Life Skills
SWLi (2 semester, 1 credit, prerequisite none)
Life Skills is designed to provide students with information they will need as they begin the next phase of their life, adulthood. Students will learn to become more responsible for their own decisions as they move toward adulthood. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to begin making some plans for what they want to accomplish in their lives. This course will guide students in figuring out who they are, including their personality, abilities, and interests.
Literacy Advantage
Literacy Advantage courses are standards-based general studies courses that meet the needs of students who are not prepared for grade-level academic challenges because they are reading below proficient. Courses assist students in mastering required content in math, science, English, and social studies to earn credits toward high school graduation while simultaneously developing literacy skills. Literacy Advantage courses are based on the most current research in adolescent literacy and best practices for instruction and intervention. Each semester course offers 60–80 hours of interactive direct instruction, guided practice, and integrated formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment.
English Language Arts
English I: Introduction to Literature and Composition
SWApla (2 semesters, 1 credit, prerequisite none)
Introduction to Literature and Composition is a valuable introduction to the study of literature and the reading of informational texts, and it offers ample opportunity to practice composition writing. Along the way, they acquire and practice reading skills and strategies that are directly applicable to these literary and informational reading materials. Study Sheets support engagement with direct instruction and develop note-taking and study skills while also guiding students through the process of synthesizing information. Robust support in the form of process guides and graphic organizers helps reluctant writers to internalize strategies and develop composition skills. Select activities target text-handling skills and promote improved performance on commonly assessed literary analysis and response standards. These activities employ the writing process to create narrative, expository, and persuasive compositions.
Accessible text assists students in comprehending academic English content. New vocabulary is supported with rollover definitions and usage examples that feature audio and graphical representations of terms. Literacy development is promoted through explicit instruction in active-reading and vocabulary strategies. Students also develop comprehension strategies unique to academic reading and learning in English language arts.