artists that provides training in the application of artistic processes and skills. In this course, you will learn the basics of line, contour,shading, texture, perspective, composition, and action drawing.You will examine artwork and demonstrate your newly learned skills by creating several original works of art and compiling a portfolio of your artwork. Add the following sentence. The course will be personalized to meet the needs of the individual student. All students are encouraged to enroll in this course.

• Recommended Grades: 9-11
• Credits: 1/2 credit
• Note: Counts toward Humanities graduation requirement

Personal Finance

Personal Finance is one of the most useful classes you can take to prepare for your future! It is proven that poor financial decisions can lead to an accumulated debt spiral that will prevent you from saving and planning for a secure financial future. Learn to manage your personal financial affairs through real-life applications. Areas of study include investing, banking, taxes, credit, acquiring insurance and loans, budgeting, and successful employment skills. Technology is infused throughout this course, with applications ranging from personal money management to preparation of income tax forms to evaluating investment options. Walk away from this class with the WISE Financial Literacy Certification.

• Recommended Grades: 10-11
• Credits: 1/2 credit
• Note: This course satisfies the Financial Literacy graduation requirement.

Sports and Entertainment Marketing

In this course, students have the opportunity to explore basic marketing principles and delve deeper into the multi-billion dollar sports and entertainment marketing industry. They will learn about how professional athletes, sports teams, and well-known entertainers are marketed as commodities and how some of them become billionaires as a result. This course introduces fundamentals on how things work behind the scenes of a major sporting event, such as the Super Bowl®, or how to play a role in such an event.

• Recommended Grades: 9-10
• Credits: 1/2 credit

English 1

In this year-long course, students build on their learning from grade 8 as they develop their skills and understandings from the Common Core State Standards grades 9-10 band. Reading, discussing, and writing in response to high-quality, high-interest literary and informational texts develop students’ ability to synthesize ideas within and across texts, analyze the choices authors make, use knowledge of language and its conventions, acquire and use vocabulary words, and foster the joy of reading. Using collaborative discussions and activities enables students to understand the importance of considering various perspectives. Students write for a variety of purposes and audiences, using the writing process and technology to create and publish narrative, informative/explanatory, and argument texts..

• Recommended Grades: 9
• Credits: 1 credit

English 2

In this year-long course, students continue to develop their skills and understandings from the Common Core State Standards grade 9-10 band. Students engage with both literary and informational texts to hone their ability to read, write, and think critically about the course’s themes and topics while engaging in both collaborative work with their peers as well as independent work. Students write shorter and extended texts in the modes of narrative, informative/explanatory, and argumentative texts, leveraging technology, the research process, and the writing process to develop and publish writing.

• Recommended Grades: 10
• Credits: 1 credit

English 3

In this year-long course, students focus on the literary movements that comprise American literature and trace the chronology of national literature from the early American and colonial period through the contemporary period. Students read selections from the Native American oral tradition; seminal historical documents and essays; and fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. The survey of American authors includes Mark Twain, Ralph Ellison, and Julia Alvarez. Students continue to strengthen and apply higher-level critical reading, literary analysis, and research skills through the use of graphic organizers and note-taking strategies

• Recommended Grades: 11
• Credits: 1 credit

Algebra 1

In this course, students will practice applying mathematical ways of thinking to real world issues and challenges. Topics include: systems of linear equations and inequalities, linear, exponential, and quadratic relationships, and introductory statistics. Students will be challenged to think and reason both critically and mathematically by exploring multiple methods to solve real world problems. This course emphasizes mathematical modeling to analyze situations, and understand them better in order to make decisions. This course is aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and follows the Traditional Pathway, as outlined in Appendix A. The CCSS Mathematical Practice Standards are applied throughout this course.

• Recommended Grades: 9
• Credits: 1 credit

Geometry

The purpose of this geometry course is to understand the attributes and relationships of geometric figures which can be applied in diverse contexts. Topics include, but are not limited to, congruence, similarity, right triangle trigonometry, geometric properties of figures, modeling, probability, transformations and constructions. Geometry is devoted primarily to plane Euclidean geometry, studied with and without coordinate systems. This course is aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and closely follows the Traditional Pathway, as outlined in Appendix A. The CCSS Mathematical Practice Standards are applied throughout this course.

