Winslow Township High School

Program of Studies

Introduction

Academic Programs

Course Offerings

General Information

Scheduling Procedures

WTHS Home

 

Introduction

INTRODUCTION  

To the student and parent: This program of studies is a valuable reference for students, parents, and school personnel actively involved in curriculum planning at Winslow Township High School. This manual is intended to be a complete guide to the course offerings at Winslow Township High School. Each departmental area has described its specific course offerings, highlighting requirements and prerequisites.

PROGRAM AND SCHEDULE PLANNING

Planning an individual student's high school program of studies demands cooperation among the student, the home, and the school. The program of studies that a student pursues in high school should reflect his or her aspirations, achievements, aptitudes, and skills. Students should be encouraged to select courses that are academically challenging and personally stimulating and enriching. There is a four-year program planner, in the back of this guide, provided for your use in considering course selections.

In selecting particular courses the following criteria should be considered. Does the course:

a. Meet the high school requirements for graduation? 

b. Meet college entrance requirements?

c. Provide a background for post-high school plans?

d. Provide opportunities to satisfy interests in specific subjects?

Please note the following when planning your program:

Make sound, initial choices of courses, as well as plan alternate course options. Initial low enrollment totals for courses may lead to a cancellation of a course, thus decreasing the options for change once the master schedule is complete.

Choose courses not teachers. Students and parents should not make the mistake of choosing or refusing a course based on their perception of a particular instructor -each choice should be based on the merits of the course content and its value to the student's specific needs. Please understand that requests for schedule adjustments based on the issue of personnel will not be honored.

Discuss specific subject area choices with teachers, department chairs, and school counselors who can share valuable insight into the nature of specific courses.

When planning course level placement, consider taking the most challenging course load that you can handle.

Students who are considering going to college should keep in mind that the minimum number of academic units required for college admission typically include:

College Prep English - 4 Years

College Prep Math (Algebra I, II, and Geometry) - 3 Years

Laboratory Sciences (Lab Biology/Chemistry) - 2 Years

College Prep Social Studies (World History, U.S. History I, II) - 3 Years

Foreign Language - 2 Years

Academic Electives - 2 Years

 

Although colleges vary in their selectivity, it is strongly recommended that students take more than the bare minimum if they hope to be competitive. Colleges will expect to see a high level of academic preparation reflected in high school courses, grades, grade point average, and standardized test scores. Ideally, a college bound student should be prepared to take four (4) years each of college level English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies courses. In addition, because colleges are also interested in securing "well-rounded" students, participation in extra-curricular activities is also advisable. 

College bound seniors are strongly advised to take as strong an academic program as possible --at least as challenging as the previous three years. Colleges are now looking at senior schedules and report cards to see if their applicants have continued the quality of work that was demonstrated earlier.

Some students feel that "passing" or "just getting by" is enough. They are satisfied with grades in the 65-71 range. It should be pointed out that grades in this range do not reflect a sufficient skill level for most colleges. Unfortunately, especially in high school, "just passing" in the introductory course based largely upon homework and class work, can often lead to failure in more advanced courses (e.g. Algebra I -Algebra II; Spanish I - Spanish II). 

THE COUNSELING COMPONENT

The programs that individuals pursue in high school should reflect their aspirations, aptitudes, and achievements. Because individuals differ, programs too, must differ. Since post-high school requirements for employment, college, or vocational-technical training are constantly changing, students must frequently reevaluate themselves in terms of their immediate and long range goals.

The courses at Winslow Township High School provide students the opportunity to meet their educational needs in accordance with their individuality and desired career paths. Beyond the state or local requirements, students are encouraged to select courses that best match their potential and aspirations. Members of the school counseling staff are available to discuss a student's program as often as necessary. Parents are encouraged to call the school for conferences as needed. (Phone: 856-767-1850).

Parents/guardians are expected to assist the student in the development of a 4-year academic program plan and are encouraged to sign-off on the student's scheduling form. They should monitor the student's performance and progress. School counselors are resources to both students and parents/guardians in the development and monitoring of educational programs and are also available for consultation. School counselors conduct individual and group activities to help students with the planning of their educational programs.

Students who have severe difficulty in reading, writing and/or mathematics, may receive supplemental instruction and/or tutorial assistance upon the recommendation of the teacher, school counselor or case manager. A student may be referred to the Child Study Team, if a learning disability is suspected that may interfere with a student's learning. After consultation with the parent/guardian, and before a student is referred to the Child Study Team, the student will be referred to the building Intervention and Referral Services Committee for a case review.

