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Science
SCI010: Environmental Science
History & Social Sciences Year-Long Electives SCI020: Life Science: Oceanography
*Algebra 1
(may be taken over two years
for struggling students)
*Geometry
Algebra 2
+AP Calculus
*Earth Science
*Biology
Physics
*British Literature
Public Speaking
(1 semester course)
Please note: our current sequencing does not have sophomores taking a history course.
Instead, it is recommended that students take Health and Speech as 10th graders.
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English and Language Arts
Literature: Students read a broad array of short stories, poetry, drama, novels, autobiographies, essays, and
famous speeches. The course guides students in close reading and critical analysis of classic works of literature,
and helps them appreciate both the texts and the contexts in which they were written. Literary selections range
from classic works such as Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to contemporary pieces by authors such as Maya
Angelou.
Language Skills: Students broaden their composition skills by examining model essays in various genres by
both student and published writers. Through in-depth planning, organizing, drafting, revising, proofreading, and
feedback, they hone their writing skills. Students build on their grammar, usage, and mechanics skills with in-
depth study of sentence analysis and structure, agreement, and punctuation, reinforced by online activities
(Skills Updates). Student vocabularies are enhanced by the study of Greek and Latin root words, improving
students’ ability to decipher the meaning of new words.
Literature: Students hone their skills of literary analysis by reading short stories, poetry, drama, novels, and
works of nonfiction, both classic and modern. Authors include W. B. Yeats, Sara Teasdale, Langston Hughes,
Robert Frost, Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Kate Chopin, Amy Tan, and Richard Rodriguez. Students
read Shakespeare’s Macbeth. They are offered a choice of novels and longer works to study, including works by
Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Elie Wiesel, and many others.
Language Skills: In this course, students become more proficient writers and readers. In composition lessons,
students analyze model essays from both readers’ and writers’ perspectives, focusing on ideas and content,
structure and organization, style, word choice, and tone. Students receive feedback during the writing process to
help them work toward a polished final draft. In addition to writing formal essays, résumés, and business letters,
students write and deliver a persuasive speech. Students expand their knowledge of grammar, usage, and
mechanics through sentence analysis and structure, syntax, agreement, and conventions. Unit pretests identify
skills to address more fully. Students strengthen their vocabularies through thematic units focused on word
roots, suffixes and prefixes, context clues, and other important vocabulary-building strategies.
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Materials: Journeys in Literature: Classic and Modern, Volume B; Journeys in Literature: Classic and
Modern, Volume B: An Audio Companion; Vocabulary for Achievement, Fourth Course; Macbeth, by William
Shakespeare
Prerequisites: Literary Analysis and Composition I or freshman English equivalent
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motivated, problem-solvers, who are engaged learners and participate to their fullest ability. The course will
offer speeches of various genres (demonstration, persuasive, impromptu, panel discussion, etc.), as well as
activities focusing on self-esteem, group-work, listening skills, nonverbal communication process,
memorization skills, visual aids, stage presence, organization/outlining skills, research skills, and many other
communication skills that meet state standards.
Mathematics
Course length: Two semesters / Class will be stretched over two years for developing learners
Materials: Algebra I: Reference Guide and Problem Sets
Prerequisites: Pre-Algebra
MTH123: Algebra I
Students develop algebraic fluency by learning the skills needed to solve equations and perform manipulations
with numbers, variables, equations, and inequalities. They also learn concepts central to the abstraction and
generalization that algebra makes possible. Students learn to use number properties to simplify expressions or
justify statements; describe sets with set notation and find the union and intersection of sets; simplify and
evaluate expressions involving variables, fractions, exponents, and radicals; work with integers, rational
numbers, and irrational numbers; and graph and solve equations, inequalities, and systems of equations. They
learn to determine whether a relation is a function and how to describe its domain and range; use factoring,
formulas, and other techniques to solve quadratic and other polynomial equations; formulate and evaluate valid
mathematical arguments using various types of reasoning; and translate word problems into mathematical
equations and then use the equations to solve the original problems.
