Accreditation

 

 

Cedar Ridge Academy has been accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools and the Utah State Office of Education since 2001. Cedar Ridge Academy is one of 1656 in the region and one of over 36,000 schools nationwide to maintain regional accreditation.  Accredited schools are members of one of the nation’s six regional accrediting associations.  Being accredited signifies that the school subscribes to a process of voluntary self-regulation that is a constructive experience designed to continually improve the quality of the member school.

 

Accreditation is a means of showing confidence in a school’s performance. When the Northwest Association of Schools and of Colleges and Universities accredits a school, it is certifying that the school has annually met the prescribed quantitative and qualitative standards of the Association, within the terms of the school’s own stated mission and beliefs. It is also certifying that the school has undergone a self-study and validation by an outside team of peers.

 

Accreditation of a school is on a school-wide basis.  It should be noted that the whole school, not just one program, is covered by the accreditation.  The process is concerned with the inherent characteristics of each school rather than comparisons with other schools.  The listing of a school’s name in the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools Directory located at www2.boisestate.edu/nasc indicates that it has met the quantitative and qualitative standards required.  Accreditation is a way of ensuring the public that the school meets minimum environmental standards, has a valid school improvement plan, and is engaged in an on-going self study and on-site peer evaluation process.  Because Cedar Ridge Academy is accredited, other schools will recognize students’ course credits, transcripts, and diplomas.

 

Cedar Ridge Academy Mission Statement

 

 

The mission of Cedar Ridge Academy is to guide our students in a process of positive intellectual growth toward academic competency, striving to develop healthy attitudes supportive of lifelong learning and productive citizenship.

 

Our Beliefs:

 

We believe that there are many aspects of intelligence, and that every student is gifted in a different way. Students will benefit from learning where their strengths and weaknesses lie and how to balance them.

 

We believe all students have diverse learning styles that should be accommodated.  Students can learn what their learning styles are and how to use them.

 

We believe all students should be held accountable for their choices both educationally and behaviorally.

 

We believe that if given the tools, each student is capable of academic achievement parallel to their motivation.

 

We believe that the staff and teachers are positive role models for the students.

 

We believe that learning involves not only managing informational material, but includes managing oneself in time and activity.      

 

We believe that all students can develop appropriate attitudes to become productive, well-functioning citizens. 

 

CEDAR RIDGE ACADEMY CREDIT ACCEPTANCE POLICY

 

Credit defined:  A credit is a unit of measure, sometimes divided into fractions, that typically signifies the completion of a specified course of study spanning an academic year.  Credit may be earned via demonstrated and documented competency in a course, via documented participation time (as in a physical education or band class), or via a combination thereof. 

 

Credit measured:  Cedar Ridge Academy awards credits to students based on the Carnegie Unit and/or a Standards Based Unit.

 

Credit Acceptance from other accredited schools:  Cedar Ridge Academy accepts transfer credits received on an official transcript from an accredited educational institution.  Cedar Ridge Academy reserves the right to translate credits which are not in Carnegie Units into that standard of measure. 

 

Credit Acceptance from non-accredited schools:  Cedar Ridge Academy reserves the right to deny or accept credits from non-accredited institutions on a case-by-case basis utilizing a thorough evaluation of the course curriculum and credentials of the instructor, as well as the quality of work and subject competency demonstrated by the student.

 

 

CEDAR RIDGE ACADEMY DEFINITION OF CREDIT

 

Students at Cedar Ridge Academy may earn credit via one or more of the following ways:

 

A Carnegie Unit, which consists of

1)  A minimum of 60 clock hours of seat time per .5 (one semester) credit.

2)  Content and performance standards commensurate with state/national grade-

level standards.

 

Carnegie units are typically awarded for participation-based courses such as physical education (karate).

 

A Standards-Based Unit, which consists of

1)  Content and performance standards commensurate with state/national grade-

level standards.

2)      Students must demonstrate mastery of standards.

