Why Can’t They All Just Pass?
Maximizing Graduation
Exam Results through
Curriculum Alignment
Presented by Stephanie Hyatt
The Challenges
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Students arrive in 9th grade without requisite
skills for core subjects
Textbooks are not always aligned with
Course of Study objectives
Textbooks are not always aligned with
Graduation Exam objectives
Course of Study objectives are not always
aligned with Graduation Exam objectives
So what do we teach???
The Solution
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Align curriculum to meet a combination of
Course of Study objectives and Graduation
Exam objectives
Supplement textbooks with technology and
rigorous complementary lesson plans
Why this in-service?
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Analyze COS minimum requirements
Specify lesson plans and strategies for
maximum results
Incorporate research-based strategies into all
four core subject areas
Make curriculum planning easier!
FOCUS ON: Math

The Alabama High School Graduation Exam
tests students on mathematics skills taught
through the culmination of Algebra I (or the
combination of Algebra Ia & Ib) with a few
questions that are more completely
addressed in Geometry.
FOCUS ON: Math
11th grade math exam pass rate is one
criteria used to determine a school’s Annual
Yearly Progress (AYP)
Warning! Limitation.


Because this in-service is designed to
establish correlations between the course of
study and the graduation exam, it does not
cover every aspect of the course of study!
Teachers should continue to continue to
cover all aspects of the COS – even those
not specifically addressed by the AHSGE.
Algebra I COS Objective 1/ AHSGE
Objective I-1
COS: “Simplify numerical expressions using properties of real
numbers and order of operations, including those
involving square roots, radical form, or decimal
approximations.”
AHSGE: Apply order of operations
Challenge: None! Direct correlation.
Technology-intensive lesson plan: “Just the facts!”
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=23897
Algebra I COS Objective 2/ AHSGE
Objective III-1, IV-2, V-2
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COS: Analyze linear functions from their equations, slopes, and
intercepts.
AHSGE: III-1. Identify functions. IV-2 Find distance, midpoint,
slope, given two points. V-2. Graph lines given certain conditions
Correlation: A number of AHSGE objectives are lumped into this single
COS objective. Teachers need to verify that students are comfortable
with all aspects of this important objective.
Technology-intensive lesson plan:
http://www.nctm.org/standards/content.aspx?id=26790

