Dartmouth
High School
Program
Studies
OF
2016 - 2017
Dartmouth High School Freshman Program of Studies, Draft 2016
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Dartmouth High School Freshman Program of Studies, Draft 2016
DARTMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
CORE VALUES AND BELIEFS
At Dartmouth High School We Value and Believe In:
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A safe learning environment
Open and respectful sharing of opinions and ideas
A learning environment that fosters respect for self and others
Thoughtful instruction and rigorous assessment designed around
common curricula
LEARNING EXPECTATIONS
All students must:
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Define and monitor plan to achieve self-defined academic goals
Communicate knowledge through a variety of writing styles
Problem solve in a variety of settings
Demonstrate respect for self and others
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Dartmouth High School Freshman Program of Studies, Draft 2016
The mission of the Dartmouth Public Schools is
to provide a quality education for all learners.
FOREWORD
The Dartmouth High School Program of Studies provides students and families with the information
needed to develop a four year plan to support post-secondary goals. Students should select courses with
high school graduation requirements in mind as well as taking advantage of the variety and depth of
course offerings in core and elective areas. Students are encouraged to be responsible life-long learners
and to challenge themselves to meet the academic, social and civic competencies outlined in our Core
Values, Beliefs and Learning Expectations. Dartmouth High School offers interscholastic sports, a wide
array of clubs and service organizations, music, art, and theatre programs to enhance the high school
experience.
GUIDANCE
There will be ample opportunities to discuss choices with teachers and guidance counselors. The choice
of a student’s courses and activities for the upcoming school year should be based on the student’s
individual interests, skills and future plans. The guidance counselors meet with students in several
sessions to best match the students’ choices to individual needs and work with students to develop a fouryear plan. All guidance services and materials are free from bias and stereotypes on the basis of race,
color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual identity, sexual orientation, disability, homelessness or any
other legally protected status. Limited English proficient and disabled students facilitate their access to
these services, including testing, through the additional support of their in-school liaisons.
Parents and guardians wishing to discuss selection of their child’s courses may consult with the guidance
counselor assigned to their child. Appointments may be arranged by contacting the Guidance Office
(508-961-2730).
GENERAL INFORMATION
ACCREDITATION – Dartmouth High School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools
and Colleges and by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
ACADEMIC PROMOTION – Every student enrolled at Dartmouth High School is expected to make
continuous progress toward graduation requirements. At the end of each year an evaluation of each
student’s progress will be made by thorough transcript review. It is the shared responsibility of the
student, parent, and counselor to track the completion of courses.
It is expected that students will meet the following credit guidelines.
Year of High School
End of Freshman Year
End of Sophomore Year
End of Junior Year
End of Senior Year
Credits
6
12
20
28
At the end of the sophomore and junior years, students will be re-assigned to the appropriate grade-level
based on credits earned.
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Dartmouth High School Freshman Program of Studies, Draft 2016
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS – All students must have 28 credits to be allowed to participate in
the graduation ceremony with their class. In order to receive a diploma from a public high school in
Massachusetts, a student must satisfy the requirements of the issuing institution as well as pass the
required portions of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) Test. Seniors are
expected to carry at least four major courses.
COURSE OFFERINGS – Every effort is made to run all courses listed in the catalog; however, the
principal retains the right to cancel a course at any time. Furthermore, health and safety issues may
require that some class sizes be limited.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
DARTMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
Requirements for Graduation, (Mass Core)
CREDITS/UNITS
4 Units/Credits
4 Units/Credits
3 Units/Credits
COURSES
English
Mathematics
Lab-based Science (only 1 Engineering
course may be applied to graduation credits)
3 Units/Credits
2 Units/Credits
1 Unit/ Credits
1 Unit/ Credits
2 Units/Credits
.5 Unit/ Credits
5 Additional “Core” Courses
Additional Learning Opportunities
Including:
History/Social Science
The Same Foreign Language
The Arts
Freshman Seminar w/Microsoft
Office Applications (Class of 2019 .5 credits)
Physical Education
Health Education
Business
Computer Science
Career and Technology Education
And/or Technology
Or any other above subject
AP Classes
Dual Enrollment
Service or work-based learning
28
Credits
to
Graduate and
students must
pass their
competency
determination
as dictated by
the state
CLASS LEVELS
COLLEGE PREPARATORY – This program is designed to meet the needs of those students who plan
to enter liberal arts colleges, universities, state colleges, technical institutes, and 2-year colleges. Most
colleges require an applicant to possess a well-rounded academic background and a strong scholastic
record in the fields of English, mathematics, science, world language and social studies.
