NORTH PENN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Lansdale, PA 19446-3960
INFORMATIONAL SHEETS
ITEM NUMBER: ____________
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SUBJECT: 2015-16 North Penn High School Program of Studies Changes
MONTH/YEAR PRESENTED TO BOARD: October 2014
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 2015-16 academic year.
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BACKGROUND:
See attached.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/14
NORTH PENN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Lansdale, PA 19446
PROGRAM OF STUDIES 2015-16 – GRADES 9-12
COURSES TO BE DROPPED
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
Advanced Brit Lit (5,0) (6 per/cycle - 0.5 credit)
Course #0845
Rationale: This course has not run in the last three years due to lack of enrollment.
Interdisciplinary English/Social Studies (6.0) (12 per/cycle – 2 credits)
Course #9006
Rationale: This course has not run in three years due to lack of enrollment. Students would have the option to schedule AP World
History or AP US History as a replacement for this course.
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE
Child Development/The Preschool Years (4.0) (6 per/cycle – 1 credit)
Preschool Laboratory 1 (4.0) (6 per/cycle – 1 credit)
Course #6104
Course #6114
Rationale: Curriculum and content is similar at both the 4.0 and 5.0 levels; all students will now have the opportunity to take this
course at the 5.0 level.
SCIENCE
Environmental Science (5.0) (6 per/cycle – 1.0 credit)
Course #3625
Rationale: Student interest in this subject has declined over the last three years at NPHS.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Economics (4.0) (6/per cycle – 0.5 credit)
Course #1854
Rationale: This 4.0 course has not run in the last three years due to lack of enrollment. Students will be able to continue to enroll
in this course at both the 5.0 and 6.0 levels.
World Cultures (all levels) (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) [Sophomores]
Level 5.0 (IFE) [Sophomores]
Level 6.0 (IFE) [Sophomores]
Course #1002
Course #1004C
Course #1004
Course #1005
Course #1006
Rationale: The sequence of social studies courses in the North Penn School District has undergone redesign over the last several
years. Seventh grade social studies is currently World Cultures and Geography. As of the fall of 2014, Grades 8 and 9 are America
in History 1 and 2. In the fall of 2015, tenth grade students will be enrolled in America in History 3.
COURSES TO BE ADDED
SCIENCE
AP Physics C: Mechanics (6.5 – Juniors and Seniors) (7 per/cycle – 1.15 credits)
Course #3237
Rationale: Currently, NPHS offers the two AP Physics C courses offered through College Board as a single year course, AP
Physics. This course prepares students to take two AP Physics C exams: AP Physics Mechanics and AP Physics Electricity and
Magnetism. The proposed new course splits the current course into two courses: AP Physics Mechanics (for 2015-16) and AP
Physics Electricity and Magnetism (for 2016-17). The instructional time for each of these courses would be sufficient enough to
eliminate the need for students to take a year of physics as a prerequisite. Students will have the opportunity to enroll in an AP
Physics course for their first year of physics in either their junior or senior years.
Course Description: This calculus-based course is designed to be the equivalent to a general Physics course taken during the first
year of post-secondary education. The course focuses on introductory Physics concepts including kinematics, dynamics, energy,
torque and other areas of Mechanics. The course prepares students for the AP Mechanics Physics C exam and is presented from a
calculus perspective.
Prerequisite: Student must have successfully completed or be concurrently enrolled in a calculus course.
AP Physics 1 (6.5 – Juniors and Seniors) (7 periods – 1.15 credits)
Course #3217
Rationale: This new algebra-based physics course would allow the opportunity for more students to take a physics course at the AP
level. As noted above, NPHS currently offers one AP physics course entitled AP Physics (course code 3227). Students who are
currently enrolled in this course are being prepared to take two AP Physics C exams: AP Physics Mechanics and AP Physics
Electricity and Magnetism. With this proposal, the current AP Physics is recommended to be dropped in 2016-17. See above for the
proposed new course AP Physics C: Mechanics for 2015-16.
Course Description: This algebra-based course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and
emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and problem solving ability using algebra and trigonometry. The AP
Physics Part 1 course provides a foundation in physics for students in the life sciences, pre-medicine, and some applied sciences, as
well as other fields not directly related to science. It is not intended to provide preparation for students interested in pursuing more
advanced physics and engineering courses.