Kinesthetic lesson plan for teaching graphing:
http://www97.intel.com/en/ProjectDesign/UnitPlanIndex/Choreographin
gMath/
Algebra COS Objective 3/ AHSGE
Objective III-2
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COS: Determine characteristics of a relation,
including its domain, range, and whether it is a
function, when given graphs, tables of values,
mappings, or sets of ordered pairs.
AHSGE: Find the range of functions
Direct correlation!
Technology-intensive lesson plan:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=5104
Algebra COS Objective 4/ AHSGE
Objective V-4
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COS: Represent graphically common relations
AHSGE: Graph common relations.
Correlation: Direct!
Technology-intensive lesson plan:
http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?id=3
8
Algebra COS Objective 5/ AHSGE
Objectives I-2 & I-3
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COS: Perform operations of addition, subtraction,
and multiplication on polynomial expressions.
AHGE: I-2. Add & subtract polynomials; I-3. Multiply
polynomials.
Correlation: Direct!
Technology-intensive lesson plan:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=23918
Algebra COS Objective 6/AHSGE
Objective I-4
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COS: Factor binomials, trinomials, and other
polynomials using GCF, difference of squares,
perfect square trinomials, and grouping.
AHSGE: Factor polynomials.
Correlation: Direct!
Small group lesson plan:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=24082
Algebra COS Objective 7/ AHSGE
Objective II-1, II-3, V-3, VII-7
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COS: Solve multi-step equations and inequalities including
linear, radical, absolute value, and literal equations.
AHSGE: II-1. Solve multi-step equations. II-3. Solve systems of
linear inequalities. V-3. Determine solution sets for
inequalities.VII-7. Solve problems: Direct variation.
Correlation: Direct! A very important objective for mastery due
to the number of questions on the grad exam.
Technology-intensive lesson plan:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=23865
Algebra COS Objective 8/ AHSGE
Objectives II-3 & II-4, V-1
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COS: Solve systems of linear equations and inequalities in two
variables graphically or algebraically.
AHSGE: II-3. Solve systems of linear inequalities. II-4. Solve
multi-step inequalities. V-1. Graph linear inequalities.
Correlation: Direct, but complex! This is an important objective
with a total of 15 questions on the grad exam. This is an
important objective for mastery!
Small group lesson plan:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=24038
Algebra COS Objective 9/ AHSGE
Objective II-2
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COS: Solve quadratic equations using the
zero product property.
AHSGE: Solve quadratic equations.
Correlation: Direct.
Algebra COS Objective 11/ AHSGE
Objective IV-1
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COS: Solve problems algebraically that involve area and
perimeter of a polygon, area and circumference of a circle, and
volume and surface area of right circular cylinders or right
rectangular prisms.
AHSGE: Find perimeter, area, circumference, and volume.
Correlation: This objective requires the teacher both to teach
new material and to review material taught at earlier levels, as
the AHSGE specification is at a lower instructional level than
the COS objective.
Technology/kinesthetic lesson plan:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=24025
Algebra COS Objective 15/ AHSGE
Objective VII-6
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COS: Estimate probabilities given data in
lists or graphs.
AHSGE: Determine probabilities.
Correlation: Direct, although the AHSGE
objective is vague.
Small group lesson plan:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=29
364
Geometry COS Objective 3/ AHSGE
Objective VII-3
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COS: Verify the relationships among different
classes of polygons by using their properties.
AHSGE: Apply properties of similar polygons.
Correlation: Direct.
Technology-intensive lesson plan:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=23
935
Geometry COS Objective 4/ AHSGE
Objective VII-1
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COS: Determine the measure of interior and
exterior angles associated with polygons.
AHSGE: Apply properties and associations
between angles.
Correlation: Direct and/or very similar.
Group project lesson plan:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=29
326
Geometry COS Objective 5/ AHSGE
Objective VII-4
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COS: Solve real-life and mathematical problems
using properties and theorems related to circles,
quadrilaterals, and other geometric shapes.
AHSGE: Apply properties of geometric figures.
Correlation: Direct, but vague.
Student-oriented website:
http://agutie.homestead.com/
Small group lesson plan:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=8979
Geometry COS Objective 6/ AHSGE
Objective VII-2
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COS: Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to solve
application problems, expressing answers in
simplified radical form or as decimal approximations,
using Pythagorean triples when applicable.
AHSGE: Apply Pythagorean theorem.
Correlation: Direct
Technology-intensive lesson plan:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=25107
Now for the problem objectives…

Not all AHSGE objectives are covered by the
Courses of Study for Algebra I and/or
Geometry.
Problem Objective 1: AHSGE VI-1
VI-1 Translate: Verbal/symbolic, Graph:
equations, inequalities
This particular objective is very vaguely written,
presenting a problem for the teacher. How
exactly will the student be tested on this
objective?
The graphing portion of this objective has been
covered in other sections of the COS.
However, the translation directive is new.
Problem Objective 2: AHSGE Objective
VII-5
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Determine measures of central tendency
Although finding mean, median and mode
does not appear in the Algebra COS, it is
taught in middle school math, and it does
appear in our approved textbooks.
Teachers are advised to review this material
with students in order to insure that they
sufficiently retain the instruction from their
middle school classes.
Problem Objective 3: AHSGE Objective
VII-8
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Solve problems: Algebraic concepts.
The problem with this objective is found in its
vague wording. It is impossible to quantify
this objective because it is taught every day
in the Algebra I course.
Teachers are advised that by using the
adopted textbooks, they are covering this
objective.
FOCUS: Reading
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Reading is the AHSGE test that no single
department “owns”
Traditionally covered within English classes
However, objectives are covered only at a very
ancillary level within English COS– most are covered
by a single 10th grade English objective!
ALL faculty must take ownership for reading
objectives
FOCUS: Reading
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Strong readers read at least 6 books each year
outside of their classes.
The one thing teachers shouldn’t do: Read FOR the
kids. Students must be made responsible for
reading. Teachers can HELP them read, but they
must read it for themselves.
Students should read and write in ALL courses!
–
“High School Experiences that Influence Reading Proficiency:
What States and Schools Can Do.” Published by the Southern
Regional Education Board. www.sreb.org
FOCUS: Reading
11th grade reading exam pass rate is one
criteria used to determine a school’s Annual
Yearly Progress (AYP)
Warning! Limitation.


