DLP 9th Grade

CONTEMPORARY TEEN ISSUES (831)

Grades 9-12: Level 2

(Year) 1.50 credits

This course is designed specifically for students enrolled in the Alternative Learning Program. Its purpose is to assist students in coping effectively with life’s challenges, explore their aspirations and lifetime goals, and to address core issues impacting adolescents and society.

The course provides personal growth opportunities, as well as experiences within a group setting of engagement and collaboration. Global, national and community issues will be examined, as seen through the lens of adolescence. Planning for one’s future after high school will also be a focal point, with students being given an opportunity to explore educational and career options via field trips and in cyberspace.

Individual research is emphasized, and students will be required to make both individual and group presentations regarding their findings. Of prime importance is assisting students in applying what they have learned to their own lives.

Upon completion of the course, students will be better equipped to understand causes and consequences of human behavior; better able to cope with their own needs and frustrations; develop a clearer concept of identity and self-worth; and strive to respect the dignity and worth of every individual.

NATURAL HISTORY OF CAPE COD (837)

Grades 9-12: Level 2

(Year) 1.50 credits

This course explores the biological, physical, cultural and economic evolution of the area from prehistoric times to the present. It is a synthesis of several fields of study: biology, anthropology, earth science, oceanography and social studies.

Topics studied include abiotic factors that influenced the Cape’s formation, plant and animal species, ecosystems, Native Americans and early settlers. Additionally, students examine current issues relating to the environment, development and resource use. Appreciation for the Cape’s unique environment and ecosystem diversity is stressed.

Methods of instruction consist of class discussions, field trips, laboratory activities, audio-visual presentations and guest speakers, as well as library and Internet research.

PLEASE NOTE!!! Students enrolled in this class are expected to participate in numerous outdoor activities!!!

ELEMENTS OF NONFICTION (824)

Grades 9-12: Level 2

(Year) 1.50 credits

Elements of Nonfiction focuses on prose based on facts and real-world events and people, including biography and history. Writing assignments include personal narrative, journal-keeping, letter-writing, essays, news writing, and biography. Primary texts for the class include selected memoirs, newspaper articles, professional writings, recounts of historical events, and a variety of biographies.

The course emphasizes the following skills: recognizing the differences as well as the similarities between nonfiction and fiction; improving writing skills; distinguishing between the various forms of nonfiction and the reasons for employing them; becoming familiar with and using various literary devices; developing strategies for generating topics; developing editing accuracy; increasing spelling accuracy; improving reading comprehension; and expanding vocabulary.

Vocabulary is derived from literature read for class; spelling comes from individual student writing.

INTEGRATED GEOMETRY (871)

Grades 9-12: Level 2

(Year) 1.50 credits

Prerequisite: A grade of D- or higher in Integrated Algebra I or teacher recommendation.

This course is similar to the Integrated Geometry course offered by the Mathematics Department and fulfills the same requirements.

Topics studied include concepts in plane geometry such as angle relationships, circles, similarity and congruence correspondences, geometric constructions, and coordinate geometry as well as systems of linear equations and inequalities, power models, symbolic manipulation of polynomial and rational expressions, properties of space-figures including area and volume and the ability to work with and estimate radicals.

Four dimensions of understanding are emphasized: carrying out various algorithms with increasing skill, developing and using mathematical properties and relationships, applying mathematics to realistic situations and representing or picturing mathematical concepts.

Classroom activities will include teacher and student explanations and class discussions of concepts, techniques and homework problems.

ELEMENTS OF POETRY (840)

Grades 9-12: Level 2

(Semester) .75 credits

Elements of Poetry focuses on poetry and poets. The output of student writing, combined with poetry from assorted anthologies, will provide the primary text for the class. The writing component of the course provides students with a variety of assignments ranging from the simple to the complex, enabling students to experience what it takes to be a poet by writing poems of their own.

The course emphasizes the following skills: recognizing the distinction between connotative and denotative meaning and between figurative and literal language; improving writing skills; becoming familiar with and using various literary devices; developing editing accuracy; increasing spelling accuracy; improving reading comprehension; and expanding vocabulary.

THE FOLLOWING ALP COURSES MAY OR MAY NOT BE OFFERED, DEPENDING ON STUDENT INTEREST/NEED

INTEGRATED ALGEBRA I (839)

Grades 9-12: Level 2

(Semester) .75 credits

All students should take this course which focuses on algebra for a variety of reasons. Algebra builds competency in arithmetic, encompasses formulas, graphs and the translation to the language of math of everyday situations which abound in the workplace. Algebra also enables students to recognize that arithmetic is not merely a collection of unrelated rules and procedures.

Students should expect homework every class period and are required to have a scientific calculator for classwork and homework. Before the purchase of calculators and notebooks, the student is advised to consult with his/her teacher.

Integrated Algebra I exposes students to statistics and geometry as the framework for the study of linear expressions, equations and inequalities. The study of probability provides a context for fractions, functions and set ideas. Content and methodology reflect real-life applications and current technology. Geometric concepts are integrated throughout this course as a context for algebraic applications and as preparation for geometry. Throughout these topics, reading, problem solving and the graphic representation of solutions are emphasized.

Classroom activities will include teacher and student explanations and class discussions of concepts, techniques and homework problems.

INTEGRATED ALGEBRA II AND TRIGONOMETRY (834)

Grades 9-12: Level 2

(Semester) .75 credits

Prerequisite: A grade of D- or higher in Integrated Geometry.

This course is similar to the Integrated Algebra II and Trigonometry course offered by the Mathematics Department and fulfills the same requirements.

Topics include work with trigonometric ratios and circles, multiple-variable models, algebraic relations and functions, formal reasoning and deduction as well as further work with linear, exponential, power, and periodic models.

Classroom activities will include teacher and student explanations and class discussions of concepts, techniques and homework problems.