Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps Experiment with Travel School

15 Papineau Street Holyoke, Massachusetts 01040

Telephone: (413) 533-5800

Fax: (413) 533-5282

www.rfkchildren.org/ewt

Student Handbook Appendices

Appendix A: Course Catalog for the 2016-2017 Academic and Extended School Year Course Offerings and Sample Student Schedule

Appendix B: Grading Rubric/Academic Grade Percentages

Appendix C: School Calendar

EWT School Student Handbook Page 2

Experiment with Travel (EWT) School

Course Catalog 2016-2017 Academic Year

English Language Arts Offerings

Progressive Literature, Composition, and Comprehension- The Progressive Literature,

Composition, and Comprehension course is designed to offer students a balanced language arts

program that explores literary themes and genres. A series of activities will provide students

with the opportunity to speak, think, and write about literature and connect literature to their

own experiences. Through literature based units, students focus on central issues, discuss

meaning, and argue interpretations with an emphasis on vocabulary development. Additionally

in support of the common core standards students will employ the writing process

independently to draft and refine paragraph and essay writing skills in evidence based

compositions in the domains of narration, exposition and argumentation. (1 CREDIT)

Literature Success- Literature Success is designed to offer students support for meeting

the increased reading, writing and vocabulary demands of high school through a balanced

language arts program that explores interdisciplinary themes. A series of activities will provide

students with the opportunity to speak, think, and write about literature with emphasis on

developing comprehension abilities to support making world connections. Students will learn

the fundamentals of the writing process with an emphasis on argumentation, literary analysis,

web based research, and complete common core style tasks. (1 CREDIT)

Communication and Literacy- Life Skills Language Arts provides learners with the

opportunity to develop and strengthen the reading and writing skills necessary for completing

functional tasks through the exploration of literary materials and application of essential

competencies for independent living. Curriculum topics include: community and sight word

vocabulary, survival signs, labels, community signs, packaging/mail, reading directions, reading

informational text, writing notes and memos, writing and reading basic directions, job tasks,

locations, schedule’s and household tasks. (1 CREDIT)

Mathematics Offerings

College Preparatory Math- College Preparatory Math will provide student with a solid

understanding of the high-school math common core standards. Basic skills will be reviewed

and reinforced, especially those involving computation and short-answer/open-response

questions. Curriculum will be delivered utilizing a developmental, sequential presentation of

math concepts, teaching students to analyze and solve problems using appropriate strategies.

Various methods of test taking will be presented to empower students with the tools required

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to successfully participate in formalized assessments. Assessment data is used to design an

individualized plan for each student. (1 CREDIT)

Essentials of Mathematics - Essentials of Mathematics is designed to teach and

reinforce students’ fundamental algebra skills critical for success in subsequent math courses.

It will preview/review foundational topics in the study of algebraic expressions, equations, and

inequalities, and graphing. Curriculum topics include: order of operations, simplifying variable

expressions, operations with real numbers, ratios and rates, solving equations and inequalities,

graphing linear equations, and statistics and probability. (1 CREDIT)

Consumer Math- Consumer Math provides students with the opportunity to develop

and strengthen foundational math skills while developing knowledge related to activities of

daily living and real world financial issues. Course content is designed to help students make

wise spending, saving, and credit decisions and to make effective use of income to achieve

personal financial success. Students will complete projects throughout the year; these projects

will include how to write checks, balance checkbooks, create and manage a simple student

budget, bargain for better purchases, and budget expenses for a first apartment. Curriculum

topics include: Number sense, operations and basic computations, graphing, identifying units of

liquid and dry measure, height and weight measurement, temperature, money skills, time

management, elapsed time related to scheduled events and calendars, vocabulary and

terminology, math application, problem solving. (1 CREDIT)

Science and Technology Offerings

Biology I & II- Biology I & II focus on the process of scientific investigation through the study of

living things and the world in which we live. Students will be exposed to new scientific language and

concepts, technology and research. Students will actively participate in laboratory investigations using

the scientific method to develop and strengthen scientific attitudes and interests. This class will explore

what it truly means to be alive based on the following categories, with a focus on preparation for

formalized assessments: Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Genetics, Anatomy and Physiology, Ecology,

Evolution and Biodiversity. (1 CREDIT)

Environmental Science- Environmental Science is based on the basic principles of ecology,

including the study of the earth’s biomes and the role and impact of human activities on natural systems

and provides students with the opportunity to understand the interrelationships of the natural world,

identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, evaluate the relative risks

associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them.