Because this in-service is designed to
establish correlations between the course of
study and the graduation exam, it does not
cover every aspect of the course of study!
Teachers should continue to continue to
cover all aspects of the COS – even those
not specifically addressed by the AHSGE.
AHSGE Reading Objective I-1
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
Identify supporting details
COS Correlations :
–
–
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English 9, Objective 17 -- Use supporting details to present a
position and to respond to an argument.
English 10, Objective 3 -- Read with literal and inferential
comprehension a variety of informational and functional reading
materials, including making inferences about effects when
passage provides cause; inferring cause when passage provides
effect; making inferences, decisions, and predictions from tables,
charts, and other text features; and identifying the outcome or
product of a set of directions.
Group work lesson plan:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/lessonplan.jsp?id=196
AHSGE Reading, Objective I-2
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Determine sequence of events.
COS Correlations :
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English 9, objective 3: Read with comprehension a variety of ninthgrade informational and functional reading materials, including
recognizing tone and propaganda.
English 10, objective 3: Apply both literal and inferential
comprehension strategies, including drawing conclusions and
making inferences about characters, motives, intentions, and
attitudes in short stories, drama, poetry, novels, and essays and
other nonfiction texts.
Students should practice sequencing with literature and newsrelated reading material in class.
AHSGE Reading Object I-3
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Objective: Follow directions
COS Correlations :
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English 9, Objective 3: 3.) Read with comprehension a variety of
ninth-grade informational and functional reading materials,
including recognizing tone and propaganda.
English 10, Objective 3: Read with literal and inferential
comprehension a variety of informational and functional reading
materials, including making inferences about effects when
passage provides cause; inferring cause when passage provides
effect; making inferences, decisions, and predictions from tables,
charts, and other text features; and identifying the outcome or
product of a set of directions.
Technology-intensive lesson plan:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=29714
AHSGE Reading Objective II-1
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Identify main idea
COS Correlations :
–
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English 10, Objective 3: Read with literal and inferential
comprehension a variety of informational and functional
reading materials, including making inferences about effects
when passage provides cause; inferring cause when
passage provides effect; making inferences, decisions, and
predictions from tables, charts, and other text features; and
identifying the outcome or product of a set of directions.
Group work lesson plan:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/lessonplan.jsp?i
d=196
AHSGE Reading Objective II-2
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Draw conclusions.
COS Correlations:
–
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English 10, Objective 1: Apply both literal and inferential
comprehension strategies, including drawing conclusions
and making inferences about characters, motives,
intentions, and attitudes in short stories, drama, poetry,
novels, and essays and other nonfiction texts.
Ideas for teaching the concept:
http://www.brighthub.com/education/k12/articles/58033.aspx
AHSGE Reading Objective II-3
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Determine cause and effect.
This particular objective does not appear in the high school
COS, so the teacher will have to supplement, preferably at both
the 9th and 10th grade levels.
Use graphic organizers to help students recognize cause and
effect relationships in their reading:
http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/multimedia/
multiple-causes-and-multiple-effects-diagram/
Additional tips for teaching cause and effect can be found here:
http://www.suite101.com/content/cause-and-effect-lesson-plana88924
AHSGE Reading Objective II-4
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Propaganda: Differentiate fact from opinion.
COS Correlations:
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English 9, Objective 3: Read with comprehension a variety
of ninth-grade informational and functional reading
materials, including recognizing tone and propaganda.
English 10, Objective 4: Recognize fallacious or illogical
thought in essays, editorials, and other informational texts.
Group work lesson plan:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=27914
AHSGE Reading Objective II-5
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Recognize summary statements.
COS Correlations:
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English 9, Objective 13: Demonstrate paraphrasing, quoting, and
summarizing of primary and secondary sources and various
methods of note taking.
English 10, Objective 1: Apply both literal and inferential
comprehension strategies, including drawing conclusions and
making inferences about characters, motives, intentions, and
attitudes in short stories, drama, poetry, novels, and essays and
other nonfiction texts.
Methodology: GIST
–
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lessonplans/gist-summarizing-strategy-content-290.html
AHSGE Reading Objective III-1
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Recognize logic and arguments.
COS Correlations:
–
–
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English 9, Objective 3: Read with comprehension a variety
of ninth-grade informational and functional reading
materials, including recognizing tone and propaganda.
English 10, Objective 4: Recognize fallacious or illogical
thought in essays, editorials, and other informational texts.