3)      Mastery is determined by examination and/or other performance assessment(s) such as a writing portfolio for English or an exhibit of work for studio art.

 

Credit by Examination

A student may demonstrate mastery by successfully completing a challenge exam, typically the final exam for a course, with a performance of 80% or better.

 

PROFICIENCY

            All students are expected to demonstrate course content mastery and skills competence by earning a score of 80% or better on all assignments and tests.  Occasional exceptions may be made for students with clearly documented learning disabilities. 

2007-2008 Courses

 

Courses are designated (C) for core credit, and (E) for elective credit.

 

 

ART

 

Art History and Appreciation                                                                      .5credit (C)

This course covers the development of art from the earliest human painting in caves through modern times.  The text traces art through a linear development, showing examples, which break new ground and contribute to the dialogue of artist and patron from age to age.  The syllabus invites students to examine the elements of which art is composed:  line, color, and form and composition.  A primary course objective is to establish a framework within which students can base an understanding of art encounters throughout their lives.

 

Studio Art 1                                                                                                   .5 credit (C)

Basic drawing skills are taught at the beginning level, through a planned series of exercises.  The student learns the basic tools and terminology within the context of actually creating art.  This allows the student to draw on past exposure to art courses or to begin to develop new skills.  Students are allowed to proceed at their own pace.

 

Studio Art 2                                                                                                   .5 credit (C)

(Prerequisite: Studio Art 1)

This course is designed to build upon the skills developed in Studio Art 1.  More advanced problems are posed, carrying out drawing studies for larger paintings in acrylic or oils, for instance.  Weather permitting, drawing or painting with colored pencil or watercolor out of doors allows students to practice composition in beautiful area landscape settings.

 

 

BUSINESS

 

Beginning Keyboarding                                                                               .5 credit (C)

In this course students master touch operation on a computer keyboard, including fourth row numbers and symbols and 10-key pad.  Students develop keyboarding skills to use at home, in school, and at work.  In a reinforcing sequence of language arts exercises, students apply rules for correct word division, capitalization, punctuation, and number expression.  They learn to detect, mark, and correct errors.  The students also use basic word processing and editing functions on a variety of document types.  Balanced drills and exercises provide the practice necessary for typing with moderate speed and accuracy.

 

Word Processing Basics                                                                                .5 credit (C)                In this course students learn basic word processing skills, including editing and proofreading various types of documents, performing standard file management procedures, and using numerous special word processing functions.  Emphasis is given to creating business documents to simulate a real-life job environment.  Specific topics include business correspondence (letters, memorandums, etc.), simple reports and title pages, tables, and incorporation of special word processing functions in various documents.  Students continue to work on and improve their keyboarding skills in the areas of speed, accuracy, and proofreading.

 

Financial Literacy and Economic Practices                                                .5 credit (E)    This course explores the basic principles involved in financial planning and decision making.  Students receive a firm foundation in the economic practices of a free market economy; studying interest, insurance, bank accounts, credit, money management, fiscal and monetary policy, and the difference between needs and wants.  Students put into practice what they have learned about decision-making and good economic practices as they develop their own financial plan. This course is designed to meet the needs of students requiring financial skills or economics credit.

 

Computer Literacy                                                                                       .5 credit (C)    (Prerequisites: Basic keyboarding skills.)  This course explores computers and how they are used in society.  Students will take an in-depth look at the inside of the computer and will discover how hardware works with software and electronic devices to produce desired results.  This course also includes an introduction to computer software that encompasses document processing, spread sheets and presentations. In addition, students will also gain an understanding of ethics and use of operating systems, information resources, and electronic mail.  Skills gained will be demonstrated by creating a project for a different content area.

 

Business and Consumer Math 1                                                                  .5 credit (E)    This course covers mathematical techniques typical to situations in business and everyday life. It is designed to introduce modern business practices, terms and forms, and to provide opportunities to review basic skills in adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. This course builds a strong foundation in logical thinking and problem solving that will enable the student to logically approach situations that occur in mathematics and also in daily life.