HONORS – Honors level courses require substantially more independent work and effort than the
comparable college preparatory course. Students in honors courses are expected to be independent
learners who complete longer and more complex assignments outside of class. Time management and
strong organizational skills are critical as well as the motivation to persevere and to take the initiative in
seeking out answers when the material becomes challenging.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT – Advanced Placement course offerings are described under each subject
area. These are college level courses offered in the high school setting. Success in Advanced Placement
courses is considered by most colleges as evidence of the student’s ability to handle college level work
and may also be rewarded with academic credit at their school. The ability to analyze and synthesize
information from varied sources and positions and to draw conclusions is important for success in these
courses. In addition students will be expected to read, write and speak at a level that would be required in
college.
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Dartmouth High School Freshman Program of Studies, Draft 2016
REQUIREMENT FOR COLLEGE FRESHMAN CLASS ENTERING . . .
Subject
English
Mathematics
Sciences
Social Sciences
Foreign
Languages
Electives
Fall 2014
Fall 2015
Fall 2016
Fall 207 and beyond
4 courses
3 courses (Algebra I & II and
4 courses (Algebra I & II and Geometry or
Geometry or Trigonometry or
Trigonometry or comparable coursework) including
comparable coursework)
mathematics during the final year of high school.
3 courses (drawn from Natural Science and/or
3 courses (drawn from Natural
Physical Science and/or Technology/Engineering;
Science and/or Physical Science
including 2 courses with laboratory
and/or Technology/Engineering)
work);Technology/engineering courses must be
including 3 courses with
designated as science courses (taken for science
laboratory work
credit) by the high school
2 courses (including 1 course in U.S. History)
2 courses (in a single language)
2 courses (from the above subjects or from the Arts & Humanities or Computer Sciences)
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Dartmouth High School Freshman Program of Studies, Draft 2016
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Dartmouth High School Freshman Program of Studies, Draft 2016
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Dartmouth High School Freshman Program of Studies, Draft 2016
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Dartmouth High School Freshman Program of Studies, Draft 2016
ENGLISH
1103 ENGLISH 9
1 credit
Students will analyze literature according to genre-specific elements – such as aspects of Shakespearean tragedy or rules of
memoir writing. Using close reading strategies, students will analyze literature for what is openly expressed and what is merely
implied. Students will develop foundational Common Core skills in composition, research, grammar, and vocabulary.
1104 ENGLISH 9 HONORS
1 credit
Students will analyze literature according to genre-specific elements – such as aspects of Shakespearean tragedy or rules of
memoir writing. Using close reading strategies, students will analyze literature for what is openly expressed and what is merely
implied. Students will develop foundational Common Core skills in composition, research, grammar, and vocabulary. Please refer
to the Advanced English Course Content described in the English introduction.
1150 THEATER ARTS
1 credit
Students will learn about the various roles and elements that come together in the world of drama. Through improvisational skits
and established scenes, students will become acquainted with the thrill, reality, and risk of live theater. Students’ culminating
assignment is performing a scene from an existing play in front of a live audience.
 Students should be willing to work closely with other students and willing to meet outside of class time to work on scenes
if necessary.
 The final exam is a Scene Night open to family, friends, and the DHS community.
 Students will need to commit time outside of class to line memorization.
1165 JOURNALISM I
1 credit
Students learn about the laws and language of journalism. Intended to be a rigorous, hands-on writing course, the class focuses on
learning and practicing various styles of journalistic writing – including news, feature, commentary, sports, entertainment, and
column. Students also explore other journalistic elements – such as editing, photography, design, layout, and publishing.
MATHEMATICS
1214 ALGEBRA 1
1 credit
The fundamental purpose of this course is to formalize and extend the mathematics that students learned in the middle grades.
Because it is built on the middle grades standards, this is a more ambitious version of Algebra I than has generally been offered.
The critical areas deepen and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships by contrasting them with each other
and by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend, and students engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using
quadratic functions. Units of studies are: Functions and Their Graphs, Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities, Graphing and
Writing Linear Equations and Inequalities, Systems of Equations and Inequalities, Quadratic Equations and Functions, Operations
with Polynomials, and Probability and Statistics.
1216 ALGEBRA 1 HONORS
1 credit
The fundamental purpose of this course is to formalize and extend the mathematics that students learned in the middle grades. The
critical areas deepen and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships by contrasting them with each other and by
applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. Students engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic
functions. Units of studies are: Functions and Their Graphs, Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities, Graphing and Writing
Linear Equations and Inequalities, Systems of Equations and Inequalities, Quadratic Equations and Functions, Operations with
Polynomials, and Probability and Statistics. Honors courses delve into the material at a greater depth and may proceed at an
accelerated pace; they require more preparation and independence than other courses. This course requires greater levels of
independent work, especially on review topics.
