BPS High School Course Catalog 24-25 - Flipbook - Page 52
12002 Speech
This course provides a fundamental approach to public speaking through the development of oral
communication and individual speech techniques. Students study the basics of communication and
public speaking where they develop self- confidence in oral presentations. Students also learn the
charac-teristics of effective writing for speeches and improve their listening strategies. Students
research and present speeches on the following topics: informative, persuasive, demonstration, special
occasion and oral interpretation.
Prerequisite: None
Grades Taught: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: .25
NCAA Approved
10032 Honors Humanities (Seaholm)
This is a seminar-based course where students will read and discuss complex texts with philosophical
underpinnings. We will also look at the influence of the visual art and music of the times, taking into
consideration how culture permeates all aspects of life and how the thought of a time period can be
reflected in many forms of art, not simply its literature. Through the seminar format, students will
continue learning how to examine difficult material, think critically, question intelligently and posit
their own opinions with textual support. Students will be expected to read outside of class and be
prepared for meaningful conversations about the subject matter.
Prerequisites: None
Grades Taught: 11, 12
Credit: .25
NCAA approved
12122 Grammar and Vocabulary (Seaholm)
Grammar and Vocabulary is a course strongly recommended for all students to take in addition to their
core English class. Grammar and Vocabulary concentrates on the basic skills of English grammar and
usage that allow us to communicate effectively about language and writing. In addition, students study
a weekly list of vocabulary words commonly tested on the ACT, SAT, and Advanced Placement tests.
Prerequisites: None
Grades Taught: 10, 11, 12
Credit: .25
English Language Development for Multilingual Learners
ELD/ESL Course Descriptions
Birmingham Public Schools offer English Language Development (ELD) integrated and Designated
language instruction and ELD content classes. These courses are specifically designed to meet the
language needs of our multilingual learners. In addition, the ELD staff has been trained to provide
research-based strategies to support English learners both socially and academically.
Seaholm and Groves High Schools are proud of the diversity in our academic communities. We have
students from a vast number of countries who speak a variety of languages. Their cultural, ethnic, and
linguistic backgrounds add an exciting dimension to our schools. It is our collective responsibility to
serve the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. Our goal is that our multilingual
students will develop linguistic and literacy skills in English as well as to preserve their native
language(s). The course descriptions for classes which support ELD instruction are as follows:
150020 ELD 1
This class is for students who are at an Entering or Emerging level in their English language development, evidenced by WIDA screener scores, and students who are new to Birmingham Public Schools.
This course aims to teach foundational language skills that enable students to use English to communicate in social and academic settings. This course focuses on basic grammar skills, reading and
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