Algebra - In this two-period course, students will study the introductory/ intermediate ideas of algebra -- positive and negative numbers; use of variables; expressions and equations containing two variables, including their graphs; probability; properties of exponents; factoring polynomials; simplifying rational algebraic expressions and solving equations and word problems that make use of rational expressions; inequalities. This course features the use of technology; two days per week students work on classroom laptops for a portion of their block. Cognitive Tutor is the adaptive computer program students use. This program gives students more difficult problems when they give correct answers and it highlights gaps in student thinking when they give incorrect answers. Students are able to work at their own pace on real-world Algebra problems.

Reading in the Language Arts - Reading is essential to success in high school and in life. Our goal is that by the end of the year students will be able to read with both understanding and fluency. We will use our reading framework designed to make explicit the strategies good readers use. We will focus on fiction and non-fiction texts. Our texts will include everything from Speak to Romeo and Juliet and The Autobiography of Malcolm X. This double-period class has students reading, writing, discussing, analyzing, and collaborating around every literary genre. Classic and contemporary literary works are used in this course.

Environmental Science - In this course students learn environmental and earth science in an inter-disciplinary manner. Class is taught using a case-based, inquiry approach in which students learn the content and practices of their scientific discipline and apply what they are learning in the context of real world issues. This course has a strong literacy component (students develop their literacy skills and improve their science through use of those skills) and is taught with materials that make integral use of technology.

Seminar - The purposes of this course are to explicitly teach students school and life skills, to re-enforce our school core values, to promote community engagement and college and career awareness, and to give students personal follow-up and attention in their academics and behavior. In this class students will learn study, note-taking, organizational, and time management skills; they will be exposed to careers and colleges; they will receive training in character education/life skills (like conflict resolution skills); and they will have a weekly 'check-in' time where they reflect on their grades and behavior. This class will be taught in a smaller group (ideally 15 students) to allow for student-student and teacher-student relationships to grow.

 

Physical Education/Health / Education - This course promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and health awareness.  Students participate in various sports, learn and apply the benefits of exercise/physical activity, and understand illness and injury prevention, safety, and practices that promote good health.  In addition, students understand human body systems and factors that influence proper development.