WVS Credit Recovery Courses- Course Descriptions

Unless specified as a semester course, each course is divided into two semesters- "A" and "B". The cost for each Credit Recovery course is  now $200 per semester course.

NEW: Beginning with the Fall 2010 term, the maximum time a student has access to their Credit Recovery courses is 12 weeks. Extensions are available for a fee (see extension policy).

Algebra 1A & 1B Credit Recovery

The purpose of this course is to allow the student to gain mastery in working with and evaluating mathematical expressions, equations, graphs, and other topics in a year long algebra course. Topics included are real numbers, simplifying real number expressions with and without variables, solving linear equations and inequalities, solving quadratic equations, graphing linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, factoring, linear patterns, linear systems of equality and inequality, simple matrices, sequences, and radicals. Assessments within the course include multiple-choice, short answer, or extended response questions. Also included in this course are self-check quizzes, audio tutorials, and interactive games. Course Outline

Algebra 2A & 2B Credit Recovery

Algebra 2 expands on the mathematical content of Algebra I and Geometry. While the topics in Algebra 2 are interesting and important in their own right, they also serve as a basis for the material presented in subsequent mathematics courses, e.g. trigonometry and calculus. Emphasis will be on functions and algebraic solutions to various types of problems. Abstract thinking skills (including some proofs, and the notion of 'generality of a statement') will be introduced and cultivated. Course Outline

Geometry A & B Credit Recovery

A comprehensive course featuring geometric terms and processes, logic and problem solving.  Includes topics such as parallel line and planes, congruent triangles, inequalities and quadrilaterals.  Various forms of proof are studied. Emphasis is placed upon reasoning and problem solving skills gained through study of similarity, areas, volumes, circles, and coordinate geometry. A graphing calculator is recommended.  Course Outline

English 1A & 1B Credit Recovery

In this course, students will learn to use the Internet to communicate. They will explore mass media and gain an understanding of journalism and advertising practices. They will also explore a variety of literary genres and gain experience with research papers. This course has been specifically built with the credit recovery student in mind. The course content has been appropriately chunked into smaller topics to increase retention and expand opportunities for assessment. With each topic, diagnostic quizzes are presented to the student, allowing students to pass through areas of content that they have previously studied successfully. Post-topic quizzes are presented with each topic of content. Audio readings are included with every portion of content, allowing auditory learners the opportunity to engage with the course. Test pools and randomized test questions are utilized in pre- and post-topic quizzes as well as unit exams, ensuring that students taking the course will not be presented with the same exams. Novel Required. Course Outline   (Includes required reading list)

English 2A & 2B Credit Recovery

In English 2 Credit Recovery, students will read literary works from a variety of genres, from different cultures, and from classical and modern time periods. The elements of each genre and various literary techniques will be discussed to develop an understanding of the authors’ craft and the effectiveness and purposes of common literary devices. Students will be asked to understand more than storyline; they will be asked to contemplate the universality of literature, themes and motifs that transcend time and place. In order to develop critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate effectively, students will be asked to respond to their readings creatively and thoughtfully, to write for different purposes, to present material orally, and to evaluate material and ideas presented not only in the literature but also in the media. Novel Required. Course Outline (includes required reading list)

English 3A & 3B Credit Recovery

As students move toward the end of their high school careers, it is important to look forward and to understand how the skills they are developing in high school will transfer to college and the work place. In English III Credit Recovery, students will understand the practical applications of strong communication skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. This class will prepare students for college and beyond. When students complete English III Credit Recovery, they will have acquired the communication and critical thinking skills necessary for understanding, evaluating, interpreting and creating a variety of materials in various genres. In addition, students will develop the skills necessary to communicate their messages effectively to a variety of audiences for both academic and work-related purposes. Students will read and analyze classic and contemporary works of literature which will include but not be limited to an introduction to literature, poetry, drama and the media in America. Students will also learn to apply critical literary terms as tools for learning, understanding, and communicating. Learning activities include reading; listening; paraphrasing; essays; short answer, multiple choice, and true/false exams; self-check activities for students to measure their understanding; research papers; unit study guides; vocabulary journals with images; web quests; and others. The unit structure includes the broader idea of the unit as defined by the main heading. Units will include a combination of activities and will culminate in a unit exam and submittal of the finished unit project. Unit projects will be developed in phases throughout each section of the unit. Unit activities have been structured around five blocks: guided reading; writing; community (including listening and speaking); vocabulary; and independent reading. Unit lessons and performance tasks have been scaffolded carefully to help students achieve deeper levels of understanding. Novel Required. Course Outline

