Essex Academy Curriculum Outline
English/Language Arts
The English/Language Arts curriculum at Essex Academy is based on the Massachusetts State Frameworks, with additional emphasis on preparation for the MCAS reading and writing subtests. While reading novels matched to their interests and reading abilities, students will explore all aspects of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, tone, and the various elements of plot structure. Vocabulary is developed as an integral part of each reading selection. Students will write various essays based on an assortment of classic and current novels and selected short stories. Writing styles will include persuasive, narrative, comparison and contrast, and literary responses. There will also be several research papers, starting with the basic steps of research and culminating with a finished thesis paper on a topic of choice.
Students are placed in English classes according to their abilities, which assures success as well as making sure each student is challenged in the areas in which they currently excel. Support, adaptations and/or modifications according to the student’s ability and IEP is specified to assure each student is able to participate in all areas of the curriculum to the best of their ability.
Several units developed for intensive study include: parody, poetry, analogies, science fiction, historical fiction, and using the Internet correctly for research. Books that may be read include: Romeo & Juliet, Othello, Taming of the Shrew, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Of Mice and Men, The Red Pony, The Call of the Wild, The Lovely Bones, The Chocolate War, Lord of the Flies, Fahrenheit 451, The Giver, and Slaughterhouse Five.
Guiding each student into becoming a competent reader, who can also clearly express their thoughts, is an important part of the curriculum. Whether heading to college and studying for SAT’s, attending technical school, or preparing for a work experience, having competence in all areas of the English language is at the core of a successful transition from school to the future ahead.
Mathematics
The mathematics curriculum at Essex Academy reflects the guiding principles of the Mass. Curriculum Frameworks. A major focus of the math program is to help develop critical thinking skills through group activities that are constructed to enable students to learn to communicate effectively. This is a problem solving approach that enhances math learning and develops social and math reasoning skills. It is the goal of Essex Academy to create an enjoyable, interesting, classroom experience through activities and various lesson plans that connect to the student's real life experience. These approaches enable students to develop a conceptual understanding of various mathematical concepts. A major goal of the mathematics program is to incorporate mathematic instruction that connects with other disciplines throughout the curriculum.
Development of a specific math vocabulary is emphasized in order to increase one's ability to problem solve and understand aspects of various other disciplines. We acknowledge at Essex Academy that learning is a life long process; therefore, we attempt to connect instruction to home and community settings. The ability of our students to connect their learning to their personal needs is a valuable component to our instructional methodology.
All math classes are composed of a variety of math levels and abilities. The philosophy of the math program is that there is no limit to what a student is capable of learning; therefore, there is no limit to what is taught. Whole-class instruction is carried on with an acute awareness of the multiple levels working on the same material. Individualized work based on the students' skills level is provided for the students in a variety of books and programs.
Mathematics Courses: Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Advanced Algebra, Geometry
Science
The Science curriculum at Essex Academy stresses inquiry as central to student learning. Through inquiry, students pursue questions that connect in important ways to their lives. Students are expected to participate thoroughly in the activities of scientific investigation and technical design. Through this participation, students will evaluate evidence, search for connections, wrestle with contradictions and understand how science assists in understanding the world. A goal of the science curriculum is that students will learn to bridge the domains of science and foster integration of science and technology.
The Science curriculum focuses on building on students’ curiosity and intuitions. Investigating and problem solving are central to connecting science to other disciplines. The curriculum fosters student learning in an environment that acknowledges, respects and accommodates each learner’s background, individuality and gender. Communication and collaboration amongst classmates is stressed while creating a classroom of learners.
