TAMAQUA AREA HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM OF STUDIES 2021-2022 The Tamaqua Area School District, in partnership with home and community, is committed to providing opportunities for students to achieve their maximum potentials as productive lifelong learners competing in an ever-changing global community
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TAMAQUA AREA HIGH SCHOOL
PROGRAM OF STUDIES
2021-2022
The Tamaqua Area School District, in partnership with
home and community, is committed to providing
opportunities for students to achieve their maximum
potentials as productive lifelong learners competing in an
ever-changing global community
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Tamaqua Area School District is an equal opportunity education
institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national origin, sex and handicap in its activities, programs or
employment practices as required by Title IV, Title IX and section
504.
For information regarding civil rights, grievance procedures, or
services, activities, and facilities that are accessible to and usable
by handicapped persons, contact Mr. Raymond J. Kinder,
Superintendent, Tamaqua Area School District.
Tamaqua High School believes we can prepare the students for this
world if you choose the right courses. Students who take an easy
schedule and do not challenge themselves will not be prepared. But
if you plan a schedule based on your interests and abilities, which
will challenge you to use and improve your capabilities, then you
will be prepared for the future.
Students should ask themselves the following questions before
making any course selections:
1. After considering my own abilities, interests, and limitations,
what do I want to do after high school?
2. What are the most appropriate subjects that I can take in high
school to help me accomplish this?
Spend time reviewing the courses offered and consider your own
interests. Talk to teachers, parents, and counselors about your
choices. Choose what is best for you. Challenge yourself. Prepare
yourself for the future. In making your choices, read the Program
of Studies carefully. It is filled with a tremendous amount of
pertinent information.
We are all here to help our students achieve the best possible
education. If you have any questions regarding your course
selections, please make an appointment with your guidance
counselor.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
All regular students are required to complete the following requirements in order to receive a
Tamaqua High School diploma.
Language Arts 4.0 credits
Social Studies 3.0 credits
Math 3.0 credits
Science 3.0 credits
Physical Education/Health 1.5 credits
Arts and Humanities 1.5 credits
Computer Applications I
YES
0.5 credits
0.5 credits
Other Electives 5.0 credits
Total 22.0 credits
MINIMUM CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
Each student (except Vo-tech) is required to schedule a minimum of 5.5 credits per year at
Tamaqua Area High School. This is equivalent to physical education and 5.3 credits of academic
courses. Community service does not count toward the 5.5 credits per year requirement. Vo-tech
students are required to select 2.6 credits at Tamaqua Area High School. This is equivalent to
physical education and 2.5 credits of academic courses.
PROMOTION POLICY
Any student who is deficient more than one credit in language arts will automatically be retained
at his present grade level. Students will not be promoted to the next grade unless the following
number of credits are achieved:
To grade 10 – 5.3
To grade 11 – 10.6
To grade 12 – 16.0
Students must have a minimum grade of 50% to attend summer school.
ARTS AND HUMANITIES
All students are required to complete 1.5 credits of Arts and Humanities. All students, except Vo-
tech students, will be able to count .50 credits of social studies toward this requirement.
Therefore, Vo-tech students need to take 2.0 credits while other students need 1.5 credits toward
this Arts and Humanities requirement. Vo-tech students may count 1.0 credit of Vo-tech courses
toward this requirement. The following courses may count toward this requirement: any foreign
language, industrial arts, home economics, music, art, or social studies course.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Advanced Placement courses are accelerated courses, which allow students to receive college
credit for courses completed while the student is in high school. To qualify for college credit, the
student must achieve a particular grade in the exam that is given in May. The exam is developed
and graded by the College Board Testing program. Tamaqua High School offers Advanced
Placement courses in English, Biology, US History, European History, US Government/Politics,
Spanish, Calculus and Physics. Students are responsible to pay for their own AP exam.