Top

Academic Programs

 

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

In order for a student to receive a high school diploma from Winslow Township High School, each student must complete the following:

A. Testing Requirements

For the 2004-2005 school year: Pass the New Jersey High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) to be administered in Grade 11.

Note: Students failing the high school test will be required to enter a Student Review Assessment (SRA) process, which is implemented in HSPA courses.

B. Course Requirements

The graduating Class of 2005,2006, and 2007: Successfully complete a minimum of 120 credits, beginning in Grade 9 and concluding in Grade 12. The course work requirements for graduation must include the following courses:

  1. Four years (Total 20 credits) of English (Language Arts), one year for each year of enrollment.
  2. Three years (Total 15 credits) of Mathematics.

  3. Three years (Total 15 credits) of Science

  4. Two years (Total 10 credits) of U.S. History.

  5. One year (Total 5 credits) of World History.

  6. One year of Physical Education and Health & Safety for each year of public high school enrollment in New Jersey. (Total of 20 credits).

  7. One year (Total 5 credits) in the Fine, Practical, and/or Performing Arts.

  8. One half year of Career Education (infused throughout the curriculum).

  9. One year Applied Technology (Total 5 credits).

  10. One year (Total 5 credits) of World Language*.

  11. Elective (Total 20 credits).

Beginning with the Class of 2008: Successfully complete a minimum of 120 credits, beginning in grade 9 and concluding in grade 12. In addition to the course work described above (#'s 1-10), additional course work requirements for graduation must include the following courses:

  1. One year (Total 5 credits) Career Education and Consumer, Family, and Life Skills or Vocational- Technical Education.
  2. Technological Literacy instruction infused throughout the curriculum
  3. Elective (Total 15 credits)

 

*Note: In lieu of World Language, students must successfully complete a proficiency assessment.

COURSE LEVELS AND GROUPING

The Winslow Township Board of Education recognizes that it is advantageous to provide varying levels of difficulty in the same course in many academic areas. The intent of offering multiple levels or groups is to ensure that all students, including the most academically talented, can participate in courses where instruction is challenging. For purposes of computing grade point average and class rank, the ability levels are grouped into four (4) categories: Level l (Modified/Remedial/General/lntroductory); Level II (College Prep/Career Prep); Level III (Honors); Level lV (Advanced Placement).

The following are the course level designations for the course offerings described in this booklet, each with a brief explanation.

Advanced Placement: These courses follow the curriculum recommended by the College Entrance Examination Board. Students who enroll in these courses must take the Advanced Placement test for that course offered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Students who take an advanced placement test may be awarded credit or advanced placement by the college they choose to attend. Test scores range from 0- 5. All Students taking an advanced placement course will be required to have an AP Commitment Form signed by a parent/guardian indicating their commitment to take the AP examination in May. These AP Commitment Forms are available in the counseling office. Students will be required to submit payment for any advanced placement test fee by the end of September. For the 2004-2005 school year, all students taking any of the advanced placement tests will have the test fee reimbursed. If a student receives a score of 3 or higher on the advanced placement test, it might be possible to:

1. Receive college credit

2. Be granted a course exemption 

3. Gain tuition savings

4. Explore more advanced undergraduate subject areas 

5. Gain eligibility for honors and other special programs

Honors: Honors courses are designed to challenge highly motivated, academically, talented, and self-directed students. These courses often include a more in-depth study of a particular subject accompanied by rigorous demands upon students in terms of study skills, homework, and independent projects. Instructional strategies for honors courses closely resemble those utilized in colleges and universities.

College Prep: College preparatory courses in English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and World Languages are designed to challenge academically motivated students. These courses fulfill the Academic Units required by the majority of four-year colleges and universities. Courses at this level require in-depth study of the particular subject. Success in these courses require that a student display a high level of study skills, complete required homework and assignments, and be able to produce independent projects. The demanding pace of these courses will prepare students to meet the more rigorous requirements found at many colleges and universities.

General Education: These courses are designed to equip students with the skills necessary to meet the demands of the programs offered at most two-year colleges, technical schools and the world of work. In addition to mastering the particular subject, students are expected to successfully complete required homework, classwork, and projects.

Remedial: Students may be scheduled into remedial courses based upon their performance on the Grade Eight (8) Proficiency Assessment (GEPA), or the Grade Eleven (11) High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA), and/or other standardized district administered test. Minimal levels of proficiency for all the State Tests are set by the NJ State Department of Education in the academic areas of reading, writing and mathematics.

Students falling below the identified levels of proficiency will be required to participate in remedial programs

Winslow Township High School is required to provide remediation to any student who has been identified as "at risk" of scoring below the minimum levels of proficiency required on the high school assessment test. The remedial courses have been designed to support a student's general academic success, as well as insuring success on the HSPA.

