High School Curriculum
Mankato Area Public Schools' high school experience provides students with the opportunity to maximize their learning and ensure options for life. In addition to traditional course offerings, students have a wide variety of electives from which to choose. Mankato Area Public Schools is proud to offer Advanced Placement courses and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). We offer students the opportunity to earn post-secondary credit through Advanced Placement offerings or Articulated Courses, which provide technical college credit to students while still in high school. Our staff works to ensure that all students learn at high levels and meet their fullest potential. To accomplish this, they use ongoing formative assessments and work in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to analyze student data to address individual needs. For more information visit our high school registration guide.
4-Year Planning Guide
4-Year Planning Guide
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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
All high school students need to meet the following graduation requirements to earn a high school diploma:
| SUBJECT | credit |
|---|---|
| English/Language Arts | 4 |
| Mathematics | 3 |
| Science | 3 |
| Social Studies | 4 |
| Physical Education | 1.5 |
| Health Education | .5 |
| Creative or Performing Arts | 1 |
| Electives | 7 |
| TOTAL | 24 |
Assessment Requirements
Students need to meet assessment requirements in math, reading, and writing by attaining proficiency on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, another state determined assessment, or a readiness assessment determined by the school district.
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment/GRAD Reading – grade 10
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment/GRAD Mathematics – grade 11
Participation in the Mankato High School commencement ceremony is limited to those students who have completed all graduation requirements prior to Commencement or will complete them by attending District 77 summer school. There are no exceptions to this policy.
Online Learning
What is Online Learning?
Online learning is a term used to describe distance or correspondence courses that are offered over the Internet. In a traditional classroom, you often learn by listening, reading, writing, and doing other activities
by your instructor. Online courses are different because you are not in the same location as your instructor or the other students. In fact, you probably will never meet your instructor or fellow students in person.
Minnesota public school students may enroll in a full-time online program or they may choose to take supplemental courses (taken in place of a course period during the regular school day). Students may take up to 50% of their course load online.
Online Courses are Not for Everyone!
Online courses are not easier, nor do they take less time than the same course taken on campus. Some students report that they spend more time on work for their online courses than they do for traditional courses.
Taking an online course is “working-on-your-own-time,” but not “working-at-your-own-pace.” Students must meet deadlines and move through the course at the pace the instructor establishes.
Take this self quiz to determine if online learning is appropriate for you: iSeek Quiz
The following are key questions to ask yourself when making your decision:
- Why am I choosing to take an online course?
- What will the class or classes be like?
- What will the teacher be like?
- What kinds of support will be offered?
- Will I receive a quality educational experience?
- How will communication work?
- What is expected of me?
What Makes a Successful Online Learner?
Are you considering taking some or all of your courses online? First, make sure you’re ready to succeed. Online learning can sound so wonderful that some students start with an unrealistic vision. In reality, online courses require just as much, if not more, time and energy as traditional classroom courses. It also requires specific computer skills and learning strategies in order to succeed.
- Persistence
- Effective Time-Management Skills
- Effective and Appropriate Communication Skills
- Basic Technical Skills
- Reading and Writing Skills
- Motivation and Independence A Good Study Environment
How Does Mankato Area Public Schools Help Me?
It is the responsibility of the student to work with the online learning provider for support on all matters relating to the online course(s).
- MAPS staff is responsible to provide students access to the same computer hardware and educational software available in the school district as all other students.
- Students will have a period in their class schedule determined by the MAPS that will be designated for online learning.
- Supervision of students’ online coursework is the responsibility of the online provider.
What Do I Need to Know?
When a student enrolls in an online learning course, he/she is taking the class independent of Mankato Area Public Schools. Therefore, the student is enrolling with an online learning provider – a school different than Mankato Area Public Schools.
- Students are responsible for registering for the course.
- Students are responsible for all communication with the online school and online teacher. If the student wishes to have the course appear on the official transcript, the student must make sure the grade is reported.