Cross-curricular lesson plan:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=10209
AHSGE Reading Objective III-2
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Analyze literary elements
COS Correlations:
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English 9, Objective 2: Compare the use of language and
literary elements and devices, including rhythm, rhyme
scheme, tone, and plot, in various selections, cultures, and
genres.
English 10, Objective 2: Identify and interpret literary
elements and devices, including analogy, personification,
and implied purpose.
These objectives are core to the English curriculum
and should be taught on a daily basis as literature is
introduced.
AHSGE Reading Objective IV-1
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Determine meaning of words
COS Correlations:
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English 9, Objective 6: Determine word meaning in world
literature selections using word analysis and context clues.
English 10, Objective 6: Determine word meaning in pretwentieth century American literature using word structure
and context clues.
Teachers are encouraged to teach Latin and Greek
roots, to teach direct vocabulary, and to model
determining meaning within context.
Additional technology resource:
www.vocabulary.com
AHSGE Reading Objective IV-2
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Preview and Predict
COS Correlations:
–
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English 10, Objective 3: Read with literal and inferential
comprehension a variety of informational and functional reading
materials, including making inferences about effects when
passage provides cause; inferring cause when passage provides
effect; making inferences, decisions, and predictions from tables,
charts, and other text features; and identifying the outcome or
product of a set of directions.
Research-based lesson plan:
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lessonplans/focus-first-lines-increasing-834.html
AHSGE Reading Objective IV-3
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Discern organizational patterns
COS Correlations:
–
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English 9, Objective 1: Identify genre, tone, and plot in short
stories, drama, and poetry and identify organizational
structure in essays and other nonfiction text to comprehend
recreational reading materials.
Introduce graphic organizers and literary maps to
encourage students to recognize patterns:
http://www.readwritethink.org/materials/litelements/index.html
AHSGE Reading Objective IV-4
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Demonstrate reference material usage
COS Correlations:
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English 9, Objective 14: Use the research process
to locate, select, retrieve, evaluate, and organize
information to support a thesis on a nonliterary
topic.
Technology-intensive lesson plans:
–
–
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=5680
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=11193
FOCUS: Language
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Most language objectives do not appear on
the high school course of study
However, most high school students have
not effectively mastered the grammatical
concepts necessary for passing this exam.
Teachers will find themselves reviewing
middle school material in order to insure that
students pass this particular exam.
FOCUS: Language
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Unfortunately, the language exam tests
grammar in exactly the way teachers are told
not to teach it by such bodies as the National
Council of Teachers of English.
Since the test emulates traditional workbook
instruction, this instruction should be used
but it should be coupled with the types of
lessons promoted by the NCTE in such
resources as Grammar Alive!
AHSGE Language Objective I-1
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
Identify correct noun forms
COS Correlation:
–
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English 9, Objective 11: Identify … correct forms
of compound nouns, including singular, plural,
and possessive forms
Research-based lesson plan:
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroomresources/lesson-plans/manipulatingsentences-reinforce-grammar-248.html
AHSGE Language Objective I-2
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Identify correct verb forms
COS Correlation:
–
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English 9, Objective 11: Identify … correct
number and tense in verb forms, including regular
and irregular verbs
Research-based lesson plan:
http://www.readwritethink.org/lesson_images
/lesson248/manipulating.pdf
AHSGE Language Objective I-3
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Recognize subject-verb agreement
COS Correlation:
–
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English 9, Objective 12: Apply the correct use of subjectverb agreement with collective nouns when verb forms
depend on the rest of the sentence; with compound
subjects, including those joined by or with the second
element as singular or plural; and with the subjunctive
mood.
NCTE Demonstration: “Slicing the Apple” (found in
Grammar Alive!)
Kinesthetic lesson plan: Body Diagramming
AHSGE Language Objective I-4, I-6
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Recognize pronoun-antecedent agreement;
Identify correct pronoun case
COS Correlation:
–
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English 10, Objective 12: Demonstrate …
pronoun-antecedent agreement in number and
gender; and nominative, objective, and
possessive pronoun cases.
Lesson plan: “Teaching pronouns with legos”
(from Grammar Alive!)
AHSGE Language Objective I-5
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Identify verb shifts
COS Correlation:
–
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English 9, Objective 11: Identify … incorrect verb
tense shifts within sentences;
Resource:
https://tccpassport.tcc.fl.edu/myresources/En
glish_Wiki/Handouts/Verb_Tense_Shift.pdf
AHSGE Language Objective I-7
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
Identify effective use of voice (note: this
refers to active & passive voice!)
COS Correlation:
–