Parents will receive a copy of the Student Review Assessment (SRA), and individual student test report, in the event that a student requires remedial instruction.

Special Education: Students that are determined eligible for special education and related services may enroll in special courses in any area that impacts achievement in the general curriculum. The courses offered, for students eligible for special services, follow the general curriculum courses of study with modifications and adaptations made on an individual basis based on the student's IEP. In general, special education can take place in a variety of educational settings including the regular education classroom. The Winslow Township Board of Education offers special education options within the continuum of placements as described in N.J.A.C. 6A:14. This wide range of educational options maximizes the student's opportunity to experience success in the school setting. Students will not be excluded from participating in a curricular or co-curricular activity on the basis of their disability.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM OPTIONS:

The Winslow Township Board of Education recognizes that students have different needs and aspirations. To respond to these different needs the Winslow Township High School has developed several educational program options that you may wish to consider as you plan for your educational program. These options are described below.

Accelerated Program: Students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance will be permitted to enroll in more than one course in a departmental area or enroll in a course sequence earlier than would be expected. Students who participate in an accelerated program must earn a grade of at least 80 in the departmental area in which the course sequence will be accelerated. Students who elect to accelerate, prior to high school, do not receive high school credit for courses taken prior to high school. Moreover, these courses do not satisfy requirements for graduation.

Advanced Placement Program: Winslow Township High School participates in the Advanced Placement Program sponsored by the College Board which provides students with the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. Advanced placement courses are very rigorous and the expectations of the students are very high. Advanced placement courses are listed under the various departmental headings. Students enrolling in advanced placement must take the advanced placement examination.

Apprenticeship: Winslow Township High School will acknowledge course credit for students participating in an approved State of New Jersey apprenticeship program. Information about careers in the trades is available at the high school career/vocational center. Information about the apprenticeship program is also available from the career/vocational counselor.

Community Service Program: Community Service Program enables students in grade 10-12 to select and become active participants in a community-based project. Students must arrange their elective service program as a result of their own independent search. Upon approval, academic credit may be earned by participating in one or more community projects. Students may elect to earn up to five credits during a school year depending on the number of hours dedicated to the project (1.25 credits = 30 hours of service). Students who participate in a community project to earn credit must obtain a school district advisor who will assist the student in meeting the program requirements. A contact representative (not a relative) will also need to be identified from the organization where the community service project will occur. This representative must serve as a sponsor and assist the school advisor in planning, organizing, and monitoring the progress on the project. Forms for applying for a community service project are available in the high school career/vocational center.

College Credit for High School Courses: Students may earn college credit for certain high school courses. Camden County College (High School Plus Program) and several technical institutes provide for such credit options. Courses with college credit provisions are so noted throughout the program of studies. Students participating in the Camden County College High School Plus Program may receive waivers for basic college courses and/or receive college credit. Submission of an application to Camden County College and payment of a $50.00 application fee is required. Camden County College credit may be transferred to most four-year institutions.

Cooperative Work Experience Program (not offered during 2003-2004): Cooperative work experience programs enable students to earn credit for their part-time work. These programs include cooperative business education, cooperative marketing education and cooperative industrial education.

Early Graduation: To be considered for early graduation, students must complete the following: fulfill all requirements for graduation, develop an acceptable post-high school plan and provide written parent approval. Early graduation requests are subject to a review by the school counselor and principal. Final approval rests with the Superintendent of Schools. In order to complete requirements for graduation, students planning on early graduation must make that decision by the beginning of their sophomore year.

High School Credit for College Courses: Winslow Township High School will provide high school credit for courses taken at an approved college or university. This program option is limited primarily to courses not offered in the Winslow Township Program of Studies, unless a student's educational plan requires a modification of the school day. Application for this program option must be secured and must include signature from parent/guardian, school counselor, and principal. These courses will satisfy the requirements for graduation but will not be included in the grade point average or class rank. Forms for this option are available in the counseling office. All expenses associated with enrollment in an educational institution other than WTHS are the responsibility of the student.

Independent Study Program: This program offers students the opportunity to pursue a course of study independently for credit. Independent study is not available as a program option in courses that are required for graduation. The Independent Study Program is available to those students who are looking for an additional academic opportunity for in- depth study beyond the present course offerings, or for those who desire to fulfill a course need that is not available in the current program of studies. Students will not be able to participate in an Independent Study Program if the course is offered in the program of studies and available to the student.