English 4A & 4B Credit Recovery

Additional activities appropriate for the English Language Learner have also been provided. They include cloze and word web activities; categorizing, matching and ordering activities; and the use of Venn diagrams and other graphic organizers. In addition, each unit provides a special four-part set of reading, listening, speaking, and writing activities that culminate in a teacher-graded unit project. Students are evaluated on the entire project when it is submitted. Additional vocabulary development and reinforcement activities are also provided. Learning activities include test pools, audio, games, tutorials, activities, and interactive questions. Each unit and each section within the unit begins with a pretest and a posttest. Novel Required. Course Outline

Biology A & B Credit Recovery

This course is an introduction to general biology and to the processes of scientific inquiry and thinking. It will include the fundamental principles of living organisms including physical and chemical properties of life, cellular organization and function, the transfer of energy through metabolic systems, cellular reproduction, the classification of living things, the six kingdoms of life will be examined. The main focus is to present biological information in an understandable and straight forward way that will capture the students’ interest dealing with up to date principles and concepts. Course Outline

Physical Science A & B Credit Recovery

Physical science is the introductory course to high school science courses and beyond. Students will expand on their middle school science experiences to prepare them for biology, chemistry and physics. This course will emphasize scientific thinking as a way of understanding the natural phenomenon that surrounds us. There will be numerous opportunities to dialog with other students about scientific theory and practice. In addition, there will be both simulated and real world laboratory experiences to further expand students' scientific horizons. Upon completion of this course students will be conversant in a number of scientific topics, understand how science is used in our daily lives and be comfortable with solving simple algebraic equations that support scientific laws.  Course Outline

American History A & B Credit Recovery

This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of American History. The content will focus on the origins of the nation's democratic principles and continue through present day domestic and foreign issues that affect American society. There will be a particular emphasis on the individuals and groups that have not only been impacted by the nation’s development but those who have made contributions as well. Students will utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills as they participate in interactive discussion, and complete assignments establishing real-world connections. Course Outline

American Government Credit Recovery  (one semester course)

This course is the study of the historical backgrounds, governing principles, and institutions of the government of the United States. The focus is on the principles and beliefs upon which the US was founded and on the structure, functions and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. The principles of popular sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances, republicanism, federalism, and individual rights will be examined as will the roles of individuals and groups in the American political system. Students will compare the American system of government with other modern systems and assess the strengths and problems associated with the American system. Course Outline

Geography A & B Credit Recovery

This Geography course will examine a broad range of geographical perspectives covering all of the major regions of the world. Each region will be reviewed in a similar structure so students can clearly see the similarities and differences between each region. Specifically, the course will explore where each region is located along with its physical characteristics, including absolute and relative location, climate, and significant geographical features. The exploration will then continue on to look at each region from a cultural, economic, and political perspective, closely examining the human impact on each region from these perspectives as well as how human activities impact the environments of the region.  Course Outline

World History A & B Credit Recovery

This course is a survey of world history from prehistoric to contemporary times. Students will learn about the socioeconomic, political, and ideological conditions of various time periods as they study historical events and cultural achievements or world regions. Using primary and secondary sources, they will utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills as they conduct inquiry-based research, participate in interactive discussions, and complete assignments establishing real-world connections. Course Outline

Physical Education Credit Recovery (one semester) NEW!

Through this online Physical Education course, students will explore many diverse activities, and will learn a wide variety of fitness concepts that they will be able to use in their everyday life. Students will learn about physical fitness and how their body works by studying static and dynamic balance, linear and rotary motion, anatomy and biomechanics. Lifelong skills – such as golf, tennis, Frisbee, and orienteering, along with stress management concepts incorporated into Yoga and Pilates – will also be taught.

Students will develop a sense of self-esteem and accomplishment through completion of cardiorespiratory activities and routines, attaining their personal fitness goals, and learning to care for their body. Integrated assignments will show students that content areas of Science, Social Studies, Math and English are relevant throughout Physical Education, and apply in our everyday activities. Pre-assessments and section quizzes will be given weekly, with exams given after each unit to assess content understanding. After completion of this course students, will have the knowledge to stay fit and stay active for a lifetime.  Course Outline