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Dartmouth High School Freshman Program of Studies, Draft 2016
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1305 BIOLOGY PART I
1 credit
This is the first course in a two year sequence that prepares students for the Biology MCAS exam. Students will study the
characteristics and chemistry of life, the structure and function of the major body systems, and ecology and biodiversity. Students
will spend a great deal of time working in the laboratory as they collect and analyze data to support their learning. The following
year students will take Biology Part II.
1306 BIOLOGY HONORS
1 credit
Students in Biology Honors will gain an understanding of cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, and ecology. In addition,
students will study the biochemistry of DNA and its role in protein synthesis, the processes of cellular respiration and
photosynthesis, and the stages and regulation of the cell cycle. Students in this course will experience extensive laboratory
investigations and are expected to be independent learners and problem solvers.
1734 DRAFTING TECHNOLOGY - CAD
1 credit
This course provides an introduction to CAD-Computer Aided Drafting. Using CAD, students will be involved in hands-on
activities in the areas of isometric drawing, orthographic projection, dimensioning, and an introduction to architectural drafting.
Students will complete freehand technical sketches and produce reports on careers related to CAD. Students interested in the fields
of architecture, engineering, and industrial-technical trades should take this course.
1345 ROBOTICS ENGINEERING
1 credit
Students in this introductory level course will have the opportunity to design, build, program, and test
functional robots. Student will use the NXT platform to build robots that sense touch, light, heat, sound
and distance. These robots will complete complex tasks autonomously (pre-programmed) and using
bluetooth remote control. Students will be introduced to larger robots using the more advanced TETRIX
platform.
1737 ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTING - CAD
1 credit
Students will problem-solve like architects in this introductory course in Architectural Drafting. Using CAD-Computer Aided
Drafting, students will design and draw complete sets of plans for various structures. Along with site plans, foundation and floor
plans, framing sections and many other aspects, students will also produce cost estimates and generate presentations for their
peers.
2000 ENGINEERING I
1 credit
In this introductory level Engineering course, students will design, build and test solutions to a variety of engineering challenges.
Different challenges might include: ping-pong paddles, soldering electronic kits, model cars, hot air balloons, airplanes, baseball
bats, tethered model airplanes and air/water rockets. Through these projects, students will learn to use the tools in our shop and
document the engineering design process.
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Dartmouth High School Freshman Program of Studies, Draft 2016
SOCIAL STUDIES
1435 UNITED STATES HISTORY 1
1 credit
This required course, which is aligned to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, covers the history of the United States from
the 1789 Constitutional Convention through the end of the First World War. Students will develop an understanding of the “why”
behind events and will look at the impact of geography, economics, and civics upon our nation’s history.
1445 UNITED STATES HISTORY 1 HONORS
Recommendation: Select if completing 8th grade history with an A- or better.
1 credit
While the basic structure of the course and time periods covered are the same as United States History 1, strong reading and
writing skills are important to successful participation, as well as a high level of motivation. Students will read and write much
more frequently, as well as conduct independent research. Student-driven class discussion and debate will be a major component of
instruction. Each student will research a relevant historical topic and write a thesis paper.
1410 YOUTH AND THE LAW
1 credit
Grades 9 – 12
This elective is designed to develop an appreciation for the law and how it applies to adolescents. This course will focus on the
criminal justice system, trial courts, and laws concerning teenagers. Students will study the adversarial structure of trial law and
the process of bringing cases to court. Students will conduct numerous mock trials to develop their understanding of the concepts
studied.
BUSINESS INFORMATION & INFORMATION
1505 FRESHMAN SEMINAR WITH MICROSOFT OFFICE APPLICATIONS ½ credit
Students will refine note taking, study, and time management skills to help them learn productively and succeed academically.
Essential 21st century skills of communication, presentation, problem solving, collaboration, and team work are developed. Using
the Naviance program, students will create goals as they begin to make an academic plan and will analyze their personality type
for career exploration. Microsoft Word and Excel are used to create and format documents and to design and use spreadsheets and
charts. Students enrolled in Freshman Seminar are encouraged to participate in the DECA Program.
This course is required for graduation.
1505ab FRESHMAN SEMINAR W/MICROSOFT OFFICE APPLICATIONS
½ credit
Students will refine note taking, study, and time management skills to help them learn productively and succeed academically.
