Course Curriculum Standards

Mercer Island High School
Curriculum Standards Project

Curriculum Standards are statements that describe what students should know, understand and be able to do. Clearly defined standards are the foundation for effective assessment and instruction and therefore, learning. The 2007/08 MIHS School Improvement Plan included the following goal: All courses will have clearly stated learning goals that are aligned with state standards and published on the MIHS website.

The task of developing Curriculum standards for approximately 120 courses in eight content areas that represent the diversity of course offerings in a comprehensive high school, is a complex, time consuming, and ongoing process. When reviewing the documents that follow, it is evident that that there is tremendous variation between departments. This is the first phase of development. Over the course of time a consistent format will be developed as departments review and revise the learning outcomes they want their students to achieve.

English
Detailed curriculum standards/maps have been developed for the following courses:

• English 9
• Honors English 12 (paired with AP Comp Gov)
• English 12 (Paired with International Studies)
• AP English Composition
• AP English Literature (Paired with Humanities)
• American Studies Honors English 11 (Paired with AP US History)
• American Studies English 11 (Paired with American Studies History or AP US History)
• Honors English 10
• English 10 (Paired with World Cultures)
• Creative Writing
• Debate
• Journalism
• Reading & Writing

 
Social Studies
Course guides that include curriculum standards and detailed units have been developed for the following courses:

• American Studies US History (Paired with American Studies English 11)
• American Studies AP US History (paired with American Studies Honors English 11 Honors or American Studies English 11)
• Global History
• World Cultures & World History

• AP Comparative Government
• AP Psychology
• AP Macroeconomics
• AP Microeconomics
• Humanities (paired with AP English Literature)
• International Studies
  

World Languages

• English as a Second Language for English Language Learner
  
• French 1 (first year)
  
• French 2 (second year)
• French 3 (third year)
• University of Washington in the High School (UWHS) French 103
• AP French Language 4 & 5
• Mandarin Chinese 1 (first year)
• Mandarin Chinese 2 (second year)
• Mandarin Chinese 3 (third year)
• Mandarin Chinese 4 Honors (fourth year)
• Spanish 1 (first year)
• Spanish 2 (second year)
• Spanish 3 (third year)
• Spanish 4 (fourth year)
• AP Spanish Language/ UWHS Spanish 201
• UWHS Spanish 103

Mathematics

• Algebra 1
• Geometry
• Algebra 2
• Pre-calculus
• AP Calculus-AB

Science

• Chem 1/Phys 1 (Science 9)
• Biology
• Chemistry 2/Physics 2 Honors
• Science Research & Ethics
• Physics 2-3
• AP Biology
• AP Chemistry
• AP Environmental Science
• AP Physics B
• AP Physics C

Performing Arts

• Beginning Acoustical Guitar
• Advanced Acoustical Guitar
• Bel Canto Choir
• Treble Choir
• Jazz Choir
• Concert Band
• Symphonic Band
• Instrumental Techniques
• Jazz Ensemble
• Music of Stage and Screen
• Orchestra
• Steel Drum Band
• Technical Theatre Production
• Drama Improv
• Drama 1& 2

Visual Arts

• Introduction to Art
• Graphic Design*
• Metal and Jewelry Design*
• AP Design and Applied Studio Art
• AP Photography
• Yearbook
• Ceramics
• Drawing and Painting
• Photography

*Graphic Design and Metal and Jewelry are also CTE Courses.

Career & Technical Education
OSPI requires comprehensive “Frameworks” for CTE courses that are far more in depth that curriculum standards.

• Accounting
• Business Law
• Technical and Applied Communication

• Marketing/Advanced Marketing   & Entrepreneur Education
• Retail Store Management
• Marketing Cooperative

• Image
• Personal & Family Relationships

• Video Arts/Advanced Video Arts
• Digital Imaging

• Engineering Technology
• Automotive / Gas Engine Repair

• Computer Programming
• Web/Multi-media
• AP Computer Science A

• Radio Broadcasting and Technology

Physical Education

• Physical Education Core
• Physical Education Elective
• Weight Training & Team Games
• Yoga
• Cheer Team
• Drill Team

*Cheer and Drill do not have curriculum standards as students receive Directed Athletics Credit.