Integrated Studies - English/Social Studies Guide: Mary Lou McCaslin Government/Civics (Fall) and Contemporary Issues (Spring)
History/Social Studies Since this is an election year, students will be studying government and the election process, as well as the importance of voting. In the Spring, they will be focusing on Contemporary Issues and writing research papers. Students participating in HLT HS Integrated Studies will investigate major world and US events that have shaped the modern world. Students will be given key questions to research utilizing various resources such as living books and recorded lectures. Students will participate in a weekly Socratic style discussion covering research topics, current events, government and philosophy. Students will work together to development projects to show their learning. The goal of this course is to provide students a safe environment to explore their interests and thoughts and use their new-found knowledge of history to make sense of the crazy times in which we are now living. Through the use of key questions and project-based learning students will begin to develop their personal world view.
English 9, 10, 11, or 12 It is my heartfelt belief that good literature should be read and experienced for what it is; good literature. Student will be asked to read literature that coincides with their chosen history track. Students will be encouraged to relate lessons learned from their individual reading during group discussions. Several short stories and short works of poetry will be read together and analyzed using IEW’s Teaching the Classics. As young adults, it is imperative that students learn to express themselves through written communication. IEW’s Teaching Writing with Structure and Style will be utilized for basic instruction in composition. Writing assignments will correspond to the student’s history and/or science studies. The year will begin with learning how to key word outline a short passage and progress through writing a 3 reference research paper as the final assignment. Students already having experience with IEW will be placed on a different track and presented with more challenging work.
Credit Assignment Students taking HLT High School Integrated Studies will have the opportunity to earn the following credits:
English 9, 10, 11, 12 (1 credit)
History/Social Studies (1 credit)
Early American and World History: Reading to focus on World and Historical Literature pieces or...
World Geography & Cultures: Students will focus on the people, places and events of each of the continents. Reading and writing assignments will be continent based. During class discussions, students will be asked to provide input on how geographic location played a part in the historical event.
Modern US and World History: Reading will focus on US and Historical Literature pieces or...
Government/Political Science with Constitutional Literacy: Students will be introduced to classical and modern political theory and the effects of media on the political process. Reading will focus on the writings and biographies of great politicians. An in-depth study of the Constitution using Constitutional Literacy DVD Series and Student Guide by Michael Farris will be used as a spine.
Humanities/Social Studies (1/2 Credit) Not offered this year. Additionally, students may be able to earn up to 1/2 Credit in the following:
Government: Students will learn about the different types of government throughout the ages focusing on the benefits and problematic issues for the populace.
Worldview/Leadership:Students will study what Worldview is as well how to be influencers and leaders as they move into adulthood.
HLT will have a science lab on-site including a mobile STEM lab, a 3-D printer, biology and chemistry equipment and more! Gleaning the knowledge of the last few years, we have opted to do group projects and some labs on a separate day making these a two-day class. There is a couple of reasons for this. One is that the instructor can better focus time on discussion of the topics and not have to be hurried or split time for projects/labs. Second, we believe that the more often a student can hear and think on material, the better they will be able to retain it. Having days between discussion and labs will benefit the academic success of the students. Last, students will be able to have more time to work on labs and projects outside of the scheduled class times.
The Biology and Chemistry Tracks offers a unique option for students wanting to study high school sciences. High School Biology and Chemistry Tracks allow students to work at their own pace and learn time management and study skills that are valuable as they progress in their academic studies. Students will complete a customized course through HLA Archway Online as the basis for this course. We consider this course a hybrid utilizing and preparing students for online learning as well as using workbooks and other resources in the classroom in addition to hands-on projects and lab time. They will have their Science Track Check and Discussion followed by Lab on Tuesdays with Group Study and Project Time on Wednesdays. They will meet with the teacher to have any questions answered and discuss difficult concepts, get things graded, check progress and to make sure they are prepared for upcoming labs and complete labwork in the Science Lab. STEaM Science III (Physical Science) Instructor: Juliana Kyzar Recommended: Grades 9-10
STEAM is a highly-engaging, hands-on science class. High School students seeking credit for this course will be given more challenging work and will have to complete at least one project for credit and minimum one semester course through HLA Archway Online in the area of technology, coding, engineering and design. Throughout the year, students will explore a variety of science topics including engineering and design that involve research, discussion, critical thinking, group labs, and individual projects. Students will have the opportunity to choose between technology-based projects (based in Minecraft, coding, or other computer platforms) or art-based projects (in a variety of media) for individualized exploration of the class topic.
Using a customized high school course through HLA Archway Online as a supplement for this course, students will embark on in additional independent study overseen by the instructor and accented with hands-on laboratory activities and projects.
Fine Arts
Studio Art Instructor: Angela Broyles
In an instructor-guided studio format, young artists will use a variety of media to expose them to the principles of design, master artists, & the foundations necessary to create successful artwork. Goals will be set while attending to the students interests. Students will be able to use their creativity as they will guide the lesson through their own creations. The lessons will be designed to broaden students horizons & challenge their creative minds. The Art class may help with set design, design the program and have art displayed on the night of the performance.
High School and Middle School Math
Each student will complete a Math Assessment before classes begin and speak with our Diagnostic Specialist to determine the best curriculum, grade level, and learning style for your student.
This class will be formatted similar to a college math lab where students can come to work on lessons with accountability while having access to a tutor to assist with understanding concepts, getting feedback, monitoring your student's progress and time-on-task. This enhanced learning support will allow students to work at their level and pace with an experienced teacher available on demand. Students can bring their own curriculum they are already using or you can opt to use HLA Archway Online or Math Essentials. This independent, self-paced, student-led curriculum is an excellent choice for this type of class. The instructor will be able to better monitor your student online during the week and answer any questions they may have through the online communication portal. You will be able to login and see progress as well. Online math is not the best fit for all students so helping families find something that works for their students is very important.