Patriot Block

Accelerated Learning Program

"Patriot Block," Portsmouth High School's accelerated learning program, provides all students in-school intervention/enrichment opportunities in the area where they demonstrate the highest need. Patriot Block is a credit bearing class (0.5 credits per semester) and is graded on a "Pass/Fail" scale.

Patriot Block: Math

(9916) 0.5 credit

Semester Sample Syllabus

The goal of Patriot Block: Math is to provide support to students to help them meet success in their mathematics. Supports include, but are not limited to: extra practice materials, pre-teaching concepts, reteaching, and reviewing problem-solving strategies for material covered in their specific math course (Algebra II or Geometry). Students may also be exposed to Standardized Test Prep through the use of instructional technology. This course is a numeracy intervention provided to students in grades 9-12. It is offered during a portion of the student’s Patriot Block. Students who require this intervention are identified using a set of decision rules created by the Mathematics Department including STAR scores and Teacher Recommendation.

Patriot Block: Literacy

(9918) 0.5 credit

Semester Sample Syllabus

Patriot Block: Literacy is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop and apply critical reading and thinking skills through guided, shared, and independent reading. During Literacy Support, students receive intensive instruction aligned to the Common Core State Standards in reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and oral reading fluency. The instructional focus is on specific strategies and skills that students will be able to apply to all content areas. Students will also be exposed to a variety of genres, including high-interest fiction and nonfiction texts, magazines, newspapers, online materials and test preparation. The goal of the Literacy Support is not only to increase the student’s reading proficiency but also to increase their motivation and engagement with the entire reading process. This course is a literacy intervention provided to students as a follow-up to the reading screening assessment (STAR) administered three times a year to all students in grades 9-12. It is offered during a portion of a student’s Patriot Block. Students who require this intervention are identified using a set of decision rules created by the interventionists.

Patriot Block: Math & Literacy for College and Career

(9915) 0.5 credit

Semester Sample Syllabus

The goal of Patriot Block: Literacy & Math for College and Career is to provide students with accelerated learning opportunities that will enhance their literacy and math skills for post-secondary success. Through the use of instructional technology, and the support of an academic coach, students will engage in a personalized learning pathway that identifies and focuses on skill gaps as well challenging areas of strength. In addition, students will be exposed to standardized test preparation for the SAT, AP and college/career readiness exams.

Patriot Block: TAP

(TAP) 0.5 credit

Semester Sample Syllabus

Our Therapeutic Academic Program (TAP) is designed to support students whose social-emotional needs, and contributing behaviors, adversely affect their academic performance and, therefore, require targeted, individualized SEL intervention, instruction and programming. The program emphasizes building social-emotional skills, fostering resilience, and promoting academic growth through evidence-based SEL strategies. Students engage in activities that focus on emotional regulation, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, and self-advocacy while working toward their academic goals.

Patriot Block: Multilingual Learner Support

(9919) 0.5 credit

Semester Sample Syllabus

This course is specifically designed to support multilingual learners in developing their English language competency while also supporting their access to the general education curriculum. Using an integrated approach, students receive personalized instruction to accelerate their English language proficiency in the areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing.