Teaching and Learning
Core Subject Areas
Mathematics
Courses
Algebra 1 CC
EngageNY provides an outline on how to implement the common core standards through modules. Each student at the Wayne Education center is guided through a series of personalized lessons adapting to their strengths and interests. Key Topics Include: Linear Expressions, Linear Functions, Arithmetic Sequences, Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities, Exponents, Polynomials, Quadratic Functions, Irrational Numbers, Statistics, and Modeling of Functions.
More information can be found at EngageNY
Algebra 1 YR2 CC
This course reviews and deepens understanding of Algebra 1 concepts. Topics included are relations and functions, quadratic equations, exponents and radicals, complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic functions and series and sequences. An emphasis is placed on mathematical modeling and applying skills to solve problems using various tools.
General Math
The General Mathematics course introduces fundamental math concepts. The topics include whole numbers, operations on whole numbers, fractions, decimals, ratios, rates, and proportions. These topics set the stage for the study of percents, measurement conversions, finding dimensions in geometry, and solving algebraic equations. The focus is on learning the computational procedures and then applying these skills to problem solving applications in real-life scenarios.
Business Math
Business Mathematics is a year course of which students learn to use mathematics effectively as a tool in their personal and business lives. After students have completed this course, they will be able to apply mathematical concepts in various personal and business situations. This course may be used to meet the mathematics requirements for graduation.
English
Courses
ELA 9
In ELA 9, students learn to read and think as writers, to look at texts through a writer’s eye. Students will be reading and writing poetry, narratives, informational, and argumentative texts. In ELA 9, students will have the opportunity to read engaging, thought-provoking texts and novels. By examining these exemplary texts, students will build their skills as writers and be able to communicate their ideas effectively. Students will also spend time building vocabulary and technology skills. Discussion, both speaking and listening, as well as working in collaboration with others will play a large role in class and help to prepare students for the college and career world.
ELA 10
The New York State grade 10 curriculum modules offer a variety of rich texts that engage students in analysis of literary and journalistic nonfiction as well as poetry, drama, and fiction. Students build knowledge, analyze ideas, delineate arguments and develop writing, collaboration, and communication skills. EngageNY modules are linked explicitly to the Common Core Learning Standards, and provide a rigorous and pedagogically-sound approach for how the standards are implemented through thoughtful planning, adaption, and instruction. Students are also given a series of novels to enhance their learning and to grow according to their individual interest and ability.
Please refer to EngageNY for more information.
ELA 11
Using NYS ELA curriculum modules, authentic and literary texts are used to expose students to a variety of topics as well as authors and writing styles to prepare for the Regents Common Core English exam. In addition, there is a focus on analyzing such texts using literary elements and techniques that will familiarize students with the writing tasks required of them on the Regents exam at the end of the school year. In addition, students will develop persuasive/argumentative writing skills throughout the school year.
ELA 12
Using NYS ELA curriculum modules, authentic and literary texts continue to be used to expose students to a variety of topics as well as authors and writing styles to allow students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with multiple types of genres. There continues to be a focus on analyzing such texts using literary elements and techniques and the continuation of developing writing skills throughout the school year to prepare for after high school graduation.
Composition
Composition is an elective course focused on students’ writing skills and developing their ability to compose different types of papers for a range of purposes and audiences. This course will enable students to explore and practice descriptive, narrative, persuasive, or expository styles as they write paragraphs, essays, letters, and other writing tasks. Although this course will allow for some creative writing opportunities, the focus will often remain on nonfiction, scholarly, or formal writing. In practicing their writing skills, students will develop them in preparation for the Common Core English Regents Exam as well as the two essays required on the US History Regents exam, the two exams that students will take in June at the end of their 11th grade year.
Electives
Music Appreciation
Technology
Diversified Occupations
Diversified Occupations is an 11th grade elective course focused on helping students to enter the workforce through career exploration, job search and application, and the development of positive work attitudes and work-related skills. This course covers topics such as career planning and selection, money management, communication skills, interpersonal business relationships and behaviors, and personal responsibility.
Consumer Finance
Art
Career Exploration
Career Exploration introduces students to a variety of career fields. Students also explore their interests, aptitudes, and skills plus their individual learning styles in order to find possible career matches. Students will explore a variety of career options plus use the steps in the decision-making process to develop their own career plan. A variety of post-high school opportunities will be discussed to help students make and achieve career goals.
Science
Courses
Living Environment
In Living Environment, our goal for the year is to study and learn about the environment we live in. We will be studying the following units: The Study of Life, Simple Organisms, Human Biology, Human Health, Heredity & Genetics, Change Through Time and Ecology. Living Environment also includes 1200 minutes of laboratory experience that is required in order to take the Living Environment Regents Exam. Students will also spend time building vocabulary and technology skills. Discussion, both speaking and listening, as well as working in collaboration with others will play a large role in class and help to prepare students for the college and career world.