DUAL ENROLLMENT
Dual enrollment courses allow a student to receive Lehigh Carbon Community College credit for
courses completed while the student is enrolled in high school. To qualify for college credit, the
student must achieve a particular grade in a placement exam that is given in May. Once a student
qualifies it is his or her responsibility to register at LCCC. Tamaqua High School offers dual
enrollments in English, Statistics, Public Speaking, Marketing, Anatomy/Physiology and
Calculus.
COLLEGE PREP SEQUENCE
Required/Recommended Courses:
Grade 9 Language Arts 9 (General or Honors) World History (General or Honors) Algebra I or Algebra II
Environment & Ecology (General or Honors) Modern Foreign Language I Physical Education
Computer Applications I
Grade 10 Language Arts 10 (General or Honors) American Government and Civics (General or Honors)
Algebra II or Geometry Honors Biology or Biology 1/Biology 2 Modern Foreign Language II
Physical Education
Grade 11
Language Arts 11(General or Honors) AP Language Economics (General or Honors) Geometry
or Pre-Calculus Integrated Science I and II Chemistry (Honors or Principles) Health Physical
Education
Grade 12
AP Literature AP Language College English or Language Arts 12
Pre-Calculus or AP Calculus
Physics (AP, Honors or Principles), Anatomy and Physiology or AP Biology
Physical Education
Students should take the most challenging courses that are recommended and take as many
electives as they can fit in their schedules. Academic students should schedule more than the
minimum 5.5 credits per year.
Recommended Electives:
Community Service Public Speaking
Current Events
Accounting Psychology
Personal Finance Science Electives
GIEP Seminars (if
qualified) Creative Writing
Health Education Courses Music Courses
Modern Foreign Languages Computer Apps
II
Web Page & Video Design AP Courses
Criminal Justice
VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Schuylkill County Area Vocational-Technical Schools are located in Frackville and at Marlin
(near Minersville). Students that are interested in pursuing a skilled trade technical program can
apply for entrance by simply filling an application during the spring of the year. All programs are
three-year programs. However, a student can apply for one year of training if they so desire at
any point in time
NORTH CAMPUS
Auto Mechanics Carpentry Food Preparation Masonry Automotive Technology Health Careers
Marketing and Distributive Education Occupational Child Care Small Engine Repair
Electromechanical and Automation Diesel Mechanics
SOUTH CAMPUS
Cosmetology Food Preparation Welding Residential/Industrial Electricity Auto Body
Repair/Refurbishing Plumbing and Heating Technology Machine Trades Technology Computer
Technology Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology Agriculture
Education/Horticulture Technology
All Vo-tech students are required to schedule at least 2.60 credits at Tamaqua. Following
are the required sequence of courses to be taken at Tamaqua High School. Vo-tech
students must pass physical education each semester they attend TAHS.
Grade 9 Grade 10
Language Arts 9 Language Arts 10
Environment/Ecology Biology I and II
World History American Government and Civics
Mathematics Mathematics
Physical Education Physical Education
Computer Applications
SPECIAL ISSUES
COURSE WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES
After a course has been in session, students must carry the course to completion.
Students who drop courses will receive a WF grade. Difficulty of a course is not a reason
to drop a course. It is important to select the classes you wish to take carefully.
THE GRADUATION PROJECT
As part of the Chapter 4 requirements students will be asked to do a Graduation Project. The
purpose of the Graduation Project is to assure that students are able to apply, analyze,
synthesize, and evaluate information and communicate significant knowledge and
understanding. There are four steps to the graduation project. Each year the students will be
required to do two or more career-focused assignments. Each year the assignments will be
filed in the students’ graduation folders.
EARLY GRADUATION
If a student will earn enough credit and will meet all criteria for graduation by the end of the
first semester of his/her senior year, the student will be allowed to apply for early graduation.
This application must be filed with the guidance counselor no later than the last school day in
May of the student’s sophomore year.
All applications will be considered individually and must be accompanied by a letter of
acceptance from a college, a letter from an employer relative to the coordinated career
planned experience, or a statement from the parent indicating one of the above given reasons
to be imminent. In the event of extenuating circumstances (i.e. physical impairment) the
principal shall have the privilege of waiving the early application requirement.
