dartmouth high school freshman program of studies · 2018. 1. 19. · dartmouth high school...

Dartmouth

High School

2017 - 2018

Program

Studies

OF

Dartmouth High School Freshman Program of Studies 2017

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DARTMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL

CORE VALUES AND BELIEFS

At Dartmouth High School We Value and Believe In: A safe learning environment

Open and respectful sharing of opinions and ideas

A learning environment that fosters respect for self and others

Thoughtful instruction and rigorous assessment designed around common curricula

LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

All students must:

Define and monitor plan to achieve self-defined academic goals

Communicate knowledge through a variety of writing styles

Problem solve in a variety of settings

Demonstrate respect for self and others


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The mission of the Dartmouth Public Schools is to provide a quality education for all learners.

FOREWORD

The Dartmouth High School Program of Studies provides students and families with the information

needed to develop a four year plan to support post-secondary goals. Students should select courses with

high school graduation requirements in mind as well as taking advantage of the variety and depth of

course offerings in core and elective areas. Students are encouraged to be responsible life-long learners

and to challenge themselves to meet the academic, social and civic competencies outlined in our Core

Values, Beliefs and Learning Expectations. Dartmouth High School offers interscholastic sports, a wide

array of clubs and service organizations, music, art, and theatre programs to enhance the high school

experience.

GUIDANCE There will be ample opportunities to discuss choices with teachers and guidance counselors. The choice

of a student’s courses and activities for the upcoming school year should be based on the student’s

individual interests, skills and future plans. The guidance counselors meet with students in several

sessions to best match the students’ choices to individual needs and work with students to develop a four-

year plan. All guidance services and materials are free from bias and stereotypes on the basis of race,

color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual identity, sexual orientation, disability, homelessness or any

other legally protected status. Limited English proficient and disabled students facilitate their access to

these services, including testing, through the additional support of their in-school liaisons.

Parents and guardians wishing to discuss selection of their child’s courses may consult with the guidance

counselor assigned to their child. Appointments may be arranged by contacting the Guidance Office

(508-961-2730).

GENERAL INFORMATION ACCREDITATION – Dartmouth High School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools

and Colleges and by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

ACADEMIC PROMOTION – Every student enrolled at Dartmouth High School is expected to make

continuous progress toward graduation requirements. At the end of each year an evaluation of each

student’s progress will be made by thorough transcript review. It is the shared responsibility of the

student, parent, and counselor to track the completion of courses.

It is expected that students will meet the following credit guidelines.

Year of High School Credits

End of Freshman Year 6

End of Sophomore Year 12

End of Junior Year 20

End of Senior Year 28

At the end of the sophomore and junior years, students will be re-assigned to the appropriate grade-level

based on credits earned.


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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS – All students must have 28 credits to be allowed to participate in

the graduation ceremony with their class. In order to receive a diploma from a public high school in

Massachusetts, a student must satisfy the requirements of the issuing institution as well as pass the

required portions of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) Test. Seniors are

expected to carry at least four major courses.

COURSE OFFERINGS – Every effort is made to run all courses listed in the catalog; however, the

principal retains the right to cancel a course at any time. Furthermore, health and safety issues may

require that some class sizes be limited.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

DARTMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL

Requirements for Graduation, (Mass Core) CREDITS/UNITS COURSES

28

Credits to

graduate and

students must

pass their

competency

determination

as dictated by

the state

4 Units/Credits English 4 Units/Credits Mathematics 3 Units/Credits Lab-based Science (only 1 Engineering

course may be applied to graduation credits) 3 Units/Credits History/Social Science 2 Units/Credits The Same Foreign Language 1 Unit/ Credits The Arts

1 Unit/ Credits Freshman Seminar w/Microsoft

Office Applications (Class of 2019 .5 credits)

2 Units/Credits Physical Education

.5 Unit/ Credits Health Education

5 Additional “Core” Courses Business

Computer Science

Career and Technology Education

And/or Technology

Or any other above subject Additional Learning Opportunities

Including: AP Classes

Dual Enrollment

Service or work-based learning

CLASS LEVELS COLLEGE PREPARATORY – This program is designed to meet the needs of those students who plan

to enter liberal arts colleges, universities, state colleges, technical institutes, and 2-year colleges. Most

colleges require an applicant to possess a well-rounded academic background and a strong scholastic

record in the fields of English, mathematics, science, world language and social studies.