English 11, Objective 11: Differentiate between
the use of active and passive voice.
Research-based mini-lesson:
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroomresources/lesson-plans/choosing-best-verbactive-280.html
AHSGE Language Objective I-8
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
Determine correct use of modifiers
COS Correlation:
–
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English 10, Objective 14: Edit for … use of
dangling participles and misplaced modifiers….
Resource: Grammar Girl
http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/misplac
ed-modifiers.aspx
AHSGE Language Objective I-9
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Identify commonly confused words
Not in the course of study at any level
This is one of the hardest topics to teach because
there are so many commonly confused words in the
English language!
The “Clusters of Commonly Confused Words” is an
outstanding resource:
–
–
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/labigfourclustersofcommo
nlyconfusedhomonyms412mo-htm
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/labigfourclustersofcommo
nlyconfusedhomonyms412mo-htm
AHSGE Language Objective II-1
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
Use clear, vivid, and precise language
COS Correlation:
–
–

This appears only as a sub-item under editing processes in
the 10th grade curriculum
English 10, Objective 7: …addressing clear, precise, and
vivid language…
Lesson plan for vivid language:
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroomresources/lesson-plans/show-sentences-30780.html
AHSGE Language Objective II-2
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
Correctly use formal & informal language
COS Correlations:
English 10, Objective 8: Write in a variety of genres for various
audiences and occasions, both formal and informal, using
an attention-getting opening and an effective conclusion.