- Minnesota public school students may enroll in a full-time online program or they may choose to take supplemental courses (taken in place of a course period during the regular school day). Students may take up to 50% of their course load online.
Additional Resources
Approved Online Learning Providers for Minnesota
Online Learning: Minnesota Department of Education
iSeek K-12 Online Information
MAPS Online Learning Downloadable Flyer
High School Departments
- Family & Consumer Science
- Health Science
- Music
- Physical Education
- Career Education
- Science
- Technology Education
- Social Studies
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Visual Arts
- Health
- World Language
- Business
- Avid
Family & Consumer Science
Family and Consumer Sciences
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Our world is changing fast. There's always a new and improved gadget to help us keep in touch and stay organized. We're bombarded by messages about what to eat, how to exercise, and what products to buy. As we approach adulthood, how do we learn the skills and savvy to make the right choices?
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Health Science
Health Education
| In this class we will explore the importance of a good self-concept, setting goals and values, having a good attitude and developing coping skills to deal with the problems of adolescence. Students will acquire sound knowledge and understanding of sexuality and family health. Health 10 students will examine chemical use and abuse and identify alternative positive behaviors; as well as use their knowledge to make sound health decisions related to physical, mental and social health. Students will build an understanding of how to access valid and reliable information using a variety of resources, including the correlation of the influences of media and technological advances to health maintenance and disease prevention.
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Music
Music and Performing Arts
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| The Music Department offers students a broad range of high quality performing ensembles. Students of all abilities are welcomed and encouraged to participate in one or more of our ensembles. Performing ensembles are designed to help students develop as artistic performers while gaining a lifelong appreciation for the arts and an understanding of the important role artistic expression continues to play in our culture. Long term success in the music programs often demonstrates the discipline and commitment necessary to succeed in college and in the workforce. Each of the performing groups within the music department is a one-credit course. Upon successful completion of the course for an entire school year, 1 credit will be earned. Completion of one semester will not qualify for 1/2 credit.
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Physical Education
Physical Education
| The physical education program provides opportunities to improve personal fitness levels and to develop attitudes, skills, and knowledge necessary to enjoy a lifetime of physical and leisure activities. The emphasis is on movement! Activities are aimed at students' gaining an understanding of the link between aerobic fitness and all around well being. Students learn responsibility, self management, and cooperation while working to achieve national physical education standards.
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Career Education
Career Education
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Students’ need for assistance in preparing for the future in a complex and changing society is greater today than ever. Students will gain skills in finding and researching college and career opportunities. In addition, students will increase the competence, attitudes, and knowledge that should enable them to obtain a higher paying job, obtain specialized training ,and achieve financial security. |
Science
Science
| Each of the science courses is designed as a survey course. The courses work to give each student a general idea of many areas instead of focusing on any one specific area within a course. Science courses are also laboratory courses in which a particular idea or problem is often identified and then students are directed into a lab setting to explore the problem further through experimentation. Sometimes students are given specific directions, and other times a guided inquiry or open inquiry method is used to explore topics in a lab setting. Prerequisites have been established for particular courses as stated in the descriptions below. In preparing for some careers, particular courses are recommended in high school. Communicate with science instructors and Counselors for further information about particular careers.
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Technology Education
Technology Education
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hen possible, through college articulation agreements, offering a seamless link between high school and college.Social Studies
Social Studies
| The Social Studies curriculum offers students a sequence of required and elective courses related to various social sciences. Required courses encompassing a year of study focused on American history, global history and world cultures, American government and economics. Elective semester courses focus on a study of psychology, future studies, sociology and community service learning. Advanced year-long study is offered in Advanced American Studies 9, Advanced Placement US History 10-12, Advanced Placement Human Geography 11-12 and Advanced Placement Government 12.
