COURSE OF STUDIES  -   SAMPLE

English/Language Arts     Full Year,  1 Credit
The intent of this course is to enrich communication skills which include reading, writing and speaking.  There will be consistent instruction in vocabulary, grammar usage, punctuation rules, prewriting, editing and rewriting.  A variety of writing pieces will be accomplished during the class such as: reader response essays, reflections, creative pieces, autobiographical writing, summary writing, research writing, letter writing, and poetry writing.  The class will inspire reading literature for pleasure.  Students will learn how to analyze and interpret literature while exploring a variety of themes and genres.  Students will be encouraged to develop their voice in writing and speaking.

Reading Center             Semester                .5 Credit
This tutorial time is individually designed to meet the student’s reading development needs and increase their ability to read, write and communicate.  The center will use techniques from the Wilson Reading Method, Orton Gillingham, Project Read and Lindamood-Bell as well as other direct teaching approaches.  The strategies learned in this course will be reinforced and practiced throughout the student’s school day in each of their courses.   Class ratio 3:1.

Writer’s Workshop            Semester                .5 Credit
This writing course promotes individual exploration through a writing process.  The students are encouraged to develop a voice through expressive writing, personal reflection, reader response essays, and narrative writings.  The students are exposed to a multitude of literary works in poetry and fiction.  The class works on editing skills, grammar usage, and punctuation rules.  At the end of the quarter, each student has a finished portfolio containing four polished pieces of their work.

Public Speaking            Semester                .5 Credit
A semester long comprehensive class involving the exploration of famous speeches in American History.  Students will study the art of expression through the concepts of voice, tone, diction, and written word.  Students will write their own persuasive speech and debate major issues.

Senior Research Class        Full Year                1 Credit
This is an individual year-long research class in which students choose a topic to study.  The core of the class incorporates individual learning styles and focuses on teaching the skills needed to gather and study information.  These skills include: library research skills, meeting deadlines, following a timeline, organization, summary writing, reflection writing, interviewing, taking notes, and public speaking.  This is a daily class which incorporates several resources such as a mentor, expert, and advisor.

Theater Arts                Semester                .5 Credit
The main goal of the class is to interpret, analyze and evaluate different types of drama in its literary form.  The students will explore the history and various forms of popular drama from Greek, Shakespeare, and Modern theater.  Students will also gain an understanding of the elements of drama in a variety of genres and themes.  Students will be encouraged to participate in role playing and acting.
 

SOCIAL STUDIES

Economics                Semester                .5 Credit
In this class students will learn the basic principles of macroeconomics amongst various economic systems, including capitalism and socialism.  The allocation of resources and how they are utilized, produced and consumed will be examined.  The theory of supply and demand, investment and the creation of an investment portfolio will be essential components of the course.

Government                 Semester                .5 Credit
The design of the government class is to enable students to responsibly participate in governmental processes through an educated understanding of the foundations of American government and its processes at he local, state and federal levels.  A major portion of this class is spent examining the Constitution of the United States and the New Hampshire Constitution.

Foundations of Civilization        Semester               .5 Credit
This course looks into the rise of cultures across time and distance.  Students are asked to examine these influences in modern society within the context of their own lives.  Issues of religion, social responsibility, ethic identity, gender roles, diversity and tolerance will be discussed.

Crime and Justice            Semester                .5 Credit
Through discussion, field trips, role-play and reflection we explore our rights and responsibilities to the established US Justice System.  By looking within the context in which it was developed, and by examining landmark cases, we will debate its merits, downfalls and personally evaluate its effectiveness on both a local and national scale.

U.S. History                Full Year                1 Credit
This course explores American history and geography from the Civil War to the present.  History will be studied through literature, speeches, music, memoirs, and film.  We will improve literacy by linking history to current events and issues via the newspaper, television and Internet.  Through this exploration, the goal is for students to gain an understanding of what it means to be an American citizen in relation to the world.  The students will learn about the history and government of the United States and New Hampshire.  They will also learn about their rights and responsibilities as an adult.

Psychology                Semester                .5 Credit
The course is a social studies elective and is taught from a personal adjustment approach rather than from a technical approach.  Topics such as personality, motivation, emotions, mental health and social behavior will be discussed.
 

MATHEMATICS

Basic Mathematics            Full Year                1 Credit
Students proceed at their own pace in this course.  They receive comprehensive work with whole numbers as well as fractions, decimals, percents and basic math calculations.  They are given the opportunity to apply these basics to applied problems while using the calculator.

Consumer Mathematics        Full Year                1 Credit
This course covers consumer-related topics using the skills of general mathematics.  Students receive training in the application of math skills to such everyday activities as banking, wages, purchasing, taxes, housing and transportation.

