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Welcome to the Academic Department
Southeastern Regional offers a full and rigorous series of academic classes comparable to any comprehensive school. A common misconception about vocational school academics is that they are "easier" because students are only here to learn a trade.
In actuality, students who attend a vocational school who apply themselves are challenged more extensively than typical comprehensive school students because not only do vocational students have the opportunity to gain skills in a specific trade, but they will also be on track to attend a four year college by working through academic courses.
Our very small class sizes afford all students the opportunity to be exposed to honors level content and assignments while working in an integrated classroom on the core curriculum expectations. Academics in a 21st century vocational school are developed to ensure that students who take full advantage of our offerings will have more opportunities for high level jobs and greater success in their future.
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Academic Philosophy
The Academic Department Philosophy is that each teacher will strive to create and foster an environment that promotes students’ confidence and their motivation to learn. The staff is committed to implementing our standards based curriculum (in alignment with the guidelines prescribed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) in order to adhere to a clear and rational structure through which students, teachers, and parents can assess mastery. To ensure academic rigor, Southeastern is committed to differentiated instruction and inclusive classrooms because all students have the right to be exposed to the same high level curriculum. The Southeastern community understands and respects that our students are 21st century learners. Along with implementing traditional reading, writing, math, and critical thinking skills, we will continue to be in the educational forefront by accommodating individual student needs, by embracing technology, by fostering skills that will support success in vocational areas, and by making efforts to stay current in each field of expertise for the benefit of Southeastern students.
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Web-based Portfolio, Textbooks, and Standards-Based Assessment
www.studyisland.com
www.myaccess.com
www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
www.edline.net
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At Southeastern, all students are exposed to a rigorous grade level appropriate curriculum in academic areas. In order to ensure that all students have the opportunity to excel, students and teachers use an online writing tool called My Access!®, in both academic and vocational areas. This web-based tool may be used at home or in school to save time, to increase student confidence in writing while maintaining common school-wide writing expectations, and to improve critical thinking skills while increasing student confidence in academics.
All teachers and courses are linked to Edline in order for students and parents to monitor grades and assignments at home regularly. The following courses have web-based textbooks and/or individualized standards-based remediation/challenges through Study Island (traditional textbooks are available to take home as needed): |
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English 9
English 10
American Literature
British Literature |
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Pre-Calculus
Calculus |
Intro to Biology
Biology (Lab)
Chemistry (Lab)
Physics (Lab) |
US Hist. 1733-1867
US Hist. 1877-2001
World Hist. 1500 - 1800
World Hist. 1800-2001 |
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Honors Commitment
At Southeastern, all students are exposed to a rigorous grade level appropriate curriculum in academic areas. In order to ensure that all students have the opportunity to excel, students may make the honors commitment in one or more academic courses. This means that in an academic class, all students are expected to meet the standards of the core curriculum, but those who want to receive honors credit and go above and beyond may elect to do the honors coursework.
Honors coursework is designed for the independently motivated learner who would like to prepare rigorously for college level expectations. Honors students must be able to work independently on multiple tasks at a given time. Honors students must be personally organized, disciplined, task committed, reading above grade level, and self-motivated.
Honors students are expected to complete the entire core curriculum in addition to the projects, assessments, presentations, and readings that will be required for honors students in a particular course/grade level/subject area. Work will be assigned during vocational cycles and will heavily rely on our web-based tools for learning. Honors students must have access to the Internet at home, plan to use our computer labs, or plan to use their local library. *Additional grade point average weight will be given to students who have made the honors commitment, which may result in a higher class rank.
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Virtual High School and Advanced Placement
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Students who have proven to be independently motivated learners in all courses or in a particular content area aspiring to attend a four year college will be recommended to take one or more Virtual High School courses during their sophomore to senior year. Virtual high school students must be able to work independently on multiple tasks at a given time. Virtual high school students must be personally organized, disciplined, task committed, reading above grade level, and self-motivated.
