New York City

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA)

8 CREDITS REQUIRED FOR DIPLOMA

English 9

 ** Required for graduation**

• Intended students: Grade 9

• Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

• Prerequisites: None

• Major Outcomes: Required as part of 8-credit sequence

• Instructional Focus: English 9 introduces students to the Common Core Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening standards and Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 4 tasks through Socratic Seminars and Common Core Argument-based Writing papers and a Common Core Research paper.

• Students will also engage in daily textual analysis to prepare students to write evidence based responses targeting Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 3 questions: "Mini Text-Analysis Response" or "Claim Paragraphs." Students will read a variety of genres including: nonfiction; at least one classic literature text; one Shakespearean text; one drama/play; poetry; one literature circle unit (with choice of YA texts)

• Projects, activities:

  Three Common Core nonfiction units (Baseline, Fall & Spring)

  Socratic seminars - Fall and Spring:

  • Argument Writing: Common Core Performance Task Fall and Spring

  • On-demand Regents style tasks: 4x a year

  • Two Literary Response Papers

  • Research Report on student-selected topic (can be interdisciplinary)

  • Daily partner/group and class discussions

  • Interim Assessment and Final Exam

   

  • ​

English 10

** Required for graduation**

Intended students: Grade 10

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: English 9

Major Outcomes: Required as part of 8-credit ELA sequence

Instructional Focus: English 10 enhances student work on the Common Core Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening standards and Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 4 tasks. Students incorporate research and independently vett viable sources to use during Socratic Seminar and Common Core Argument writing paper.

Students continue to engage in daily textual analysis and write "Mini Text-Analysis Response" or "Claim Paragraphs" targeting Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 3 questions. Students will read a variety of genres including: nonfiction; at least one classic literature text; one Shakespearean text; one

drama/play; poetry; one literature circle unit (with choice of YA texts)

Projects, activities:

Three Common Core nonfiction units (Baseline, Fall & Spring)

Socratic seminars - Fall and Spring:

Argument Writing: Common Core Performance Task Fall and Spring

On-demand Regents style tasks: 6x a year

Two Literary Response Papers

Research Initiative: 10th Grade Common Core Argument/Research Blend (5-7 typed pages)

Daily partner/group and class discussions

Interim Assessment and Final Exam

​

English 11

** Required for graduation**

Intended students: Grade 9

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: English 10

Major Outcomes: Required as part of 8-credit ELA sequence

Instructional Focus: English 11 focuses on preparing students for the New York state Regents and Common Core Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening standards. Students engage in various various Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 4 tasks through enhanced expectations for Socratic Seminar, Common Core Argument writing, and Common Core Research writing.

Students continue to engage in daily textual analysis and write "Mini Text-Analysis Response" or "Claim Paragraphs" targeting Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 3 questions. Students will read a variety of genres including: nonfiction; at least one classic literature text; one Shakespearean text; one drama/play; poetry; one literature circle unit (with choice of YA texts)

Projects, activities include:

Three Common Core nonfiction units (Baseline, Fall & Spring)

Socratic seminars - Fall and Spring:

Argument Writing: Common Core Performance Task Fall and Spring

On-demand Regents style tasks: 6x a year

Two Literary Response Papers

Research Initiative: 11th Grade Common Core Argument/Research Blend (5-7 typed pages)

Daily partner/group and class discussions

Interim Assessment and Final Exam

​

English 12

** Required for graduation**

Intended students: Grade 12

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: English 11

Major Outcomes: ELA Regents Exams

Instructional Focus: English 12 prepares students for College Readiness and the New York State Regents Exam. Students engage in various various Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 4 tasks as they explore units on: Resilience and Personal Strength; The American Dream; Guilt and Redemption in The Kite Runner. Students complete two Common Core Units and address the Common Core Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening standards by extending the Socratic Seminar expectations. Students also engage in Common Core Argument writing and our Common Core Research Initiative.