Algebra 1a                Full Year                1 Credit
Introduces students to topics covered within the first semester of the Algebra curriculum.  Students who benefit from in-depth, direct instruction of basic algebraic principles, as well as those with previously limited math achievement, would be appropriately assigned to this course.

Algebra 1b                Full Year                1 Credit
Continues its in depth instruction of the second half of our Algebra I curriculum.  Students requiring review/remediation of Algebra I topics or those previously enrolled in Algebra 1a, would be appropriately placed in this course.

Algebra 1                Full Year                1 Credit
The algebra I curriculum will teach problem solving skills involving numbers and variables, and their application to real world problems.  It will cover the concepts of ratio, proportion, percent and scaling, using both accurate measurement and approximations.  It will also cover translating between equations and their graphs.  This course is not available to students who have completed Algebra 1b.

Algebra 2                Full Year                1 Credit
The Algebra II curriculum will teach problem solving skills involving numbers and variables, and their application to real world problems.  It will cover the concepts of numbers, variables, equations and their graphs, ratio, proportions, as well as basic principles of logic, and solution verification.  It will cover translating word problems into equations.

Geometry                Full Year                1 Credit
The geometry curriculum will teach problem solving skills involving geometric shapes and their properties.  It will apply the geometric principles to solve real world problems in both two- and three-dimensional spaces.  It will teach both measurement and approximation of lines, angles, shapes and columns.
 

SCIENCE

Earth Science                Full Year                1 Credit
An introductory level course designed to acquaint students with an understanding of the earth.  Within this curriculum, students will be provided the opportunity to discover a variety of concepts ranging from the minute to a global scale.  Topics to be covered are: the earth as a system, water as a resource, land and its many different attributes, the atmosphere, plate tectonics and the impact of humans upon our planet.

Physical Science            Full Year                1 Credit
Through lecture and lab, we will investigate concepts of our physical world including properties of matter, energy, magnetism and force.  Students will be introduced to observing, implementing and evaluating the scientific method.  They will be required to analyze data and apply acquired knowledge to their surroundings.

Biology                           Full Year                 1 Credit
This course focuses on botany, rain forests, dissections of plants and animals, labs, marine life, cells, and the human body.  Students spend much of their time exploring, investigating, and solving problems in a cooperative group setting.

Environmental Science        Full Year                1 Credit
This course focuses on the “Forest Watch” Program out of UNH in Durham.  This is an interdisciplinary student and scientist partnership.  It is designed as an effort to develop and test reform-based curriculum segments developed around authentic methods and approaches to real problems.   Based on research methods practiced by Earth System scientists,.  the focus of this study is the white pine, a known bioindicator species. Standards Curriculum framework.

Conceptual Physics            Semester                .5 Credit
This upper level course examines the universal laws that govern the cosmos.  Students explore the physical properties of world that surrounds them through lecture, lab, class discussion and Internet use.  Students will apply formulas for the laws of motion, thermodynamics and special relativity.  Prerequisite:  successful completion of Algebra I or demonstration of equivalent competency.
 

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Computer Literacy                Semester                .5 Credit
This course is designed to acquaint students with the use of microcomputer.  Students will learn what a computer is, how to operate it, the story of computing, the use of the application software (word processing, spreadsheet, and database), graphics, societal implications, career awareness, and beginning programming.  No prior experience with computers is required.

Computer Applications             Semester                .5 Credit
This course is intended for students who wish to further their knowledge of microcomputers and their uses in the real world.  Students will study and use software tools including desktop publishing, graphics, and computer assisted designs (CAD) to develop mini-projects individually and in small groups.
 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH

Physical Education                Semester                .5 Credit
This course is designed to promote physical and mental exercise.  It focuses on the discovery and understanding of how exercise influences academics and well being.  We achieve this through gross motor activities and exercise..  Adventure education is a large component of the curriculum which includes outdoors recreational activities such as biking, skiing rock climbing, and other activities.  The majority of our experiences are designed to help develop strength, fitness, and stamina.

Health                Semester                .5 Credit
This course focuses on instruction in substance abuse, nutrition education, CPR and community first aid.  Students will be able to describe the impact that tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs have on themselves, their families, and society and will utilize skills to resist the illegal or unhealthy use of these substances.  Students will describe the relationship among nutrition, eating behaviors, and health and will apply self-management skills to develop and maintain healthy bodies.  Students will learn how to perform CPR on an adult and provide basic first aid in an emergency until medical help arrives.  Students will be able to recognize when an emergency has occurred, identify ways to prevent injury and/or illness.  Students will earn an American Red Cross Course Certificate if they demonstrate competency and the ability to make appropriate decisions for care.  Students will receive, with parental permission, instruction in physiology and hygiene regarding venereal disease as it relates to health and the affect on the human system.
 