 

Business and Consumer Math 2                                                                  .5 credit (E)    This course provides valuable mathematical background for many applications in business and consumer areas.  It offers a study of various types of taxes, including property, sales, social security, and income taxes; insurance, such as life, health, accident, automobile, and property insurance; saving and borrowing money, including savings accounts, promissory notes, loans, and credit; investments, such as bonds, stocks, and real estate; business analysis and costs, including central tendency, probability, graphs, statistics, and calculating costs.  Finally, the course concludes with business profit and loss, including partnerships, corporations, bankruptcy, discounts, and finding the break-even point.

 

 

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE

 

Personal Adjustment and Family Living                                                    .5 credit (E)    This course helps students develop the ability to understand and solve problems common to them, their parents and others.  Course content covers dating, courtship, marriage and other personal and social issues and analyzes the development of healthy self-concepts and interpersonal relationships.

 

Teen Living                                                                                                    1.0 credit (E)  This course helps students understand and cope with personal, family, and social challenges.  It emphasizes effective communication, decision-making skills and building stable relationships with family and peers.  The course stresses implementing positive coping mechanisms and promotes an understanding of self.  It also addresses critical issues such as self-concept, family and peer relationships, abuse, loss, dating, and teenage pregnancy, stressing positive alternatives.  Taking personal responsibility for life is an integral part of the course, which is linked to attaining Level 700 in the treatment program.

 

Adult Roles and Responsibilities                                                                  1.0 credit (E)  This course prepares students to understand the nature, function, and significance of the interpersonal relationships of individuals and families. Discussion topics address family living, parenting, household and money management, decision-making skills, communication skills, self-awareness, crisis management, and the individual's roles and responsibilities within the family and community.  This course is linked to attaining Level 800 in the treatment program.

 

 

LANGUAGE ARTS

 

English 9A                                                                                                     .5 credit (C)    This course introduces literature, composition, and text editing skills.  In the literature segments, students read short stories, nonfiction selections, poetry, and drama.  The emphasis is on learning and practicing the writing process for various writing purposes and audiences.  The text editing skills focus on preparing final, polished writing drafts that are appropriate for in-class publishing.  The students also complete several portfolio projects throughout the course, and compile a final portfolio.

 

English 9B                                                                                                      .5 credit (C)    Students review and practice the writing process while continuing a general survey of literary genres, including a classic novel.  The emphasis continues to be on the writing process for various purposes and audiences.  The students complete several portfolio projects throughout the course, and compile a final portfolio.

 

English 10A                                                                                                   .5 credit (C)    Students survey short stories, nonfiction, poetry, and drama.  The emphasis is on learning and practicing the writing process for various purposes and audiences.  Text-editing skills are practiced to improve and prepare drafts for in-class publishing.  The students also complete several portfolio projects throughout the course, and compile a final portfolio.

 

English 10B                                                                                                    .5 credit (C)    Students survey short stories, poetry, and the novel.  Emphasis is on continuing to practice the writing process for various purposes and audiences.  Students also complete several portfolio projects throughout the course, and compile a final portfolio.

 

English 11A:  American Literature                                                             .5 credit (C)    Students study American literature from the colonial period through naturalism and the social/historical contexts surrounding these pieces of literature.  Students gain an understanding of the ideas that fostered the growth of the United States and of the ways in which its literature became distinctively American, especially the many cultures that have contributed to the building of this nation.  Students read additional novels to support and expand the literature surveyed in the textbook, and they practice the writing process for various purposes and audiences.  Students compile a final portfolio.

 

English 11B:  American Literature                                                             .5 credit (C)    Students study American literature from the beginnings of the Modern Age to present 21^st century works.  Students specifically study the multicultural literature from these ages, and practice the writing process for various purposes and audiences.  Students read additional novels to support and expand the literature in the textbook, and compile a final portfolio.

