9-12 Course Descriptions - PACT Charter School

2013-2014 

Registration Materials: 

Grades 9-12 

Course Descriptions 

Revised 11/12


PACT Charter School Graduation Requirements 

Students graduating from PACT will need the following High School Credits: 

• Language Arts (English) --- 4 credits 

• Social Studies --- 4 credits 

o Geography - 1 credit 

o U.S. History - 1 credit 

o World History - 1 credit 

o Government Systems – 1/2 credit 

o Economics – 1/2 credit 

• Science --- 3 credits 

o Physical Science - 1 credit 

o Biology - 1 credit 

o Chemistry –OR- Physics - 1 credit 

• Math --- 3 credits 

(minimum of Algebra II) 

• Foreign Language --- 1 credit 

• Physical Education/ Health --- 1 credit 

o 9 th grade - 1/2 credit 

o 10 th grade - 1/2 credit 

• Fine Arts --- 1 credit 

(student's choice of Fine Arts courses OR Aerobics/Dance) 

• Advisory --- 1 credit 

o 9 th - 12 th grade 1/4 credit per year 

• Electives --- 6-7 credits (refer to chart) 

PACT Charter School 

Graduation Credit Requirements 

Grad Year 2014 2015 + 

Course credits credits 

English/Language Arts 4 4 

Social Studies 4 4 

Math (Algebra 2) 3 3 

Science 3 3 

Foreign Language 1 1 

PE/Health 1 1 

Fine Arts 1 1 

Advisory 1 1 

Electives 6 7 

Total 24/29 25/29 

Class of 2014 - Total 

credits required for 

graduation: 

24 Credits 

NOTE: Students must also pass the Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma for graduation 

NOTES: 

• Selected courses will be offered as web-enhanced or online. These courses will still be taught and facilitated at 

PACT by the classroom instructor. 

• One credit is equivalent to a full-year or completion of two semesters of a course. 

• One-half credit is equivalent to completion of one semester of a class. 

• Some student transcripts may reflect less than a credit because of transfer ratios from other schools. If this 

happens for transfer students, the equivalent of a full-year course will be credited as one credit toward the 

graduation requirement. 

• If preplanned, up to one credit (total) in elective classes may be substituted for credit in a core class of the same 

discipline. 

• The Fine Arts requirement may be met by taking two semesters (or a combination of two) of music, dance, drama, 

visual arts or media arts. 

• Students can only receive credit for a course if they earn a grade of “D-“ or higher. 

• If a student successfully completes the recommended 6.25 credits per year they will have earned 25 credits by 

graduation. 

• Students can earn credits beyond the minimum required for graduation. 

• Class rank is determined using a weighted grade point average. 


GRADES 9 – 12 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 

NOTE: Courses offered are subject to a minimum class size of 10 students per semester. 

Advisory – Offered every year 

NOTE: Students are required to complete one credit of Advisory or equivalent for graduation 

This course meets approximately one hour per week. Every student will be enrolled in an Advisory course. (Some 

exceptions may apply for PSEO students with the approval of the PACT Guidance Counselor.) During Advisory, students 

will be updated on school events, refine their study skills and work toward development of positive character traits. They 

will have the opportunity to develop a connection with their peers in grades 7-12, and with their Advisor, who can assist 

with individual concerns. Advisory also serves as a place for students to track their academic progress, register for 

upcoming classes, and develop an ongoing portfolio of their work. Students will remain with the same advisor from 7 th 

grade through 12 th grade. 

CREDIT: 0.25 credit 

WEB-ENHANCED/ONLINE COURSES 

Select courses will be offered as “web-enhanced” or “online”. These courses will be taught in the regular classroom on 

campus and facilitated by the PACT classroom instructor. “Web-enhanced” or “online” means that the teacher will teach 

some or all of the course using online technologies. Students will have access to computers in their classroom for these 

courses. 

NOTE: The school will work with families to provide reasonable access to computers and Internet. 

HONORS OPTION 

An HONORS option may be available in Language Arts and/or in Social Studies. Typically, HONORS work will be 

integrated into the standard classroom through differentiated instruction. Students who elect the HONORS option will be 

challenged through a deeper analysis of topics covered, allowing them to apply higher-level thinking skills. HONORS 

students may be covering advanced coursework and may have alternate writing expectations. Students who elect the 

HONORS option may complete different assignments/projects than the standard course. These may include, but are not 

limited to tiered assignments, project menus, integration matrixes, and essay exams. 