All Virtual High School (VHS) classes are teacher facilitated and take place entirely over the internet. Class sizes are limited to 25, and there is an emphasis on interaction between teachers and students. Activities are student-centered and discussion and group activities are a part of each VHS course. Anywhere students have access to the Internet they can take a VHS class. Students can post work to their class anytime, day or night. VHS classes are offered in a scheduled asynchronous mode. That means classes will follow a semester schedule and assignments are due at specified weekly intervals. However, students can complete their work at anytime during the week, as long as work is posted by specified due dates. Students who are recommended for VHS and make the yearlong commitment will be enrolled in two semester long four credit courses or one year long eight credit course. To ensure students stay on track, students report to a monitored computer lab for one block each academic cycle. The most recent course catalog is available on www.govhs.org In the left frame, click the “VHS Catalog” hyperlink.
All VHS courses are monitored regularly, and adhere to the National Education Association’s (NEA) recommended course guidelines for high quality online courses. Students may enroll in a wide variety of core academic courses and creative electives at the Standard, Honors, Pre-Advanced Placement, or Advanced Placement level. Advanced Placement testing takes place on the Southeastern campus yearly.
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Read 180
READ 180 is a comprehensive reading intervention program proven to meet the needs of struggling readers. The program directly addresses individual needs through differentiated instruction, adaptive and instructional software, high-interest literature and non-fiction, and direct instruction in reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. In order to ensure that all students have the opportunity to excel, students who are identified through placement testing as reading significantly below grade level are enrolled in our Read 180 program during their freshman year.
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Extended School Day
Southeastern Regional has an extended learning day which adds two periods to the end of the traditional day. The extended learning day, or periods 9-10, is designed to help students to become independent learners even after they graduate. Three kinds of programs are offered, depending on the needs of the individual student.
1. Academic Support: Students who are failing a course will be required to attend a class which will help them to bring up their grades. In addition, students who need help in achieving proficiency in a core course will also be required to stay for extra help.
2. Sports: Southeastern offers intramural, junior varsity and varsity sports during 9-10. Sports offered are lacrosse, hockey, wrestling, basketball, baseball, volleyball and football.
3. Enrichment and life skills: Students who are in good academic standing can choose from such classes as cooking, weightlifting, crafts and performing arts.
Most programs are pass/fail and require the students to have 95% attendance and good participation. Students who have reliable transportation, good grades and parental permission may apply for early dismissal in the front office. Early dismissal students may not be in the building after period 8.
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English 9-12
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English Department Mission & Course Descriptions
The Southeastern Regional English Department’s mission is to assure that all graduating students can express themselves clearly and confidently both orally and in writing. We believe that these communication skills will be important regardless of the career the student chooses. In addition, the department seeks to provide students with a solid background in literature so that they are prepared for studying in college or another post secondary institution. The English department offers core courses with honors options. All courses meet the English Language Arts standards as outlined in the Massachusetts frameworks. To graduate from Southeastern Regional, each student must pass four years of English in addition to the state mandated MCAS test that is initially administered during the sophomore year. Enrollment in the Honors Commitment is based on academic performance and teacher recommendations.
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English 9
Text: Prentice Hall Literature –Language and Literacy Grade 9
https://www.phlitonline.com
This course is a survey covering a variety of genres including drama, fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Students will read the different genres and analyze the similarities and differences among them. A major goal is to have all students understand the difference between fiction and non-fiction. Students are expected to read materials appropriate for this grade, and to write proficient personal and literary essays. By the end of the year, students must be able to identify the parts of speech and other grammatical concepts. They must also be able to use context clues to infer the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary. Preparation for the MCAS begins in this grade. The Shakespeare play studied in grade 9 is Romeo and Juliet.
English 10
Text: Prentice Hall Literature –Language and Literacy Grade10
https://www.phlitonline.com
This course continues the work begun in Grade 9, as students explore different genres of world literature.. Ongoing preparation for the MCAS test is included, especially the long composition and open responses. During this grade, there is an emphasis on writing skills and literary analysis. Key skills are summarizing and paraphrasing. Additionally, Students must understand and apply such concepts as theme, character development, metaphor and simile. The Shakespeare play studied in grade 10 is Macbeth.