• Recommended Grades: 9-10
• Credits: 1 credit

Algebra 2

Algebra 2-Trigonometry includes a third semester of Algebra and a course in Trigonometry. Skills and concepts developed in Algebra 1 and Geometry are reviewed and studied in greater depth and new topics are presented.

• Recommended Grades: 10
• Credits: 1 credit

Pre-Calculus

In this course, students analyze various functions. They study quadratics, sequences, and series. Students expand their knowledge of trigonometric concepts and explore vectors and parametric equations. Finally, students examine concepts, including limits and derivatives, in preparation for their study of calculus. Throughout the course, lessons focus on ways in which mathematics is applied in the real world and is essential to everyday life. This, combined with an emphasis on mathematical reasoning and critical thinking skills, prepares students for future college and career opportunities.

• Recommended Grades: 10-11 (after completing Algebra 2)
• Credits: 1 credit

MMSD graduation requirements: Students must complete 1.5 credits of Physical Education and .5 credit of Health.

Physical Education 1

Foundations of Physical Activity is a course that provides opportunities for students to experience a wide variety of physical activities to promote lifelong health and wellness. Through this semester-long course, students will strive to refine various motor skills and movement patterns, increase understanding of activity strategies and concepts, and enhance physical fitness knowledge and performance. Participation in fitness and lifetime activities throughout the course will help students develop skills in teamwork, sportsmanship, and communication. This course aims to support students in developing an intrinsic connection to the importance of lifelong physical activity.

• Recommended Grades: 9
• Credits: 1/2 credit

Physical Education 2

This course is designed to give students opportunities to enhance fitness and skills in a variety of sport settings. Possible units of study include: tennis, fitness, games, volleyball, basketball, soccer, floor hockey, team handball, lacrosse and badminton.

• Recommended Grades: 10
• Credits: 1/2 credit

Personal Fitness

Get an in-depth understanding of what real fitness requires and how you can best increase your strength, endurance, and flexibility. Explore the world of healthy living, and see how real fitness can be achieved through intention, effort, and knowledge.

• Recommended Grades: 11
• Credits: 1/2 credit

Health Education

Health Education is a course designed to provide skills-based learning experiences that support students in becoming health literate individuals. The course will focus on analyzing internal and external influences, accessing health resources, communicating effectively with others, making healthy decisions, setting personal goals, practicing healthy behaviors, and advocating for personal and community health. Critical content will include personal health and wellness, healthy eating, mental and emotional health, alcohol and other drugs, and human sexuality.

• Recommended Grades: 9-10
• Credits: 1/2 credit

Biology

Biology is a lab-oriented course for students to develop their skills and understandings of science as described by the Next Generation Science Standards. Students will develop their science skills by asking questions, modeling natural phenomena, planning and conducting investigations, analyzing data, and constructing and presenting evidence-based arguments through actively investigating the major themes of biology including: Ecology and Ecosystems, Evolution, Cells to Organisms, and the Process of Carbon Cycling.

• Recommended Grades: 9
• Credits: 1 credit

Earth Science

Earth Science is a laboratory and engineering based class. Students will collaborate to design solutions to problems facing human society, including climate change, environmental contamination, resource management, and natural hazards. Students will also model natural processes to develop a deeper understanding and create innovative systems that provide a sustainable benefit to human society. Topics include concepts and historical context of: movement of the Earth’s crust (plate tectonics), global climate change and the carbon cycle, water systems on the Earth, human impact on the environment, natural hazards, and energy production.

• Recommended Grades: 10
• Credits: 1 credit

Chemistry

This rigorous full-year course engages students in the study of the composition, properties, changes, and interactions of matter. The course covers the basic concepts of chemistry and includes higher-order thinking applications. The components of this course include the composition and properties of matter, changes and interactions of matter, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry.