To participate in an HONORS course, a student must have earned a grade of “B” or higher in the previous course in the 

same discipline, and/or have the recommendation and approval of the instructor. Students can elect to participate in up to 

two HONORS courses at a time. At the beginning of the semester students will sign a contract with their teacher outlining 

the requirements for the course. 

Grades for HONORS courses are 

weighted differently for GPA 

calculation. Students enrolled in these 

classes will earn grades according to 

the following table: 

Grade Weights 

Regular HONORS 

Regular Honors 

Grade 

Grade 

Weight Weight 

Weight Weight 

A 4.000 4.200 C 2.000 2.000 

A- 3.667 3.867 C- 1.667 1.667 

B+ 3.333 3.533 D+ 1.333 1.333 

B 3.000 3.200 D 1.000 1.000 

B- 2.667 2.867 D- .667 .667 

C+ 2.333 2.533 F 0 0 

NOTE: Participation in these courses satisfies the core requirements. 

HONORS Language Arts 

NOTE: This course will apply toward the Language Arts graduation requirement. 

Pre-requisite: A grade of “B” or higher in the previous Language Arts course and/or instructor recommendation/approval. 

CREDIT: 1 credit 

HONORS Social Studies 

NOTE: This course will apply toward the Social Studies graduation requirement 

Pre-requisite: A grade of “B” or higher in the previous Social Studies course and/or instructor recommendation/approval. 

CREDIT: 1 credit 

Grades 9-12 Course Descriptions Page 4 of 12 Revised 11/12

LANGUAGE ARTS 

CORE CLASSES: 

Language Arts 9/10 - Offered every year 

NOTE: This is a required course for 9 th and 10 th grade students. 

This is a broad-based course designed to help students become avid readers, dynamic communicators, and creative 

thinkers. Literature that inspires, entertains, and teaches valuable life lessons will be introduced with the hope that 

students will learn to appreciate literature and reading in general. Students will continue to develop grammar skills and 

apply them in various composition assignments. They will also have several opportunities to practice public speaking 

skills. 


Language Arts 11/12 - Offered every year 

NOTE: This is a required course for 11 th and 12 th grade students. 

NOTE: This course will be “web-enhanced” or “online” but will be taught and facilitated at PACT by the 

classroom instructor. 

This course will help students refine their reading, writing and speaking skills in preparation for post-secondary education, 

the workplace, and life. Students will have opportunities to gain an appreciation of great literature and a love of reading, 

as well as confidence in their own written and oral communication. In working to sharpen writing skills, students will 

accelerate their study of vocabulary and usage, and write various types of compositions, both structured and creative. 


ELECTIVES: 

Composition (9-12 elective) – Next year offered: 2013-2014 (2 year rotation) 

This course will prepare students for writing in college and various career fields. Students will learn how to write college 

entrance essays, academic essays, resumes, business letters and other formats. Creative writing may be incorporated 

when time allows. 


Speech/Communications (9-12 elective) – Next year offered: 2013-2014 (2 year rotation) 

This is an elective course designed to help students become confident oral communicators who use solid, thoughtful 

content as well as dynamic delivery. Students will learn about and present various types of speeches and will study 

debate and argumentation. Impromptu speeches will also be used so that students can gain a variety of “real life” 

speaking experiences, equipping them with poise and confidence. 


World Literature and Multicultural Studies (9-12 elective) – Next year offered 2014-2015 (4 year rotation) 

This course will introduce students to a variety of texts from multiple cultures from around the world. Students will read 

novels, short stories, poetry, and may view film. Students will have the opportunity to think, discuss and write critically 

about this literature as they develop an understanding of how different groups of people relate to one another, and 

discover elements of various cultures that transcend cultural boundaries and are universally human. 


Journalism (9-12 elective) - Next year offered: 2014-2015 (2 year rotation) 

This course offers students the opportunity to experience the study of reporting, news writing, and related aspects of 

journalism. They will learn how to interview, write human-interest stories, cover sports, write editorials, and more. 


American Literature (9-12 elective) – Next year offered: 2016-2017 (4 year rotation) 

This course will focus on classic literature written by great American minds and will encompass different literary genres 

including novels, dramas, short stories, essays and poetry. Students will explore literature based on American history, 

culture, and literary and philosophical movements. Students will learn and practice analysis, literary criticism and 

reflective/expository writing. 



