2017-2018 Programs of Study
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Passaic Public Schools Programs of Study 2017-2018 2017-2018 Programs of Study Page 1 of 95 Passaic Public Schools Programs of Study 2017-2018 Introduction The vision of the Passaic Public Schools is to be the best urban school system in New Jersey. In order to fulfill our vision, the mission of the Passaic Public Schools is to provide an excellent education that prepares our students for college and to earn high paying jobs. The 2017-2018 school year marked the formal presentation of a system wide focus. The Passaic Public Schools will provide every student the opportunity to graduate high school with a career certification and/or a minimum of 15 college credits Our 2017-2018 coherent and aligned curriculum addresses every subject, for every grade level, pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. Such curriculum includes content standards, or expected student learning objectives, and a scope and sequence by grading period. It is inclusive of model lesson plans, teaching materials, and assessments, all of which are to be available for easy and timely access. The Programs of Study serves as a foundational piece of our school system. By evaluating courses offered, selecting instructional materials for classrooms that offer both support and challenge to our students, and enhancing curricula on a continuous cycle, we look forward to updating the Programs of Study document each year, as we build a path for all Passaic Public School students to not just fulfill the requirements of obtaining 15 college credits and/or a career certification, but being equipped to utilize their skills and knowledge in such a way that they will be truly prepared for college and high paying jobs. Page 2 of 95 Passaic Public Schools Programs of Study 2017-2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS Elementary Schools Programs of Study 6 Prekindergarten 7 Visual Arts 7 Performing Arts 7 English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education 8 English/Language Arts 8 Library Media 10 Mathematics 11 Physical Education and Health 14 Science 15 Social Studies 16 Technology 18 World Language 18 Abraham Lincoln Middle School Programs of Study 19 Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) 20 Performing Arts 20 Visual Arts 21 Computers 22 Project Lead The Way Electives 22 English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education 23 English/Language Arts 24 Mathematics 25 Page 3 of 95 Passaic Public Schools Programs of Study 2017-2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS cont’d Physical Education and Health 26 Science 26 Social Studies 27 World Language 27 Passaic Gifted and Talented Academy Programs of Study 29 Academics 30 Performing Arts 31 Technology/Engineering 32 Visual Arts 34 Physical Education 35 Passaic High School Programs of Study 36 Advanced Placement, Advanced Placement DE Dual Enrollment & Honors 37 Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) 37 Performing Arts 38 Visual Arts 43 Business 45 Career and Technical Education 49 English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education 52 Family and Consumer Science 54 English/Language Arts 57 Mathematics 61 Page 4 of 95 Passaic Public Schools Programs of Study 2017-2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS cont’d Naval Science 67 Physical Education and Health 68 Science 71 Social Studies 78 World Languages 86 Option II 90 Special Education Resource Programs/ 94 Supplementary Instruction Special Class Programs 94 Page 5 of 95 Passaic Public Schools Programs of Study 2017-2018 Elementary School Programs of Study Page 6 of 95 Passaic Public Schools Programs of Study 2017-2018 Prekindergarten Preschool The Passaic Early Childhood Education Program ensures implementation of a comprehensive curriculum supported by research and aligned with the NJ Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards. The curriculum that is used is HighScope, which is based on the principles of active learning and support of a child’s positive interactions with adults and peers. This comprehensive curriculum model addresses academic, social emotional and physical health and development. The specific content areas are: approaches to learning, social and emotional development, physical development and health, language, literacy and communication, mathematics, creative arts, science and technology, and social studies. A daily routine is followed which provides the students a sense of security and consistency to promote independent thinking and decision making. The daily routine includes teacher led small groups that focus on literacy, math, and science, gross motor activity, and work time, which provides the students with time to engage in exploration in an intentional organized and planned environment for learning, as well as individual adult and student interactions and student to student interactions. The teachers use the CORADVANTAGE assessment tool which is part of the HighScope curriculum. This assessment tool focuses on children’s naturally occurring activities rather than their performance on tests, allowing for a broader assessment of each child’s development. Throughout the day teachers will observe what the students are doing and saying and then recording the observations. These observations are then added to the online web-based CORADVANTAGE and scored using a scoring guide. Each level of the scoring guide is clearly defined. Elementary Schools Visual & Performing Arts Visual Arts General Art K-6 Students in grades K - 6 will participate in a sequential curriculum, developing interaction between each student’s creative expressions and their appreciation for art. Students will have hands-on experiences in producing their art, enhanced by the integration of art history, art criticism and aesthetic critiques. Art education classes encourage critical and creative problem-solving skills, as well as their own art and art of peers. The elements of art and principles of design are the anchor for students to use creative, critical and design thinking processes in solving design challenges. Elementary Ensemble Performance Program 4-6 The Beginning and Intermediate Elementary Performance program offers instruction for brass, wind, percussion and string instruments as well as vocal instruction. In this course Page 7 of 95 Passaic Public Schools Programs of Study 2017-2018 students will learn to perform a repertoire of instrumental/vocal literature representing various genres, styles, and cultures with expression, technical accuracy, tone quality, and articulation, by oneself and within ensembles. This course also includes music fundamentals, theory, songs, performance, listening, composing, improvising, analyzing, and learning how to read standard music notation. General Music K-6 Students in grades K - 6 will participate in a wide range of musical experiences including proper vocal singing, playing of classroom instruments, critical listening/responding to music, composition and moving to various styles of music. Students are asked to identify, analyze, describe and explain the elements of music such as rhythm, melody, and harmony. Students are also guided to expand their vocal skills and consider taking up an instrument. English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education K-6 In grades Kindergarten – 6, a self-contained bilingual/ESL classroom exists at each grade for all level 1, 2, and 3 students. The Spanish bilingual program is designed to facilitate the acquisition of reading and writing skills in the student’s native language in order to establish a firm foundation for the transfer of literacy skills to English. Level 4 students are placed in advanced bilingual settings and receive instruction in English from an ESL certified teacher. The self-contained Spanish bilingual program parallels the appropriate grade level general education program curriculum and follows the NJSLS and WIDA Standards in the areas of Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Health. Students also receive instruction in ESL, Art, Music, and Physical Education. Students' language proficiency will be continually monitored and assessed. Students will exit the Bilingual/ESL program when they meet the criteria designed to ensure their success in mainstream classes. English / Language Arts Kindergarten English / Language Arts The Kindergarten English Language Arts curriculum has a balanced literacy framework that is supported by the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. This curriculum emphasizes explicit, systematic instruction designed to prepare our students to be successful throughout their years in school, as well as in the 21st century. As part of the balanced literacy framework, Kindergarten teachers implement Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop which fosters independence through scaffolded learning. Students are able to practice and apply learned skills through a variety of literacy opportunities throughout the day, including, but not limited to: read alouds, shared and independent reading, small group Page 8 of 95 Passaic Public Schools Programs of Study 2017-2018 guided reading, centers, shared and independent writing, and word study (i.e. phonics/phonemic awareness instruction). The teachers and students have many resources available, including the Pearson Scott Foresman Reading Street series, leveled classroom libraries, mentor texts, as well as various technologies to support the areas of reading, fluency, writing, speaking and listening, and language. Grade 1 English Language Arts The Grade 1 English Language Arts block is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The curriculum is written to reflect the Reading Workshop model.