Prerequisite: Precalculus (6.0) must be taken concurrently or have been completed with a minimum grade of “C”.
SOCIAL STUDIES
America in History 3 (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) [Sophomores]
Level 5.0 (IFE) [Sophomores]
Course #1002
Course #1004C
Course #1004
Course #1005
Rationale: As a part of the redesign of the social studies curriculum, 10th grade students will take this course instead of the World
Cultures, which is being recommended to be dropped for 2015-16.
Course Description: This required 10th grade course integrates PA Standards into a study of America’s history and culture since
1945. This course, the third installment of a three part series in American history, provides opportunities for students to study the
Cold War, McCarthyism and Korea, the Vietnam War and the cultural changes of the 1960s, the Great Society, Watergate, the
Reagan era, the 1990s, and America at home and abroad in the era of 9/11. Current issues of the American political and societal
arenas are incorporated into the course. 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 both the 4.0 and 5.0 levels engage in writing and research skills addressed in the PA Core Standards. The level 5.0 is a
more rigorous course that requires a research paper to build 21st century skills such as critical reading, using and evaluating sources,
synthesizing information, and developing arguments.
America in History 3 (6.0) (6 per/cycle – 1 credit)
Course #1006
Rationale: As a part of the redesign of the social studies curriculum, 10th grade students will take this course instead of the World
Cultures, which is being recommended to be dropped for 2015-16.
Course Description: This required 10th grade course integrates PA Standards into a study of America’s history and culture since
1945. This course, the third installment of a three part series in American history, provides opportunities for students to study the
Cold War, McCarthyism and Korea, the Vietnam War and the cultural changes of the 1960s, the Great Society, Watergate, the
Reagan era, the 1990s, and America at home and abroad in the era of 9/11. Current issues of the American political and societal
arenas are incorporated into the course. 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.
In the 6.0 level course, an advanced course, students read, write, and research at an accelerated level that requires students to engage
in 21st century skills such as critical reading, using and evaluating sources, synthesizing information, and developing arguments.
Students are expected to complete a summer reading assignment of a non-fiction text prior to the start of school in September.
Students are tested on the summer assignment in the first week of school.
It is recommended that students in this course are also scheduled for English 6.0. Students may also take the AP US History course
in place of this offering.
COURSES TO BE MODIFIED
Algebra 1 Part 2 (5.0) (8 per/cycle – 1.3 credit)
CHANGE TO
Algebra 1 Part 2 (5.0) (12 per/cycle – 2 credits)
Course #2105BK
Course #2105BK
Rationale: This
intensive course is designed to help educators support students by providing a complete,
integrated mathematics program. The course provides rigorous and comprehensive instruction and assessment
to all students. Offering the course in 12 periods as opposed to 8 periods will allow the North Penn School
district to meet student achievement goals and accountability requirements. This technology-based course is
expected to support higher levels of student achievement.
Engineering Design and Development (EDD) (5.0) (12 per/cycle – 1.5 credit)
CHANGE TO
Engineering Design and Development (EDD) (6.0) (12 per/cycle – 1.5 credit)
Course #5495
Course #5496
Rationale: The curriculum framework and the research work that is being completed by students is done at the honors level.
The below segment is proposed to be included as the first item in the “Individualized Programs” section of the 2015-16 Program of
Studies.
2015-16 Northbridge Program:
Northbridge School provides an additional pathway for North Penn School District students who could benefit academically from a
smaller school setting and personalized instruction aimed at helping students meet yearly academic requirements and recover credits.
The school is not designed to be a permanent home school for students, but an intervention program to improve academic
performance on each student’s journey to receiving a North Penn High School diploma. The school uses an instructional model that
is focused on individualized learning opportunities including a robust computer-based model for curriculum, instruction, and
assessment in multiple content areas.
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
English A (4.0) (6 per/cycle – 1.0 credit)
Course #00A4NBK
Course Description: The goal of English A is the mastery of the English literature and language in order to achieve proficiency on
the English Literature Keystone. This course provides students with a variety of writing experiences based on the North Penn
Writing Program focusing on text-dependent analysis. The course also stresses sentence structure and the more difficult aspects of
correct usage. Students analyze both fiction and non-fiction and using literary terminology and rhetorical devices.
