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Academics - Accotink Learning Center
CORE SUBJECTS
ELECTIVES PROGRAM
Active Physics. In this elective physics course, the subject matter (the physical universe and its rules) is treated conceptually. A "discovery; hands-on" approach is used to explore subject matter. Topics include kinematics, forces, heat, electricity, magnetism, energy, light and waves.
Art . This class gives students the proper environment to pursue creative outlets through a focus on basic drawing, painting, and sculptural techniques. Lessons and activities tied-in to art history provide context for cultural and visual literacy
College Literature and Writing. This course is designed to help students learn important academic skills such as note taking, research preparation and organization, and time management. It focuses on essential vocabulary and advanced writing skills necessary for success in college.
Computer Literacy. This course spans instruction from basic keyboarding, application of Microsoft Office programs such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. Students will also learn basic computer repair and internet research skills.
Decoding and Fluency. This course is designed for the student who has mastered basic phonemic skills but is not able to apply the knowledge fluently. The student may struggle with automaticity in either sound, single syllable or multi-syllable words.
Developing Literacies. This course provides direct remediation of reading comprehension skills necessary to understand the contents of math, science, social studies, and English literature. This course is intended for students with reading comprehension test scores demonstrating three years or more behind grade level.
Fluency and Comprehension. This course is designed for the student who has good or developing ability to fluently decode single sounds or syllables. Fluency strategies are employed to increase automaticity while reading in connected text to aid reading comprehension.
Health Education. This course focuses on understanding teenage physical, social and emotional development; and, personal growth through positive and informed decision-making. The readings and group discussions cover personal responsibility and character education, human anatomy and development, healthy hygiene, safe practices in dating and socializing, and a general overview of sexually transmitted diseases.
Journalism. Students acquire journalistic skills needed to obtain accurate information and write precisely and succinctly for the school newsletter. They examine various kinds of media in society. Students will also learn the basic skills of interviewing, writing, and layout for the school's newspaper, yearbook, and website.
Math Support. This course is designed for the student who is required by district guidelines to take Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Geometry and does not have the essential math skills to successfully complete the class. Instruction will be given to address deficiencies and missing skills.
Music. This class provides an overview of music history and theory, from both western and non-western standpoints (the study of composition or rhythmic structures), and features ensemble playing with drums, piano, and guitar
Organization and Tutoring. This course is designed for the student who has difficulty organizing their physical school supplies, assignments or projects. It is also useful for students who become overwhelmed with school assignments to help them organize and prioritize tasks.
Personal Finance. The course is designed to teach the skills necessary to manage personal finances and to make sound financial decisions. Students learn how to become educated consumers. Course topics include personal money management, budgeting, how to balance a checkbook, banking, taxation, how to open a bank account, and how to judge the quality of a bank's service. They track expenses, figure unit cost of products, compute sales tax and figure the final price of sale items, and develop budgets. Students also compute elapsed time, calculate wages and use measurements.
Photography. This course teaches the principles of photography and fundamental camera techniques. Activities require outside shooting, rudimentary film development, and printing take place in our on-site dark room.
Physical Education. The two major aspects of our daily lives that most affect our level of wellness are exercise and diet. This course exposes students to a wide variety of sports using parks, gymnasiums, and local recreation centers. Activities have included softball, rock wall climbing, bowling, basketball, volleyball, and baseball. The physical education program works to instill in its students total fitness and wellness.
Spanish I. The main goal of Spanish I is the development of communication skills in real-life contexts rather than in isolating vocabulary and grammar skills. Both of them are integrated into hypothetical situations in which students could be required to function using the Spanish language. The course also focuses on learning the culture of Spanish-speaking countries through the viewing of movies, listening to music and participating in Spanish cooking and holiday experiences.
Spanish II. With a greater emphasis in developing the student’s ability to communicate, students are given opportunities to use Spanish in simulation or real life meaningful situations. Classes feature greater student-teacher interaction as well as daily oral activities including games, skits, viewing Spanish language films, etc. Cultural knowledge is an important element of Hispanic character, customs, and the way in which Spanish and Latin American peoples view themselves and others in the world. Students are expected to use their language skills to the maximum ability.
Technology. This program will use graphics software applications for the basis of projects in creative writing and /or visual expression. The scope of activities will include print publication, digital photography and multi-media presentations.
Theatre Arts. This course provides students with a survey of the theatre arts, allowing students opportunities to experience and appreciate dramatic literature, and participate in the creative processes of performance and production. The course emphasizes skill development and provides theatrical opportunities that enable students to determine personal areas of interest.
Transition. This course is offered to high school students for the purpose of helping them prepare for their futures. This course is designed to introduce and examine necessary employability skills such as work ethic, communications skills, organizational skills, self-discipline, and the importance of an enthusiastic attitude. Students will explore interests in future occupations, colleges, or vocational training. Students may participate in off-camps internships through which they acquire entry-level work experience, work references & recommendation letters, and are paid a small stipend. Students also participate in the classroom component of the course, in which they explore careers, evaluate their interests and abilities, research and apply for colleges and training opportunities, learn money management skills, and learn job search and job retention skills. Classroom activities include on-line research, discussion, role-plays, individual and small-group projects and individual guidance from the teacher in setting and achieving individual goals.
Web Page Design. This course is designed for students who have basic computer skills. The students will design a web site. Please visit our website for updates on courses offered at Accotink Learning Center.