MTH203: Geometry
In this comprehensive course, students are challenged to recognize and work with geometric concepts in various
contexts. They build on ideas of inductive and deductive reasoning, logic, concepts, and techniques of
Euclidean plane and solid geometry. They develop deeper understandings of mathematical structure, method,
and applications of Euclidean plane and solid geometry. Students use visualizations, spatial reasoning, and
geometric modeling to solve problems. Topics of study include points, lines, and angles; triangles; right
triangles; quadrilaterals and other polygons; circles; coordinate geometry; three-dimensional solids; geometric
constructions; symmetry; the use of transformations; and non-Euclidean geometries.
MTH303: Algebra II
This course builds upon algebraic concepts covered in Algebra I and prepares students for advanced-level
courses. Students extend their knowledge and understanding by solving open-ended problems and thinking
critically. Topics include conic sections; functions and their graphs; quadratic functions; inverse functions; and
advanced polynomial functions. Students are introduced to rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic
functions; sequences and series; and data analysis.
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AP® Calculus AB
This course is the equivalent of an introductory college-level calculus course. Calculus helps scientists,
engineers, and financial analysts understand the complex relationships behind real-world phenomena. Students
learn to evaluate the soundness of proposed solutions and apply mathematical reasoning to real-world models.
Students also learn to understand change geometrically and visually (by studying graphs of curves), analytically
(by studying and working with mathematical formulas), numerically (by seeing patterns in sets of numbers),
and verbally. Students prepare for the AP® exam and further studies in science, engineering, and mathematics.
This class is available for concurrent college credit through NNU.
Science
SCI203: Biology
In this comprehensive course, students investigate the chemistry of living things: the cell, genetics, evolution,
the structure and function of living things, and ecology. The program consists of in-depth online lessons
including extensive animations, an associated reference book, collaborative explorations, and hands-on
laboratory experiments students can conduct at home. K12 provides all lab materials that cannot easily be found
in the home.
SCI303: Chemistry
This comprehensive course gives students a solid basis to move on to future studies. The course provides an in-
depth survey of all key areas, including atomic structure, chemical bonding and reactions, solutions,
stoichiometry, thermochemistry, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. This course includes direct online
instruction and related assessments, used with a problem-solving book. Instructions for hands-on labs are
included, for which K12 provides all lab materials that cannot easily be found in the home. This class is
available for concurrent college credit through NNU.
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Course length: Two semesters
Materials: Chemistry: Problems and Solutions; Chemistry: A Laboratory Guide; K12-provided laboratory
materials; common household materials for labs
Prerequisites: Earth Science and Biology, and solid grasp of Algebra basics with success in Algebra I
SCI403: Physics
This course provides a comprehensive survey of all key areas: physical systems, measurement, kinematics,
dynamics, momentum, energy, thermodynamics, waves, electricity, and magnetism, and introduces students to
modern physics topics such as quantum theory and the atomic nucleus. This course gives students a solid basis
to move on to more advanced courses later in their academic careers. The program consists of online
instruction and related assessments, plus an associated problem-solving book and instructions for conducting
hands-on laboratory experiments at home. K12 provides all lab materials that cannot be found easily in a
typical home.
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History and Social Sciences
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HST303: U.S. History
This course is a full-year survey that provides students with a comprehensive view of American history from
the first migrations of nomadic people to North America to recent events. Readings are drawn from the K12’s
The American Odyssey: A History of the United States. Online lessons help students organize their study,
explore topics in depth, review in preparation for assessments, and practice skills of historical thinking and
analysis. Activities include analyzing primary sources and maps, creating time lines, completing projects and
written assignments, and conducting independent research.
Course length: One semester (offered both first and second semester)
Materials: None
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Prerequisites: Biology or equivalent (This is an upper-division course in content and structure. It is
recommended for juniors and seniors.)
World Languages
WLG100: Spanish I
Students begin their introduction to Spanish with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign
language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Students are initially trained to
recognize key sounds and basic vocabulary, not only in written form but also through ear training that leads
quickly to oral production. Vocabulary and grammar topics are introduced in an ongoing adventure story that
prompts students to use skills from all four language-learning areas. Students learn fundamental grammar as
embedded in authentic spoken language. Cultural information covers major Spanish-speaking areas in Europe
and the Americas. All-new graphics, videos, and games keep students engaged, and make learning languages
exciting.