HONORS – Honors level courses require substantially more independent work and effort than the

comparable college preparatory course. Students in honors courses are expected to be independent

learners who complete longer and more complex assignments outside of class. Time management and

strong organizational skills are critical as well as the motivation to persevere and to take the initiative in

seeking out answers when the material becomes challenging.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT – Advanced Placement course offerings are described under each subject

area. These are college level courses offered in the high school setting. Success in Advanced Placement

courses is considered by most colleges as evidence of the student’s ability to handle college level work

and may also be rewarded with academic credit at their school. The ability to analyze and synthesize

information from varied sources and positions and to draw conclusions is important for success in these

courses. In addition students will be expected to read, write and speak at a level that would be required in

college.


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REQUIREMENT FOR COLLEGE FRESHMAN CLASS ENTERING . . .

Subject Fall 2014 Fall 2015 Fall 2016 Fall 207 and beyond

English 4 courses

Mathematics

3 courses (Algebra I & II and

Geometry or Trigonometry or

comparable coursework)

4 courses (Algebra I & II and Geometry or

Trigonometry or comparable coursework) including

mathematics during the final year of high school.

Sciences

3 courses (drawn from Natural Science and/or

Physical Science and/or Technology/Engineering;

including 2 courses with laboratory

work);Technology/engineering courses must be

designated as science courses (taken for science

credit) by the high school

3 courses (drawn from Natural

Science and/or Physical Science

and/or Technology/Engineering)

including 3 courses with

laboratory work

Social Sciences 2 courses (including 1 course in U.S. History)

Foreign

Languages 2 courses (in a single language)

Electives 2 courses (from the above subjects or from the Arts & Humanities or Computer Sciences)


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ENGLISH

1103 ENGLISH 9 1 credit Students will closely examine literature by focusing on the Massachusetts Frameworks 9/10 literacy skills related to analysis of

character, theme, and structure. Students will develop foundational skills in composition, research, grammar, and vocabulary. In

this course level, students will be provided with guided, direct instruction and specific support materials to assist with their skill

development.

1104 ENGLISH 9 HONORS 1 credit Students will analyze literature by focusing on the Massachusetts Frameworks 9-10 literacy skills related to analysis of character,

theme, and structure. Students will develop foundational skills in composition, research, grammar, and vocabulary. In this course

level, students will be provided with guidance and materials deemed necessary for students who have a strong inclination and

aptitude for English Language Arts. Please also refer to the English Course Content described in the English introduction.

1150 THEATRE ARTS 1 1 credit Students will learn about the various roles and elements that come together in the world of drama. Through improvisational skits

and established scenes, students will become acquainted with the thrill, reality, and risk of live theatre. Students’ culminating

assignment is performing a scene from an existing play in front of a live audience.

● Students should be willing to work closely with other students and willing to meet outside of class time to work on scenes

if necessary.

● The final exam is a Scene Night open to family, friends, and the DHS community.

● Students will need to commit time outside of class to line memorization.

1165 JOURNALISM 1 1 credit Students learn about the laws and language of journalism. Intended to be a rigorous, hands-on writing course, the class focuses on

learning and practicing various styles of journalistic writing – including news, feature, commentary, sports, entertainment, and

column. Students also explore other journalistic elements – such as editing, photography, design, layout, and publishing.

MATHEMATICS

1211 ALGEBRA 1 PART 1 1 credit In this course, students will formalize and extend the mathematics studied in the middle grades. Students will deepen their

understanding of linear relationships by solving, graphing, and writing linear equations and inequalities, and by solving systems of

linear equations and inequalities using a variety of methods. Algebra 1 Part 1 is taken in the semester before taking Algebra 1 Part

2. After taking both parts, students will have satisfied the requirement for 1 unit of high school math, while earning 2 credits

toward graduation.

1213 ALGEBRA 1 PART 2 1 credit Students continue their study of Algebra 1 by solving, graphing, and writing exponential and quadratic functions, requiring skills

development in the areas of exponents, square roots, factoring, and the quadratic formula. Students compare and contrast linear,

exponential, and quadratic relationships, build mathematical models of data sets, and extend their understanding of probability and

data analysis. Algebra 1 Part 2 is taken in the semester after taking Algebra 1 Part 1. After taking both parts, students will have

satisfied the requirement for 1 unit of high school math, while earning 2 credits toward graduation.


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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1305 BIOLOGY PART 1 1 credit Students will study the characteristics and chemistry of life, the structure and function of the major body systems, and ecology and

biodiversity. Students will spend a great deal of time working in the laboratory as they collect and analyze data to support their

learning.