The following steps must be taken in order for an independent study request to be granted:

Internship: Students may work as an intern in a field of study related to their career interests. This internship program will be available to 11th and 12th grade students whose grade point average is at least 3.0. Students may earn up to five credits per year for an approved internship experience. Students interested in an internship must identify a field of study in which a sponsor will permit them to experience part-time work in a particular endeavor. Students must identify a sponsor and complete an internship application, secure a parental/guardian signature, approval of the counselor and school principal. Applications for approved internships are available in the high school career/vocational center.

Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp. (JROTC) and Leadership Training: Winslow Township High School provides course credit for students who participate in the United States Army JROTC Leadership Program.

Mentorship: A student interested in serving as a mentor may earn up to five credits per year during the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. Students who would like to serve as a mentor to another student, must participate in a mentor training program before being placed. Applications for mentorship programs are available in the high school counseling office.

Modified Program: A student may be scheduled for a modified educational program if it is determined that regular progress in meeting the requirements for graduation cannot be met or that special needs exist. A modified program must be approved by the principal. All expenses associated with enrollment in an educational institution other than WTHS are the responsibility of the student. 

Tech Prep Program: The Tech Prep Program offers students enrolled in high school technical courses an opportunity to earn college credit at Camden County College (at no cost). These college credits can be applied toward an Associate Degree at Camden County College. Participation in the Tech Prep Program offers students the opportunity to jump start their careers through early completion of their college program of studies. Practical skills and training and solid foundation of academics are developed. Approved Tech Prep courses are described throughout the Winslow Township High School Program of Studies.

Students who are keenly interested in technology and/or computers, and have a good grasp of practical mathematics and science, will find these courses very stimulating. Students will be challenged to think about real solutions to practical problems using the tools of today's technology.

Volunteer Service Program:

The Volunteer Service Program offers 10th -12th grade students credit for approved volunteer work in the school. Enrollment in this program is contingent upon approval of an application. Up to five credits per year may be earned by the student for successful completion of 30 hours of volunteer service per quarter (200 minutes per week), A student must be carrying a minimum of 30 credits to apply for volunteer service. Additionally, students must have passed a minimum of 30 credits, excluding volunteer service for the previous year. Volunteer service and its appropriate credit become part of the student's permanent record. This program is deemed valuable to help students develop self- discipline, pride in service to school, and career insights.

Students must arrange for their elective volunteer service program through their own independent search. Upon approval, academic credit may be earned from 1.25 to 5.0 credits during the school year depending on the number of hours volunteered (1.25 credits = 30 hours of volunteer service). Students who volunteer must obtain a school district advisor to monitor their time and service. Students must maintain a detailed log of hours, signed weekly, by the school advisor. Volunteer program applications are available in the high school counseling office.

SELECTION CRITERIA FOR HONORS AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES 

Students are encouraged to engage in the most challenging educational program possible. Selection criteria for honors and advanced placement courses are intended to provide students with guidance in terms of academic expectations and predict academic success.

Honors: Students enrolling in an honors course must earn a grade of 80 or better in a previous college prep course, in the appropriate course sequence, or secure a recommendation from a teacher in the same subject area.

Advanced Placement (AP): Students enrolling in an advanced placement course must earn a grade of 85 or better in a previous honors course, in the appropriate course sequence, or secure a teacher recommendation in the same subject area. Students wishing to enroll in an advanced placement course coming from a college prep level course, must have achieved a minimum grade average of 90 in that subject. Entry into an AP course in the English department requires enrollment in a prerequisite honors level course. Students enrolled in an AP course m-l!§! take the AP examination corresponding to the course in which they are enrolled.

BASIC SKILLS PROGRAM

The Basic Skills program is a state mandated program for students who do not meet the demonstrated mastery of specific reading, writing, or mathematics skills as measured by the Grade 8 Proficiency Assessment (GEPA) and/or the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA). Students in grades 8 and 11 are tested in the Spring of each school year. Those students who do not score at or above the minimal levels of proficiency, as determined by the New Jersey Department of Education are placed in the Basic Skills program. In addition, the district administers achievement tests at designated grade levels to identify students at risk who are also placed in Basic Skills programs. Students who participate in this program are scheduled for courses in reading, writing, and/or mathematics instruction. Emphasis is placed on the specific skills that need improvement, and each student has an individually planned program of activities designed to lead to mastery .

Top

Course Offerings

Art and Media

Art and Media


Top

Business Education

Introduction: Courses offered by the business education department serve many purposes (1) they are designed to prepare stud entry-level careers in business, (2) they have useful and practical applications for the college-bound student, and (3) they serve to 9 students practical and useful life skills information.

 

Go To Business Education

Top

Computer Science

 

Go To Computer Science

Top

English


Go To English

Top

Family Living and Life/Consumer Science