WLG200: Spanish II
In this continuing introduction to Spanish, students deepen their focus on four key skills in foreign language
acquisition: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. A continuing storyline introduces and
reinforces new vocabulary, while activities prompt students to analyze meaning from context, and then to
reproduce new vocabulary in real-life oral expression. Additional verb tenses and idiomatic expressions are also
introduced. As in Spanish I, students learn grammar through supplemental texts supplying traditional charts,
tables, and explanations. Cultural information addresses Spanish as it is used around the globe. All-new
graphics, videos, and games keep students engaged, and make learning languages exciting.
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WLG110: French I
Students begin their introduction to French with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign
language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Students master common vocabulary
terms and phrases; comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns; instigate and continue simple conversations,
and respond appropriately to basic conversational prompts; generate language incorporating basic vocabulary
and a limited range of grammar patterns; analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of
various French-speaking countries; and regularly assess progress in proficiency through quizzes, tests, and
speaking/writing submissions. Each week consists of an ongoing adventure story, a new vocabulary theme and
grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening
comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, and multimedia cultural presentations covering major
French-speaking areas in Europe and across the globe. The course has been carefully aligned to national
standards as set forth by ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).
WLG120: German I
Students begin their introduction to German with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign
language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Students master common vocabulary
terms and phrases; comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns; instigate and continue simple conversations,
and respond appropriately to basic conversational prompts; generate language incorporating basic vocabulary
and a limited range of grammar patterns; analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of
various German-speaking countries; regularly assess progress in proficiency through quizzes, tests, and
speaking/writing submissions. Each week consists of an ongoing adventure story, a new vocabulary theme and
grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening
comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, and cultural presentations covering major German-
speaking areas in Europe. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by ACTFL
(American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages)
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TCH030: Image Design and Editing (Formerly Digital Photography)
This course is for anyone who wants to create compelling, professional-looking graphic designs and photos.
Students will learn the basics of composition, color, and layout before moving on to technical topics such as
working with layers and masks, adding special effects, and effectively using typefaces to create visual impact.
At the end of this course, students will have created a variety of original projects for their graphic design
portfolios.
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Electives and Other Courses
Course length: Two semesters—offered first semester for repeat staff members or with instructor approval,
offered second semester after completion of journalism or with instructor approval. (This course may be retaken
multiple years with instructor approval.)
Materials: Associated Press Stylebook
Prerequisites: Completion of Journalism and/or instructor approval. Students who have previous yearbook
and/or newspaper experience are encouraged to seek instructor approval.
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OTH___: Public Speaking (New k12 course)
This course emphasizes the basic principles of effective communication as well as essential public speaking
skills. Student will review interpersonal and public speaking skills. Students will be encouraged to be creative,
motivated, problem-solvers, who are engaged learners and participate to their fullest ability. The course will
offer speeches of various genres (demonstration, persuasive, impromptu, panel discussion, etc.), as well as
activities focusing on self-esteem, group-work, listening skills, nonverbal communication process,
memorization skills, visual aids, stage presence, organization/outlining skills, research skills, and many other
communication skills that meet state standards.
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BUS020: Business and Personal Relationships
Students receive valuable information and guidelines necessary to navigate business and personal relationships
in today’s global and multiethnic environment. Through a focus on cultural awareness, positive self-concept,
leadership, and communication, students examine how public, business, and personal behaviors intersect.
OTHO060: Leadership
Leadership is a year-long peer-mentoring program that builds relationships between student mentors (known as
IDVA Student Ambassadors) and both new and struggling IDVA high school students. The program is aimed
at increasing student engagement, satisfaction, and sense of belonging, orientation to the school, and higher
academic success during the virtual high school experience. Student Ambassadors will email new and
struggling students with tips and hints for success, answer questions, refer to teachers/administrators, host
online info sessions, and produce an Ambassador newsletter, among other things. Prospective IDVA Student
Ambassadors must have attended IDVA for at least one year and go through an application process. For
applications, please contact scarns@idahova.org.
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Math Skills Lab
Students in Idaho must pass the ISAT Math test at a proficient level in order to graduate from high school. The
Math Skills Lab course is designed to prepare students for the 9th and 10th grade ISAT Math exam or offer
remediation for students struggling in their current math course. This course will also act as an alternate route
for some senior students who did not pass the 10th grade ISAT Math test (arrangements must be made with
IDVA counselor for this option.) The Math Skills Lab course involves a combination of Elluminate sessions,
teacher-directed activities, and online activities in PLATO that are designed to target Idaho State Content
Standards in the area of mathematics.
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