1306 BIOLOGY HONORS 1 credit Students in Biology Honors will gain an understanding of cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, and ecology. In addition,

students will study the biochemistry of DNA and its role in protein synthesis, the processes of cellular respiration and

photosynthesis, and the stages and regulation of the cell cycle. Students in this course will experience extensive laboratory

investigations and are expected to be independent learners and problem solvers.

1734 DRAFTING TECHNOLOGY - CAD 1 credit This course provides an introduction to CAD-Computer Aided Drafting. Using CAD, students will be involved in hands-on

activities in the areas of isometric drawing, orthographic projection, dimensioning, and an introduction to architectural drafting.

Students will complete freehand technical sketches and produce reports on careers related to CAD. Students interested in the fields

of architecture, engineering, and industrial-technical trades are encouraged to take this course.

1737 ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTING - CAD 1 1 credit Students will problem-solve like architects in this introductory course in Architectural Drafting. Using CAD-Computer Aided

Drafting, students will design and draw complete sets of plans for various structures. Along with site plans, foundation and floor

plans framing sections and many other aspects, students will also produce cost estimates and generate presentations for their

peers.

1345 ROBOTICS ENGINEERING 1 1 credit Students in this introductory level course will have the opportunity to design, build, program, and test functional robots. Student

will use the NXT platform to build robots that sense touch, light, heat, sound and distance. These robots will complete complex

tasks autonomously (pre-programmed) and using Bluetooth remote control. Students will be introduced to larger robots using the

more advanced TETRIX platform.

2000 ENGINEERING 1 1 credit In this introductory level course, students will design, build and test solutions to a variety of engineering challenges. Different

challenges might include: ping-pong paddles, soldering electronic kits, model cars, hot air balloons, airplanes, baseball bats,

tethered model airplanes and air/water rockets. Through these projects, students will learn to use the tools in our shop and

document the engineering design process.

SOCIAL STUDIES

1435 UNITED STATES HISTORY 1 1 credit This required course, which is aligned to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, covers the history of the United States from

the 1789 Constitutional Convention through the end of the First World War. Students will develop an understanding of the “why”

behind events and will look at the impact of geography, economics, and civics upon our nation’s history.

1445 UNITED STATES HISTORY 1 HONORS 1 credit While the basic structure of the course and time periods covered are the same as United States History 1, strong reading and

writing skills are important to successful participation, as well as a high level of motivation. Students will read and write much

more frequently, as well as conduct independent research. Student-driven class discussion and debate will be a major component of

instruction. Each student will research a relevant historical topic and write a thesis paper.


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1410 YOUTH AND THE LAW 1 credit This elective is designed to develop an appreciation for the law and how it applies to adolescents. This course will focus on the

criminal justice system, trial courts, and laws concerning teenagers. Students will study the adversarial structure of trial law and

the process of bringing cases to court. Students will conduct numerous mock trials to develop their understanding of the concepts

studied.

BUSINESS INFORMATION & INFORMATION

1505 FRESHMAN SEMINAR ½ credit Students will refine note taking, study, and time management skills to help them learn productively and succeed academically.

Essential 21st century skills of communication, presentation, problem solving, collaboration, and teamwork are developed.

Students will develop logical thinking and problem solving skills through an introductory unit in computer programming. Using the

Naviance program, students will create goals as they begin to make an academic plan and will analyze their personality type for

career exploration. Microsoft Word and Excel skills will be developed and used to create and format documents, spreadsheets and

charts. Students enrolled in Freshman Seminar are encouraged to participate in the DECA Program. This course is required for graduation.

1505ab FRESHMAN SEMINAR ½ credit Students will refine note taking, study, and time management skills to help them learn productively and succeed academically.

Essential 21st century skills of communication, presentation, problem solving, collaboration, and teamwork are developed.

Students will develop logical thinking and problem solving skills through an introductory unit in computer programming. Using the

Naviance program, students will create goals as they begin to make an academic plan and will analyze their personality type for

career exploration. Microsoft Word and Excel skills will be developed and used to create and format documents, spreadsheets and

charts. Students enrolled in Freshman Seminar are encouraged to participate in the DECA Program. This course is required for graduation.

1511 ACCOUNTING 1 1 credit Students will learn principles and procedures for establishing and maintaining an accounting system for small businesses

organized as sole proprietorships and partnerships. These skills include starting an accounting system, journalizing and posting

transactions, maintaining a checking account, preparing a worksheet and related financial statements, and closing the ledger. Use

of automated accounting software will be integrated throughout the course. Students enrolled in Accounting I are encouraged to participate in the DECA program.

