CURRICULUM

Key Elements

Our curricula utilize a number of research-based strategies and techniques to engage students in academic studies while developing a variety of 21st century skills.

Blended Learning
Our curricula use a blended learning model to ensure the integration of Internet communications tools and World Wide Web (WWW) resources in all courses. Blended learning is the use of an online instructional environment to support learning in a classroom setting. Curriculum materials developed for a blended learning environment include instructional resources and student activities that utilize Internet resources as a core component of the teaching and learning process. Students and teachers can access and utilize the WWW resources in the classroom or at anytime and anyplace via the online course environment, Moodle. Online collaboration and communications tools further extend classroom discussion to include college faculty and business professionals.

e-Portfolio Assessment
The e-Portfolio is integrated into all of our courses and is an essential element for documenting and presenting student knowledge, skills, and projects. Students and teachers collaborate on the submission of materials for the e-Portfolio as it is used to reflect upon the development of student knowledge and skills over time. Students can also customize the e-Portfolio to share their own work and personal interests through the e-Portfolio blog. The e-Portfolio is accessible within the Moodle online course environment and students can be viewed by peers, parents, prospective employers, and college admissions staff.

Comprehensive Project
Our courses utilize a comprehensive project as the primary instructional strategy. Each comprehensive, standards-based research and development project includes technical writing, research, computer-assisted design, computer animation, digital audio/video, digital photography, and Web site development. Throughout the school-year-long project, students learn about emerging technologies and Internet-based services as they develop a mock technology company and assume positions in the company to complete a given challenge.

Experiential Learning
Experiential learning takes students and teachers beyond the classroom and into the "real world" to experience the application of learning in a business environment. Classroom speakers, company tours, job shadows, student internships, and teacher externships are important strategies for connecting classroom teaching and learning to business and higher education. During these events, students engage in course-related workshops and activities as they collaborate across district boundaries with other students and business mentors. Our staff will work with you to develop robust and customized experiential learning opportunities for your students.

Professional Development
All of our teachers participate in a variety of professional development opportunities during the school year and summer. Throughout the school year, Center program specialists support teachers by facilitating the implementation of the courses and organizing a variety of seminars and workshops. A major aspect of our professional development program is an annual Summer Institute that prepares teachers to utilize the online Moodle environment while enhancing their content knowledge for the related courses.