 

English 12A:  British Literature                                                                  .5 credit (C)    Students study British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to 18^th century and the social/historical contexts of these literary works.  Students practice the writing process for various purposes and audiences, and they read additional novels to support and expand the literature in the textbook.  The writing focus is on preparation for college and life and includes assignments such as a college application essay and literary analysis.

 

 

English 12B:  British Literature                                                                  .5 credit (C)    Students study British literature from the 19^th century to the 21^st century and the social/historical contexts of these literary works.  Students read additional novels to support and expand the material in the textbook.  They continue to write for various purposes and audiences, and the compile a final portfolio to complete the class.

 

Creative Writing                                                                                           .5 credit (E)    This course concentrates on developing students’ skills in writing creative fiction and to be introduced to writing various forms of poetry.  In addition to exploring different poetic forms, students learn how to create characters, establish conflict, and develop a plot while writing a short story.  Students will also examine the work of professional poets and fiction writers.  The students will develop through a series of weekly workshops and engage in both peer and instructor review sessions.

 

 

MATHEMATICS

 

Math Skills Development                                                                              .25 -.5 credit (E)         Based on a diagnostic test students are given review in the concepts of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.  In addition, the students use number skills in handling data and in various business applications.  This course is designed to provide the skills needed to take a course in algebra

 

Algebra I A                                                                                                    .5 credit (C)    This course covers basic algebraic concepts such as integers, linear equations, linear inequalities, factoring and fractions.

 

Algebra I B                                                                                                    .5 credit (C)    (Prerequisite:  Algebra I A)  This course covers linear sentences, algebra in a plane, linear systems, functions, fractional equations, real numbers, equations with real solutions, systems of equations and probability.

 

Geometry A                                                                                                   .5 credit (C)    This course helps students develop reasoning skills using geometric terms and processes, concepts of logic and applied problem solving. Topics include parallel lines and planes, congruent triangles, inequalities and quadrilaterals. Geometric concepts are analyzed using formal, paragraph and indirect proofs. The students learn to use a compass, protractor, ruler, and graph paper.

 

Geometry B                                                                                                   .5 credit (C)    (Prerequisite:  Geometry A)  Students continue to develop geometry skills while studying similarity, areas and volumes, right triangles, circles, coordinate geometry and transformations. Current mathematical standards involving problem solving, communications, reasoning and connections are carefully followed in this course.

 

Algebra II A                                                                                                  .5 credit (C)    (Prerequisite:  Algebra I A & B)  Students master the concepts of integers, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, real numbers, equations and inequalities related to practical problems encountered in daily living.

 

Algebra II B                                                                                                   .5 credit (C)    (Prerequisite:  Algebra II A)  Students complete an in-depth study of logarithms and trigonometry.  They study conic sections, progressions and series, trigonometric functions, graphing and problem solving. Students receive a good foundation for the future study of mathematics, chemistry, physics, or engineering.

 

Pre-calculus 1: Analytic Geometry and Algebra                                        .5 credit (C)    (Prerequisite:  Algebra II A & B)  This course presents analytic geometry and advanced topics in algebra. Students study functions, including algebraic, logarithmic, exponential, and matrix functions. Drawings and graphs are presented to clarify essential mathematical principles. A TI-83 or 84 Graphing Calculator is required for this course.

 

Pre-calculus 2: Trigonometry                                                                      .5 credit (C)    (Prerequisite:  Pre-calculus I) Students are presented with a thorough treatment of trigonometric concepts and applications. They study proofs of trigonometric identities, solutions of right and oblique triangles, solutions of trigonometric equations and functions, vector applications and polar coordinates. A TI-83 or 84 Graphing Calculator is required for this course

 

Introduction to Calculus                                                                               .5 credit (E)    (Prerequisite: Pre-calculus 2 or teacher approval) Students explore the concepts of functions, limits, derivatives, differentiation rules, applications of differentiation, inequalities, and applications of integration.  The content is similar to what would be taught in first semester Calculus only a little less rigorous.