Students continue to engage in daily textual analysis and write "Mini Text-Analysis Response" or "Claim Paragraphs" targeting Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 3 questions. Students will read a variety of genres including: nonfiction; at least one classic literature text; one Shakespearean text; one drama/play; poetry; one literature circle unit (with choice of YA texts)

Projects, activities:

Three Common Core nonfiction units (Baseline, Fall & Spring)

Socratic seminars - Fall and Spring:

Argument Writing: Common Core Performance Task Fall and Spring

On-demand Regents style tasks: 6x a year (2x Text-Analysis Response, 3x argument)

Research Initiative: 12th Grade Common Core Argument/Research Blend (5-7 typed pages)

Two Literary Response Papers

Unit Project - Literary Analysis – Students will focus on the authors' intended effect in connection to the author's use literary elements.

Reading Response Journals -independent reading strategy practice & quote analysis (dialectical journal entries)

Theme and Reflection Research Paper Unit Project

Daily partner/group and class discussions

Interim Assessment and Final Exam

​

Advanced Placement English Language & Composition​

** COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSE**

Intended students: Grade 11

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: ELA Regents Exam score of 75 or greater

Major Outcomes: Advanced Placement Exam and possible college ELA credit

Instructional Focus: Students will learn and examine the basic elements rhetoric, language and effective writing. Students will examine various forms and genres of narrative writing, including personal narrative, biography, autobiography, memoir and letter writing and correspondence. Students will also explore how the elements of narrative and narrative writing is used in nonfiction texts not initially or primarily considered narrative. Finally, students will explore whether and how narrative writing can be persuasive or argumentative in nature. Students will learn the definitions of, examine examples of, and read various texts/writings to understand: ethos (character appeals); pathos (emotional appeals); logos (reason appeals); argument, rebuttal and counter argument; persuasive versus informational writing; various forms of narrative writing (e.g., biography, autobiography, memoir and short story); audience; purpose; writer's point of view; writing styles and formats.

Projects, activities:

Three Common Core nonfiction units (Baseline, Fall & Spring)

Socratic seminars - Fall and Spring:

Argument Writing: Common Core Performance Task Fall and Spring

Personal Narrative Essay; Biographical Essay;

Two Literary Response Papers

Term/Thesis Paper

Daily partner/group and class discussions

Interim Assessment and Final Exam

​

Advanced Placement English Literature & Composition

** COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSE**

Intended students: Grade 12

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Major Outcomes: Advanced Placement Exam and possible college ELA credit

Instructional Focus: AP English Literature and Composition is an introductory college-level literary analysis course. Students cultivate their understanding of literature through reading and analyzing texts as they explore concepts like character, setting, structure, perspective, figurative language, and literary analysis in the context of literary works.

Projects, activities:

Three Common Core nonfiction units (Baseline, Fall & Spring)

Socratic seminars - Fall and Spring:

Argument Writing: Common Core Performance Task Fall and Spring

Personal Narrative Essay; Biographical Essay;

Two Literary Response Papers

Term/Thesis Paper

Daily partner/group and class discussions

Interim Assessment and Final Exam

​

SOCIAL STUDIES

8 CREDITS REQUIRED FOR DIPLOMA

Global History 9

** Required for graduation**

Intended students: Grade 9

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: None

Major Outcomes: Required as part of 4-credit Global History sequence

Instructional Focus: Global 9 covers global history from the Neolithic Revolution until the Age of Exploration. Topics covered include human and physical geography, major world belief systems, and the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, China, Greece, Rome and Meso-America. The course ends with a study of the Middle Ages in Europe, the Crusades, Reformation, and the encounter between Europeans and native populations in the Americas. Students continue to enhance their Common Core Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening skills through Socratic Seminars. Students also engage in a variety of Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 4 tasks through Common Core Argument-based Writing papers, and a Common Core Research paper.

