pi course updated (1)

7/30/2019 Pi Course Updated (1)

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Plano Institute

Course Guide and

Policies


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Mission Statement

The Plano Institute firmly believes in providing an integrated learning

environment for students of high intellect, preparing students for the arduous

tasks of professional life by introducing them to individuals of esteemedprofessional rank, and creating a polished environment which promotes success

and innovation in all fields: including academics, athletics, and the fine arts.


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Course Policies

Students entering PI their freshman year must apply to one of the graduation plans Specialized graduation programs can fill up on a first-come-first-served basis

If specialized programs fill up, students who become locked out can either take anotherspecialized program or they will be put in the General Program

Students taking specialized courses with accelerated classes will be required to take theaccelerated classes.

Students must fill all seven subject spots in the schedule each semester first with theirrequired courses and then with their chosen electives

1 credit indicates a two semester course; .5 credit indicates a one semester course

Failing Policies

The school year is divided into 9 week grading periods with 2 per semester, 2 semesters

per school year

Students with one or more failing grades after a nine weeks will lose eligibility tocompete in athletics until they receive a passing nine weeks grade

A failing nine weeks grade(s) will result in the student taking mandatory tutorials eachfailing course until they have a passing nine weeks grade for every course

A failing semester grade for an AP class will not result in the student having to drop theclass and replace it with a regulars course, instead Plano Institute will provide the

student with additional help and mentoring to complete and pass the course.

The Plano Institute looks at each student as individuals and as a result, individualsolutions will be decided upon for students who fail courses problematically

Attendance Policy

Only student illness, bereavement, medical appointments, and religious observanceswill permit an excused absence; a parents note or doctors note (when appropriate)

must be shown as evidence A student has 7 days after his or her unexcused absence to turn in a note 5 unexcused absences will result in a gpa drop; students will receive another gpa drop

with each 3 unexcused absences they receive after that

Students will receive a gpa drop if they are tardy seven times to a class, they will receiveanother gpa drop with 5 additional tardies to the same class

Tardies and Absences reset each semester


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Weighted GPA Chart

Numerical Grade AP Regular*

A+ 4.0 3.6

A 3.8 3.4

A- 3.6 3.2

B+ 3.4 3.0

B 3.2 2.8

B- 3.0 2.6

C+ 2.8 2.4

C 2.6 2.2

C- 2.4 2.0

F 0.0 0.0

*All non AP courses meet/ exceed level of Honors courses offered by other schools and areweighted as such

*Plano Institute does not administer class ranks

*Plano Institute will maintain internal ranks in order to distinguish students for colleges

Pass Fail Class

*Students select one pass/fail class at the beginning of the year, and these pass/fail classes will

not affect the student grade point averages. This system encourages students to select a classthey are interested in, regardless of the gpa implications. If the student passes the class, he/she

will receive a credit from the class, otherwise, no credit will be administered.


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Admission Requirements

Pi Institute admission requirements include filing out the form outlined on the

website and completing the entrance exam. If the student passes the entrance exam,

he/she will be considered for admission into the PI institute. The admission process

will include an interview which will carry a heavy influence on whether the student

receives admission or not. Other factors will play into the student admission process

including extracurricular participation, teacher recommendations, and student written

essays. Financial situation will have absolutely no influence on the admission process.

Assuming a student meets the admission requirements and a family cannot afford the

reasonable tuition, the school will provide a scholarship to the student since the Plano

Institute does not subjugate based on financial situation.

Integrated Curriculum

As a part of Plano Institute, it is important for us to teach our students how similar the

different subjects really can be. As a part of this program, students will be expected to

open their minds to find even the smallest of connections between two subject

matters at hand. In the real world, students will need to have the ability to apply their

learned skills to a variety of different tasks. By teaching students to make connections

between different core subjects, we hope to develop their skills to take the process of

making connections and apply it to the profession they intend to specialize in.

Accelerated Curriculum

Students taking part in this program will be expected to have a considerable amount

of discipline. These courses are for those students intending to specialize in fast paced

careers. In these classes students will take the introduction and basics part of the

course at the same time as taking the advanced version of the course. For example,

while a student not involved in the accelerated curriculum program will take Algebra 1

and Algebra 2 separately, a student involved in the accelerated curriculum would take

both of these classes at the same. This fast pace program will hopefully teach thestudents to adapt quickly to any situation they find themselves upon.