Diplomas for early graduation will be presented only at the May graduation exercises.
Students who are early graduates are allowed to participate in all senior activities during the
second semester if the early graduate so chooses.
‘
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION
The Cooperative Work Experience Program is a unique learning opportunity that extends
classroom learning into business, industry, and the community. The opportunity to
experience the workplace helps students explore career options and gather the
information they need to make informed decisions about post-secondary goals.
The Cooperative Work Experience Program allows students to pursue employment in an
area of their career interest. The counselor, student, parent or guardian, Principal, and the
Cooperative Education Coordinator will determine a combined program of academics
and work release time. Credit above and beyond the mandatory 22 credits to satisfy
graduation requirements will be granted for successful completion of this program. Each
student’s progress is evaluated on an ongoing basis and includes the following: written
evaluations from the employer, on-site visitations to observe the student, telephone
evaluations with the employer, classroom instruction, and a career experience portfolio.
Students will be required to attend a mandatory Cooperative Work Experience
class daily. Class presentations and discussions will include interview techniques,
Students are required to have the appropriate paperwork completed for an approved job.
Each student must have their working papers (if under the age of 18), a training plan, and
a training agreement signed by the parent or guardian, the employer, the student-learner,
as well as the Cooperative Education Coordinator, and Principal, in order to participate in
the Cooperative Work Experience Program.
Students can earn from one to three credits upon completion of this program. Student
must be an 11th or 12th grader in order to be eligible.
LANGUAGE ARTS
A variety of Language Arts courses are offered to meet each student’s aptitude and ability.
Teacher recommendations will be based on classroom performance as well as standardized
tests. While the majority of students will be placed in general courses, advanced courses are
offered for those students who grasp material quickly and demonstrate an excellent command
of basic skills. Those students will proceed through a more in-depth course of study at a
quicker pace with additional independent reading/study requirements.
All students are required to take 4.0 credits of Language Arts. Neither Language Arts
electives nor remediation may substitute for a Language Arts core course. Vocational
technical students are required to take the same courses as all other students. To
accommodate their career track, a double period of Language Arts will be designated for Vo-
tech students to ensure they meet all district and state requirements in grades 10, 11, and 12.
12 LANGUAGE ARTS 9H ............................................................................... 1.0 Credit This honors level, reading/writing-intensive course is designed to provide students with an
accelerated genre study. Throughout the course, students will complete a comprehensive study of
fiction, non-fiction, poetry, epic poetry, and drama. Students will also study vocabulary and
grammar within each unit. A structured writing program examining the writing process and
various methods of organization will guide students through a variety of challenging formal and
informal writing assessments. Course expectations include but are not limited to a class study of
Romeo & Juliet, Night, The Odyssey, and other classic literature, a formal speech, increased
independent reading assignments, and the following formal writing assignments: personal
narrative, character analysis, New Historicist literary analysis, poetry explication, persuasive
essay, and a research paper. Students must have at least an 86% or higher in Language Arts 8 and
an 86% or higher in Writing 8 in addition to a strong work ethic, in order to qualify for this
advanced course. This course fulfills the requirements of a weighted course.
13 LANGUAGE ARTS 9 .................................................................................. 1.0 Credit
This course is designed to provide freshmen with a comprehensive genre study. Throughout
the course, students will study fiction, non-fiction, poetry, epic poetry, and drama. Students
will also study vocabulary and grammar within each unit. A structured writing program
examining the writing process and various methods of organization will guide students
through a variety of challenging formal and informal writing assessments, specifically
including a personal narrative, character analysis, persuasive essay, literary analysis, and
research paper. Students will also be required to read independently. All units and activities
will prepare students to be successful on the Keystone Literature exam in May.