Lesson plan: Use code-switching techniques, as in
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroomresources/lesson-plans/exploring-language-identitymother-910.html
AHSGE Language Objective III-1



Demonstrate correct sentence structure
This particular objective is taught throughout the high
school English curriculum. Students should be
taught to write a variety of sentences and recognize
fragments and run-on sentences.
Resource:
http://www.readwritethink.org/professionaldevelopment/professional-library/grammar-grammarthat-question-30459.html
AHSGE Language Objective III-2


Demonstrate internal parallelism
COS Correlation
–

English 9, Objective 11: Identify correct use of
parallel words…
Small group lesson plan:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=11
877
AHSGE Language Objective IV-1
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

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Demonstrate correct use of capitalization
Not in course of study
This is a review topic.
Grammar workbook and whiteboard review
should be utilized.
AHSGE Language Objective IV-2
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
Demonstrate correct use of commas
COS Correlation:
–

English 9, Objective 10: Determine correct use of
commas with appositives and within direct
quotations, colons to introduce lists, semicolons
with a series of elements separated by commas,
and punctuation for a divided quotation.
Grammar workbook and whiteboard review
should be utilized.
AHSGE Language Objective IV-4


Demonstrate colon and semicolon usage
COS Correlation:
–

English 9, Objective 10: Determine correct use of
commas with appositives and within direct
quotations, colons to introduce lists, semicolons
with a series of elements separated by commas,
and punctuation for a divided quotation.
Grammar workbook and whiteboard review
should be utilized.
AHSGE Language Objective IV-5




Demonstrate correct use of apostrophe
Not in course of study
This is a review topic.
Grammar workbook and whiteboard review
should be utilized.
AHSGE Language Objective V-1


Demonstrate paragraph completion and
correctness
COS Correlation:
–

English 9, Objective 8: Critique paragraphs for
logical progression of sentences.
Project-based lesson plan:
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroomresources/lesson-plans/brochures-writingaudience-purpose-1002.html
FOCUS: Biology
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


The biology exam is the replacement for the science
exam.
It has one of the highest pass rates of the graduation
exams, and it covers only one year of science – 9th
grade biology.
The biology exam is the only exam that exactly
follows a prescribed course of study.
Supplementing the biology course textbook with lab
and technology-based experiences will strengthen
students’ subject-matter retention.
AHSGE Biology/COS Objective 1


Select appropriate laboratory glassware,
balances, time measuring equipment, and
optical instruments to conduct an
experiment.
Lesson plans:
–
–
Lab Safety:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=27482
Introduction to the light microscope:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=26256
AHSGE Biology/COS Objective 2


Describe cell processes necessary for
achieving homeostasis, including active and
passive transport, osmosis, diffusion,
exocytosis, and endocytosis.
Lesson plan:
–
Rubber egg diffusion experiment
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=29674
AHSGE Biology/COS Objective 3


Identify reactants and products associated
with photosynthesis and cellular respiration
and the purposes of these two processes.
Lesson plans:
–
–
Plants, pigments, and colors
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=29327
Plant Parents
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.php?Ben
chmarkID=5&DocID=91
AHSGE Biology/COS Objective 4


Describe similarities and differences of cell
organelles, using diagrams and tables.
Lesson plans:
–
–
What’s in a cell?
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=29518
Building a cell – Edible cell project
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=26231
AHSGE Biology/COS Objective 5


Identify cells, tissues, organs, organ systems,
organisms, populations, communities, and
ecosystems as levels of organization in the
biosphere.
Lesson plans:
–
–
Biodiversity project
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=30719
Body tissue lab
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=26216
AHSGE Biology/COS Objective 6


Describe the roles of mitotic and meiotic
divisions during reproduction, growth, and
repair of cells.
Lesson plans:
–
–
Gymnosperms
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=24115
Cell division – A Webquest
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=23760
AHSGE Biology/COS Objective 7


Apply Mendel's law to determine phenotypic
and genotypic probabilities of offspring.
Lesson plans:
–
–
Pass it down
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=30926
Cats, dogs, and dragons, oh my!
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=27455
AHSGE Biology/COS Objective 8


Identify the structure and function of DNA,
RNA, and protein.
Lesson plans:
–
–
DNA: The blueprint of life
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=29733
Genetic disorders project
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=23931
AHSGE Biology/COS Objective 9