Students target Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 3 questions through daily DBQs and/or open-ended questions. Students are also provided with blended learning opportunities through "station work" and other tasks.

Projects, activities:

Three Common Core nonfiction units (Baseline, Fall & Spring)

Socratic seminars - Fall and Spring:

Argument Writing: Common Core Performance Task Fall and Spring on topics such as "Is geography your destiny?," 'Was Mesopotamia or Egypt a more successful river-valley civilization?," "Does Alexander the Great belong in the Hall of Fame or the Hall of Shame?" and "Would you recommend Buddhism or Hinduism to provide structure and meaning to a civilization in turmoil?"

Common Core Research Paper on student-selected topic (can be interdisciplinary) (1-2 pages)

A variety of Regents-style DBQs

Thematic essays

Point-of-view writing -- e.g "Write a journal entry from the perspective of a trader on the Silk Road"

Daily partner/group and class discussions

Interim Assessment and Final Exam

​

Global History 10

** Required for graduation**

Intended students: Grade 10

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: Global History 9

Major Outcomes: Global History & Geography Regents Exam

Instructional Focus: Global 10 covers global history from the Renaissance until the modern day. Topics covered include the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment, the French & Latin American Revolutions, the Industrial Revolution, the rise of Nationalism and Imperialism, the Russian Revolution, World Wars I and II, the Cold War, African Decolonization, and modern issues and conflicts. Students continue to enhance their Common Core Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening skills through Socratic Seminars. Students also engage in a variety of Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 4 tasks through Common Core Argument-based Writing papers, and a Common Core Research paper. Students target Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 3 questions through daily DBQs and/or open-ended questions.

Projects, activities:

Three Common Core nonfiction units (Baseline, Fall & Spring)

Socratic seminars - Fall and Spring:

Argument Writing: Common Core Performance Task Fall and Spring

Argument-based essays, socratic seminars and "town hall" discussions on topics such as "Does nationalism bring people together, or tear nations apart?"; "Why was the dream of decolonization in Africa not fulfilled?" and "Should there be limits on the type of technology used during warfare?"

Common Core Research Paper on student-selected topic (can be interdisciplinary) (1-2 pages)

A variety of Regents-style DBQs

Thematic essays

Daily partner/group and class discussions

Interim Assessment and Final Exam

Global Literature

Intended students: Grade 10

Credits: 2 semesters, ½ credit per semester

Prerequisites: Global History 9 (concurrent with Global History 10)

Major Outcomes: Global History & Geography Regents Exam

Instructional Focus: Global Lit. focuses on the literature and nonfiction that corresponds with selected major topics of Global History, including...

Projects, activities:

Responses to text

Thematic Essays

​

US History

** Required for graduation**

Intended students: Grade 11

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: Global History 10

Major Outcomes: US History & Geography Regents Exam

Instructional Focus: This course studies the 17th-21st century of America, allowing students a more detailed exploration of topics such as the colonial period, the cause and effects of the two World Wars and the rise and rule of single party states that caused Manifest Destiny. Students continue to enhance their Common Core Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening skills through Socratic Seminars. Students also engage in a variety of Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 4 tasks through Common Core Argument-based Writing papers, and a Common Core Research paper. Students target Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 3 questions through daily DBQs and/or open-ended questions. Students are also provided with blended learning opportunities through "station work" and other tasks using Doctopus and Google Docs.

Projects, activities:

Three Common Core nonfiction units (Baseline, Fall & Spring)

Socratic seminars - Fall and Spring: ex. "Did Westward Expansion Harm or Benefit Americans?"

Argument Writing: Common Core Performance Task Fall and Spring ex. "Should there be any requirements for Southern States formerly in rebellion to reunite with the rest of the country?"

Common Core Research Paper on student-selected topic (can be interdisciplinary) (1-2 pages)

Webquests

DBQ Essays on topics such as: "What challenges did George Washington face as 1st president of the United states?"; "Debate the pros and cons of the American government's policies towards Native Americans": "Was Indian removal an act of genocide?"

