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Description of High School Electives
Accounting: This is an advanced course consisting of 29 chapters divided into the following six units: (1) introduction to accounting, (2) the basic accounting cycle, (3) accounting for a payroll system, (4) the accounting cycle for a merchandising corporation, (5) accounting for special procedures, and (6) additional accounting topics. Chapter problems allow the student to apply what they have learned by performing actual accounting functions. Real-world applications and connections apply and extend the chapter concepts to enrich the student's accounting knowledge.
American Literature: A collection of stories, poems, nonfiction articles and other literary works that is organized chronologically into seven units spanning early America to the present. Background information is provided to help make the student's reading experience more meaningful. A timeline helps keep track of major literary and historical events. A section titled Historical, Cultural, and Social Forces explains the influence that shapes a specific literary period.
Anatomy & Physiology: Helps advanced students to develop a working knowledge of (1) human anatomy and physiology that is based on conceptual understanding rather than rote memory; (2) medical technology that will increase the student's confidence in their chosen field; and (3) clinical applications to broaden their horizons beyond the core principles.
Animal Husbandry: Provides a condensed, highly illustrated, easy-to-read version of the wonders, as well as the technical aspects, of animal science. Text includes chapters on beef cattle, diseases, dairy industry, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, horses, and rabbits.
Drive Right: This course provides basic instruction in vehicle operation, maneuvers, and more. The taking of this course in no way guarantees the student will receive a driver's permit or license. Please check your local state requirements.
Art, Exploring: Takes a media approach to art, focusing on the elements and principles of art and how artists use various media and techniques, such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpting. The concepts of aesthetics, art criticism, art history, and art production are applied and reinforced. This satisfies the 1 Credit required in Visual/Lang./Performing Arts.
Art, Understanding: Takes a chronological approach to art, focusing on art works from ancient to contemporary times. The text blends art history with cultural and social traditions, emphasizing the role of art in everyday life. The images and content present art as historical evidence of the creative process. This satisfies the 1 Credit required in Visual/Lang./Performing Arts.
Automotive Mechanics: This course is correlated with federal, state, apprenticeship, and industry guidelines for automotive technician training. The text along with the consumable student workbook can be used for reference, study, and test preparation by anyone preparing for automotive technician certification programs.
Business Law: Provides activities to let students monitor their progress while new unit end case activities prompt them to analyze the issues and "be the judge." Numerous examples and case anecdotes clarify concepts and enable students to "apply" the law to real life situations. All the important legal topics are covered.
Computer Literacy: This course teaches the student how to program the computer using the BASIC computer language. The student will learn how to actually write computer code or statements to solve problems and then print or display the answers. This presents the fundamentals of programming and following this course, the student will be able to grasp other programming languages (such as C, C+, Pascal, HTML, and others) more easily.
Conceptual Physics: Physics is treated conceptually in this course, which means concepts are presented in familiar English, with equations as "guides to thinking." Comprehension of concepts before calculation is the key to understanding.
Consumer Mathematics: Develops mastery of skills and applies them to real life. Basic skills and problem solving are covered in the first two units; practical applications are covered in the remaining five units.
Cosmetology: This course is available for up to 40 elective credits (10 each course). The introductory course covers topics such as looks, skin, hair, nails, anatomy and physiology, bacteriology and sanitation. The intermediate course covers shampoos and rinses, scalp treatments and hair conditioners, basic hair shaping, precision hair cutting, wet and thermal hair styling.
Developing Child: This course covers observing children, baby sitting, child care, preschools, exceptional children, teen pregnancy and parenthood, and family stresses. Comprehensive and up to date coverage of physical, mental, social, emotional, and moral development theories of child development Piaget, Erikson, Kohlberg, parenthood, pregnancy and birth.
Experience Technology Manufacturing & Construction: This book includes a science and math handbook, glossary of terms, and chapters on topics such as Forming a Company, Researching and Developing a Product, Materials, Controlling Manufacturing Quality, Construction Processes, and many more. It comes with a consumable student workbook that contains chapter reviews, basic skills activities, and technology activities.