 

 

SCIENCE

 

Earth Systems 1                                                                                             .5 credit (C)    This is an integrated science course with emphasis on earth, physical and life sciences. There are two primary goals: for students to value and use science as a process for obtaining knowledge based on observable evidence; and to develop an understanding of interactions and interdependence within and between earth systems and changes in earth systems over time.

 

Earth Systems 2                                                                                             .5 credit (C)    The second semester of this course continues the study of the importance of water to earth systems; will analyze earth’s geologic processes; analyze the relationships between earth’s crust and other earth systems; and investigate biological systems and summarize relationships between systems.

 

Environmental Science 1                                                                              .5 credit (C)    Environmental Science is interdisciplinary and embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study organized around a series of major unifying constructs or themes.  The goal of the Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.

 

Environmental Science 2                                                                              .5 credit (C)    (Prerequisite: Environmental Science 1) The second semester of this course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.

 

Biology 1                                                                                                        .5 credit (C)    This course introduces students to a basic understanding of biology; basic chemistry; structure of cells and how they communicate; energy conversions; cell reproduction; genetics; gene expression; genetic engineering; origin of life; changes in organisms; ecosystems and successions; environmental problems and solutions; and the classifications of living things.

 

Biology 2                                                                                                        .5 credit (C)    (Prerequisite:  Biology 1) This course continues the study of the kingdoms of living organisms. Students further their understanding of fundamental biological concepts as they learn about the characteristics of representative members of various phyla and classes of the plant and animal kingdoms. Students learn about the anatomy and physiology of the human body and also consider such health related topics as nutrition, disease and harmful drugs.

 

Physics 1                                                                                                         .5 credit (E)    Physics represents a continuing effort to solve problems, answer questions and interpret experiences in a logical way. This course encourages students to observe physics principles in their daily lives. The students read about and then, through activities, investigate the physical phenomena related to straight line motion, motion in two dimensions, energy, and relativity, properties of matter, change of state, heat and temperature.

 

Physics 2                                                                                                         .5 credit (E)    (Prerequisite: Physics 1) In this course, students continue to solve problems, answer questions and interpret day-to-­day experiences in a logical way. They read about and then, through activities, investigate the physical phenomena related to wave motion, sound, light, reflection and refraction, color, magnetism, electricity and nuclear physics.

 

 

SOCIAL STUDIES

 

World Geography 1                                                                                      .5 credit (C)    Semester 1 explores relationships between people and their physical environment through the Five Themes of Geography.  Students learn how topography, climate and natural resources influence the lives of people.  They learn how the people of a region devise modes of existence by reacting to and modifying their natural surroundings.  Students learn the geographic skills of reading and drawing maps, analyzing charts and diagrams and interpreting technical vocabulary.   Students study the general characteristics of and analyze interactions between the cultures and physical geography of the United States, Canada, Latin America, and Africa.

 

World Geography 2                                                                                      .5 credit (C)    (Prerequisite:  World Geography 1)              Semester 2 looks at the three geographic regions of Europe, Australia/Oceania and Asia.  Students learn how the topography, climate, and natural resources of each region influence the lives of people.  They also learn how the people of these regions devise modes of existence by reacting to and modifying their natural surroundings.  Throughout the course students continue to use such geographic skills as reading and drawing maps, analyzing charts and diagrams and interpreting technical vocabulary.

 

Ancient Civilizations 1                                                                                  .5 credit (C)    Students begin by examining the definition of history and the value of its study.  This course explores the history of both Western and non-Western cultures from pre-history to the present.  In Semester 1 focuses on the early civilizations that developed in Mesopotamia, India, China, Africa, and Latin America, as well as the later Persian, Greek, and Roman Empires.  The course emphasizes the contributions each of these cultures made to world civilization.  Study continues with the Middle Ages and the development of nation states in Europe through about 1750. 