Writing: Political speeches representing party platforms in the 1850s;

Thematic Essays

A variety of Regents-style DBQs

Daily partner/group and class discussions

Interim Assessment and Final Exam

​

Advanced Placement US History

** COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSE**

Intended students: Grade 11

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: Global History 10

Major Outcomes: US History & Geography Regents Exam, AP US History Exam

Instructional Focus: This course studies US History from 1491- present. Through the extensive use of primary documents and texts, students analyze relevant historical events and policies that shaped our nation from the Early Republic, Manifest Destiny, Sectionalism - Reconstruction, Industrialization, Imperialism, World War II, to the Cold War and Modern America. Students read the analyses of historians and write thematic essays in preparation for the Advanced Placement US History exam. Students continue to enhance their Common Core Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening skills through Socratic Seminars. Students also engage in a variety of Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 4 tasks through Common Core Argument-based Writing papers, and a Common Core Research paper. Students target Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 3 questions through daily DBQs and/or open-ended questions.

Projects, activities:

Three Common Core nonfiction units (Baseline, Fall & Spring)

Socratic seminars - Fall and Spring: ex. "Argument Writing: Common Core ex. On Manifest Destiny

Argument Writing: Common Core Performance Task Fall and Spring

Common Core Research Paper on student-selected topic (can be interdisciplinary) (1-2 pages)

Argument-based essays, "town hall" discussions, close reading exercises analyzing primary documents

A variety of Advanced Placement History exam-style Document Based Questions

Thematic essays

Daily partner/group and class discussions

Interim Assessment and Final Exam

​

Economics

** Required for graduation**

Intended students: Grade 12

Credits: 1 semester, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: U.S. History 11

Major Outcomes: US History & Geography Regents Exam

Instructional Focus: This course studies the foundations of the US Economy and other economic systems. Students continue to enhance their Common Core Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening skills through Socratic Seminars. Students also engage in a variety of Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 4 tasks through Common Core Argument-based Writing papers, and a major Common Core Research paper. Students target Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 3 questions through daily DBQs and/or open-ended questions.

Projects, activities:

Three Common Core nonfiction units (Baseline, Fall & Spring)

Socratic seminars - Fall and Spring:

Common Core Research Initiative: "The 11th grade College Research Paper": (10 typed pages) Major research-based argument paper completed over several months on student-selected topics in US History, Government, or Economics.

Thematic Essays ex. "Are Consumerism and Consumption Destroying the World?; Should Corporations Have the Same Rights as Individuals"

Stock Market Project

Daily partner/group and class discussions

Interim Assessment linked to US History

​

Participation in Government

** Required for graduation**

Intended students: Grade 12

Credits: 1 semester, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: U.S. History 11

Major Outcomes: US History & Geography Regents Exam

Instructional Focus: This course studies the foundation of the US government and justice system. Students explore themes regarding the roles and rights of citizenship and how political party systems operate. Students continue to enhance their Common Core Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening skills through Socratic Seminars. Students also engage in a variety of Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 4 tasks through Common Core Argument-based Writing papers, and their continued work on the major Common Core Research paper. Students target Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 3 questions through daily DBQs and/or open-ended questions.

Projects, activities:

Spring Common Core Performance Task and Seminar

Common Core Research Initiative: "The 11th grade College Research Paper": (10 typed pages) Major research-based argument paper completed over several months on student-selected topics in US History, Government, or Economics.

Argument Writing: Common Core Performance Task Fall and Spring ex. "Should the US Allow Capital Punishment?"