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Graduation Plans

General Graduation Program

Subject Area Requirements

Math 4 credits (1+ AP)Science 4 credits (1+ AP)

Social Studies 4 credits (1+ AP)

English 4 credits (1+ AP)

Foreign Language 3 credits (1+ AP)

Fine Arts 1 credit

Physical Education 1 credit

Electives Must fill remainder of students schedule

Total Credits: 26

Math/ Science Program


Math Minimum 4 credits (with accelerated classes)

(2+ AP)

Science Minimum 4 credits (with accelerated classes)

(2+ AP)

Social Studies 4 credits

English 4 credits

Foreign Language 3 credits

Fine Arts 1 credit

Physical Education Not required


Total Credits: 26

Social Studies Program


Social Studies Minimum 5 credits (3+ AP)

English 4 credits

Math 4 credits

Science 4 credits


Fine Arts Not requiredPhysical Education Not required


Total Credits: 26


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English Program


English Minimum 5 credits (with accelerated classes)

(2+ AP)

Social Studies 4 creditsMath 4 credits

Science 4 credits


Fine Arts Not Required



Total Credits: 26

Fine Arts


Math 4 creditsScience 4 credits

English 4 credits

Social Studies 4 credits


Fine Arts Minimum 4 credits (1+ AP)



Total Credits: 26


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Course Catalog

Grade Levels Credits

Science Courses

Accelerated Physics AP 10-11 2

Astrophysics 12 1

Biology 9-10 1

Chemistry 9-10 1

Environmental Science 11-12 1

Kinesiology and Anatomy 12 1

Organic Chemistry AP 12 1

Physics 11-12 1

Physics AP 11-12 1

*Integrated Physics AP 11-12 2

Mathematics

Accelerated Algebra 9-10 2

Accelerated Calculus AP 11-12 2

Accelerated Physics AP 11-12 2

Algebra I 9-10 1

Algebra II 9-10 1

Calculus AP 11-12 1

Geometry 9-10 1

*Integrated Physics AP

Pre-Calculus 11-12 1

Statistics AP 12 1

Social StudiesApplied Economics 12 .5

European History AP 9-10 1

*History through World

Literature

11 2

Human Geography AP 9-10 1

*Humanities I AP 9-10 2

*Humanities II AP 11-12 2

Integrated Government AP 12 2

Military History 11-12 .5

Religious History 11-12 .5US History 11-12 1

US History AP 11-12 1

World History 9-10 1

World History AP 9-10 1


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English

Classical Literature 11-12 1

Contemporary Literature 11-12 1

English I 9-10 1

English II 9-10 1

English III AP 11-12 1English IV AP 11-12 1

*History through World

Literature

9-12 2

Humanities I AP 9-10 2

Humanities II AP 11-12 2

Foreign Language

Accelerated French (I & II) 9-10 1

Accelerated Spanish (I & II) 9-10 1

ASL I 9-10 1

ASL II 9-10 1ASL III 10-11 1

ASL IV 11-12 1

Chinese I 9-10 1

Chinese II 9-10 1

Chinese III 11-12 1

Chinese IV AP 11-12 1

French I 9-10 1

French II 9-10 1

French III 10-12 1

French IV AP 11-12 1French V 11-12 1

Latin I 9-10 1

Latin II 9-10 1

Latin III 11-12 1

Latin IV AP 11-12 1

Spanish I 9-10 1

Spanish II 9-10 1

Spanish III 10-12 1

Spanish IV AP 11-12 1

Spanish V 11-12 1


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Fine Arts

Art 3D I 9-12 1

Art 3D II 9-12 1

Art 3D III 9-12 1

Art 3D IV AP 9-12 1

Art Appreciation AP 9-12 1Band I 9-12 1

Band II 9-12 1

Band III 9-12 1

Band IV 9-12 1

Choir I 9-12 1

Choir I 9-12 1

Choir II 9-12 1

Choir III 9-12 1

Choir IV 9-12 1

Composition and Techniquesof Classical Music

9-12 1

Composition and Techniques

of Modern Music

9-12 1

Dance I 9-12 1

Dance II 9-12 1

Dance III 9-12 1

Dance IV 9-12 1

Music Theory AP 9-12 1

Orchestra I 9-12 1

Orchestra II 9-12 1Orchestra III 9-12 1

Orchestra IV 9-12 1

Theater I 9-12 1

Theater II 9-12 1

Theater III 9-12 1

Theater IV 9-12 1


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Athletics Grade Level Credit