Curriculum topics include: the study of ecosystem structure and function, local, regional, and global

pollution problems; biodiversity protection, water and sanitation, energy, agricultural productivity,

climate change, the growth of human populations through time; and factors relating to energy

consumption by society overpopulation, resource depletion and management. Case studies are used to

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explore both natural and global economic issues. Class includes visual presentations, class discussions,

notes, and student projects, Student centered research and LAB COMPONENT included. (1 CREDIT)

Survival Science- Survival Science assists students with answering the how and why associated

with the way we navigate all aspects of our inside and outside environments. In this course, students

will have the opportunity to explore the role of science in daily living, and specifically how the

knowledge of relationships between us and environmental factors, as well as the integration of man-

made products can impact human health and well-being.

Forensic Science and/or Science/Technology may be integrated into any of the above offerings as a

half year course.

Forensic Science (½ Year)- The study of forensics in this course brings together basic chemistry,

physics and biology and challenges students to think outside the box and to apply what they have

learned to a variety of situations. Following standard protocols for collecting and analyzing evidence,

students will collect and analyze data to solve a ‘mystery’ or ‘crime’. In addition, student will read,

write, and view both fictional and non-fictional descriptions of crime scenes through focused research

on the internet. (1 CREDIT)

Science/Technology (½ Year)- In the Science/Technology course, students will research, implement and

design an environmental research project on the topic of their choice. Students will present their

findings through an original written report and/or oral report with visual components and research at

the conclusion of course.

History Offerings

U.S. History I&II - U.S. History I&II provides an intensive study of the political, economic, social,

intellectual, diplomatic, and cultural development of the United States from the mid-19th century to

present day. The course emphasizes a variety of themes and approaches to United States history and

encourages an awareness of the nature of history in its broadest sense of the alternatives to any given

explanation. The course develops the ability to read historical work analytically and evaluate historical

evidence and interpretations in arriving at conclusions. It also explores the expanding role of the federal

government and the federal courts; the continuing tensions between the individual and the state and

between minority rights and majority power; the emergence of a modern corporate economy; the

impact of technology on American society; culture change in the ethnic composition of American

society; the movements toward equal right for diverse groups such as racial minorities, gays and

lesbians, people with disabilities, and women; and the role of the United States as a major world power.

(1 CREDIT)

American Government/Civics A- The major purpose of this course is to analyze our

system of government and the historical background, fundamental concepts and principals that

underlie American democracy. The course covers the development of the Constitution, Bill of

Rights, and Federalism. It also includes a study of political parties, voting and voting behavior,

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and elections at the national, state and local levels. In this course, students will analyze the

influence of special interest groups and the role of the media in shaping public opinion. The

course also covers the role and the responsibilities of the three branches of the government at

the national, state, and local levels. This course will summarize landmark court decisions in

terms of civil rights and civil liberties and will also study complex contemporary issues that

confront national, state, and local governments such as immigration, gender, race, sexual

orientation, and disabilities. (1 CREDIT)

Our Communities/Civics B- In this course, students will learn and understand what it means to

become a productive citizen. Students will study many aspects of state, local, and federal government

as it connects to their local community and its history. They will come to understand the political

spectrum and their place in it, as well as their role as citizens in the community. Emphasis will be placed

on developing student’s advocacy and independent living skills as they relate to identifying,

understanding and utilizing community resources. Also integrated in this course will be review and

reinforce skills that will be used and called upon throughout all history courses – geographical concepts;

timeline skills; analyzing historical documents; interpreting charts, graphs and tables; developing a thesis

statement; identifying and applying key characteristics of a civilization; analyzing the political and

economic spectrum; comparing the five major religions. (1 CREDIT)

Elective Offerings (Quarterly)