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American Literature
Text: Prentice Hall Literature- The American Experience
https://www.phlitonline.com
The focus of this course is to prepare students for college level work. There is an ongoing attempt to include review for the SAT, including the writing portion of the test. The curriculum is chronological and surveys American literature from pre-colonial days to the present. Students will discuss and write about such questions as: What is an American? How does literature shape or reflect society? Students’ writing should demonstrate increasing sophistication and variety as well as awareness of devices such as parallel structure and rhetorical questions. Even though this course is a chronological study of American Literature, students will study the Shakespearean play Othello.
British Literature
Text: Prentice Hall Literature -The British Tradition
https://www.phlitonline.com
This course prepares students to take a college-level class in literature. Writing assignments will warrant demonstration of college-level vocabulary and subtle organization. In addition, students will be assigned research papers that should be original and illustrate proper MLA citations. The curriculum is chronological and surveys British literature from the Anglo-Saxon era to the 19th century. Students will discuss and write about archetypal concepts that are prominent throughout the history of literature and study the Shakespearean play Hamlet.
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Mathematics 9-12
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Mathematics Department Mission & Course Descriptions
The Southeastern Regional Mathematics Department’s mission is to prepare each and every student with the background in mathematics commensurate with his/her ability and which will aid the student in pursuing the career goal of his/her choice. The mathematics department offers accelerated pathways and core courses with honors options. All courses meet the mathematics standards as outlined in the Massachusetts frameworks. To graduate from Southeastern Regional, each student must pass four years of mathematics in addition to the state mandated MCAS test that is initially administered during the sophomore year. Course placement is based on prerequisites (like mastery of a subject) and teacher recommendations. A student has achieved “mastery” if s/he has earned a B or better in a subject. Enrollment in the Honors Commitment is based on academic performance and teacher recommendations.
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Algebra 1 Grade 9
Text: Prentice Hall Mathematics 2009 – Algebra 1
https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
Through this course, students will increase their algebraic fluency and increase their mastery of solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities. Other topics include simplification of expressions with polynomials, exponents, and radicals; factoring; use of linear and quadratic equations as mathematical models; solution of linear systems; analytical geometry of the straight line and parabola; functions. Students are encouraged to purchase a scientific calculator.
Geometry Grades 9 & 10
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 (& NWEA 240+ for 9th grade students)
Text: Prentice Hall Mathematics 2009 – Geometry
https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
This course is designed to develop deductive and inductive reasoning processes as the students develop an analytic approach to geometric problem solving and introductory proof. Major topics include parallelism and perpendicularity, triangles, quadrilaterals, and polygons, congruence, similarity, circles, area, volume, and surface area. This course also includes ongoing preparation for the high stakes MCAS test. Students are encouraged to purchase a scientific calculator.
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Algebra 2 Grades 10, 11 & 12
Prerequisite: Mastery of Algebra 1 and Geometry or Successful Completion of Bridges to Algebra 2
Text: Prentice Hall Mathematics 2009 – Algebra 2
https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
Colleges recommend that students master Algebra 2 in order to avoid needing remediation courses prior to taking college courses for credit, so the goal is to increase knowledge of Algebra and mastery of problem solving. There is a brief review of linear equations and functions, factoring, polynomial equations, rational expressions and irrational numbers. The course continues with complex numbers, quadratic equations, direct and inverse variation, conic sections, exponential and logarithmic functions and sequences and series. This course also includes ongoing preparation for the SATs.
Pre-Calculus Grades 11 & 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry and Algebra II
Text: Prentice Hall Mathematics 2009 – Pre-Calculus
https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
This course builds upon the skills and concepts gained over previous courses in Algebra and Geometry. Among topics to be covered are polynomial functions, conic sections, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry, analytic geometry, systems of equations, matrices, complex numbers, inequalities and absolute value, and graphing algebraic functions. Time permitting, additional topics such as vectors, sequences and series, polar coordinates, and probability will be studied. Although a scientific calculator is acceptable, it is strongly recommended that students purchase a graphing calculator for this course.
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Calculus Grade 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-Calculus
Text: Prentice Hall Mathematics 2010 – Calculus
https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
This course offered to students who have mastered the prerequisite skills in Pre Calculus. This course provides an excellent head start to many required college freshman math courses. Students use limits of infinite processes to develop differential and integral calculus and use these concepts to create mathematical models. The abstract properties of elementary functions are reexamined in light of these new techniques. Students apply these new concepts to problems drawn from the natural and social sciences.