Speech Writing on main issues of debate in our nation today: Gun Control; Abortion, Economy, Health Care, Gay Rights-(Gay marriage)

Analysis of Supreme Court Cases and impact on society: TLO v NJ; Gideon V Wainwright; Miranda v Arizona

Thematic Essays

Final Exam linked to US History

​

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

7 CREDITS REQUIRED FOR CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) CERTIFICATION

Business Technology Applications

** Required for CTE certification**

Intended students: Grade 10

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: None

Major Outcomes: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams

Instructional Focus: The objective of this course is to have students pass Microsoft Office (MOS) certification exams in three applications: MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint. The course integrates computer-based instruction in those applications with the foundation of finance and investment banking. Virtual Enterprise requires integration with financial math.

Projects, activities:

Certiport Microsoft Office pre-tests in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Completion of Virtual Enterprise Excel products

Three Common Core nonfiction units (Baseline, Fall & Spring)

Socratic seminars - Fall and Spring:

Argument Writing: Common Core Performance Task Fall and Spring

Common Core Research Paper on student-selected topic (can be interdisciplinary) (1-2 pages)

​

Entrepreneurship

** Required for CTE certification**

Intended students: Grade 11

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: Business Technology Applications

Major Outcomes: Virtual Enterprise Entrepreneurship exam, Individual Business Plan

Instructional Focus: This course works closely with the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) to lead students through the process of coming up with an individual business opportunity and developing a basic business plan. Students work with external mentors from Ernst & Young to refine their idea and their pitch, culminating in several rounds of business plan competitions, with opportunities to present for actual investments in citywide and nationally.

Projects, activities:

Year-long development and presentation of an individual business plan, including financials, 30-second pitch, market analysis, and sales channel strategy

Completion of Virtual Enterprise Entrepreneurship Exam

Three Common Core nonfiction units (Baseline, Fall & Spring)

Socratic seminars - Fall and Spring:

Argument Writing: Common Core Performance Task Fall and Spring

Common Core Research Paper on student-selected topic (can be interdisciplinary) (1-2 pages)

​

Virtual Enterprise

** One path for CTE certification**

Intended students: Grade 12

Credits: 2 semesters, 2 credits per semester (includes 1 credit of Career & Financial Management and 1 credit of Business Economics)

Prerequisites: Entrepreneurship

Major Outcomes: NOCTI Virtual Enterprise Exam, NOCTI A.S.K. Exam

Instructional Focus: This is a double-period course that includes working within a firm to run a business. With an emphasis on college and career readiness, VE is an in-school, live, global business simulation that offers students a competitive edge through project-based, collaborative learning and the development of 21st-century skills in entrepreneurship, global business, problem solving, communication, personal finance and technology. This multidimensional, experiential learning model, which is part of a global network of student-run businesses in over 40 countries, transforms high school students into independent-thinking business professionals and their classrooms into offices. Our students have traveled to other European and American cities to compete in VE trade shows and competitions.

Projects, activities:

Trade shows and competitions in New York and other cities in Europe and the US

Development of a firm marketing materials, business plan, and website

Final Virtual Enterprise Exam

NOCTI Virtual Enterprise Technical Assessment

​

Sports Management

** One path for CTE certification**

Intended students: Grade 12

Credits: 1 semester, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: Entrepreneurship

Major Outcomes: NOCTI Virtual Enterprise Exam, NOCTI A.S.K. Exam

Instructional Focus: This course introduces the student to the sport management profession. Primary focus is on professional, collegiate, interscholastic, non-traditional, and youth and community sport in select subject areas including: (a) the history of sport management and current curriculum, (b) careers in sport management, (c) marketing, (d) ethics, (e) finance, (f) law, (g) management, (h) communications, (i) facility design and management, and (j) sociology

Projects, activities:

Guest speakers. Guest speakers from local sport organizations and university faculty members with an expertise in the subject matter will attend class at various points throughout the semester to provide students with firsthand information on course topics.

Small-group work and presentations and daily class discussions

Practice quizzes and exams.