20 LANGUAGE ARTS 10H ............................................................................. 1.0 Credit
This honors-level, reading and writing intensive course is designed to meet the PA Common
Core standards to provide students with an accelerated study of American Literature. Course
expectations include but are not limited to a class study of classic literature, a formal
persuasive speech, increased independent reading assignments, and the following formal
writing assignments: personal narrative, character analysis, theme analysis, persuasive, and a
problem-solution research paper. Students will continue development in the structured
writing program in which writing is taught as a process. Students will also study SAT-based
vocabulary and continue to refine previously acquired grammar skills and rules by applying
them to formal writing assignments. To be eligible for tenth grade honors, a student must
have at least an 86% average in the ninth grade honors course or have at least a 93% average
in the non-honors ninth grade section, obtain a teacher recommendation, and score
Advanced/Proficient on Keystone Literature exam in grade nine. This course fulfills the
requirements of a weighted course.
21 LANGUAGE ARTS 10 S……………………………………………..…...1.0 Credit
This course is specifically designed to satisfy the curriculum requirements in Language Arts
for the student attending the Vo-Tech School.
24 LANGUAGE ARTS 10 ................................................................................ 1.0 Credit
The study of American literature is designed to acquaint students with the great writers of
their native country and to meet the PA Common Core standards. Students will study this
classic literature while also being remediated in Keystone skills. Course expectations include
but are not limited to a class study of classic literature, a formal persuasive speech, and the
following formal writing assignments: personal narrative, character analysis, theme analysis,
and a problem-solution research paper. Students will continue development in the structured
writing program in which writing is taught as a process and will work on refining previously
acquired grammar skills and rules. Revision and quality content is stressed.
30 LANGUAGE ARTS 11H ............................................................................. 1.0 Credit
This honors-level, reading and writing intensive course is designed to meet the PA
Common Core standards to provide students with an in-depth study of British Literature.
Course expectations include but are not limited to a study of classic literature,
independent reading assignments, and a variety of formal writing assignments focused on
narratives, character analyses, thematic analyses, argumentation, and research. An
introduction to the following critical lenses will drive analysis of course texts: feminist,
Marxist, and psychoanalytic. SAT-based grammar and vocabulary units will supplement
assigned reading and writing. To be eligible for eleventh grade honors, students must
have earned an 86% average in the tenth grade honors course or a 93% average in the
non-honors tenth grade section, obtain a teacher recommendation, and have earned an
Advanced or Proficient on the Keystone Literature exam in grade nine. This course
fulfills the requirements of a weighted course.
31 LANGUAGE ARTS 11 S……….................................................................. 1.0 Credit
This course is specifically designed to satisfy the curriculum requirements in Language Arts
for the student attending the Vo-Tech School.
34 LANGUAGE ARTS 11 ................................................................................ 1.0 Credit
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of classic British
Literature and its relation to the modern world, and to further develop students’ abilities
in applicable PA Common Core standards. Course expectations include but are not
limited to a study of classic literature including works such as Beowulf, Macbeth, and
Frankenstein, and a continuation of developing students’ writing skills through
assignments such as narratives, character analyses, thematic analyses, argumentation, and
research. Appropriate grammar-based instruction and SAT-vocabulary will supplement
reading and writing assignments.
43 LANGUAGE ARTS 12…………….............................................................. 1.0 Credit
This class is designed to ensure that students are prepared for higher education in the liberal
arts. Students will continue developing their writing, reading, and critical thinking skills
through world literature units. The following formal writing assignments for this course are:
The Feminist analysis, the New Historicist Analysis, The Psycho-analytic analysis, The
Marxist analysis, personal narrative, character analysis, theme essay, and research paper.
These units will be comprised of classic literature, critical analytical writing assignments,
independent reading assignments, and projects specific to the enhancement of the unit.
45 LANGUAGE ARTS 12H .................................................................................... 1.0 Credit
This honors level, reading/writing-intensive course is designed to provide students with
an accelerated study of World Literature. The goal of the course is to prepare students for
college-level writing and enhance critical thinking skills. Throughout the course, students
will complete a comprehensive study of various cultures and their literary traditions.