Bridges to Algebra 2 Grades 10, 11 & 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I & Geometry
Text: Prentice Hall Mathematics 2009 – Algebra 2
This course is designed to give students who have not mastered all of the standards in Algebra I and Geometry a solid foundation in the basics of Algebra II. The course focuses on the first half of the Algebra 2 curriculum but is paced by the individual teacher based on individual student need for remediation. Successful completion of this course should translate into a successful experience in Algebra 2. To be successful on a college placement examination, a solid knowledge of Algebra 2 is essential.
Selected Topics in Mathematics Grade 12
This course is designed to continue developing basic skills, and is an extension of Algebra 2, with an eye towards some of the complex topics of Pre-Calculus. Among topics to be covered are polynomial functions, conic sections, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry, analytic geometry, systems of equations, matrices, complex numbers, inequalities and absolute value, and graphing algebraic functions. Time permitting, additional topics such as vectors, sequences and series, polar coordinates, and probability will be studied. Although a scientific calculator is acceptable, it is strongly recommended that students purchase a graphing calculator for this course.
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Science 9-12
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Science Department Mission & Course Descriptions
The Southeastern Regional Science Department’s mission is to prepare each and every student with a background in science that will allow them to pursue their career or collegiate goals. The Science Department offers core courses with honors options. All courses meet the Science standards as outlined in the Massachusetts frameworks. To graduate, each student must complete three years of science (two of which must be lab sciences) and receive a passing score on the science MCAS which is initially administered during the freshman year. Enrollment in the Honors Commitment is based on academic performance and teacher recommendations.
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Introduction to Biology Grade 9
Text: MCAS Biology by Michael F. Renna & Carl Raab & Holt Biology 2006
my.hrw.com
This course is designed to develop a basic understanding of life around us. Students will explore the organic molecules in all living things and their functions to maintain life. Students will also investigate the makeup of cells and their processes (mitosis), how genes are transferred down through generations from parent to child (meiosis), and the evolution of traits (Punnett squares). They will look at how these traits may have helped the survival of certain species along with the functions of the body and how it is built to gain energy, use it in our everyday lives, and maintain homeostasis. Students will examine evidence of evolution, fossils, comparative anatomy and gene sequences. Ongoing MCAS preparation is included.
Biology (Lab) Grade 10
Text: Holt Biology 2006
my.hrw.com
In this course, students get hands on experience of biology and the study of life. This course will delve deeper into the biological process by practical experience through related labs with regard to the biological processes. They will create models of cells, examine body structure and function, and research DNA. The focus of this course is to learn lab protocols, safety, and general scientific practice as they explore the living world around us though inquiry.
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Chemistry (Lab) Grades 11 & 12
Text: Prentice Hall – Chemistry 2008
Phschool.com/science
Chemistry explores the origins of the universe. Students learn about the Periodic Table and the history of Chemistry. The course focuses on how chemistry affects the everyday lives of people and illustrates the science behind the shapes of atoms, chemical reactions, pH, behavior of gasses and nuclear reactions. This lab based course takes a hands-on approach that challenges students to understand the world. In order to ensure that students have a background in scientific research for advanced studies, a research paper is required.
Physics (Lab) Grades 11 & 12
Text: Physics: A First Course (2008), by Tom Hsu, PhD
Cpo.com
In this lab based course, students explore the science behind motion, electricity, heat, waves, and radiation. They will look at Newton’s Laws and use scientific inquiry and reason to make predictions not only in the classroom but also in the real world. Students will develop hypotheses and test those theories by exploring concepts that are applicable to advanced studies in science as well as practical concepts that apply to vocational areas and real world experience.