Differentiate between the previous fivekingdom and current six-kingdom
classification systems.
Lesson plans
–
–
Group project: Are we there yet?
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=27497
Taxonomy: The importance of classifying
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=29739
AHSGE Biology/COS Objective 10


Distinguish between monocots and dicots,
angiosperms and gymnosperms, and
vascular and nonvascular plants.
Lesson plans:
–
–
Distinguishing between monocots and dicots
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=23800
Flower anatomy
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=29672
AHSGE Biology/COS Objective 11


Classify animals according to type of skeletal
structure, method of fertilization and
reproduction, body symmetry, body
coverings, and locomotion.
Lesson plans:
–
–
All about animals
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=29252
Virtual owl pellet dissection
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=26287
AHSGE Biology/COS Objective 12


Describe protective adaptations of animals,
including mimicry, camouflage, beak type,
migration, and hibernation.
Lesson plans:
–
–
Understanding mimicry
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=27481
Camouflage predation challenge
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=26273
AHSGE Biology/COS Objective 13


Trace the flow of energy as it decreases
through the trophic levels from producers to
the quaternary level in food chains, food
webs, and energy pyramids.
Lesson plans:
–
–
What’s in a biome?
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=27477
How many mice can an owl eat?
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=27476
AHSGE Biology/COS Objective 14


Trace biogeochemical cycles through the
environment, including water, carbon,
oxygen, and nitrogen.
Lesson plans:
–
–
Endangered species
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=7957
Farmers and pesticides
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/sci_update.php?
DocID=268
AHSGE Biology/COS Objective 15


Identify biomes based on environmental
factors and native organisms.
Lesson plans:
–
–
Terrestrial biomes
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=27466
Diverse life forms of the ocean
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=24068
AHSGE Biology/COS Objective 16


Identify density-dependent and densityindependent limiting factors that affect
populations in an ecosystem.
Lesson plans:
–
–
Human population growth Webquest
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=31752
Managing the Everglades ecosystem
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocI
D=79
FOCUS: Social Studies



This remains the exam with the lowest pass rate.
Although the focus is on American history, the social
studies exam covers a wide range of time periods,
movements, and dates, and anticipates a high level
of reading comprehension.
Incorporating a study of direct documents and essay
writing will help with reading comprehension and fact
retention.
AHSGE Social Studies Objective I-1


Identify and evaluate America’s exploration, development, and
divergence
COS Correlations:
–

History 10, Objectives 1: Contrast effects of economic, geographic,
social, and political conditions before and after European
explorations of the fifteenth through seventeenth centuries on
Europeans, American colonists, and indigenous Americans.
Lesson plan:
–
EdSitement lesson plan: The voyage of Columbus
http://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/other-worlds-voyagecolumbus
AHSGE Social Studies Objective II-1


Recognize and comprehend the impact of the
influences of intellectual and religious thought on the
political system
COS Correlation:
–

History 10, Objective 2: Compare various early English
settlements and colonies on the basis of economics,
geography, culture, government, and Native American
relations.
Lesson plan:
–
Interpreting documents on the graduation exam
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=16270
AHSGE Social Studies Objective II-2


Identify and comprehend the provisions of essential
documents of the government
COS Correlation:
–

History 10, Objective 4: Describe the political system of the
United States based on the Constitution and the Bill of
Rights.
Lesson plan:
–
–
Constitution Lives
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=31014
Constitution or Articles?
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=10209
AHSGE Social Studies Objective III-1


Identify and evaluate the impact of the American Revolution
COS Correlation:
–

History 10, Objective 3: Trace the chronology of events leading to
the American Revolution, including the French and Indian War, the
Stamp Act, the Boston Tea Party, the Intolerable Acts, the Battles
of Lexington and Concord, the publication of Common Sense, and
the Declaration of Independence.
Lesson plan:
–
Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion
http://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/washington-and-whiskeyrebellion
AHSGE Social Studies Objective III-2