Important classics from the Middle East, Greece, China, Japan, India, Italy, Africa,
England, and France will be read and analyzed. Additionally, students will continue to
refine previously learned grammar and writing skills by applying them to formal and
informal writing assessments. Course expectations include but are not limited to a class
study of The Iliad, The Inferno, and Things Fall Apart, a formal speech, increased
independent reading assignments, and the following formal writing assignments:
Biology is a full year course required of the student not taking Honors Biology. This course
will cover basic biological principles, the chemical basis of life, bioenergetics, homeostasis
and transport, cell growth and reproduction, genetics, and the theory of evolution. Biology
will help to prepare students to take the Biology Keystone Exam in May. Students must pass
this exam in order to graduate.
321 BIOLOGY S ................................................................................................. 1.0 Credit
This course is designed to meet the curriculum requirements in Biology for the student
attending STC.
347 RESEARCH TOPICS IN BIOLOGY............................................................. 0.25 Credit
Scheduling by Appointment Only
In this course the student will identify a problem, design and conduct independent research
using the scientific method to solve said problem. The student will be required to submit an
APA style research paper. The student will present this paper orally to the science faculty.
The student may schedule this course only after consulting a biology teacher.
350 HONORS CHEMISTRY .................................................................................. 1.4 Credit Prerequisites include a 90% or better average in Honors Biology OR a 95% or
better in Biology. Algebra II is required.
This course is for college bound students who intend to major in science or a related field. It
is a more rigorous and accelerated course than Chemistry. This course will cover all of the
topics included in Chemistry with more comprehensive analysis and application. In addition
to the topics covered in Chemistry, students will study thermochemistry, gas and solution
stoichiometry, acid-base chemistry, chemical equilibrium, and environmental chemistry. A
strong emphasis will be placed on qualitative and quantitative lab work.
351 AP CHEMISTRY…………………………………….……………………….. 1.0 Credit
Prerequisites include a 93% or better average in Honors Chemistry, a 90% or better in
Honors Algebra II or a 93% or better in Algebra II, and science teacher
recommendations.
This full-year course is a senior elective intended to prepare students for the AP Chemistry
exam in May. The AP Chemistry course is designed to provide students with a college-
level foundation in chemistry and support future advanced chemistry courses. Students
will expand upon many topics studied in Honors Chemistry. AP Chemistry students will
gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of chemical and mathematical
problem solving. The course focuses on six big ideas, including: atomic structure,
intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and
* Prerequisites include at least a C average in Chemistry or an A in both
Integrated Science I and II as well as a B in Algebra 2 and Geometry prior to
taking this course. It is strongly recommended that the student also
concurrently be taking at least Pre-Calculus.
This is a two-semester, non-calculus-based physics course. It is intended for students with a
good mathematical background who are college-bound since many colleges require a senior
lab science for admittance into certain programs. This course fulfills that requirement.
Topics include the study of Newtonian mathematics, thermodynamics, wave motion, and
light and optics. This class meets seven times per week and is 1.4 credits.
365 TECHNOLOGY IN SCIENCE ........................................................................ 0.5 Credit
Technology and Science is an elective course pertaining to the study of technology
throughout history as well as technologies in today’s world. This is a project-driven course
whereby the students will investigate not only past technologies to see why we are where we
are today, but also emerging technologies to help make the student a better citizen of
tomorrow. Topics include (but are not limited to): genetic engineering, eugenics, nuclear
sciences, mathematical models, and artificial intelligence.
369 Survey of Physics 2 ………………………………………………….….0.5 Credit
This is one-semester, algebra 1-based physics course. It is intended for students who have an
algebra background and a continuation of Survey of Physics. It is a senior science elective
for the general student and cannot be taken in lieu Survey of Chemistry to fulfill the science
credit. Topics include Circular Motion; Simple Harmonic Motion: springs and pendulums;
Energy: conservation, elastic, and capacitor; Electricity: equivalent resistance and
capacitors, Thermodynamics: expansion, heat absorption/loss, transfer and latent heat;
Waves: interactions and EM waves; Optics: mirrors and lenses.