Health and Wellness- Health and Wellness has an emphasis on developing the skills and

habits necessary for a lifetime of activity and fitness for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression,

and social interaction. Emphasis is on developing an understanding of the vast way in which

sport involvement can have a ripple effect on individuals as well as communities through

instilling inspiration and motivation for personal growth and development. This program

includes skill development and the application of rules and strategies of complex difficulty in

the following different movement forms: (1) health-related fitness activities (cardiorespiratory

endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition), (2) individual

and team sports, (3) outdoor pursuits, and (4) recreational games. (.5 CREDITS) *Offered all four

quarters

Visual Arts- Visual Arts is an introduction to basic design elements and principles with

three dimensional design applications. Students work in a variety of media and with varied

techniques to create original works of art. The curriculum is designed to develop content

knowledge and skills in the following areas: personal expression through art production,

creative problem solving, recognition of the role and importance of art and artists in society,

culture, and history, critical assessment of art works from aesthetic and cultural perspectives,

and technical processes. There is a strong emphasis on creativity and craftsmanship. (.5

CREDITS) *Offered 1st,2nd and 3rd Quarter

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Art Appreciation- Art Appreciation provides students with an introduction to the

greatest achievements of world painting, sculpture and architecture, with works that have

inspired people of all cultures throughout time. Art Appreciation will encourage students to

question the nature of art and its relevance to daily life; it will introduce students to the

elements and principles of design, focusing their attention through both projects and research.

(.5 CREDITS) * Offered 4th quarter

Environmental and Animal Exploration- In this exploration elective, students will have

the opportunity to engage in experiential learning of the environment and animals through

active participation in activities. Activities are designed to strengthen their understanding of the

relationship between environmental shifts/changes in their communities. (.5 CREDITS) *

Offered 1st, 2nd and 4th quarter

Computer Applications and Production- This applications and productions elective is

designed to integrate computer technology, decision-making, and problem-solving skills for the

purposes of exploration and creation. Areas of instruction may include multimedia, on-line

searching, desktop publishing, layout and design techniques, web design, music and video

production, software integration, voice recognition software, other advanced applications, and

predicting future technology trends. Instructional strategies may include computer/technology

applications, teacher demonstrations, collaborative instruction, and peer teaching (.5 CREDITS)

* Offered 1st and 3rd Quarter

Literature on Screen- The focus of this elective is literature (plays, novels, poems and

short stories) that has been adapted into films. The common core standards utilized are

exclusively within the English Language Arts. Focus is put on close reading strategies,

annotation for textual evidence, vocabulary and student discourse as well as using Venn

Diagrams and other graphic organizers, learning to take proper notes to categorize work, and

using evidence from the films to make connections and complete genre based writing

assignments. Each class will begin with the close reading and annotation of an article or short

story, or a vocabulary lesson. These will vary based on genre. For the second half of the class,

students will view various types of films that are adaptations of a variety of written works:

musicals, cartoons and animation as well as live action films are included in this unit. (.25

CREDITS) * Offered 1st, 2nd and 3rd Quarter

Mash-Up Electives

Mash-up Electives occur once a week and provide students with the opportunity to experience a

hybrid of non-compulsory courses.

Science at the Movies – In the Science at the Movies elective, students will investigate correct

and incorrect science concepts used in movies from Buck Rogers in the 25th century thrillers like “Them”

and “The Birds” to “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” to “Harry Potter” to “Armageddon” and “Journey to

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the Centre of the Earth” or “Asteroid”. Students could use technology to redesign special effects related

to a concept in a movie scene. (Literature on Screen & Environmental and Animal Exploration) * Offered

2nd Quarter

Active Discovery- Active Discovery provides students with structured opportunities to engage in

active exploration of the environment around them. Activities and lessons will include opportunities for

discovery within and beyond the school environment, encouraging students to engage in questioning,

observing, networking and experimentation. (Health and Wellness & Environmental and Animal

Exploration)

Absolute Arts- In this Mash-Up, students will have the opportunity to experience the arts

through participation in integrated art lessons and activities. Students will have the opportunity to

strengthen and develop their knowledge of the arts and demonstrate understanding through the

identification, creation and/or critique of various artistic projects that incorporate music, the visual arts

and film or graphic design. (Visual Arts and Literature on Screen and Computer Applications) *Offered 1st

and 3rd quarter

Arts on the Move- Arts on the Move offer students the opportunity to experience various

examples of art within the community around them, all while on the move. Students will explore their

local communities for examples of art through architecture, sculpture and street art.