Food for Today: This course is a well-balanced introduction to foods and nutrition that gives students the background knowledge and skills in 25 chapters that are in five basic units: (1) food, nutrition, and you, (2) workspace, tools, and techniques, (3) consumer decisions, (4) foods for meals and snacks, and (5) expanding your horizons (careers in food).
Equine Science: This new edition is organized into 14 sections and 59 topics that address the history of the horse, common breeds of horses, donkeys, and mules, confirmation principles, horse genetics, anatomy, physiology, and management aspects of equine reproduction and nutrition, horse behavior and training, tack and equipment, employment opportunities in the equine industry, and more.
Food Science & Safety: Explains how to achieve career success in the food industry. The chapters explain the role and potential that food science has in the food industry. This introductory book helps the student explore the relationship of Food Science to disciplines such as marketing, product development, and international development.
Forensic Science: This is an advanced elelective. Each chapter begins with a gripping forensic case showing students how each chapter relates to the real world. Full-color illustrations help students to better understand key forensic concepts. Forensic-specific vocabulary is explained in the text margin.
Journalism Matters: This course brings the student up to speed as a working journalist. The chapters train the student to write well--summarize information, describe observations and accurately record the views and comments of others. Other chapters also cover interviewing, sports writing, feature writing, and the special demands of column and review writing. Still other chapters cover the knowledge and skills required to bring a product to the public's attention. This satisfies the 1 Credit required in Visual/Lang./Performing Arts.
Livestock: This course serves as an introduction to animal science and veterinary technology. It is about far more than cattle, swine, and chickens, though these are included. Basics of biology and veterinary technology practices are included. The course covers aquatic animals, draft animals, dogs, cats, birds, rodents, reptiles and service, laboratory, and exotic animals.
Marketing Practices and Principles: Contains 42 chapters dealing with the world of marketing, the consumer market, special markets, marketing research, the product, pricing, channels of distribution, wholesaling, advertising, marketing management, business management, and entrepreneurship.
Landscape Design, Construction, and Maintenance:  Introduces various aspects of the landscape industry. Plant selection and care at the foundation of the book. Landscaping has been one of the fastest growing segments of the horticulture industry. The design of new landscapes, the building of landscapes, and the maintenance of existing landscapes are in high demand. The steps to developing a complete and functional landscape plan for the residential setting are identified and explained.
Mechanical Drawing (CAD-Communications): Introduces students to CAD (Computer Aided Drafting). The student learns to visualize in three dimension, to build technical imaginations, to think precisely, and to understand the language and gain the skills required by today's industry. The course heavily emphasis the basic elements and concepts of drafting. A student workbook is provided which includes drawing assignments that thoroughly cover all basic elements of drafting. A variety of advanced problems are also included to accommodate the student who has progressed at a quicker rate.
Personal Finance: The Financial Fitness course is for everyone. Just as one becomes physically or mentally fit, one becomes financially fit through the same two requirements: knowing what to do and taking the necessary action to do it. Regardless of your current financial situation, you can learn to prosper, conserve, and multiply the fruits of your labor through a basic understanding of the principles behind the Offense, Defense, and Playing Field of personal finance. This course brings all of these fundamentals together in one convenient location so you can become the master of your money and prosper in any economy.
Digital Photography: This e-book (or electronic book supplied as a DVD) focuses on core material--those aspects of photography that are essential to understand. Included are separate online animations, movies, Web sites, Excel worksheets and PDFs designed to help you better understand the basic concepts of digital photography so that it is easier for you to master your camera and its controls. Although having a digital camera will enhance your experience during this course, it is not mandatory that you have such a camera.
Understanding Psychology: As a social science, psychology explores the influence of society on individual behavior and group relationships. As a natural science, psychology looks for biological explanations for human behavior. The student will learn to think like a scientist and use the scientific method to solve problems. The student will learn more about himself/herself and more about others. Psychologists attempt to explain and predict why people behave, feel, and think as they do. They attempt to learn ways in which people can improve the quality of life.