SOCIAL STUDIES 

CORE CLASSES: 

US History 9/10 – Next year offered: 2013-2014 (2year rotation) 

NOTE: This is a required course for 9 th or 10 th grade students. 

NOTE: This course will be “web-enhanced” or “online” but will be taught and facilitated at PACT by the 

classroom instructor. 

This course will provide opportunities for students to examine the key experiences in American history. Topics were 

chosen because they represent important turning points that altered the course of the United States. Students will 

understand certain events that occurred in our nation's history and how those events impact our world today. 

CREDIT: 1.0 credit. 

World History 11/12 – Next year offered: 2013-2014 (2 year rotation) 

NOTE: This is a required course for 11 th or 12 th grade students. 

This course will introduce students to a broad range of history from Ancient Greeks to World War II. Students will learn 

about the cultures, people and events that have helped to shape our world, as we know it today. Students will also gain 

an appreciation for the contributions of other cultures to the formation of the world. 


Geography 9/10 – Next year offered: 2014-2015 (2 year rotation) 

NOTE: This is a required course for 9 th or 10 th grade students. 

NOTE: This course will be “web-enhanced” or “online” but will be taught and facilitated at PACT by the classroom 

instructor. 

The purpose of this course is to help students develop a broad understanding of the world in which we live so that they, in 

turn, can better understand the culture in which they live. Students will learn about the physical as well as the human 

geography of various regions in the world, including the United States. They will use the information that they gather to 

draw conclusions and make inferences about major geographic issues that are facing various countries and regions. 


Government Systems 11/12 – Next year offered: 2014-2015 (2 year rotation) 


This course provides students with the opportunity to learn about the origins and history of our national and state 

governments, as well as their structure and how they function. Issues surrounding individual freedoms will be explored, 

including a study of the American legal system and how it functions. Students will learn about a citizen’s responsibility 

and duty to participate in government. 

Prerequisites: Geography and US History 


Economics 11/12 - Next year offered: 2014-2015 (2 year rotation) 


Topics in this course include both micro and macroeconomics. Students will learn about market economies, the effect 

that supply and demand have on markets, how changes in the economy affect individuals, businesses, nations, and the 

environment. Concepts such as inflation, unemployment, and taxation and how they affect the economy will also be 

covered. Students will evaluate different economic systems and the rules for governing them. 

Prerequisites: Geography and US History 


ELECTIVES: 

Criminal Justice (9-12 elective) – Next year offered: 2013-2014 (2 year rotation) 

This course will introduce students to the study of the American Criminal Justice System. Emphasis will be given to the 

study of the interaction between law enforcement agencies, the court systems and society. Students will also examine the 

constitutional protections and limitations of the Justice System. 


Current Issues (9-12 elective) – Next year offered: 2013-2014 (2 year rotation) 

In this course, students will accumulate a wide scope of knowledge of world leaders, conflicts, issues, and current events 

and evaluate how these things shape the world in which we live. Students will develop critical thinking skills through the 

analysis of causes, effects and potential solutions to these problems. Students will also develop oral communication skills 

through class discussions and individual presentations. Although the focus of this course will be on international issues, 

ample time will be given to the discussion of local and national issues as well. 



Sociology (11-12 elective) – Next year offered: 2013-2014 (2 year rotation) 

The goal of this course is to study human interaction so that students may gain an understanding of the structures and 

functions of the basic social institutions common to all societies. The focus is primarily upon contemporary American 

society, but comparisons with other cultures are made. Topics covered include the techniques of the sociologist, the 

nature of culture and cultural change, social class and social mobility, racial and ethnic relations, population pressures, 

the family as a social institution, and deviant behavior. 


Psychology (11-12 elective) – Next year offered: 2014-2015 (2 year rotation) 

This course will cover the scientific study of human beings. Psychology attempts to identify biological, social, and 

environmental factors, which help describe, explain, predict and control behavior. Topics covered include the brain and 

nervous system, learning, thinking, memory, emotion, social psychology, personality, conflict, emotional and behavioral 

problems (such as anxiety, schizophrenia, depression, etc.) and psychotherapy. 


Civil/Constitutional Law (9-12 elective) – Next year offered: 2014-2015 (2 year rotation) 

This course allows students to study past and current Supreme Court cases by analyzing the interpretations of the 

principles of the U.S. Constitution. Students will read, discuss and evaluate the majority and minority opinions in their 

historical settings and perspectives. In units dealing with civil law, students will apply legal principles to the problems of 

the individual, business and society. The rights and liabilities of individuals in everyday activities will be covered. 