(Visual Arts & Health and Wellness) *Offered 2nd Quarter

Independent Study- This elective slot is reserved for students who require additional academic

support/time to meet district/school requirements. A criterion for placement is evaluated by

Administration prior to student assignments into this elective.

(Mash-up credits will be incorporated into all standard credits earned)

Experiential Education Offerings

Out Day Fridays- Out Day Fridays allow students the opportunity to participate in

community building activities designed to promote further academic, social and/or personal

growth. This offering allows for student to student as well as student to staff collaboration for

learning beyond the classroom, intended to make tangible connections between urban and

rural communities throughout Massachusetts. Emphasis is on learning opportunities and career

exploration.

Poetry Slam- This EWT community event introduces students to “the competitive art of

performance poetry” and aims at building enthusiasm for literature among reluctant, as well as

avid readers. All students are encouraged to participate either through sharing their own poetic

expressions or being an engaged audience member for their peers, allowing for the opportunity

to build, strengthen and/or improve appropriate, healthy, social relationships within the school

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community. Emphasis is on showcasing student talent and/or success, as well as promoting

social and relationship building within a supportive, learning environment.

Extended Year Summer Program- The Extended Year Summer Program focuses on

community building, applied skill practice, and social emotional growth and development

(Experiential Education credits will be incorporated into all standard core credits earned)

Sample Schedule: Academic Year 2016-2017 Period Transition Social Studies Mathematics English Language Arts Science TA/Arts Elective

Breakfast 8:30-8:45 CORE Group Advisory Breakfast in

Transition Room

1 8:45-9:35 PREP/Student Conferences

------------ Core AM

Level 1 Core AM Group

Our Communities/ Civics B

College Preparatory Math

Progressive Literature, Composition, and Comprehension

Environmental Science Support

2 9:37-10:27 PREP/Student Conferences

Supervising Job Coaches 10:00 Mondays Only

------------- Core AM

Return/Reflection

American Government/ Civics A

College Preparatory Math

Progressive Literature, Composition, and Comprehension

Survival Science Support

3 10:29-11:19 Prep/ Planning

Level 2 Core PM Group

(Out 10:30)

U.S. History I/II

Consumer Math Literature Success

PREP Support

4 11:21-12:11

Work-Based Learning PREP Essentials of Mathematics

Communication and Literacy

Biology I/II Support

LUNCH/ACTIVITY A/12:13-12:38 B/12:38-1:01

5 1:03-1:53

Work-Based Learning Electives (Q1 only)

Health and Wellness

Prep (Elective MashUp -TH)

Electives (Elective MashUp -TH)

Lit. on Screen

Electives (Elective MashUp -TH)

Enviro. Ex.

Elective (MashUp-TH)

Visual Arts

6 1:55-2:45 Work-Based Learning / Reflections / Peer Reviews

Electives (Q1 only) Health and Wellness

Electives Comp. Applic.

Prep Electives

Enviro. Ex PREP

Dismissal 2:45

Electives

Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4

Health and Wellness Literature on Screen 1 section Environmental and Animal Exploration Visual Arts Computer Applications 1 section

Health and Wellness 1 section Literature on Screen 1 section Environmental and Animal Exploration Visual Arts

Health and Wellness Literature on Screen Computer Applications Visual Arts

Health and Wellness Environmental and Animal Exploration Independent Study Art Appreciation

MASHUP MASHUP MASHUP MASHUP

Active Discovery (HealthWell. & Env.An. Expl.)

Absolute Arts (Visual Arts, Computer Applications & Lit.

on Screen)

Science at the Movies (Lit. on Screen & Env. Expl.)

Arts on the Move (Visual Arts & HealthWell)

Absolute Arts (Visual Arts, Computer Applications &

Computer Applications) Health and Wellness

(as is)

Active Discovery (HealthWell. & Env. An. Expl.)

Art Appreciation (as is)

Independent Study (as is)

** Potential Pullout Classes: Group; Yearbook; Student Council (Criteria and requirement specific, 3 student cap for each)

Period Thursday Friday

Breakfast Periods 1-4 8:30-12:11pm Sa

me

Ou

t D

ay o

r Tr

ansi

tio

n F

rid

ay

LUNCH 12:13-12:38 ACTIVITY 12:38-1:02

Sam

e

5 1:02-2:00 Elective MashUP

6 2:01-2:45 Poetry Slam

Grading Rubric Category 4 3 2 1

Pro

cess

Attitude

Student is always respectful of his or

her self, others, and the teacher, has a

positive attitude, and does not

criticize anyone else’s ideas or work.