1575 BUSINESS FOR THE 21ST

CENTURY 1 credit Students will explore concepts, practices, and trends relevant to today’s challenging business environment. A balanced view of the

strengths/weaknesses, successes/failures, and problems/challenges of business will be presented. Students will prepare for the

evolving challenges of a career in business and for their 21st century roles of consumer, worker, and citizen through active

decision-making and the development of effective communication and leadership skills. This course provides a foundation for other

business courses. Students enrolled in Business for the 21

st Century are encouraged to participate in the DECA Program.

1279 MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT 1 credit How often have you had an idea for an iPhone or Android phone app but didn’t know where to start? In this course, students will

learn the basics of mobile application development. Students will learn how to create both web apps as well as basic, native mobile

apps. Several different, free mobile app development options will be explored and demonstrated. The course will teach students to

build iOS and Android apps and games from initial prototyping all the way up to deployment. Projects will focus on software

architecture, interface layout, and multi-modular real-time user interaction.

1290 COMPUTER HARDWARE TROUBLESHOOTING 1 credit Students interested in learning how to troubleshoot and problem solve computer hardware malfunctions and who may be thinking

about a career in the computer repair field should take this course. Through hands on practice, students will learn hardware

identification, installation, assembly, troubleshooting, and basic computer repair.


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HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

1950 PHYSICAL EDUCATION ½ credit Physical Education teaches the skills and techniques of lifelong leisure activities and sports as well as incorporating an

appreciation for physical activity through various fitness mediums including: weight training, cardiovascular training, yoga,

pilates and dance. Activities and sports will include badminton, tennis, team handball, floor hockey, basketball, volleyball, softball,

flag football, ultimate frisbee, soccer, and new games. The goal of physical education is to develop physically individuals who have

the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity. Physical education is a required course for

all students for four years. 1951ab PHYSICAL EDUCATION ½ credit Physical Education teaches the skills and techniques of lifelong leisure activities and sports as well as incorporating an

appreciation for physical activity through various fitness mediums including: weight training, cardiovascular training, yoga,

pilates and dance. Activities and sports will include badminton, tennis, team handball, floor hockey, basketball, volleyball, softball,

flag football, ultimate frisbee, soccer, and new games. The goal of physical education is to develop physically individuals who have

the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity. Physical education is a required course for

all students for four years.

MUSIC

1930ab MIXED CHORUS 1 1 credit

Most students enter this course from middle school chorus with entry level performance skills based on a grade nine performance

rubric. Mixed Chorus is a performing group which offers experience in ensemble singing at concerts during the year. Students will

perform literature representing all areas and styles of choral music. Attendance is required of all members for all performances.

1921ab BAND 1 1 credit

Solid entry level skills are required for this course with assessments based on a grade nine performance rubric. Students will study

and perform all styles of band literature. Types of performance will include half-time and pep band music for football games, field

show exhibitions and competitions, parades, and concert band/wind ensemble music. All students encouraged to study privately.

Attendance is required at all performances. Band has a co-curricular requirement where all band members participate in fall

marching/competition band along with the in-school band class. This commitment can also be met by participating in a Dartmouth

High School fall sport. Other activities or programs will be considered by the Director of Music.

1916ab STRING ORCHESTRA 1 1 credit Solid entry level skills are required for this course with assessment based on a grade nine performance rubric. Students will study

and perform all areas and styles of orchestral literature. Attendance is required of all members at all performances. All students

are encouraged to study privately to gain the maximum advantage from this course.

UNIFIED ARTS

1705 FASHION DESIGN 1 1 credit Students will connect the elements and principles of design to fashion design through basic sewing techniques, the sewing machine,

fabrics, patterns, hand sewing, quilting, knitting, and fashion illustration using the “croquis” figure. Fashion inspired by historic

eras will be researched to understand both the significance of history in fashion design and the effects of fashion on the history of

the world. A written visual art analysis project through a field trip to a museum is one unit of study. Some materials may be

supplied by students; however, grades will not be impacted by a student’s inability to supply materials.


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1710 ART 1 FOUNDATION 1 credit As the foundation course of the Visual Arts Sequence, students will work with a variety of materials to build skills, knowledge, and

explore concepts in a visual format, and they will both produce and evaluate artwork utilizing the elements and principles of

design. Areas of study include drawing, color theory, graphic design, analog photography, computer graphics, jewelry design, and

ceramics. Art history and interdisciplinary connections will be incorporated in all areas of study. A written visual art analysis

project connected to a field trip to a museum is one unit of study. Some materials may be supplied by the student; however grades

will not be impacted by a student’s inability to supply materials.