International Relations (9-12 Elective) – Next year offered 2014-2015 (2 year rotation) 

This course will offer historical perspective and modern-day analysis of the relations between the United States and 

countries around the world. Students will look at how decisions regarding foreign policy are made and the rivalries that 

result from these decisions. Students will also analyze how global conflict is managed including military and humanitarian 

concerns. Finally, students will look at problems faced in the 21 st Century and potential solutions to those problems. 

Prerequisite: U.S. History 


MATH 

NOTE: Students are enrolled according to successful completion of the math course from the prior year. Three 

credits of math in high school are required for graduation—but four credits are recommended for college 

preparation. Students are required to complete math coursework up to at least Algebra 2 for graduation. 

Intermediate Algebra – Offered every year 

This course incorporates the study of algebraic language. It will build on and further develop the skills needed to solve 

mathematical problems. It stresses both the structure and the development of theoretical and real world problem solving. 

Topics covered include order of operations, distributive property, solving equations using properties of equality, graphing 

inequalities, solving inequalities, ratios and rates, proportions, inductive reasoning, linear equations, slope of a line, 

solving a system of equations, exponents, polynomials and solving quadratic equations. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-Algebra or math equivalent. 


Geometry - Offered every year 

This course will cover the broad areas of proofs and formulas using an interactive problem-solving approach. Topics 

include fundamental concepts and patterns, geometric reasoning and proof, parallel and perpendicular lines as they relate 

to Euclidean Geometry, triangle relationships and triangle congruence, investigating right triangles, exploring 

quadrilaterals and similarity, an introduction to trigonometry, polygons, surface area, volume and circles. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 or math equivalent 


Algebra 2 - Offered every year 

This course is intended to tie the courses of Algebra 1 and Geometry together to provide a backbone for future math 

courses. Students will practice representing mathematical ideas verbally, numerically, algebraically and graphically. 

Intense problem solving, critical thinking, and vocabulary-building skills will also be reinforced. Topics studied include 

linear equations, relations and functions, polynomials, rational expressions and equations, radicals, quadratic equations, 

and systems of equations. 

Perquisite: Successful completion of Geometry or math equivalent. 



Pre-Calculus (Graduation Requirement Option) - Offered every year 

This college-prep course is a continuation and extension of the skills developed in previous math courses. Topics include 

functions and graphs, trigonometry, vectors, parametric equations, polar equations, systems and matrices, analytic 

geometry, discrete math and an introduction to limits, derivatives and integrals. In this course students will look at these 

topics from graphical, numerical, and symbolical perspectives. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2 or math equivalent 


NOTE TO STUDENTS: Students interested in continuing Math instruction in Calculus should speak with the Guidance 

Counselor about the options available to them. PACT will not offer this class in 2012-2013. 

Finance Math (Graduation Requirement Option) - Offered every year 

This course will cover topics related to investments, simple interest, present and future values of annuities, consumer 

credit, the cost of home ownership, financial reports, depreciation, inventory and overhead, revenue and income, stocks, 

bonds and mutual funds. Students will be expected to have advanced algebra skills for this course. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2 


Statistics (Graduation Requirement Option) - Offered every year 

This is a hands-on algebraic approach to collecting and analyzing data with a focus on communication and interpretation. 

Projects and writing critically will be incorporated into the course. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2 


SCIENCE 

NOTE: Three credits of Science are required for graduation. Beginning with the class of 2015, STUDENTS ARE 

REQUIRED TO TAKE EITHER CHEMISTRY OR PHYSICS for graduation. Depending on the year, an 11 th or 12 th 

grade student may choose between either Advanced Biology or Environmental Science as an additional science 

elective course to enhance their transcript and prepare them for college. 

CORE CLASSES: 

Introduction to Physics 9 - Offered every year 

NOTE: This is a required course for 9 th grade. 

Physics is the study of matter and energy. This involves topics like motion, forces, momentum, energy, electricity, light, 

sound, gravity, waves, and many more. The course will focus mainly on the conceptual side of Physics, but equations 

expressing physical concepts will be used throughout the curriculum. There will also be a large engineering component to 

the class where students will be asked to complete tasks and create products to varying specifications. Satisfactory 

completion of this course satisfies the Minnesota Department of Education requirement for Physics. 


