NORTH PENN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Lansdale, PA 19446-3960
INFORMATIONAL SHEETS
ITEM NUMBER: ____________
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SUBJECT: 2016-17 North Penn High School Program of Studies Changes
MONTH/YEAR PRESENTED TO BOARD: November 2015
INITIATED BY: Dr. Diane Holben
COMMITTEE: Education/Community/ Policy
RECOMMENDATION: Recommended approval of changes to the Program of Studies for Grades 9-12 for the 2016-17
academic year.
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BACKGROUND:
See attached.
DATE PREPARED: 9/24/15
NORTH PENN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Lansdale, PA 19446
PROGRAM OF STUDIES 2016-17 – GRADES 9-12
COURSES TO BE DROPPED
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
English 11 – Level 4.0 (Juniors) (6 periods – 1.0 credit)
Course #0014TK
Rationale: This course was comprised of primarily NMTCC School students and provided the opportunity for students to take the
English Literature Keystone Exam for the first time. Beginning in 2016-17, these students will take an English 10 course as 10th
grade students where the Keystone Exam is the end-of-course assessment.
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
AP Physics - Level 6.5 (Juniors - Seniors) (8 periods – 1.3 credits)
Course #3227
Rationale: This calculus-based course was originally designed to prepare students to complete two (2) AP tests at its conclusion:
AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. The proposal introduced for the “2015-16 Program of
Studies” was to split this course into two courses: AP Physics C: Mechanics (2015-16) and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
(2016-17). With the addition of the recommended AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism and the dropping of AP Physics, the
course sequence is now complete.
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
American Cultures (all levels) (6 periods – 1.0 credit)
Level 4.0 (IFE) (IEP required for enrollment)
Level 4.0 (IFE) (IEP required for enrollment)
Level 4.0 (IFE) [Juniors]
Level 5.0 (IFE) [Juniors]
Level 6.0 (IFE) [Juniors]
Course #1112
Course #1114C
Course #1114
Course #1115
Course #1116
Rationale: The recommended World History course for 2016-17 for Grade 11 students replaces this course. The end result of the
social studies changes recommended in this document completes the social studies course sequence.
Topics In American Life (all levels) (6 periods – 0.5 credit)
Level 4.0 (IFE) (IEP required for enrollment)
Level 4.0 (IFE) (IEP required for enrollment)
Level 4.0 (IFE) [Juniors and Seniors]
Level 5.0 (IFE) [Juniors and Seniors]
Level 6.0 (IFE) [Juniors and Seniors]
Course #1862
Course #1863
Course #1864
Course #1865
Course #1866
Rationale: The course America In History 3 introduced in 2015-16 as the required social studies course for Grade 10 students has
incorporated the content from Topics In American Life into its curriculum. The end result of the social studies changes
recommended in this document completes the social studies course sequence.
COURSES TO BE ADDED
AP CAPSTONE: AP Capstone is an innovative program from the College Board that equips students with the independent
research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges. It is built on the foundation
of a new, two-course high school sequence – AP Seminar and AP Research – and is designed to complement and enhance the indepth discipline-specific study provided through AP courses. The AP Capstone Diploma is awarded to students who earn scores of
3 or higher in both of the AP Capstone courses and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing. The AP Seminar and Research
Certificate is awarded to students who earn scores of 3 or higher in both of the AP Capstone course. The offering of this program
requires approval from College Board, which has been received for North Penn for 2016-17.
AP SEMINAR (6 periods/cycle and 1.0 credits)
Grades 10, 11, 12
Course #9017
Rationale: This course is the introductory course of a two-course high school sequence - AP Seminar and AP Research. North Penn
High School has been expanding and enhancing its AP program by increasing the number of AP course offerings and the number of
students enrolled in AP courses who take the AP exams. In 2014, over 1400 exams were administered while maintaining over 87%
of students earning a 3+ on these exams.
Course Description: Students will investigate real-word issues from multiple perspectives, through gathering and analyzing
information from various sources in order to develop credible and valid evidence-based arguments. Fundamental components of
this course include the exploration of different points of view and making connections across disciplines as students gain a rich
appreciation for the complexity of important issues. Students may take the AP Seminar as a stand-alone course or sequentially
enroll in both AP Capstone courses.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in one other Advanced Placement course AND enrolled in a 6.0 or above English course.
AP RESEARCH (6 periods/cycle and 1.0 credits)
Grades 11, 12
Course #9027
Rationale: This course is the second course of a two-course high school sequence - AP Seminar and AP Research. As indicated
above, North Penn High School has been expanding and enhancing its AP program by increasing the number of AP course offerings
and the number of students enrolled in AP courses who take the AP exams. This course offering would begin in 2018-19.