Identify and evaluate the Era of Expansion
COS Correlation:
–

History 10, Objective 9: Summarize major legislation and
court decisions from 1800 to 1861 that led to increasing
sectionalism, including the Missouri Compromise of 1820,
the Compromise of 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act, the
Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the Dred Scott decision.
Lesson plan:
–
The Louisiana Purchase
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=7097
AHSGE Social Studies Objective III-3


Identify and evaluate the impact of American
social and political reform and the
emergence of a distinct culture
This objective has no direct correlation within
the course of study. Instead, it is a topic that
will be covered throughout the curriculum.
AHSGE Social Studies Objective IV-1


Identify and evaluate events, causes, and effects of
the Civil War era.
COS Correlation:
–

History 10, Objective 10: Describe how the course,
character, and effects of the Civil War influenced the United
States.
Lesson plan:
–
–
Emancipation Proclamation
http://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/emancipationproclamation-freedoms-first-steps
Families in Bondage http://edsitement.neh.gov/lessonplan/families-bondage
AHSGE Social Studies Objective V-1


Identify and evaluate the events that led to
the settlement of the West.
COS Correlation:
–

History 11, Objective 1: Explain the transition of
the United States from an agrarian society to an
industrial nation prior to World War I.
Lesson plan:
–
Challenges of the Great Plains Farmer
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=29394
AHSGE Social Studies Objective V-2


Evaluate the concepts, developments, and
consequences of industrialization and urbanization
COS Correlation:
–

History 11, Objective 1: Explain the transition of the United
States from an agrarian society to an industrial nation prior
to World War I.
Lesson plan:
–
Immigration project
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=29843
AHSGE Social Studies Objective VI-1


Evaluate the causes of World War I
COS Correlation:
–

History 11, Objective 4: Describe the causes and impact of
the intervention by the United States in World War I.
Lesson plan:
–
–
From the Trenches
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=22529
Evaluating the Treaty of Versailles
http://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/great-war-evaluatingtreaty-versailles
AHSGE Social Studies Objective VI-2


Analyze the effects of World War I
COS Correlation:
–

History 11, Objective 5: Describe the impact of social changes and the
influence of key figures in the United States from World War I through the
1920s, including Prohibition, the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment,
the Scopes Trial, immigration, the Red Scare, Susan B. Anthony, Margaret
Sanger, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the Harlem Renaissance, the Great
Migration, W. C. Handy, the Jazz Age, and Zelda Fitzgerald.
Lesson plans:
–
–
The Roaring Twenties http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=13332
Charles Lindbergh http://www.readwritethink.org/classroomresources/calendar-activities/charles-lindbergh-began-transatlantic20518.html
AHSGE Social Studies Objective VII-1


Analyze the advent and impact of the Great Depression and the
New Deal on American life
COS Correlation:
–

History 11, Objective 6: Describe social and economic conditions
from the 1920s through the Great Depression, factors leading to a
deepening crisis, and successes and failures associated with the
programs and policies of the New Deal.
Lesson plan:
–
–
Depression-era photography http://edsitement.neh.gov/lessonplan/depression-era-photographs-worth-thousand-words
Scottsboro Boys http://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/killmockingbird-and-scottsboro-boys-trial-profiles-courage#node17933
AHSGE Social Studies Objective VII-2


Analyze America’s involvement in World War II
COS Correlation:
–

History 11, Objective 7: Explain the entry by the United
States into World War II and major military campaigns in the
European and Pacific Theaters.
Lesson plans:
–
–
Analyzing a WWII poster
http://interactives.mped.org/view_interactive.aspx?id=571&ti
tle=
Victory in Europe http://edsitement.neh.gov/lessonplan/victory-europe-1944-1945
Conclusions



Textbooks are not enough!
Reading and writing must be implemented
across all subject areas to cement crucial
critical thinking skills.
Students must be challenged with interesting
supplementary lessons to facilitate true
knowledge acquisition.