Kathy Gillespie
Academic Advisor / Teacher
Courses Taught (Face-to-Face)
College Prep Math via Texas College Bridge
This course is for senior students who have not passed TSI math. By taking and passing this
all-levels, math intensive course, the student will not have to take a remedial mth course in
college.
Geometry
The class will build on concepts encountered in Algebra I such as solving equations, patterns,
relationships, measurement, and probability/statistics. Students will begin to focus on more
precise ter(minology, symbolic representations, and the development of proofs. The student will
learn the properties/relationships of two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes and figures.
The student will also learn to manipulate formulas for perimeter, area, surface area, and volume.
Algebra II
Algebra II expands and broaden their knowledge on many of the concepts encountered in
Algebra I. New topics introduced include matrices, analytical geometry, conic sections, and
graphing various types of equations. Functions, systems of equations, exponential rules, and
imaginary numbers are among many concepts that are an integral part of this course.
Financial Math
Financial Mathematics is a course about personal money management. Students will apply
critical-thinking skills to analyze personal financial decisions based on current and projected
economic factors. Financial Mathematics will integrate career and post-secondary education
planning into financial decision making. Along with financial math topics, students will review
Algebra I and Algebra II concepts, which will include equations and inequalities, rational
expressions, radicals, and nonlinear functions on a more in-depth level. This course will help the
students meet the state requirements of college and career readiness for math.
Grading Policy (as stated in the guidelines that were sent home with each student the first day of class)
All work considered as Class Work (Participation, Classwork, Homework) will count 1 in the
computer grade book. All work considered as Exams (Tests, Exams, Quizzes, Projects) will
count 2 in the computer grade book.

A+ Courses Taught
Spanish I
Students begin their study of Spanish by learning a basic “survival” vocabulary so they will be
able to introduce themselves and greet others, count (in order to buy necessities and tell time and
date for appointments, and have simple conversations about the weather, their family, sports and
other pastimes, ask and answer questions. Students will begin conjugating irregular and irregular
verbs in the present tense.
Spanish II
Students will continue to expand vocabulary in order to speak and write about more complex
tasks than in the first year. More verb tenses are introduced. More emphasis is placed on reading
comprehension.
Sociology
Sociology is an introductory study in social behavior and organization of human society. This
course will describe the development of the field as a social science by identifying methods and
strategies of research leading to an understanding of how the individual relates to society and the
ever-changing world. Students will also learn the importance and role of culture, social structure,
socialization, and social change in today's society.
Psychology
Students study the science of behavior and mental processes. Students examine the full scope of
the science of psychology such as the historical framework, methodologies, human development,
motivation, emotion, sensation, perception, personality development, cognition, learning,
intelligence, biological foundations, mental health, and social psychology. The course also looks
at the function of the brain and nervous system and how they relate to behavior.
Humanities
Humanities is an interdisciplinary course in which students recognize writing as an art form.
Students read widely to understand how various authors craft compositions for various
aesthetic purposes. This course includes the study of major historical and cultural movements
and their relationship to literature and the other fine arts. Humanities is a rigorous course of
study in which high school students respond to aesthetic elements in texts and other art forms
through outlets such as discussions, journals, oral interpretations, and dramatizations. Students
read widely to understand the commonalities that literature shares with the fine arts. In
addition, students use written composition to show an in-depth understanding of creative
achievements in the arts and literature and how these various art forms reflect history.

Also being taught this year -> as credit recovery or to adapt scheduling conflicts
Career Essentials/Personal Finance
Government/Economics
World History

Grading Policy (as stated in the guidelines that were sent home with each student the first day of class)
Your grade will be determined as follows: Each lesson grade will count one time in the
computer grade book. You will take both the practice and the mastery exams. The average of the
two grades is what will be entered in the gradebook. The spiral grade will also be entered into the
gradebook.