• Recommended Grades: 10-11
• Credits: 1 credit

AP Environmental Science

This course is designed for all students interested in learning about the environment. You will investigate how all aspects of science connect to build a better understanding of the environment. You design your own research projects and conduct a wide variety of lab investigations to study how environmental systems interact. You have opportunities to hear lectures from people involved in environmental science and to practice techniques used to study different environments. Your studies will include both global and local environmental concerns, sometimes exploring both sides of environmental issues. In addition, the course prepares you for the Advanced Placement Environmental Science exam, possibly resulting in college credit.

• Recommended Grades: 10-11
• Credits: 1 credit

US History

U.S. History is a comprehensive course that provides students with a survey of the history of the United States, examining time periods from Reconstruction through the World War II era. Students will explore the nature of change, how power is gained and maintained, what influences policy, how race, class and gender shape the American experience and their individual role in society. Within each unit, students will build their historical thinking, reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Students will also increase their skills of reading and writing through Close Readings strategies of primary and secondary sources and through Document Based Questions. By focusing on thesis statements, using evidence and examples, students will increase their knowledge of U.S. History and increase their reading and writing skills.

• Recommended Grades: 9
• Credits: 1 credit

World History

Students will become aware of the rich heritage and contributions of the entire world and its historic interdependence. The focus will be on the diversity, the history and the culture of the world’s people. Students will examine the rise and fall of nations and empires as well as the diffusion of ideas. Students are expected to participate in class discussions, read, complete homework and research projects outside of class. Units of study include: Africa, Asia, Europe, Indian Subcontinent, the Americas, and the Middle East.

• Recommended Grades: 10
• Credits: 1 credit

Modern US History

This course contains lessons addressing historical periods from the American Revolution to globalization and the 21st century. The lessons address key concepts, important historical figures, and significant events to help students gain an understanding of the political, economic, military and social structures of the early years of the United States through its emergence as a global superpower.

• Recommended Grades: 11
• Credits: 1/2 credit

Introduction to Psychology

Students gain an understanding of human behavior, including biological foundations and the brain, sensation, motivation, and perception. Students explore the relationship between learning and memory; various personality theories.

• Recommended Grades: 10-11
• Credits: 1/2 credit

AP Human Geography

This course is designed to provide college level instruction on the patterns and processes that impact the way humans understand, use, and change Earth’s surface. Students use geographic models, tools, and geographical data to examine spatial patterns and analyze the changing interconnections among people and places.

• Recommended Grades: 10-11
• Credits: 1 credit

French 1

Students join various native French speakers as they offer a lively introduction to their language and rich culture. New words and phrases are introduced with pictures, audio clips and examples. After one semester, students engage in conversational French introducing themselves and exchanging basic information with others. Students also explore cultures of Canada and other French-speaking countries. Bon voyage!

• Recommended Grades: 9-11
• Credits: 1 credit
• Note: Counts toward Humanities graduation requirement

French 2

Students join various native French speakers as they continue on their second-year journey through rich language and culture. They navigate French communicative skills with a heavy emphasis on listening and comprehension, in addition to speaking, reading and writing.

• Recommended Grades: 9-11
• Credits: 1 credit
• Note: Counts toward Humanities graduation requirement

Spanish 1

Students cover basic vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and punctuation to build a solid foundation for further study. Assignments include engaging in simple conversation, writing paragraphs, and listening to Spanish dialogue. Students also converse with a native speaker and study the history and culture of Spanish-speaking peoples.

• Recommended Grades: 9-10
• Credits: 1 credit
• Note: Counts toward Humanities graduation requirement

Spanish 2

As they engage in more advanced conversations, write paragraphs and stories, and translate to and from Spanish, students improve their vocabulary and grammar. Intense listening comprehension exercises aid in understanding more complex thoughts and subjects. Students also practice their speaking skills through conversations with a native speaker.

• Recommended Grades: 9-10
• Credits: 1 credit
• Note: Counts toward Humanities graduation requirement

Spanish 3

Students build their vocabulary and communication skills even further in Spanish III. Advanced grammar, including the study of tenses, sentence structure, and punctuation, is covered. Students also practice correct accents and learn to comprehend real-world native speech.

• Recommended Grades: 9-10
• Credits: 1 credit
• Note: Counts toward Humanities graduation requirement