Football 9-12 1

Cross Country 9-12 1

Tennis 9-12 1

Volleyball 9-12 1

ElectivesAgricultural Science 9-12 .5

Architectural Design 9-12 .5

Computer Science 2- AP 9-12 1

Computer Science AP 9-12 1

Debate I 9-12 1

Debate II 9-12 1

Debate III 9-12 1

Debate IV 9-12 1

Engineering Design 9-12 .5

Food Science and Nutrition 9-12 .5Graphic Design 9-12 1

Horticultural Science 9-12 .5

Internet Coding 9-12 1

Journalism 9-12 1

Medical Science 9-12 1

Mock Trial 9-12 1

Psychology AP 9-12 .5

Sociology 9-12 .5

Veterinary Science 9-12 .5

*Double Block Class


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Course Descriptions

Science

Astrophysics- Students taking Astrophysics will explore the origins of our universe, and explore

the past present and future paths of galaxies, stars, and planets. They will use mathematical

concepts to explain observations and happenings in the universe.

Organic Chemistry AP In this riveting class, students will learn about the organic bonds which

link molecules together. This class will be an extension of what the students would have

previously learned in their 9th

grade chemistry class. Additionally, in this class students will be

performing multiple experiments with the state of the art lab equipment as provided by the

school.

Kinesiology and Anatomy Students will learn about the study of human movement and will

thoroughly investigate the application of kinesiology, such as strength and conditioning.

Anatomy is involved in this course, since in order to understand the basic movements of the

human body, students need to first understand the basic parts of the human body.

Integrated Physics AP- Integrated Physics teaches the theorems of calculus, and principles of

physics in an intertwined curriculum. Students will learn calculus concepts and then apply them

to physic application problems. This class will address mechanics, optics, force, gravitation, and

magnetism. Students, if they choose to, will be able to take the Advanced Placement exam for

both Calculus BC and Physics C at the end of the year.

Mathematics

Accelerated Algebra- This class combines Algebra I and II to move students in the Math and

Science program ahead. This will teach linear, quadratic, square root function, and logarithms,

relationships between equations and function, and algebraic representation.

AP Statistics In this class, students will learn about the basic principles of presenting and

interpreting data, as is the same with most statistic classes. However, the difference arises in

that in our statistics class, the teachers will apply most of the information to real world

principles, especially in the business world (introduce concepts: revenue, profit).

Algebra I- This course is the basis of all math classes. Students will just begin to learn about

linear and quadratic functions. This will be the beginners level of math

Algebra II- This class will utilize the skills learned in Algebra I to teach students new concepts

such as


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Geometry- In this class, students will learn about shapes, mathematical proofs, angles, and

more. In this course, students will learn the basic principles of geometry that will prepare them

for more advanced math courses.

Pre-Calculus- This will be the class that prepares them for AP calculus. Some material that they

learn will be the unit circle, trigonometric functions, and trig identities. These courses will give

them a clearer understanding of AP Calculus.

Social Studies

History Through World Literature- This course teaches the history of the world through

literature, from a multitude of eras and regions. Students will use primary sources to learn the

social, political, and economic, patterns of history. Comparing texts from similar regions and

eras will explain interactions and contacts throughout history. Teachers will develop analytical

thought processes in their students by making them see the connections and patterns in the

writing and the time period. Essays will be a central part of the course.

Military History- This elective social studies class will teach students the personal, strategy and

importance of battles from Classical civilizations all the way through the new millennia. Classes

will discuss the importance of certain battles not only in history but also in the evolution of

military strategy.

Integrated Government AP In this class, students will draw on comparing governments of

different types. For example, students will spend time comparing and contrasting Englands

constitutional monarchy with Frances absolute monarchy. This technique will allow students to

see more of the real world context when discussing history.

Humanities I and II AP In these courses students will move across time while studying in depth

creations from civilizations as old as the Greeks to states as new as Hawaii. Humanities I covers

a certain time period from Judeo- Christian literature to the enlightenment, and Humanities II

covers the enlightenment modern era. In the Humanities, great emphasis will be placed on

the historical context of the literature.