​

Career & Financial Management (CFM)

** Required for CTE certification**

Intended students: Grade 9

Credits: 1 semester, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: None

Major Outcomes: Required as part of 7-credit Career & Technical sequence

Instructional Focus:

Projects, activities:

Three Common Core nonfiction units (Baseline, Fall & Spring)

Socratic seminars - Fall and Spring:

Argument Writing: Common Core Performance Task Fall and Spring

Common Core Research Paper on student-selected topic (can be interdisciplinary) (1-2 pages)

Graphic Arts

Intended students: Grade 10

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: None

Major Outcomes: Portfolio

Instructional Focus: Students explore the foundations of art and principles of design with an application in the Graphic Arts. Students learn elements of line, color, balance, negative and positive space and visual illusion and the context of modern art movements and basic marketing. Students learn how to utilize Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and digital photography to develop pieces for their Graphic Design portfolio

Projects, activities:

Design new "brand packaging" for a product

Design a website

Design a CD/Book cover and Magazine Cover

Create a Logo

Create a Product Advertisement

Interim and Final Assessment

 

Senior Accounting

Intended students: Grade 12

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: None

Major Outcomes: Portfolio and Website

Instructional Focus: Accounting is the language of business. After completing this course, you will have a major advantage when taking college accounting and possess the skills necessary for entry-level accounting and bookkeeping careers. During the course of the semester you will: prepare financial records, develop financial reports, enhance your general knowledge of business, and learn payroll and taxes.

​

​

MATH

6 CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

8 CREDITS REQUIRED FOR COLLEGE READINESS

​

Algebra I

Intended students: Grade 9

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: None

Major Outcomes: Common Core Algebra Regents Exam

Instructional Focus: Algebra I includes the study of properties and operations of the real number system; evaluating rational algebraic expressions; solving and graphing first degree equations and inequalities; translating word problems into equations; operations with and factoring of polynomials; and solving simple quadratic equations. Students also engage in Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 4 tasks through a Common Core Research paper and other projects. Students target Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 3 questions through ongoing performance tasks and multi-step word problems.

Projects, activities:

Baseline Assessment

Performance Tasks; Modeling Functions, Linear and Exponential Functions, Linear Equations in 1 Variable, Linear Equations in 2 Variables, Quadratic Functions, Quadratic Equations, Statistics

Summative Assessment

​

Algebra 2 / Trigonometry

Intended students: Grade 10

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: Algebra I

Major Outcomes: Algebra 2 / Trigonometry Regents Exam

Instructional Focus: The Trigonometry/Algebra course combines trigonometry and advanced algebra topics, and are usually intended for students who have attained Algebra I and Geometry objectives. Topics include right trigonometric and circular functions, inverses, and graphs; trigonometric identities and equations; solutions of right and oblique triangles; complex numbers; numerical tables; field properties and theorems; set theory; operations with rational and irrational expressions; factoring of rational expressions; in-depth study of linear equations and inequalities; quadratic equations; solving systems of linear and quadratic equations; graphing of constant, linear, and quadratic equations; and properties of higher degree equations. Students also engage in Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 4 tasks through a Common Core Research paper and other projects. Students target Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 3 questions through ongoing performance tasks and multi-step word problems.

Projects, activities:

Baseline Assessment

Performance Tasks; Exponential Functions, Trigonometric Functions, Families of Functions, Rational and Polynomial Expressions, Probability, Statistics

Summative Assessment

​

Geometry

Intended students: Grade 11

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: Algebra 2

Major Outcomes: Geometry Regents Exam

Instructional Focus: The Geometry course, emphasizing an abstract, formal approach to the study of geometry, include topics such as properties of plane and solid figures; deductive methods of reasoning and use of logic; geometry as an axiomatic system including the study of postulates, theorems, and formal proofs; concepts of congruence, similarity, parallelism, perpendicularity, and proportion; and rules of angle measurement in triangles. Students also engage in Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 4 tasks through a Common Core Research paper and other projects. Students target Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 3 questions through ongoing performance tasks and multi-step word problems.