Biology 10 - Offered every year 

NOTE: This is a required course for 10 th grade. 

This course is designed to cover the foundational concepts of biology and meets MCA State Science Standards. 

Information will be presented on the nature of science and engineering, ecology and ecosystems, human interactions with 

living systems, chemistry of life, cell structures and function, immune system, cell growth and replication, heredity, 

DNA/protein synthesis/gene technology, and evolution with comparative dissection. Content will be presented in a variety 

of ways to facilitate student learning and to increase understanding that biology can be applied beyond the classroom 


Chemistry (11/12 Graduation Requirement Option) – Next year offered: 2013-2014 (2 year rotation) 

NOTE: Chemistry OR Physics is required for graduation (beginning with the class of 2015) 

This course introduces students to the world of chemistry. They will learn how chemical reactions occur, what causes 

them to occur, and what limits chemical interactions. They will also learn about the many ways chemistry enhances our 

lives. Students will learn about the periodic table, compounds, chemical bonding, stoichiometry and chemical qualities. 

This course presents introductory college chemistry content which is required for a number of science professions, and is 

a good preparatory course for college sciences. 

Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1 with a grade of "C" or higher. 



Physics (11/12 Graduation Requirement Option) - Next year offered: 2014-2015 (2 year rotation) 

NOTE: Physics or Chemistry is required for graduation (beginning with the class of 2015) 

Students will examine Physics as a tool for better understanding the world around them. Science is important in the 

modern world and serves as a foundation on which students may place the components necessary for a complete college 

education. Physics is the foundational science of engineering, aerospace, nuclear power, nuclear medicine as well as 

subjects as different as architecture and kinesiology. 

Prerequisite: Introduction to Physics and Biology 


ELECTIVES: 

Environmental Science (11/12) – Next year offered: 2013-2014 (2 year rotation) 

This course carefully analyzes the many interactions of people with the Earth and its resources. This course will examine 

ecosystems, the delicate balance of nature, the laws that govern energy/resource use, supply and demand of resources, 

future implications for resources, and current environmental issues. The critical examination will train students to be 

informed citizens and conscientious users of the earth's resources. 

CREDIT: 1.0 

Advanced Biology (11/12) – Next year offered: 2014-2015 (2 year rotation) 

This course complements the basic course Biology 10. Course content includes human anatomy and physiology, plant 

anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and applied forensics. Students will be able to critically analyze information using 

the scientific method through applied research. Completion of this course (with some additional study and review) will 

provide adequate preparation for a student to take the Biology CLEP test for college credit. 

Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Biology. 


FOREIGN LANGUAGE 

NOTE: Students who have completed Spanish 7 and Spanish 8 at PACT Charter School with a grade of “C” or 

higher in both courses will need to enroll in Spanish II to fulfill their high school foreign language graduation 

requirement. 

Spanish I – Offered every year 

This course offers students the opportunity to learn a second language--one that is spoken by millions of people 

throughout the world. They will practice speaking while learning vocabulary and grammar. Students will have opportunities 

to listen to others speaking Spanish through a variety of media and to work with others on fun and interesting projects. 


Spanish II (9-12 elective) – Offered every year 

This course will provide students the opportunity to improve their ability to speak, read, and understand Spanish. If a 

student is college-bound, completion of two years of a foreign language in preparation for college admissions is 

encouraged. 

Prerequisite: A final grade of “C” or higher in Spanish 7 and 8, or Spanish I. 


Spanish III (9-12 elective) – Offered every year (based on student interest and meeting minimum class size) 

This course will give students the opportunity to expand their ability to speak, read, and understand the language, building 

on what was learned in Spanish II. The goal of this course is to encourage accurate spoken communication, with more 

emphasis placed on speaking. 

Prerequisite: A final grade of “C” or higher in Spanish II. 



FINE ARTS 

NOTE: Students enrolling more than once in courses with the designation This course may be repeated may be 

expected to perform more advanced skills and may be asked to train or assist other students. 

Band (9-12 elective) - Offered every year 

This course is open to any high school student who has experience or interest in playing a band instrument. The 

repertoire will encompass widely varied styles. Participation in all concert performances is considered an integral part of 

the course and is expected. There might be other performance opportunities in which students may be asked to 

participate. Students may also participate in a weekly small group or individual lesson with the director. 

This course may be repeated. 