FINE ARTS

Introduction to Art                Semester                .5 Credit
The primary focus of the art program will be creativity.  In success-oriented environment each individual’s expression is recognized and fostered.  A variety of mediums will be explored.  Students are eligible to receive credit toward this requirement through participation in coordinated Very Special Arts Programs.
 

ORGANIZATIONAL STUDIES

Organizational Strategies                Quarter                Non-Credit Bearing
Designed for students requiring significant support in acquiring basic study skills and strategies.  This class is designed to be an intensive, short term intervention to develop habits of bringing appropriate materials to class, assignment tracking, completion and submission, notebook organization, and test taking skills.  Class ratio 3:1 or smaller.

SAT Preparation                 Semester                .5 Credit
This course focuses on instruction and orientation in the SAT I and ACT tests.
Students will become accustomed with the skills needed to take these tests.  They will learn test-taking tactics.  They will solve verbal and mathematical questions from actual published SATs.  Students will review their math and verbal skills.  Students will gather information about colleges, explore college options, and learn about the process for getting into college.  They will apply for admission to at least one school.
 

Advisory                Full Year                 .5 Credit
Students set goals, review progress, and practice organizational study strategies in a structured setting.  Topics of academic performance, I.E.P. progress, transitional and post secondary planning are addressed on a student specific basis.  This is a mandatory class for students participating in a full day program.
 

ELECTIVES

Clerical/Communication Skills                Semester                .5 Credit
This provides opportunity for select students to develop office skills including computer processing, filing, telephone etiquette, and organizational strategies.  Student will assist RSEC Academy staff in performing duties essential to the operations of the school.  Students must be enrolled for a minimum of one semester and receive recommendation by an RSEC Academy staff member.

Humanities                Semester                .5 Credit
This self-directed course provides students the opportunity to explore an area of interest intensively.  With support and supervision students map out a learning plan, develop a contract and complete self-selected goals.  Assessment is based on student participation, follow through of task and self-reflection.

Honors Project                Semester                .5 Credit
Students can submit application to complete a self-selected honors project under the supervision of RSEC Staff.  For consideration, students must be enrolled in The RSEC Academy for a minimum of one semester, receive a written recommendation from an RSEC Academy Instructor, demonstrate refined skills and strategies, and be motivated to pursue rigorous academic course work.  Entrance into this course is at the sole discretion of The RSEC Academy.  Proposal for study must be submitted 8 weeks prior to the beginning of a semester.

Pragmatics                Semester                .5 Credit
Students receive direct instruction in strategies to improve receptive and expressive language processing skills.  Content includes multiple learning styles, semantic relationships, figurative language, inferential meaning, non verbal language, understanding/providing directions, sentence expansion, word retrieval, and compensatory strategies.

Quest                Semester                .5 Credit
Quest is an elective course that focuses on the development of the following skills: thinking, expressing and dealing with feelings, decision-making, interpersonal communication and self-discipline.  Subject areas such as family, friends, marriage, self-concept and getting along with others are covered.  A variety of teaching methods will be used with group discussion being the major format.  Attendance, class participation, class assignments, projects and tests will be used to evaluate a student’s progress.  Outside readings will be required.

Social Skills                Semester                .5 Credit
This course is designed to help the student develop and practice social skills in the school setting.  Students will gain a greater understanding of pragmatic skills along with specific strategies for social interactions.  Students set personal goals and gain practice in self-evaluation and receive guidance in how to provide and receive constructive comments.
Taking Sides                Full Year                1 Credit
This course is designed to introduce students to a number of issues and theories that are relevant in contemporary society.  The class will view two sides of an issue providing students with critical thinking skills.  They will be able to evaluate, analyze and make educated decisions about the persuasive information they receive.

Vocational Opportunities
With sending district approval, students may access programs available through area Technical Centers including Alvirne High School, Manchester School of Technology, Milford High School and Nashua Senior High School.  The RSEC Academy staff assists students in accessing community resources such as Vocational Rehabilitation and The Student Conservation Association.
 
 
 
 

In accordance with RSA 189:19, the English language shall be used exclusively, for the purpose of instruction in reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, grammar, geography, physiology, history, civil government, music, and drawing, as well as in the general administration of the program.  Provisions to make reasonable accommodations for non-English speaking parents as well as modifications for individuals with disabilities have been established according to federal, state and local guidelines.