Projects, activities:

Baseline Assessment

Performance Tasks; Tools of Geometry, Proofs about Congruence, Similarity and Proof, Right Angle Trigonometry, Extending to 3 Dimensions, Coordinate Geometry, Circles

Summative Assessment

​

Precalculus

Intended students: Grade 12

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: Geometry 11

Instructional Focus: Precalculus combines concepts of trigonometry, geometry, and algebra that are needed to prepare students for the study of calculus. The course strengthens students’ conceptual understanding of problems and mathematical reasoning in solving problems. Facility with these topics is especially important for students who intend to study calculus, physics, other sciences, and engineering in college. The main topics in the Precalculus course are complex numbers, rational functions, trigonometric functions and their inverses, inverse functions, vectors and matrices, and parametric and polar curves.

Projects, activities:

Baseline Assessment

Performance Tasks

Summative Assessment

​

SCIENCE

6 CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

​

Living Environment

Intended students: Grade 9

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: None

Major Outcomes: Living Environment Regents Exam

Instructional Focus: The 9th Grade Living Environment provides a survey of basic principles in biology and ecology, covering such topics as homeostasis, cell structure & function, human body systems, introduction to genetics, ecosystems, and the human impact on the environment. Students also engage in a variety of Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 4 tasks through Common Core Argument-based Writing papers, and a Common Core Research paper. Students target Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 3 questions through ongoing open-ended questions and inquiry based performance tasks.

Projects, activities:

Argument-based essays and socratic seminars on topics such as "Should the government expand the DNA Databank," "Should students be required to receive the chicken pox vaccine to attend school?" and "Should parents be able to to use current biotechnologies to select or eliminate traits of their children?"

Laboratory activities and reports on topics such lipid testing, diffusion through a membrane, creating a plasmid, and symbiosis.

Inquiry-based performance tasks on topics such as "Marathon Runner Mystery – Students use evidence & scientific reasoning to explain why marathon runners sometimes collapse at the end of a run."

Common Core Research Paper on student-selected topic (1-2 pages)

Daily partner/group and class discussions

Interim Assessment and Final Exam

​

Earth Science

Intended students: Grade 10

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: None

Major Outcomes: Earth Science Regents Exam

Instructional Focus: The 10th Grade Earth Science course provides a survey of basic earth science principles on topics such as the Big Bang & the solar system, the shape of the Earth, rocks & minerals, plate tectonics & earthquakes, weathering & erosion, geologic time, energy & weather, and climate & global warming. Students also engage in a variety of Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 4 tasks through Common Core Argument-based Writing papers, and a Common Core Research paper. Students target Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 3 questions through ongoing open-ended questions.

Projects, activities:

Argument-based essays and socratic seminars on topics such as "Based on analysis of scientific and economic data as well as text-based sources, do you recommend giving resources to Japan or Haiti after their major earthquakes?" and "Should offshore drilling be allowed?

Laboratory and station activities with video, text, and sample/demonstration stations on topics such as analyzing seismograph data, relative dating, weather prediction, and igneous rocks.

Common Core Research Paper on student-selected topic (1-2 pages)

Daily partner/group and class discussions

Interim Assessment and Final Exam

​

Chemistry

Intended students: Grade 11

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: Living Environment and Earth Science

Major Outcomes:

Instructional Focus: This course provides a working understanding of the basic concepts of chemistry including atomic numbers and electron configurations, the ideal gas law, enthalpy and phase changes, and more. Learning objectives for high school chemistry typically include: Describe heterogeneous mixtures, including suspensions and colloids; Use the periodic table to identify trends in electronegativity and electron affinity; Design and conduct an experiment to test the properties of substances; Write equilibrium expressions, and use them to calculate the equilibrium constant for reactions; Interpret the behavior of ideal gases in terms of kinetic-molecular theory, including diffusion and effusion; Describe how to measure pH with indicators and meters; Explain and compare fission and fusion reactions. and Identify which household chemicals are dangerous to keep together or mix. Students target Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 3 questions through ongoing open-ended questions.