Glencoe Speech: The text covers a full range of topics, from different types of interpersonal communication to preparing and presenting speeches to debate and parliamentary procedure. The tone of the text is friendly and engaging. The authors believe strongly that communication is a key skill for all people and have, therefore developed the exercises and activities to address the various aspects of communication as well as how it relates to life at school, at work, and in relationships. The text includes many cartoons and humorous anecdotes. The quips and quotes will entertain you. The writing style is personal and friendly. This satisfies the 1 Credit required in Visual/Lang./Performing Arts.
Recordkeeping: Provides skills training in one of the most common entry level accounting positions, plus skills development in reading and comprehension, communications, human relations, organizations, and other skills vital to job success.
Street Law: Presents topics dealing with the most current law-related issues, including terrorism, technology, and immigration law. Emphasis is placed on promoting alternative (nonjudicial) forms of dispute resolution. This course provides practical information and problem-solving opportunities that provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for survival in a law-saturated society. The curriculum includes case studies, mock trials, and role-plays.
Glencoe Theatre: Assists the student in learning about theatre by offering a variety of interesting and stimulating activities and performance projects. There are exercises in which the student can immediately apply the skills that he/she are learning. Three major strands deal with Acting, Directing & Producing, and Technical Theatre. These strands are organized into four sections: Exploration which explains the basic tools and techniques; Preparatory which gets the student ready for a production; Performance which moves through the rehearsal process to opening night; and Specialization which presents various types of specialized theatre activities. This satisfies the 1 Credit required in Visual/Lang./Performing Arts.
Typing: This course is supplied in text book form or the student may utilize any computer typing tutor program of their choice (usually available at any software retail store).
World of Work, Advancing in the: Shows how to meet challenges with confidence and provides knowledge needed to advance in your career. Explore skills such as communication, math, and computer skills.
World of Work, Succeeding in the: An easy-to-read and easy-to-comprehend text divided into seven units which lead students from Self Assessment, Exploring Careers, and Finding a Job through Joining the Workforce and Professional Development, and on to Lifelong Learning. Special features in each chapter are designed to engage students interest, for example Exploring Career Do's and Don'ts and others.
Additional High School Electives
Beginning Speech: This satisfies the 1 Credit required in Visual/Lang./Performing Arts. One semester (1/2 year) of Speech credit is issued for each 80 hours of field service activity. A maximum of 480 hours can provide credit in three different courses: Beginning Speech (160 hours), Advanced Speech (160 hours), and Career Planning (160 hours). Only those who are aux. or reg. pioneers can receive credit for Career Planning.
Work experience: Work experience credit for documented employment. In California, we are authorized to issue work permits to students that pursue employment. The employer (and not the school) is responsible for obtaining the required insurance and liability coverage. If located outside California, check with your local school district office regarding issuance of a work permit.
Horsemanship: Horsemanship as a career is available to those distant students involved in Parelli equestrian training as well as local students using the full service on site equestrian facility which includes a lighted arena. Credit for Horsemanship is granted upon completion of any Parelli Savvy Level (1 through 4) and submission of a copy of an Official Level Certificate to Pearblossom Private School, Inc.
Driver's Education: The textbook portion of Driver's Education is recognized by many states (not Texas) and allows the student to be issued a temporary driver's permit upon passing the state exam. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles or Highway Patrol for requirements in your area.
Draw Today/Paint Today: This satisfies the 1 Credit required in Visual/Lang./Performing Arts. Draw Today (using charcoal) and Paint Today (which includes acrylic paint) courses include all necessary art supplies for a hands-on elective that contains drawing materials and an instructional DVD. Please note the additional fee of $75 for Draw Today and $100 for Paint today.
Foreign Language: Foreign Language CD's assist the learning of Chinese, French, Italian, German, and Japanese. These CD's actually play computer video's of people speaking the language. Spanish is now provided in a comprehensive online course that includes an online reference book. Please specify the desired language on the application and note the additional fee of $75. This satisfies the 1 Credit required in Visual/Lang./Performing Arts. (Note: All languages require a headphone/microphone headset that is not included and must be purchased separately.) Call for availability of other languages.
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