Religious History This class is very important to Plano Institute. Plano Institute believes

students should be exposed to a myriad of religions since these religions have played an

enormous part in history. The quarrels which brought upon the crusades will be highlighted and

the split of the Christian church will be addressed. In addition, students will be briefly

introduced to each religion with absolutely no teacher bias.


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Applied Economics In this class students will learn the essence about economics through first

hand involvement. In the budget, there has been a set aside money value for student

investment; this money value will be used by the students to invest in the real world market.

Through these investments, the students will experience the thrill of handling money and

understand the fluctuations and basic economics of the market.

English

Classical Literature- This course goes in-depth into the literature of Greece and Rome, from 600

B.C.E. to 600 C.E. This class will explore the rhetorical devices used and the meaning behind the

writing. Multiple books will be required plus optional out of class reading.

English III AP- Prerequisite: English II, Humanities I. This class is a document and text base class.

Students analyze texts and documents to find rhetorical strategies, show how to construct an

argument, and expose students to a multitude of literary styles. Writing essays will be a core

concept; students will learn to develop their voice and own personal styles. This class will

prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam at the end of the year.

Contemporary Literature As opposed to the previously outline classical literature,

contemporary literature will focus mainly on United States literature with some foreign

appearances. This class will delve into the great ideas that drove the ideals of Romanticism,

Modernism, Realism, and much more.

History through World Literature In this class, students will start off analyzing pieces of world

literature in chronological order. With not that much emphasis put on history first, students will

only evaluate pieces based on literary content and techniques. Later on, the techniques will be

looked upon through a historical scope, thus teaching the students about history while

maintaining the focus on world literature.

Electives

Mock Trial- This elective course will teach students legal and trail protocol. They will prepare

for a trial, by choosing a role (prosecutor, defense, judge, bailiff, etc.) then prepare evidence,

and display it in a professional manner. Multiple trials will take place throughout the year. This

may be taken every year to perfect the technique. Students who wish to pursue a legal career

are encouraged to take this class.


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Engineering Design- This elective course is designed to teach students basic principles of

engineering and how to apply them in the real world. Application of physics is emphasized

heavily as well as mathematics. Topics discussed include work, power, materials and structures.

Sociology- This elective course purpose is to explore social environments, development of class

structures, analyzing research data to understand why events happen. Students will begin to

develop an analytical mind and see connections between multitudes of events.

Computer Science AP- This elective course will begin to cover the topic of information

technology. Students will understand file management, graphics, and hardware components.

After finishing this class students will be able to take Computer Science II AP. This class will

prepare students to take the Advanced Placement exam at the end of the year.

Agricultural Science- This class will teach students the basic principles and the history of

agriculture. This intensive course teaches about proper agricultural techniques and the effects

of agriculture on the environment.

Architectural Design- This class will be an introduction to architecture class that teaches

students how to use basic programs and how to sketch a floor plan model. Students will be able

to learn from real architects from our guest speaker program.

Debate- Students will be able to formulate arguments against one another through deductive

reasoning. As students progress through higher levels I-IV, the cases get tougher and more

mentally challenging. These students will be able to learn proper techniques in speech and

debate.

Food Science and Nutrition- This elective offers students to learn more facts about being and

staying healthy. A daily nutrition journal to log daily calories and exercise will be kept

throughout the year.

Horticultural Science- This elective correlates with the Agricultural science curriculum where

students learn about agriculture. This elective, however will focus mainly on agriculture for

human use.

Internet Coding: This elective pulls out a sector from computer science to focus mainly on

coding. Internet coding teaches you new techniques and tips on how to correctly code html and

other sources.

Journalism- This class will be revolving around the school newspaper. Students will write their

own columns and research their own journalism material to put into the school newspaper.


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Medical Science - This class introduces students to the basic principles necessary for anybody to

participate in the medical field. Primarily, this class involves memorization of terms which will

contribute to the students understanding of the medical field.

Veterinary Science This specified science class allows our students to explore the life of a

doctor past the human radius. We will provide sample pets to test and administer medicine.

Students who truly love animals, or even just want to experience helping animals on a whole

new level, should definitely consider taking this class.

pi course updated (1)

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