Earth Science
In Earth Science students will investigate and study the interactions between between different systems within the Earth in order to explain the reasons behind many of its processes. Topics that will be covered include the scientific method, mapping Earth’s surface, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, geologic history, weathering and erosion, meteorology, and astronomy. Students will participate in and are required to complete 1,200 minutes (20 hours) of laboratory exercises.
Environmental Science
This course introduces fundamental ecological concepts and explores the interactions between all living things, including humans, and our environment. The course emphasizes an in depth understanding of major concepts rather than memorization of science facts. Key topics covered include: Ecology and Ecosystems; Populations; Environmental Changes and Evolution; Air, Land and Water; Pollution; Biodiversity and Food; Energy Resources; and Technology. In addition to learning about environmental problems, students explore practical alternatives for protecting the environment and moving toward a sustainable future. This course helps to increase students’ awareness of global environmental issues, as well as their role in their environment, both locally and globally.
Forensic Science
Forensic science is the application of science that can be applied as inquiry. In criminal cases, forensic science is used to examine physical evidence that can be used to establish connections between suspects, events and circumstances. The application of the scientific method is central to this course – observation, collection and classification of data, examining relationships, forming and testing hypotheses and making conclusions based on evidence. The diverse characteristics of a crime scene provide that forensic science is a combination of all branches of science. Students will use scientific techniques and technology in order to solve forensic investigations. Research, case studies and career exploration are also components of this course. The ultimate goal is to provide the students with an overall view of this field of science which has been subject to increased interest and popularity in recent years.
Social Studies
Courses
Global History 9
Global History and Geography is a 2 year course. In Global 9, students will examine Global History and Geography focusing on the history of humankind from its origins through the Age of Exploration. This curriculum provides students with the opportunity to explore what is happening in various regions and civilizations at a given time. In addition, it enables them to investigate issues and themes from multiple perspectives and make global connections that lead to in-depth understanding. Students will continue their exploration of Global History in 10th grade as they prepare for the Global History and Geography Regents exam at the end of their 10th grade year.
Global History 10
US History
The study of US History serves to make meaningful to students how their lives are affected today by the events of past years. There is a focus on American society throughout the years as well as the impact of changes as it relates to wars fought, conflicts resolved, and lives changed. To make this class meaningful to students in present time, there will be correlations and connections made to current events through class assignments and class discussions. Inquiry based projects that require research and critical thinking in order to make connections between US History and the student’s role as an American citizen will also prepare students for the US History Regents exam at the end of the school year.
Government/ Economics
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of American government, the American political process and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. It is a one semester course offered primarily to senior students. The course is designed to meet the state standards in social studies in the area of government along with being a required course for graduation.
Health and Physical Education
Courses
Physical Education
The Physical Education program provides each student with the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive program consisting of skill development, lead up games, team sports, and physical fitness activities. The students receive instruction in rules, skills, and strategies associated with the different sports as well as learning experiences involving physical conditioning activities. The students will also have opportunities to become involved in lifelong physical activities through individual sport units. The program promotes the spirit of cooperation, leadership, fair play, and friendly competition.
Health
This course is designed to provide information needed to make important decisions about health, wellness, and individual lifestyle. Topics related to health such as personal health and wellness, social and emotional health, safety, nutrition and physical activity, alcohol/tobacco/other drugs, and HIV/STD Prevention will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the student’s acquiring knowledge and assuming responsibility for one’s own health.
Grade - 8
Math
Eighth Grade Math focuses on three critical areas: formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; and analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.
Science
Students will be learning about life science relating to classification of living things, ecology, and genetics. The curriculum will include hands-on activities to develop necessary science skills that will be required at the high school level. Students will also make connections between humans and their environment.
Social Studies 8
Grade 8 Social Studies is arranged chronologically, beginning with Reconstruction and ending at the present, and incorporates geography as well as economic, social and political trends. The course content is divided into nine Key Ideas; the first seven trace the human experience in the United States from Reconstruction to the end of World War II. The last three Key Ideas examine different themes in United States and New York State history from the post-War period up to the present day, which provides the opportunity to explore contemporary issues.
ELA 8
Eighth Grade English Language Arts is designed to involve the student in applying reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing skills in an independent manner through meaningful interdisciplinary tasks. Students will continue to develop an appreciation for literature through the study of literary elements in classic and contemporary selections as well as working with both fictional and nonfictional works
Art 8
Health 8
Health is a combination of physical, mental/emotional and social well-being. Choices and actions made every day shape personal health. This course provides information to students about achieving total health. Student’s learning occurs in the context of real-life situations, reading viewing films, role-play, computer interactive sites, research and group activities.