Choir (9-12 elective) – Offered every year 

This course will teach music history and theory while singing a varied repertoire of music. Students will develop singing 

techniques and sight-singing skills that were introduced in previous years, though prior experience singing is not required. 

Participation in all performances (winter and spring concerts, large group festival, and possibly at sporting events) is 

considered an integral part of the course and is expected. Students are encouraged to sing at community events, and to 

participate in Solo & Ensemble Festival. 



Drama (9-12 elective) – Offered every year 

This course is designed for students who want to express themselves creatively, gain poise and confidence before an 

audience, and have fun! Students will experience all phases of drama and the full spectrum of the theatrical experience. 

They will develop skills in constructing, rehearsing, and presenting both scripted and non-scripted scenes. This course 

will utilize a grading system that rewards effort and mastery of skills taught. 


CREDIT: 0.50 credit OR 1.0 credit 

Graphic Design (9-12 elective) – Offered every year 

This course teaches disciplines used to create original publications that include the PACT Yearbook, the PRISM Alumni 

Magazine, The Zine, and the graduation program. It encompasses the process by which communications are created and 

the sale of the products generated. Students should have strong computer skills. They will learn photography, editing, 

small business principles, and public and interpersonal communication skills and will apply computer skills using 

Photoshop, InDesign and Moviemaker in the creation of visual and video presentations. 



Ceramics (9-12 elective) – Next year offered: 2013-2014 (2 year rotation) 

This course will allow students to use a variety of clays to explore the art of hand process, glazing and firing a piece of 

sculpture, pottery and 3-dimentional hanging designs. 



3-D Design (9-12 elective) – Next year offered: 2013-2014 (2 year rotation) 

This course allows students to discover the history and dynamics of 3-D design. They will learn three-dimensional design 

techniques and use of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, copper, aluminum, sterling silver, semi-precious 

stones, glass, clay, wood, leather, and weaving items. This course may be repeated. 


Art & Publishing (Computer Design) (9-12 elective) - Next year offered: 2014-2015 (2 year rotation) 

This course explores the connection between photographic artistic expression and advanced computer technology. 

Students will learn the history of photography, digital photography, and design with computer enhancement as they 

combine pure design techniques with computer programs to create individual pieces of visual and video art as well as 

advertising and brochure compositions. 

This course may be repeated 



Art History and Painting (9-12 elective) - Next year offered: 2014-2015 (4 year rotation) 

This course exposes students to great artists and offers the opportunity to be inspired by their work. Coursework includes 

drawing and acrylic and oil painting that are taught via a hands-on journey. The course may be supported by field trips to 

the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The goal is to advance in the knowledge and love of art. 


Drawing and Painting (9-12 elective) - Next year offered: 2016-2017 (4 year rotation) 

This course is for students who want to learn how to draw or who already love drawing and want to learn more. The close 

connection of drawing to watercolor provides a natural transition into one of the most loved forms of artistic expression. 

The goal is to develop a lifelong enjoyment of these activities. 


PHY ED / HEALTH 

Phy. Ed/Health 9/10 – Offered every year 

NOTE: This is a required course in both 9 th and 10 th grade. 

This course provides the knowledge and skills that will enable students to understand the importance of developing and 

maintaining health-related fitness. Students will evaluate their own personal fitness levels and set goals for improvement. 

Students will participate in activities that will work toward the general goal of fitness and developing a healthy lifestyle. 

Units may include floor hockey, team handball, softball, basketball, and volleyball. 


Individual Sports (9-12 elective) – Next year offered: 2013-2014 (2 year rotation) 

This course offers students the opportunity to learn the basic skills and game strategies of many individual sports. Some 

of the sports included in this course are badminton, gym tennis and other racket sports, golf, handball, jogging, disc golf, 

bowling, and weight lifting. 


Outdoor Recreation (9-12 elective) – Next year offered: 2013-2014 (3 year rotation) 

This course provides the knowledge, skills and safety requirements that will enable students to participate in a variety of 

outdoor activities. Students will participate in activities like canoeing, archery, camping, flora and fauna identification, 

biking and/or fishing. There may be fees associated with this course for some of the activities offered. There may be 

additional meeting dates associated with this class that fall outside of the regularly scheduled school day/week. 


Personal Fitness (9-12 elective) – Next year offered: 2014-2015 (2 year rotation) 

This course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills that will enable students to understand the importance of 

developing and maintaining health-related fitness. Students will evaluate their own personal fitness levels and set goals 

for improvement. Students will learn how to develop habits that they can carry with them throughout their lives. Students 

will participate in running, conditioning sets and weight training. CPR and First Aid may also be included. 



