1	Changes in the Program of Study for Litchfield High School and Litchfield Middle School 2008-09 Don Johnson, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Kristen Della Volpe, Principal
2	PRINCIPLES Clarity Consistency Compliance (State and Local) Include Science labs Provide flow charts for planning Increase student opportunities
3	Science Science labs for all full year courses (except grade 9) AP Biology available for Grades 10, 11, 12 Honors level for Integrated Physical Science
4	Why? Labs should be an integral part of a science program AP audit requires lab experiences Increase “rigor” through an Honors/AP track
5	RESULT Increase opportunities for advanced placement Place emphasis on inquiry through labs Develop an Honors section in Integrated Physical Science
6	Math Consumer Math…a semester course sequenced with PFM. Basic math courses will become Integrated Math, designed to build proficiency in Algebra.
7	Why Redundancy of curriculum Promote proficiency in Algebra
8	Result Increase elective opportunities Provide circular reinforcement in algebra, geometry, and statistics
9	Social Studies All Grade 10 students will take Western Humanities Law will be a semester elective for grade 12
10	Why Restructuring and alignment of program Eliminate redundancy
11	Result Common experience for all Grade 10 students Increase elective opportunities Complement Law and Civics
12	Business Computer Applications will not be a graduation requirement… the course will be an elective. Personal Financial Management will not be a graduation requirement…the course will be an elective and it will complement the Consumer Math course.
13	Why Federal mandate….8^th grade computer proficiency Personal Finance Management is not a State requirement
14	Result Increase opportunities for electives in grades 9 – 12 Add new course…e-commerce Develop additional courses Provide opportunities to fulfill CAPT proficiency
15	General Increase the weighting for Advanced Placement courses. New procedures to demonstrate CAPT proficiency Courses will be designated Honors and Academic
16	LITCHFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM OF STUDY
17	Why Promote a Middle School identity Language Arts should be consistent with an integrated approach to literacy Provide additional time for Science and Math Expand opportunities to experiment and explore co-curricular areas Encourage interdisciplinary opportunities
18	And…….. Foster professional collaboration Provide enrichment opportunities Allow for flexible use of time
19	Result Effective use of time for students and staff A personalized approach with teacher “wrap around” opportunities Increased academic expectations with increased support
20	Level of Courses – Grade Points
21	Independent Study An Independent Study Program may be proposed by any student who has a strong desire to pursue the in-depth research of or increased participation in an area of special interest that is not offered in the Program of Study or is limited in opportunity. The student has the responsibility to present a project proposal to a Guidance Counselor, the appropriate Curriculum Coordinator, and the building principal. The comprehensive proposal that will include the main purpose of the proposal, a review of related research or planned performances and outcomes, a clear time line for completion, and an agreed upon means of assessing the project. A sample proposal form will be available for students. The opportunity for public demonstration of the results of the project will be encouraged. Each independent project will receive .5 credit beyond the state mandated credits - English (4), Mathematics (3), Social Studies (3), Science (2), Vocational or Fine Arts (1), Physical Education(1). Independent study will only be considered after the required graduation credits as listed above have been met.
22	World Language Course Offerings 9-12
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