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Exploring 21st Century STE Grade 12
Text: Variety of timely newspaper, internet, textbook, and other sources
Through this course, students explore the most up to date ideas and problems that face science today. This course covers both an introduction to the physical and biological structures of natural environments and the local and global impact of human culture upon natural systems. Students learn the role of science and technology in the 21st century as well as how it affects business and society. Topics include air and water management, pollution, human population dynamics, renewable and nonrenewable energy resources, hazardous waste, food and agricultural resources, ecosystem dynamics, environmental problems, evolution and adaptation, biodiversity, climate and global warming, sustaining wildlife, parks and recreation, environmental hazards and human health. |
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Social Studies 9-12
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Social Studies Department Mission & Course Descriptions
Through offering thought provoking foundational courses in United States and World History, the History Department’s aim is to prepare students for active participation in our democratic society, to provide them with the requisite knowledge to make informed decisions, to develop critical reasoning, writing, and communication skills, and to inspire them to become committed and responsible citizens of the world. We seek to develop not only knowledge of the past, but also a deep understanding of history. Students are taught to think and work as historians: to read critically and analytically both primary and secondary sources, to appreciate the complexity of historical issues and multiplicity of historical views, and to investigate a historical question or problem and communicate the results of that investigation. The Social Studies offers core courses with honors options. All courses meet the Social Studies standards as outlined in the Massachusetts frameworks. To graduate from Southeastern Regional, each student must pass three years of Social Studies in addition to the state mandated MCAS test that will be initially administered during the junior year when the DESE implements the mandate. Enrollment in the Honors Commitment is based on academic performance and teacher recommendations.
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World History II (1800-2001) Grade 9
Texts: Prentice Hall World History& Pearson World History
https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
Students will study the rise of the nation state in Europe, the Enlightenment, the European Scientific Revolution, the French Revolution, and the economic and political roots of the modern world. They will study the origins and consequences of the Industrial Revolution, nineteenth century political reform in Western Europe, and imperialism in Africa, Asia, and South America. They will explain the causes and consequences of the great military and economic events of the past century, including World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, and the Russian and Chinese revolutions. Finally, students will study the rise of nationalism and the continuing persistence of political, ethnic, and religious conflict in many parts of the world.
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U.S. History I (1763-1877) Grade 10
Text: Prentice Hall United States History 2010
https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
Students will examine the historical and intellectual origins of the United States during the Revolutionary and Constitutional eras. They will learn about the important political and economic factors that contributed to the outbreak of the Revolution as well as the consequences of the Revolution, including the writing and key ideas of the U.S. Constitution. Students will also study the basic framework of American democracy and the basic concepts of America government such as popular sovereignty, federalism, separation of powers, and individual rights. Students will study America’s westward expansion, the establishment of political parties, and economic and social change. Finally, students will learn about the growth of sectional conflict, how sectional conflict led to the Civil War, and the consequences of the Civil War, including Reconstruction.
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U.S. History II (1877-2001) Grade 11
Text: Prentice Hall United States History 2010
https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
Students will analyze the causes and consequences of the Industrial Revolution and America’s growing role in diplomatic relations. Students will study the goals and accomplishments of the Progressive movement and the New Deal. Students will also learn about the various factors that led to America’s entry into World War II as well as the consequences of World War II on American life. Finally, students will study the causes and course of the Cold War, important economic and political changes during the Cold War, including the Civil Rights movement, and recent events and trends that have shaped modern-day America.
Current Affairs Grade 12
Prerequisites: World History (one year), U.S. History I, and U.S. History II
Text: Variety of newspapers, magazines, and other timely informational sources
This course examines international, national, state, and local items, events, and current issues with the intent of interpreting their significances for the student and their world around them. Students will use the news media to place current events within a historical perspective, contextualize their significance, and to suggest future implications of these events. The purpose of this course is to provide an overall understanding of the importance of daily events and to demonstrate to the students how they affect their day to day lives.
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Spanish in the Workplace (I & II) Grades 11 & 12
This elective course will expose students to the Spanish Language. Students will develop a foundation in basic Spanish grammar and language to develop a vocabulary that will support them in their vocational area. Although acceptance requirement for two and four year state colleges and universities is waived for vocational high school students, it is highly recommended that college bound students take Spanish.
World History I (1500-1800) Grade 12
Texts: Prentice Hall World History& Pearson World History
https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
Students will study the origins of European western expansion and the civilizations of Central and South America, Africa, India, and Asia. They will study the causes and consequences of European colonialism including the growth of transcontinental commerce, overseas expansion, three major pre-Columbian civilizations that existed in Central and South America, and the development of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. They will study the histories of three non-Western civilizations: Africa, India, and China. Finally, students will study the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the European Enlightenment.
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