Rarely is critical of ideas or work

of others. Often has a positive

attitude about the task(s). Usually

treats others and self with respect.

Often or occasionally has a positive

attitude about the task(s) and

behaves in a respectful manner.

Often is critical of the work or

ideas of others. Rarely behaves in

a respectful manner.

Behavior

Student is awake and engaged in

class on a daily basis, and shows no

disruptive behavior.

Student is awake and engaged in

class nearly every day, and shows

no disruptive behavior.

Student is awake most of the time

but has fallen asleep for a few

classes. Shows no disruptive

behavior.

Student frequently sleeps and/or

disrupts class.

Working with Others

Almost always listens to, shares with,

and supports the efforts of others.

Students can feel safe volunteering in

this student’s presence.

Usually listens to, shares with, and

supports the efforts of others.

Often listens to, shares with, and

supports the efforts of others, but

sometimes is not actively listening

or responding.

Rarely listens to, shares with, and

supports the efforts of others.

Often disrupts or discourages

others’ attempts to participate.

Pro

gre

ss

Contributions

Routinely provides useful ideas when

participating in classroom discussion. A definite leader who contributes a

lot of effort.

Usually provides useful ideas when

participating in classroom discussion. A strong student who

tries hard.

Sometimes provide useful ideas

when participating in classroom discussion. A satisfactory student

who does what is required.

Rarely provides useful ideas when

participating in classroom discussion. May refuse to

participate.

Focus on Class Work

Consistently stays focused on in-class

work and what needs to be done.

Very self-directed.

Focuses on in-class work and what

needs to be done most of the time.

Focuses on the task and what needs

to be done some of the time. Often

must be reminded by the teacher about what needs to get done.

Rarely focuses on class work and

what needs to be done.

Preparedness

Brings needed materials to class and

is always ready to work.

Almost always brings needed

material to class and is ready to

work.

Often brings materials but

sometimes needs to borrow.

Seldom brings materials and/or is

rarely ready to get to work.

Time-Management

Routinely uses time well to ensure

things get done on time. Student

never asks to adjust deadlines.

Usually uses time well, rarely

misses deadlines.

Tends to procrastinate, does not use

school time or schedule provided to get work completed.

Rarely gets work done by

deadlines, always asks for

extensions or does not submit

work despite time in school.

Pro

du

ct

Quality of Work

Provides work of the highest quality

that reflects the student’s best efforts.

Provides quality work that reflects

an effort from the student.

Work occasionally needs to be

redone or does not reflect any time

or effort.

Provides illegible work that

reflects very little effort or does

not turn in any work.

Students receive academic grades based on an assessment of the following, with subcategories defined in the rubric:

EWT School Student Handbook Page 11

Product Evidence of mastery of learning objectives that is produced on written assignments, final examinations, oral presentations, projects, portfolios and other learning assessments.

Process

The student’s behaviors in reaching current level of achievement and proficiency, including elements such as effort, behavior, class participation, punctuality in turning in assignments as well as evidence from items such as daily work, regular classroom quizzes, and homework.

Progress Consideration of how much the student has advanced throughout the course in pursuit of specific learning objectives.

Academic grades are as follows: Grade Percentage Points GPA Points

A 93-100 4.0

A- 90-92 3.7

B+ 87-89 3.3

B 83-86 3.0

B- 80-82 2.7

C+ 77-79 2.3

C 73-76 2.0

C- 70-72 1.7

D+ 67-69 1.3

D 65-66 1.0

P A “pass” grade is indicated for some courses rather than a letter grade.

F A “failing” grade will only be given when students do not engage in their work due to unexcused absences or refusal to participate in learning opportunities in and outside of the classroom. Every effort is made to help students achieve success though modifications and accommodations identified by the IEP team and utilized to help students learn as individuals.

INC

An “incomplete” grade is indicated when students do not complete the course due to absences or incomplete work. Students may arrange an independent study to be supervised by classroom teachers to make up work at home or in available school time. Any student that is engaged in completing work to achieve mastery of the subject matter and improve their understanding will be able to change from an incomplete to a letter grade. Incomplete status may not be changed after the end of the school year.