382 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY................................................................. 1.2 Credit
*Prerequisites include prospective students successfully completing three years of
Science - Environment and Ecology (or Honors Environment and Ecology), Biology (or
Honors Biology), Chemistry (or Honors Chemistry) and securing the signature of their
current science teacher. This course can also be taken by juniors who are concurrently
enrolled in Chemistry or Honors Chemistry. Additionally, students must have scored
Proficient or Advanced on the PA Biology Keystone exam.
An elective offered as a Dual Enrollment course through LCCC (BIO 163 and BIO 164),
primarily for seniors interested in preparing for a career in nursing, allied medical fields,
physical education, occupational therapy, radiology, or physical therapy. The course meets
six times per week and is designed as a detailed study of the structure and physiology of the
human body systems with a concentration on how the systems coordinate to maintain
homeostasis. Several dissections are required as part of the curriculum.
BUSINESS
Business courses reflect the increased application of technology. Many business courses can
be taken for personal use and for other career areas. Articulation agreements with local
colleges will allow you to take advanced placement tests.
420 BUSINESS MATH ........................................................................................... 1.0 Credit
Business Math is a course for the student who seeks specific skills in mathematics to address the real-world application of solving business and consumer problems. During the first half of the course, students will learn the basics of personal business mathematics including income, banking, credit cards, loans, automobile transportation, housing costs, insurance and investments. The second half of the course will involve business mathematics with instruction in human resource personnel, production, purchasing, sales, marketing, accounting, and financial management. The final project will consist of creating a Business Plan for a fictitious business, which will help in aiding student understanding of the material for real-world application.
421 BUSINESS MATH FOR COLLEGE .............................................................. 0.5 Credit
This course is designed for students planning to enter a Business-related technology area in
Consumer Law enables students to examine the practical legal issues related to their daily
lives, both now and in the future. The course utilizes a “life Cycle” approach that evolves
around relevant issues such as: being a consumer, agency employment, planning for the
future, using purchasing power, and looking toward later life. Notable personal law coverage
includes buying and insuring a car, renting and buying property, marriage, divorce,
retirement, and the use of personal credit.
444 PERSONAL FINANCE ....................................................................................0.5 Credit
Personal Finance is a course for the student who would like to understand wants, needs, and values and how these affect personal financial decisions. All students are consumers. They spend, they save, they try to budget; they think about homes, cars, careers, and families in their future. They need to be informed about their various financial responsibilities today and to prepare for the real choices ahead. In order to prepare students for their financial futures, the topics covered during this half-year course will be: career decisions, money management, financial security, credit management, personal decision making including housing, real estate and automobiles, insurance, and consumer rights and responsibilities.
448 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS II- Digital Exploration ................................ 1.0 Credit
This half of the certificate program (both 472 and 473 are needed for certification) offers
coursework that helps students develop the fundamental skills employers require to maintain
a well trained workforce. Specific to this course, students will review the following modules:
Listening skills, feedback, customer service, health & safety, entrepreneurship, emotional
intelligence, substance abuse, sexual harassment in the workplace, time management, goal
setting, personal finance, total compensation, paradigm shift, professional impact, quality,
meeting skills, conflict management, problem solving, diversity and leadership, and other
topics that lead to workplace success. Student will tour two workstations and take part in a
community service project. The complete certificate offered by completing both courses
(471 A&B) are endorsed by many regional employers, and students completing the program
are considered to be “preferred applicants” by employers throughout Pennsylvania including
the Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Council.
463 INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS……...……………………………….…...0.5 Credit
This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to the key operations of the business world –its organization, the different forms of businesses, environmental concerns, and managerial context, while increasing student awareness of business functions and the business environment. Underlying business concepts will be discovered through the study of real-world examples. The knowledge that students will have acquired by the end of this semester course will serve as a solid foundation on which more focused and concentrated business studies can be applied. Course is open to juniors, and seniors.