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English Language Arts
English Language Arts
| The English, Language Arts curriculum offers students a sequence of required and elective courses related to various Language Arts. Required courses encompass the development of sequential writing and reading and communication skills, as well as a courses focused on American Literature and World Literature. Elective semester courses in the senior year focus on the study of Art and Literature, Contemporary American Authors, Humanities, British Literature, and Media. Enriched year-long study is offered in English 9 and 10 and Advanced Placement Language and Composition.
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Mathematics
Mathematics
| Mathematics courses are offered at various levels to meet the needs of all students. All students must complete three years of mathematics which includes Geometry and Algebra II. College bound students should plan to take four years of high school math. Some course titles are followed by the word “enriched” (E). Enriched courses are designed for students who have a strong interest and ability in mathematics. While the content is approximately the same, the rigor and pace are at a higher level. It is very important that students discuss their choice of courses with their present mathematics teacher, counselor and parent(s). Every effort should be made to get as much help and information as possible so as to make the appropriate placement.
Quick Reference Selection Guide
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Visual Arts
Health
| In this class we will explore the importance of a good self-concept, setting goals and values, having a good attitude and developing coping skills to deal with the problems of adolescence. Students will acquire sound knowledge and understanding of sexuality and family health. Health 10 students will examine chemical use and abuse and identify alternative positive behaviors; as well as use their knowledge to make sound health decisions related to physical, mental and social health. Students will build an understanding of how to access valid and reliable information using a variety of resources, including the correlation of the influences of media and technological advances to health maintenance and disease prevention.
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World Language
World Language
| Communication is an extremely important part of modern life. The study of a world language broadens and improves the scope of exchanging ideas with others. It increases an understanding of other cultures. In light of the increasingly international changes of our world, a frequent argument in support of Americans knowing a world language is the promotion of international understanding. World language education fosters an expansion of cultural horizons and the communication skills necessary for harmonious international relationships. The study of a world language enhances one’s understanding of English. Students who study a world language expand their English vocabulary. Research suggests that math and verbal SAT scores improve with each additional year of world language study; the longer a student studies a world language, the better chance he or she has to succeed in other academic areas. Our district’s world language curriculum is based on the national standards. Students will develop purposeful skills in all modes of communication: presentational, interpretive and interpersonal. Knowledge of a world language may improve a candidate’s chance of securing employment in the United States or abroad. Bilingual skills in many fields (i.e. business, banking, secretarial, international relations, social work, government) are increasingly sought by employers. Students who are entering a first year world language course should have a sound background in the English language. It is strongly recommended that one begin taking a language with the intention of taking more than one year of study in that area. It is also recommended that a student not jump from one language to another after only one year of study. Many colleges offer incentives for high school students who study a world language. Students who successfully complete a third or fourth level of language study are given the opportunity to test out of beginning and intermediate language classes at many colleges and universities. As many degrees from major universities require proficiency in a world language, testing out allows students to complete this university requirement more quickly and inexpensively. Many of our students also receive free college credit for their high school language study. Students are encouraged to explore entrance/exit expectations for those colleges in which they are interested. Travel opportunities may be offered to enhance the student’s language study. Students interested in such programs should consult a staff person in the department.
High School Registration Guide
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Business
Business Education
| Business Education offers students the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to succeed in today’s changing world. We strive to prepare students with the essential personal, business and computer skills/competencies needed in the future. Whether a student goes to a community college, four year college, or directly into the workplace, they will be better prepared. Business Education provides a foundation for success for all students by providing a wide variety of courses for all learners. Courses are designed to prepare students to think, make decisions, interact effectively with colleagues, problem solve, and communicate using all forms of emerging technology. Students who graduate today will enter a job market that is ever changing. They must be equipped with new skills, attitudes, and knowledge in order to succeed in today’s information/technology-based economy.
TAKE A SKILL INTO YOUR FUTURE WITH BUSINESS EDUCATION 9th Grade Electives |
Avid
CONTACT
Department of Teaching & Learning
Dr. Tania Lyon, Academic Standards & Talent Development Coordinator
10 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 3
Mankato, Minnesota 56001
507-387-7353
tlyon1@isd77.org