Page 4 - OUSD High School Course Catalog

COURSE CATALOG 2017-2018 P a g e | 4

DEFINITIONS & TERMS

A-G
The course requirements to be considered for admission to any of the California State Universities (UC’s and Cal States). A
student must complete 15 “A-G” courses with a grade of “C” or better – at least 11 of them prior to the senior year. Taking
approved “A-G” courses isn’t the only way to satisfy these requirements. Students also may meet them by completing college
courses, or earning minimum scores on SAT Subject tests, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)
Advanced Placement (AP) courses provide high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses
taught by Orange Unified staff at their respective high schools. Upon passing an AP course examination
administered by the College Board, students can receive college credit, advanced placement, or both from
many U.S. colleges and universities. AP courses make substantial academic demands on students. Most courses
are a full year in length. Students are required to do considerable outside reading and other assignments and to demonstrate
the analytical skills and writing abilities expected of first-year students in a strong college program. Not all Advanced
Placement courses are offered on all campuses.

ARTICULATED COURSES
Articulated courses allow high school students to receive college credit for classes they complete in high school. Students may
elect to include credits earned through an articulated course on their college transcript. The articulation process eliminates
the need for duplication of courses at the college level.

AVID
Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the
achievement gap by preparing all students for college and other postsecondary opportunities. AVID holds
students accountable to the highest academic standards and provides academic and social support. The
program teaches the necessary skills and behaviors for academic success and provides intensive support
through tutorials and strong student teacher relationships. AVID provides a positive peer group and helps
student develop a sense of hope for the personal achievement that can be gained through hard work and determination.

CALIFORNIA PARTNERSHIP ACADEMIES (CPA)
CPA’s are structured as a school-within-a-school. Academies focus on smaller learning communities with a
career theme. Academy components include rigorous academics and career technical education, a
committed team of teachers, and active business and post-secondary partnerships. One such partnership is
the Collaborative Technology Program (CTP) at El Modena High School.

COURSE NUMBERS

The numbers following course titles beginning with a letter and followed by three digits indicate the course code in Aeries,
the OUSD Student Information System.

CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE)
CTE prepares students with the academic and technical skills, knowledge and training necessary
to succeed in a wide range of high-wage, high skilled, high demand careers. OUSD offers
students the opportunity to engage in coursework within 24 different CTE Pathways.

CTE PATHWAY
A Pathway is a sequence of courses taken in a specific Industry Sector that connects a student’s interests to their College
and Career goals. The Pathway culminates in a Capstone course which provides the student an opportunity to apply their
learning from the previous courses. CTE Pathways deliver relevant and rigorous academic and technical content and
provide a student the opportunity to take classes most relevant to their career interests. Students acquire a depth of
knowledge and skill connected to specific post-secondary programs which lead to a certificate or degree and/or career.