Course Description: In AP Research, students independently design, plan and conduct a yearlong research-based investigation on
a topic of individual interest. Students explore their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of the
development of their scholarly work in a portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of approximately 4000–5000
words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product, where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Seminar.
MATHEMATICS
AP Computer Science Principles Level 6.5 (6 per/cycle – 1.0 credits)
Course #2907
Rationale: The goal of this course is to appeal to a broader range of students, particularly those often underrepresented in
computing, as current computer programming offerings focus exclusively on programming language and methodology. It will
provide an opportunity for students who ordinarily may not take an interest in programming and encourage them to explore
computing through problem solving with computing. Fundamental principles of computing, along with concepts and
computational thinking practices, will aid in improving achievement across multiple STEM careers. Due to its unique focus of
topics, students interested in various aspects beyond coding will have the opportunity to meet their needs for career and college
readiness.
Course Description: This course will introduce the central ideas of computer science, focusing on computational thinking and how
computing changes the world. The relevance of computer science and its impact on advancements in society will also be
highlighted. Designing and implementing innovative solutions using a repetitious process, students will go beyond the study of
machines and systems to investigate the innovations in other fields that computing has made possible. Multiple content areas will
be integrated as students investigate the ethical and social implications in computing. Students are required to submit two
performance tasks to College Board throughout the year as a part of their scoring for the AP Exam.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry AND either completed Algebra 2 5.0 with a B or better OR concurrently enrolled
in a level 6.0 /6.5 math course
Note: This course does not fulfill the math credit requirements for graduation.
READING DEPARTMENT
English/Strategic Literacy Level 2 (12 periods – 2.0 credits)
Course #0095B/4095B
Rationale: This course currently exists in Grades 7 and will be expanded into Grades 8 and 9.
Course Description: This course will provide targeted, systematic instruction for comprehension strategies and skills for
developing reading independence. Targeted literacy skills including comprehension, vocabulary, word study, and writing will be
addressed through the use of technology, direct instruction and the use of both literature and informational text. Instruction will
focus on the foundational skills for reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding/encoding) in addition to comprehension,
vocabulary and writing. A variety of challenging texts will provide the opportunity to apply these skills to critical analysis and
response. The various modes of writing, along with the writing process, will also be taught. Students in Strategic Literacy Level 1
and Level 2 may be combined in the same classroom since the program will be differentiated to meet the varied needs of learners.
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism (6.5 – Seniors) (7 periods – 1.15 credits)
Course #3247
Rationale: AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is intended for students interested in pursuing future study in physics and
engineering. This course is aligned to the initial proposal of splitting the previous AP Physics course into AP Physics C: Mechanics
followed by AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, both presented from a Calculus perspective. The AP Physics C: Electricity and
Magnetism course builds upon the AP Physics C: Mechanics course by providing instruction on electrostatics, conductors,
capacitors, dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields and electromagnetism.
Course Description: This calculus-based course is designed to be the equivalent to a general physics course taken as a second
course in physics in post-secondary education setting. This course provides for advanced studies in Electricity and Magnetism
using the foundations developed in their Physics’ course on Mechanics with the intent of preparing for the “AP Electricity and
Magnetism Physics C exam” and is presented from a calculus perspective.
Prerequisite: AP Physics C: Mechanics must be completed with a minimum grade of “B”.
Physical Science (5.0) (6 per/cycle - 1.0 credits)
(Northbridge only)
Course #3095NB
Rationale: In order to mirror the Grade 9 science course offering at NPHS, this course will be assigned to ninth grade students who
participate in the Northbridge Program.
Course Description: This course combines a standards-aligned study of physics and chemistry concepts with an exploration of
laboratory and problem-solving skills. Utilizing an inquiry-based approach, students develop an understanding of topics such as
force, motion, energy, atoms, and chemical bonding. Students learn to apply process skills to reach scientific conclusions based on
data and evidence. These skills form the foundation for success in future laboratory science courses.
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Contemporary Global Issues (6/per cycle – 0.5 credit)
[Juniors & Seniors]
Level 4.0 (IFE)
(IEP required for enrollment)
Level 4.0 (IFE)
(IEP required for enrollment)
Level 4.0 (IFE)
Level 5.0 (IFE)
Level 6.0 (IFE)
Course #1862
Course #1863
Course #1864
Course #1865
Course #1866
Rationale: The Contemporary Global Issues elective offers a contemporary study of world issues to broaden and deepen the
students’ understanding of world issues in historical, economic, cultural, and political contexts. Contemporary Global Issues
balances the strong American history course offerings that students are required to take. Student awareness of global issues
grounded in historical, research-based context prepares students for global citizenship. The course also meets the PA Academic
Standards for Civics and Economics: “How International Relationships Function” and “Assessing the impact of international trade.”