Physical Sciences
This course is designed to teach students information under the four following categories: Structure of matter, Interaction of substances, Forces and motion, and Conservation and transformation of energy. Students will be taught the underlying models of physical sciences, learn the laws and principles of physical science, and make connections to how the physical sciences interact with the world. Students will have individualized and group instruction to ensure that the difficult concepts of this science are grasped. Chemistry The course is designed
Life Sciences
In this course, students learn about the characteristics of organisms, evolution of life, principles of heredity, and matter and energy. In these years of study, students engage in studying the physical and chemical nature of life processes, the molecular basis of heredity, evolution, and the flow of matter and energy in biological systems. Students also learn about the social and environmental issues of our time.
Technology
This course focuses on teaching students two main principles: how to identify a problem and design approaches to solve it and how to understand and use technology in society. Science and technology are closely linked; both practices are based on inquiry. Technology within our society is constantly changing and it directly impacts the natural and human made environment. In this course students will learn the nature and impact of technology, the tools and machines of technology, and the resources of technology. The high school curriculum focuses on students working with more advanced problems and designs. Possible topics would be: historical development of technology, global competition for technology, communications, manufacturing processes, transportation technology, medical technology and the social control of emerging technologies.
Social Studies/History
The goal of the history and social science curriculum at Essex Academy is to acquire the knowledge, skill, and judgment to respond justly and intelligently in civic life. Our history and social science curriculum emphasizes learning through the study of the United States and World History, geography, economics, civics and government.
Students will be able to participate in classroom discussions and oral presentations about local, national and international issues. Students will recognize and understand the role the past has played in shaping current events by using local resources such as historical sites, museums, parks, libraries and multimedia informational services.
Students will understand the chronological order of historical events and recognize the complexity of historical cause and effect, including the interaction of focuses from different spheres of human activity, the importance of ideas, and of individual choices, actions and character.
United States History
As a vast nation, the overwhelming majority of the population derives from waves of immigration from many lands, the United States has citizenry that exhibits a broad diversity in terms of race, ethnic traditions, and religious beliefs. The history of the United States exhibits perhaps the most important endeavor to establish a civilization founded on the principles that all people are created equal, that is the purpose of government to secure the inalienable rights of all individuals, and that government derives "its just powers from the consent of the governed." It is also true, however, that federal, state, and local government, as well as the people themselves, have often fallen short in practice of actualizing these high ideals, the most egregious violation being the acceptance of slavery in some states until the Civil War. Students should be expected to learn of the complex interplay that has existed from the beginning of our country between American ideals and American practice in the pursuit of realizing the goals of Declaration of Independence for all people. While attending to the distinct contributions that immigrants from various lands and of various creeds, along with native Americans, have made to nationhood, students should be taught above a the importance of our common citizenship and the imperative to treat all individuals with the respect for their dignity called for by Declaration of Independence.
Civics
Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizens and the nature of civic virtue. Students in this class learn what their rights and duties are and acquire respect for the equal rights of others. They also learn the purposes, form, and limited extent of their government and it's authority. Students study the concepts and principals essential to American Constitutionalism-representative government, the purposes of a written constitution, citizenship, rights, duties, justice, and government. The Civics’ class is based on the 4 learning standards for Civics and government as written in the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework.
Geography/World History
In geography classes, students acquire substantial knowledge such as names and locations of major cities, intellectual skills, such as accurate reading of maps; and concepts, such as longitude and latitude. Students learn of people trying to deal with environmental limitations and opportunities and making consequential decisions in other matters. Geography builds a range of skills with maps, globes, charts and photos with instrument for navigation, weather reporting, geological and astronomical exploration. Students examine and weigh evidence from many sources; data on trade patterns population, migrations, epidemics, and environmental changes. The attraction of geographical study lies in its broad application, from students' own region to the nation and the continent, and beyond. Students begin with theories of the earth's origin and geologic change and proceed to the latest scientific findings and technological devices for dealing with distance, climate, and resources. Geography builds a range of skills with maps, globes, charts, and photos, with instruments for navigation, weather reporting, geological and astronomical exploration. Students examine and weigh evidence from many sources; data on trade patterns, population, migrations, epidemics, and environmental changes.
Page Last modified: January 22 2010 23:31:03.