1741 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 1 credit Students will apply the principles and elements of design to the medium of digital photography to create successful photos.

Students will learn digital camera function, computer integration, compositional and student lighting techniques. Students will

explore the Adobe Photoshop program to edit photographs through the manipulation, enhancement, and alteration of photographs

with a focus on student “voice”. Reading and writing assignments will be given to support studio work. A field trip to a location to

create a portfolio of photographs is a unit of study. Some materials may be supplied by the student, including a 16+ megapixel

digital camera; however, grades will not be impacted by a student’s inability to supply materials.

1729 MEDIA STUDIES 1 credit This course investigates how technology has changed the art of film throughout history. Exploring the technical processes to

create special effects, students will analyze how the art of film influences society. Students will examine the breadth of cinema

around the globe, investigating a range of films. Through group discussion and writing assignments, this course offers the basics

of film analysis in traditional films as well as avant-garde cinema through the technical processes used to convey the director’s

voice. Students will also develop an understanding of film as a complex cultural medium through problem solving and critical

thinking. Throughout the course, students will perform a variety of hands-on learning experiences based on the exemplars shown

in class. Students will be trained as producers, directors, technical directors, writers, camera technicians, audio technicians,

editors, talent, and marketing managers.

WORLD LANGUAGE

1620 PORTUGUESE 1 1 credit In this beginning course, students who have never formally studied Portuguese will learn to interact and survive linguistically in

the classroom using the target language, primarily concentrating on memorized patterns and formulae that recur on a daily basis.

Through the practice of listening, speaking, reading and writing, students will learn about the culture and civilization of

Portuguese-speaking countries. In this proficiency-oriented approach to instruction, grammar is still a basic part of the learning

process but it is not considered an end in itself.

1623 PORTUGUESE 2 1 credit This course continues the sequential development, expansion and refinement of skills taught in Portuguese 1. Students will

continue to acquire effective communication skills similar to those which a traveler might need in order to conduct simple face-to-

face conversations and to satisfy basic survival needs and minimum courtesy requirements. They will also explore cultural

differences to prevent miscommunication.

1625 PORTUGUESE 2 HONORS 1 credit This course is similar to Portuguese 2 but is taught at an accelerated pace with higher expectations for achievement in the four

skills of foreign language learning: speaking, listening, reading and writing with understanding. Speaking and writing skills are

emphasized in order to apply language in daily classroom activities. Students will acquire cultural awareness through the

activities of reading and discussion of the history, art, music and modern-day cultural themes of the countries in which the

Portuguese language is spoken. The course is conducted primarily in the target language.


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1630 SPANISH 1 1 credit In this beginning course, students who have limited formal study of Spanish will learn to interact and survive linguistically in the

classroom using the target language, primarily concentrating on memorized patterns and formulae that recur on a daily basis.

Through the practice of listening, speaking, reading and writing, students will learn about the culture and civilization of Spanish-

speaking countries. In this proficiency-oriented approach to instruction, grammar is still a basic part of the learning process but it

is not considered an end in itself.

1632 SPANISH 2 1 credit This course which continues the sequential development, expansion and refinement of skills taught in Spanish 1. Students will

continue to use the four skills of foreign language learning: speaking, listening, reading and writing the understanding. Students

will acquire cultural awareness through the activities of reading and discussion of the history, art, music and modern-day cultural

themes of the countries in which the Spanish language is spoken.

1634 SPANISH 2 HONORS 1 credit This course is similar to Spanish 2 but is taught at an accelerated pace with higher expectations for achievement in the four skills of

foreign language learning: speaking, listening, reading and writing with understanding. Speaking and writing skills are

emphasized in order to apply language in daily classroom activities. Students will acquire cultural awareness through the

activities of reading and discussion of the history, art, music and modern-day cultural themes of the countries in which the Spanish

language is spoken. The course is conducted primarily in the target language.

1650 MANDARIN CHINESE 1 1 credit The first level of Mandarin Chinese is designed to introduce students to vocabulary generally recognized as useful in

communication; students focus upon spontaneous use of patterns and formulae that recur on a daily basis. Reading and writing

skills involve simplified characters and the Pinyin Romanization. Listening and speaking are also emphasized. In this proficiency-

oriented approach to instruction, lessons are taken from everyday life and represent the main stream of contemporary Chinese

culture and civilization.

dartmouth high school freshman program of studies · 2018. 1. 19. · dartmouth high school...

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