 

Modern Civilizations 2                                                                                  .5 credit (C)    This course covers the history of the Western and non-Western worlds from about 1500 to the present.  Students begin by examining the social and political upheavals that revolutionized Western civilization and signaled the end of absolutism.  They consider the growth of democracy, constitutionalism, and nationalism, the causes and effects of the Industrial Revolution, the “new” imperialism, the two world wars, and the Cold War.  The course concludes with a discussion of post-Cold War problems and recent developments that have global impact.

 

U.S. History 1                                                                                                .5 credit (C)    Students begin their study by re-examining the definition of history and its value. The history of the United States starts with a look at indigenous cultures and their contributions, continuing through the European invasion, colonization, independence, nationalism, sectionalism, secession and the Civil War. 

 

U.S.  History 2                                                                                               .5 credit (C)    (Prerequisite:  American History 1) The second semester traces the major historical developments in the United States from 1860 to the present.  Students examine the causes and effects of the Industrial Revolution, immigration, early reform movements, Reconstruction, imperialism, two world wars, the Cold War and other historical moments that have influenced American society since the Civil War.  Social history is emphasized throughout.

 

American Government: National Level                                                      .5 credits (C)  Students explore the structures, functions, and powers of the three branches of the national government of the United States.  They consider the constitutional systems of the separation of powers and checks and balances as well as the impact of political parties and interest groups in national politics.  In addition, students examine the role of the national government in the solutions of specific foreign and domestic problems. 

 

Sociology                                                                                                        1 credit (E)     Sociology is the study of the behavior of people in groups and the influence these groups have on those behaviors.  In this one semester course, students learn about the social development of individuals in a society and consider the effects that culture, language, roles, and status have on this development.  Special attention is given to mechanisms of social control and to forces of social change.  By analyzing social institutions and examining contemporary social problems, students develop an understanding of the characteristics of social interaction in a complex modern society.

 

Psychology                                                                                                     .5 credit (E)    This introduction to psychology covers a broad range of topics, including learning processes, the development of personality, mental and emotional problems, the psychology of group behavior and social attitudes.  Studying these topics helps students develop awareness and an understanding of the many forces that influence their behavior.

 

 

SPANISH

 

Spanish I, Semester 1                                                                                    .5 credit (E)    This course introduces students to Spanish language, culture, and history; and develops the student’s ability to understand, speak, and read, and write basic Spanish.  Grammar and vocabulary skills are emphasized to build understanding of the mechanics of the language.  Pronunciation and phrasing are aided by the use of audio components.  Each lesson contains oral exercises.

 

Spanish I, Semester 2                                                                                    .5 credit (E)    (Prerequisite Spanish Semester 1) This course continues the introduction to Spanish language, culture, and history; and develops the student’s ability to understand, speak, and write basic Spanish. Additional grammar and vocabulary skills are emphasized to build understanding of the mechanics of the language.  Pronunciation and phrasing are aided by the use of audio components.  Each lesson contains oral exercises.

 

Spanish II, Semester 3                                                                                  .5 credit (E)    (Prerequisite Spanish Semester 2) This course initially reviews basic concepts of first-year Spanish and then continues with more advanced grammar and vocabulary.  Students complete more complex writing and oral tasks.  Pronunciation and phrasing aided by the use of audio components. Each lesson contains oral exercises.

 

Spanish II, Semester 4                                                                                  .5 credit (E)    (Prerequisite Spanish Semester 3) This course builds upon the concepts of Spanish, Third Semester, and continues with more complex grammar and vocabulary.  Students complete more complex writing and oral tasks.  Pronunciation and phrasing are aided by the use of audio components. Each lesson contains oral exercises.

 

 

STUDY SKILLS

 

Effective Methods of Study (EMOS)                                                          .5 credit (E)    This course is designed to improve study skills, habits and attitudes through experimentation with new study procedures and through applications of established study methods.

 

Effective Reader Skills                                                                                 .5 credit (E)    This course is designed to improve reading skills by emphasizing strategies that help students improve their basic language and literacy skills along with comprehension and retention.  Students learn a three-step process for reading that can be applied to any genre and experiment with multiple types of graphic organizers.