About Center Classes

All Center courses will be taught in the interdisciplinary model. Teachers will demonstrate and model methods of best practice, differentiation of instruction, and student centered lessons. The curriculum will encourage students to become active and engaged participants in the lessons presented.

Goals of Center Classes

• Exploration of human development and psychology as it relates to education and models best practices for teaching and other leadership roles
• An advanced studies program in social studies and English
• Comprehensive curriculum that explores the complexities of the learning process and utilizes the latest technology to develop educators and other leaders in the 21st Century
• Emphasis on research-based instructional practices and 21st Century skills necessary for success in the global society

Sample Four Year Curriculum

Center Specific Elective Descriptions

• Child Growth and Development Honors
  36 weeks (1 cr.); required for Center Students Level I: Grade 9
  Examine the different stages of development from childhood to young adulthood from a psychological standpoint
  Develop skills in perception and psychological research to enhance understanding of mental processes and behavior

• Technology and Communication in the 21st Century Honors

  

  36 weeks (1 cr.); required for Center Students Level II: Grade 10
  Explore the fundamentals of advancing technology and how it relates to classroom instruction
  Develop skills in the creation and implementation of lessons using appropriate technology (Investigate the evolution of technology over time as it relates to best practice in education)
  Gather, analyze, and interpret data (Develop and implement student created curriculum)

• Foundations of Teaching and Learning Honors
  18 weeks (.5 cr.); required for Center students Level III: Grade 11
  Examine the historical and philosophical foundation for educational practice
  Observe and analyze teaching methods and the use of modern educational theory
  Develop skills in lesson plan creation modeling best practices and differentiation of instruction

• Instructional Design Honors

  

  18 weeks (.5 cr.); required for Center students Level III: Grade 11
  Systematically analyze the learning needs and goals of organizations
  Develop solutions to organizational problems that improve employee performance and organizational effectiveness
  Use data and current standards to drive instruction and lesson creation in education

• Organizational Development and Leadership Honors and Leadership Honors
  18 weeks (.5 cr.); required for Center students Level IV: Grade 12
  Examine and evaluate effective instruction and uses of best practices in the 21st Century model
  Analyze and observe the traits of effective leadership

• Internship
  18 weeks (.5 cr.); required for Center students Level IV: Grade 12
  Complete 60 hour internship with a local agency or community organization
  Seek opportunities to practice instruction and model leadership qualities during internship experience

• Diverse Learners
  36 weeks (1 cr.); required for Center students Level IV: Grade 12 
  Analyze the effect of racial and cultural diversity on the U.S. education system and society
  Understand how socioeconomic status, ELL status, and special education identification may impact the learning needs of individuals
  Explain the different perspectives concerning multicultural education, gender diversity, and motivation for diverse learners