Projects, activities:"

Laboratory work

Daily partner/group and class discussions

Interim Assessment and Final Exam

​

Advanced Placement Environmental Science

** COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSE**

Intended students: Grade 11-12

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: Living Environment and Earth Science

Major Outcomes: Advanced Placement Exam and possible college science credit

Instructional Focus: The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Students also engage in a variety of Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 4 tasks through Common Core Argument-based Writing papers, and a Common Core Research paper. Students target Webb's Depth of Knowledge skill level 3 questions through ongoing open-ended questions and inquiry based performance tasks.

Projects, activities:

Laboratory work on topics such as:

Tragedy of the Commons - students model a commonly owned resource and investigate the difference between free consumption of common resources, controlled consumption of common resources, and consumption of privately owned resources

Properties of Coal - Students measure the ppm of carbon dioxide given off by Lignite, Bituminous, and Anthracite when heated. Students determine the percent loss of water after heating coal and determine contaminants released by coal when heated

Soil and Acid Precipitation Lab: Students will identify variables, design and perform an experiment, collect data, analyze data, draw conclusions, and formulate a knowledge claim based on evidence from the experiment; use a pH sensor to measure the pH of simulated acid rainwater; identify problems caused by acid precipitation.

Field trips to Central Park for water quality and other field studies, the Bronx Botanical Gardens for comparative studies of biomes, Solar 1 for exploration of alternative energy sources

Common Core Research Paper on student-selected topic (1-2 pages)

Daily partner/group and class discussions

Interim Assessment and Final Exam

AP mock exams, socratic seminars, demonstrations and research projects.

​

Advanced Placement Psychology

** COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSE**

Intended students: Grade 12

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: Living Environment and Earth Science,

Major Outcomes: Advanced Placement Exam and possible college science credit

Instructional Focus: The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.

Areas covered include: history of psychology; research methods; biological bases of behavior; sensation and perception; cognitive psychology; physical, social and emotional development; abnormal behavior and therapies; social psychology; and gender differences. This course follows the APA guidelines for Advanced Placement Psychology, and all students are expected to take the AP exam.

Projects, activities

Unit Outlines:

Psychsims: Students will be assigned weekly Psychsim, which correspond to the vocabulary list and chapter outline due that week.

Unit Projects: Each unit will have a project, projects will vary based on the unit. Projects may be anywhere from presentations, experiments or writing assignments.

End of Term Project presentations: The Fall term project involves applying research methods to design a research study. The Spring term project involves selecting a topic a developing a reseach paper on the choice of topic.

​

COLLEGE PREPARATION

6 CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

​

Career Development

Intended students: Grade 9 and 10

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: None

Major Outcomes: None

Instructional Focus: Students begin exploration of college and careers, working with the College Board curriculum. Once a week, senior mentors in the Peer Group Connections (PGC) program conduct outreach, leading activities on the transition from middle to high school.

Projects, activities: Peer Group Connection (PGC) program outreach (grade 9)

​

Integrated Learning/CollegeSpring

Intended students: Grade 11

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: None

Major Outcomes: SAT Exam

Instructional Focus: This course focuses largely on preparation for the redesigned Common Core-aligned SAT exam. Teachers are trained by CollegeSpring to prepare students for success on the SAT.

Projects, activities:

Four diagnostic full SAT exams

College-age mentors meet weekly with students (Spring Term only)

 

College Seminar

Intended students: Grade 12

Credits: 2 semesters, 1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: None

Major Outcomes: PGC Certification; College/Financial Aid applications and exploration

Instructional Focus: Students who have been accepted to Peer Group Connections (PGC) work towards certification as PGC mentors over the year and conduct outreach into 9th grade classes. Students who are not accepted work on college selection and application and preparation for the college experience.

Projects, activities:

Planning/leading 9th grade PGC Activity Day

Weekly outreach to 9th grade classes