Essential 21st century skills of communication, presentation, problem solving, collaboration, and team work are developed. Using
the Naviance program, students will create goals as they begin to make an academic plan and will analyze their personality type
for career exploration. Microsoft Word and Excel are used to create and format documents and to design and use spreadsheets and
charts. Students enrolled in Freshman Seminar are encouraged to participate in the DECA Program.
This course is required for graduation.
1511 ACCOUNTING 1
1 credit
Students will learn principles and procedures for establishing and maintaining an accounting system for small businesses
organized as sole proprietorship and partnerships. These skills include starting an accounting system, journalizing and posting
transactions, maintaining a checking account, preparing a worksheet and related financial statements, and closing the ledger. Use
of automated accounting software will be integrated throughout the course.
Students enrolled in Accounting I are encouraged to participate in the DECA program.
1575 BUSINESS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
1 credit
Students will explore concepts, practices, and trends relevant to today’s challenging business environment. A balanced view of the
strengths/weaknesses, successes/failures, and problems/challenges of business will be presented. Students will prepare for the
evolving challenges of a career in business and for their 21st century roles of consumer, worker, and citizen through active
decision-making and the development of effective communication and leadership skills. This course provides a foundation for other
business courses.
Students enrolled in Business for the 21st Century are encouraged to participate in the DECA Program.
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Dartmouth High School Freshman Program of Studies, Draft 2016
1275 INTRO TO COMPUTER PROGRAMMING & GAME DEVELOPMENT
1 credit
Recommendation: C or above in Algebra or the recommendation of the Lead Teacher of the Business and Computer Science
Department and Guidance Staff.
Students will develop foundational object-oriented programming concepts using the Alice and Visual Basic languages as they
create, test, and execute their own programs and basic video game simulations. Students interested in developing programming
and problem-solving skills should take this course which can lead to further study in Computer Science in Mobile App Development
and at the AP Computer Science level.
HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
1970 INTRODUCTION TO WELLNESS (Grade 9)
½ credit
This exploratory class will introduce and teach students the important concept of wellness. This includes physical health, social
health, and emotional health. This foundation will be based on classroom instruction, fitness training which will incorporate the
five components of physical fitness and selected team sports/leisure activities to promote, encourage, and appreciate a lifestyle
which includes physical activity.
1970a/b INTRODUCTION TO WELLNESS (Grade 9)
½ credit
This exploratory class will introduce and teach students the important concept of wellness. This includes physical health, social
health, and emotional health. This foundation will be based on classroom instruction, fitness training which will incorporate the
five components of physical fitness and selected team sports/leisure activities to promote, encourage, and appreciate a lifestyle
which includes physical activity.
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Dartmouth High School Freshman Program of Studies, Draft 2016
MUSIC
1901ab MIXED CHORUS
1 credit
Recommendation: Ability to sing on pitch
Mixed Chorus is a performing group which offers experience in ensemble singing at concerts during the year. Students will
perform literature representing all areas and styles of choral music. Attendance is required of all members for all performances
1902ab BAND
1 credit
Recommendation: Previous instrumental experience & audition by the Band Director
Students will study and perform all styles of band literature. Types of performance will consist of half-time shows during football
games, field show competitions, parades and formal concerts. All students are encouraged to study privately to gain the maximum
advantage from this course. Attendance is required of all members for all performances.
1903ab STRING ORCHESTRA
1 credit
Recommendation: Previous string instrumental experience and audition by the Orchestra
Director whenever necessary
Students will study and perform all areas and styles of orchestral literature. Attendance is required of all members at all
performances. All students are encouraged to study privately to gain the maximum advantage from this course.
UNIFIED ARTS
1705 FASHION DESIGN
1 credit
Students will connect the elements and principles of design to fashion design through basic sewing techniques, garment
construction, and fashion illustration using the “croquis” figure. Fashion inspired by historic eras will be researched to
understand both the significance of history in fashion design and the effects of fashion on the history of the world. A written visual
art analysis project through a field trip to a museum is one unit of study. Some materials may be supplied by students; however,
grades will not be impacted by a student’s inability to supply materials.
1710 ART 1 FOUNDATION
1 credit
As the foundation course of the Visual Arts Sequence, students will work with a variety of materials to build skills, knowledge, and
explore concepts in a visual format, and they will both produce and evaluate artwork utilizing the elements and principles of design
as a basis for assessment. Areas of study include drawing, color theory, graphic design, analog photography, computer graphics,
jewelry design, and ceramics. Art history and interdisciplinary connections will be incorporated in all areas of study. A written
visual art analysis project connected to a field trip to a museum is one unit of study. Some materials may be supplied by the
student; however grades will not be impacted by a student’s inability to supply materials.
