Morris Hills Regional District
Summer Acceleration 2015
Course Descriptions
PLEASE NOTE: These courses are acceleration courses, not remedial courses; only students who are
taking these courses for the first time may enroll. All courses require outstanding motivation, work
ethic, and attendance.
Full-Year Courses (120 hours of seat time required):
ALGEBRA 1 (MT210)
5 credits; meets NJ graduation requirements for Mathematics
Prerequisite: successful completion of Pre-Algebra, proficiency on the NJASK 7 in Mathematics, and
teacher recommendation
This is the first course offered in the mathematics college preparatory sequence. It serves as the
foundation for further work in mathematics in high school, technical institutes, or colleges. Topics
covered in this course include number sense and operations, algebraic expressions, linear equations and
inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, absolute value equations, radicals, quadratic
and exponential functions, data analysis, and probability.
GEOMETRY HONORS (MT220)
5 credits; meets NJ graduation requirements for Mathematics
Prerequisite for Grade 8: successful completion of Algebra I and qualifying score on Final Exam/Index
Prerequisite for Grade 9: successful completion of Algebra I CPA and teacher recommendation
This course is offered as the second of the mathematics college preparatory sequence. Concepts focus
on an in-depth analysis of plane, solid, and coordinate geometry as they relate to both abstract
mathematical concepts as well as real-world problem situations. Topics include logic and proof, parallel
lines and polygons, perimeter and area analysis, volume and surface area analysis, similarity and
congruence, trigonometry, and analytic geometry. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical
thinking skills as they relate to logical reasoning and argument. Students will be required to use different
technological tools and manipulatives to discover and explain much of the course content.
FRENCH 1 (WL210)
5 credits; meets NJ graduation requirement for World Language
This course is the first of a four or five year sequence (French 2, 3, 4H, AP French Language) designed for
college preparation and introduces the student to the basic speaking, reading, and writing skills in the
French language. The student is also introduced to the civilization, culture, and geography of France and
French territories. Emphasis is placed on the mastery of pronunciation through oral practice, imitation,
individual coaching, and listening to native speakers. The aim is to acquire an active and practical French
vocabulary, the essential terms of grammar, and a limited number of idiomatic expressions. The student
moves from the “question and answer” stage to the mastery of simple connected oral and written
summaries, and free conversation. Simplified reading selections and dialogues are provided for
comprehension. Audiovisual materials (audiotapes, transparencies, videotapes, DVD, etc.) are used to
reinforce the learning process.
GERMAN 1 (WL211)
5 credits; meets NJ graduation requirement for World Language
This course is the first of a four year sequence (German 2, 3H, 4H) and introduces the student to the
basic speaking, reading and writing skills in the German language. The student is also introduced to the
civilization, culture, and geography of the German speaking world. Emphasis is placed on the mastery of
pronunciation through oral practice, imitation, individual coaching, and listening to native speakers. The
aim is to acquire an active and practical German vocabulary, including the essential terms of grammar as
well as a limited number of idiomatic expressions. Students will communicate effectively in predictable
areas of need (where context aids understanding) such as in a restaurant or in a store. The student
moves gradually from the “question and answer” stage to the mastery of simple connected oral and
written summaries and free conversation. Simplified culturally based reading selections and dialogues
are provided for comprehension. Audiotapes, PowerPoint slides, videotapes, computer software, films,
and German regalia are used to reinforce the learning process.
SPANISH 1 (WL212)
5 credits; meets NJ graduation requirement for World Language
This course is the first of a four or five year sequence (Spanish 2, 3H, 4H, AP Spanish Language) designed
for college preparation and designed to provide college-bound students with the basic speaking,
reading, writing, and listening skills in the Spanish language. The student is also introduced to the
civilization, culture and geography of the Spanish speaking world in detail. Emphasis is placed on the
mastery of pronunciation through oral practice, imitation, individual coaching, and listening to native
speakers. The aim is to acquire an active and practical Spanish vocabulary, which includes the essential
grammatical structures and idiomatic expressions. Reading selections, listening activities, and dialogues
are provided for practice and language acquisition. Audiovisual materials (CD listening comprehension,
Interactive DVD Tutor, videos, transparencies, etc.) are used to reinforce the learning process. Students
will communicate effectively in Spanish on a variety of topics with increasing logic and accuracy.
Half-Year Courses (60 hours of seat time required):
PERSONAL FINANCE
2.5 credits; meets NJ graduation requirement for Financial Literacy
This course is designed to provide the knowledge needed to solve a wide variety of financial issues. The
students are given the tools necessary to address the challenges of living on their own, such as bringing
home a paycheck, utilizing a checking and savings account, renting an apartment, purchasing a house,
purchasing a car, budgeting, and using credit. Personal Finance is a practical course that helps students
become more informed consumers and avoid common mistakes.