Course Description: A semester elective, this internationally focused course offers a relevant and balanced analysis of major
trends, issues, and challenges developing in our increasingly globalized world. Students study contemporary global conflict,
economic development, human rights, and resource management by investigating the historical foundations, impact of the United
States, and interconnectedness in the world today. Students will engage in research on contemporary global concerns.
World History (6/per cycle – 1 credit)
Level 4.0 (IFE) (IEP required for enrollment)
Level 4.0 (IFE) (IEP required for enrollment)
Level 4.0 (IFE) [Juniors]
Level 5.0 (IFE) [Juniors]
Level 6.0 (IFE) [Juniors]
Course #1112
Course #1114C
Course #1114
Course #1115
Course #1116
Rationale: In 2016-2017, Grade 11 students will take World History offered at all levels. This course replaces the former World
Cultures course and completes the cycle for change in the area of social studies for Grade 11 students.
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Course Description: This required 11 grade course integrates PA Standards into a study of history and culture around the world.
The course provides opportunities for students to investigate the ways major world-wide developments such as the discovery of
the Americas, the Industrial Revolution and Imperialism have shaped the Middle East, Africa, India, China, Latin America, and
Europe. Students will also continue to develop their geography skills, to study primary and secondary source documents, and to
investigate the ways culture and events in history have shaped the country and the world in which we live.
Students in all levels engage in writing and research skills addressed in the PA Core Standards. The level 5.0/6.0 are more rigorous
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courses that requires a research paper to build 21 century skills such as critical reading, using and evaluating sources, synthesizing
information, and developing arguments.
Note: Grade 11 students who take and successfully complete AP World History or AP European History satisfy the requirement for
World History.
COURSES TO BE MODIFIED
ART
Art Major (4.0) (6 per/cycle – 1 credit)
CHANGE TO
Art Major (5.0) (6 per/cycle – 1 credit)
Course #6094
Course #6095
Rationale: Middle school offerings do not include a 4.0 level. This adjustment is recommended to attain consistency across levels
in the middle school program.
BUSINESS
Introduction to Business (4.0) (6 per/cycle – 1 credit)
CHANGE TO
Introduction to Business (5.0) (6 per/cycle – 1 credit)
Course #5594
Course #5595
Rationale: Middle school offerings do not include a 4.0 level. This adjustment is recommended to attain consistency across levels
in the middle school program.
ENGLISH
English 11 (7 periods – 1.15 credit)
CHANGE TO
English 11 (6 periods – 1.0 credit)
Course #0014
Course #0014
Rationale: This course was created as an additional support structure for students to experience success in the PSSA. With the
implementation of the English Literature Keystone Exam as a replacement for the PSSA, the extra period is no longer needed.
Students take the English Literature Keystone Exam in Grade 10.
Course Description: There is no change to the course description.
English Literacy 12 (6 periods – 0.5 credit)
Course #4824
CHANGE TO
English Literacy 12 (6 periods – 1.0 credit)
Course #0024
Rationale: This English course is intended for Seniors not yet proficient on the English Literature Keystone Exam. Seniors not
proficient on this exam must take this course as the Project Based Assessment (PBA) is embedded.
Course Description: The focus of this course will be on the PA Language Arts standards. Successful completion of the course will
fulfill the proficiency requirement for literature.
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE
FCS Major (4.0) (6 per/cycle – 1 credit)
CHANGE TO
FCS Major (5.0) (6 per/cycle – 1 credit)
Course #6194
Course #6195
Rationale: Middle school offerings do not include a 4.0 level. This adjustment is recommended to attain consistency across levels
in the middle school program.
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Applied Biology (4.0) (12 per/cycle – 2 credit)
CHANGE TO
Applied Biology (4.0) (6 per/cycle – 1 credit)
(NORTHBRIDGE ONLY)
Course #3004NBK
Course #3004NBK
Rationale: The reduction of the number of periods per cycle will bring this course into alignment with the high school’s Applied
Biology, Course #3004K.
TECHNOLOGY
Applying Technology Major (4.0) (6 per/cycle – 1 credit)
CHANGE TO
Applying Technology Major (5.0) (6 per/cycle – 1 credit)
Course #5094
Course #5095
Rationale: Middle school offerings do not include a 4.0 level. This adjustment is recommended to attain consistency across levels
in the middle school program.
Change in Graduation Requirement
Recommendation: The credit requirement for Mathematics and Science is 7 total credits with a minimum of 3 in each. Students
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not proficient in the Algebra 1 Keystone take the 7 credit in math
Rationale: The change in requirement will allow for greater flexibility for students when selecting courses in the Mathematics and
Science Departments.