1729 MEDIA STUDIES
1 credit
This course investigates how technology has changed the art of film through the decades since film was developed. Exploring the
technical processes to create special effects, students will analyze how the art of film influences society. Students will examine the
breadth of cinema around the globe, investigating a range of films. Through group discussion and writing assignments, this course
offers the basics of film analysis in traditional films as well as avant-garde cinema through the technical processes used to convey
the director’s voice. Students will also develop an understanding of film as a complex cultural medium through problem solving
and critical thinking. Throughout the course, students will perform a variety of hands-on learning experiences based on the
exemplars shown in class. Students will be trained as producers, directors, technical directors, writers, camera technicians, audio
technicians, editors, talent, and marketing managers.
1741 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
1 credit
Students will apply the principles and elements of design to the medium of digital photography to create successful photos.
Students will learn digital camera function, computer integration, compositional and student lighting techniques. Students will
explore the Adobe Photoshop program to edit photographs through the manipulation, enhancement, and alteration of photographs
with a focus on student “voice”. Reading and writing assignments will be given to support studio work. A field trip to a location to
create a portfolio of photographs is a unit of study. Some materials may be supplied by the student, including a 16+ megapixel
digital camera; however, grades will not be impacted by a student’s inability to supply materials.
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Dartmouth High School Freshman Program of Studies, Draft 2016
WORLD LANGUAGE
1620 PORTUGUESE 1
1 credit
This course is a beginning course for students who have limited exposure to the formal study of Portuguese. Students learn to
interact and survive linguistically in the classroom using Portuguese, primarily concentrating on memorized patterns and formulae
that recur on a daily basis. The four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are emphasized. In this proficiency-oriented
approach to instruction, grammar is still a basic part of the learning process but it is not considered an end in itself. The study of
the culture and civilization of Portuguese-speaking countries is an integral part of the course.
1623 PORTUGUESE 2
1 credit
This course is an advanced beginner course which continues the sequential development, expansion and refinement of skills taught
in Portuguese 1. Students will continue to acquire effective communication skills similar to those which a traveler might need in
order to conduct simple face-to-face conversations and to satisfy basic survival needs and minimum courtesy requirements. They
will also explore cultural differences to prevent miscommunication. Students will engage in role-play and situational activities to
highlight the relevance of foreign language study to career possibilities.
1625 PORTUGUESE 2 HONORS
1 credit
Recommendation: A- or above in Portuguese 1 or in Portuguese Grade 8
This course is similar to Portuguese 2 but is taught at an accelerated pace with higher expectations for achievement in the four
skills of foreign language learning: speaking, listening, reading and writing with understanding. Speaking and writing skills are
emphasized in order to apply language in daily classroom activities. Students will acquire cultural awareness through the
activities of reading and discussion of the history, art, music and modern-day cultural themes of the countries in which the
Portuguese language is spoken.
1630 SPANISH 1
1 credit
In this beginning course, students who have limited formal study of Spanish will learn to interact and survive linguistically in the
classroom using the target language, primarily concentrating on memorized patterns and formulae that recur on a daily basis.
Through the practice of listening, speaking, reading and writing, students will learn about the culture and civilization of Spanishspeaking countries. In this proficiency-oriented approach to instruction, grammar is still a basic part of the learning process but it
is not considered an end in itself.
1632 SPANISH 2
1 credit
This is an advanced beginner course which continues the sequential development, expansion and refinement of skills taught in
Spanish 1. Students will continue to acquire effective communication skills similar to those which a traveler might need in order to
conduct simple face-to-face conversations and to satisfy basic survival needs and minimum courtesy requirements. They will also
explore cultural differences to prevent miscommunication. Students will engage in role-play and situational activities to highlight
the relevance of foreign language study to career possibilities.
1634 SPANISH 2 HONORS
1 credit
This course is similar to Spanish 2 but is taught at an accelerated pace with higher expectations for achievement in the four skills of
foreign language learning: speaking, listening, reading and writing with understanding. Speaking and writing skills are
emphasized in order to apply language in daily classroom activities. Students will acquire cultural awareness through the
activities of reading and discussion of the history, art, music and modern-day cultural themes of the countries in which the Spanish
language is spoken.
1650 MANDARIN CHINESE 1
1 credit
The first level of Mandarin Chinese is designed to introduce students to vocabulary generally recognized as useful in
communication; students focus upon spontaneous use of patterns and formulae that recur on a daily basis. Reading and writing
skills involve simplified characters and the Pinyin Romanization. Listening and speaking are also emphasized. In this proficiencyoriented approach to instruction, lessons are taken from everyday life and represent the main stream of contemporary Chinese
culture and civilization.
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