Aerobics/Dance (9-12 elective) - Next year offered: 2014-2015 (3 year rotation) 

NOTE: This course may be used to apply toward the Fine Arts credit requirement. 

This course is designed to provide opportunities for students to develop an interest in lifetime physical activities. Students 

will participate in aerobics, Tae Bo, pilates, relaxation exercises, and dance. This course is for students interested in 

personal/athletic training and group fitness instruction. Self-defense instruction may also be included. There will be 

written assignments and projects. 


Team Sports (9-12 elective) – Next year offered: 2015-2016 (3 year rotation) 

This course provides the knowledge and skills that will enable students to participate in a variety of team-oriented sports 

and activities. Some of the sports included in this course are basketball, volleyball, soccer, speed ball, football, softball, 

buka ball, floor hockey, team handball, field hockey. 



ADDITIONAL CREDIT/COURSE OPTIONS 

Teacher Assistant (TA) (9-12 Elective) – Offered every year 

This course offers students who have an interest in a specific field of study, or teaching, the opportunity to increase their 

knowledge in that subject area, assist teachers with on-going classroom preparation, perform research, and provide 

assistance to other students on assignments or through tutoring. Students will receive a letter grade based on a 

standardized rubric. 

Students selecting this option are required to read the TA program guidelines and complete an application. The instructor 

needs to approve the application and ensure that it meets the established criteria. 

A TA Program Guide is available from the Guidance Counselor or from the student's Advisor. 

Prerequisite: Students must be on-track toward graduation and have successfully completed the course in which they 

would like to be a TA. 

NOTE TO STUDENTS Teachers will contact students after reviewing the application. 


CREDIT: 0.50 credit OR 1.0 credit 

Structured Study Hall (9-12 elective) -- Offered every year 

Students selecting this option must be prepared to use their Structured Study Hall to complete coursework. A licensed 

teacher will be available to assist students. 

NOTE: Students may enroll in no more than one Structured Study Hall per semester. 

NOTE: All students in need of an early release for extracurricular purposes (or for any reason) are expected to sign up 

for a Structured Study Hall 7 th hour and complete an Early Release Application. Seniors ONLY who are on track for 

graduation may choose to enroll in this option as an Early Release Study Hall during their last hour. An application for 

early release will be submitted to the Guidance Counselor separate from the registration process. 

CREDIT: No credit 

Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) – Offered every year 

Under the PSEO program, qualified juniors and seniors may attend 

participating Minnesota post-secondary institutions, either full-time or 

part-time. 

Interested students will need to make an appointment with the Guidance 

Counselor in the beginning of February to prepare for the upcoming 

school year, and/or to determine eligibility. 

NOTE TO STUDENTS: Contact the college directly to find out specific 

information regarding their PSEO program. 

NOTE TO STUDENTS: PSEO credits are calculated at a ratio of 4:1 

PACT credits. A 3-credit PSEO course is adequate to meet a one-year 

PACT graduation requirement in a specific area, although it will transfer 

to PACT as 0.75 credits. 

Grades for 

PSEO courses 

are weighted 

differently for 

GPA calculation. 

Students 

enrolled in these 

classes will earn 

grades 

according to the 

following table: 

Grade Weights 

Grade Regular 

Weight 

PSEO 

Weight 

A 4.000 4.400 

A- 3.667 4.067 

B+ 3.333 3.733 

B 3.000 3.400 

B- 2.667 3.067 

C+ 2.333 2.733 

C 2.000 2.200 

C- 1.667 1.667 

D+ 1.333 1.333 

D 1.000 1.000 

D- .667 .667 

F 0 0 

Core Requirement Course Substitution – Offered every year (on a case-by-case basis) 

During a student’s high school career a maximum of 1.0 elective course credit may be used to make-up a missing core 

credit within the same field of study. (For example, one semester of Team Sports may apply toward making up a missing 

Phy. Ed/Health credit and outside work is completed for the Health component; OR a full year of social studies elective 

may apply toward a missing core social studies credit). Prior permission and a contract are required. Contact the 

Guidance Counselor for more information or assistance. 

. 

Grades 9-12 Course Descriptions Page 12 of 12 Revised 11/12

9-12 Course Descriptions - PACT Charter School

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