English B (4.0) (6 per/cycle – 1.0 credit)
Course #00B4NB
Course Description: The goal of English B is the mastery of the English literature language to improve communication skills and to
foster the knowledge and appreciation of literature. A structured study of grammar, composition, speech and vocabulary builds upon
prior knowledge. This course provides students with a variety of writing experiences based on the North Penn Writing Program
focusing on text-dependent analysis. The course includes the study of selected pieces of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, essays
and novels. The course is designed to incorporate reading, writing, grammar and research skills while focusing on a particular
theme, genre or literary period.
English/Reading (4.0) (12 per/cycle – 2.0 credit)
Course #0031NB/4031NB
Course Description: A research-based program designed to address gaps in students’ skills through the use of a computer program,
literature, and direct instruction in reading skills. The program focuses on comprehension, vocabulary, word study and writing.
MATHEMATICS
Algebra 1 (5.0) (12 per/cycle – 2.0 credit)
Course #2105NBK
Course Description: This Keystone course is designed to develop basic algebraic concepts, principles and manipulations. Major
topics include: functions, linear equations and inequalities, exponents, polynomials, factoring, graphing, quadratic equations,
proportions, radicals and applications. Technology is used in a small classroom environment for a blended-learning experience.
Algebra 1B (5.0) (12 per/cycle – 2.0 credit)
Course #2105BNB
Course Description: This course is designed to develop basic algebraic concepts, principles and manipulations. Major topics
include: functions, linear equations and inequalities, exponents, polynomials, factoring, graphing, quadratic equations, proportions,
radicals and applications. Technology is used in a small classroom environment for a blended-learning experience.
Note: Students are enrolled in Algebra 1B if they do not pass Algebra 1 or if they score Below Basic on the Algebra 1 keystone
exam.
Algebra 2 (5.0) (6 per/cycle – 1.0 credit)
Course #2315NB
Course Description: This course includes the study of real and complex numbers, arithmetic and geometric sequences. Students
will investigate the behavior of polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and radical functions as well as solve equations, inequalities
and systems when applicable. Students will also simplify radical expressions. Technology is used in a small classroom environment
for a blended learning experience.
Geometry (5.0) (12 per/cycle – 2.0 credit)
Course #2205NB
Course Description: This course includes the study of planes, solid figures, similarity, congruence, postulates, theorems, proofs,
constructions, areas and volumes. The concepts of space (solids) geometry are introduced early in this course and used thereafter.
Finally the students are introduced to elementary ideas of plane analytical geometry. Technology is used in a small classroom
environment for a blended learning experience.
Algebra/Geometry 4 (4.0) (6 per/cycle – 1.0 credit)
Course #2744NB
Course Description: This course will focus on the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Mathematics and provide instruction to
meet student needs in those areas. Real-world applications of the mathematical concepts will be emphasized.
SCIENCE
Applied Biology (4.0) (12 per/cycle – 2.0 credit)
Course #3004NBK
Course Description: This Keystone course covers the basic foundations of cellular biology, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, and
ecology. All Pennsylvania State Standards are covered in this course. The topics are covered through activities, demonstrations, labs,
and homework, using a combination of digital learning, collaborative group work, and teacher-led instruction and discussions.
Selected Topics in Biology (4.0) (Semester – 0.5 credit)
Course #3814NB
Course Description: This supplemental instruction course is intended for students who need to retake the Biology Keystone Exam.
It will review and reinforce the major concepts of the Biology curriculum and will emphasize Keystone exam preparation.
Applied Ecology (4.0) (Semester – 0.5 credit)
Course #3864NB
Course Description: Applied Ecology is the study of how living things interact with each other and with their nonliving
environment. During this one semester course, students will focus on the ecology of various ecosystems, the impact of humans on
ecosystems and the environment, and environmental policy.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Grade 9
America In History 2 (4.0) (6 per/cycle – 1.0 credit)
Course #1095NB
Course Description: This Social Studies curriculum reflects the PA standards in civics and government, economics, history, and
geography. These standards are integrated into the study of America’s history and culture. This American History course will
include the following time frame: Reconstruction through World War II. Students will have the opportunity to continue to develop
their geography skills, to study primary and secondary source documents, as well as to investigate how culture and events in history
have shaped the country and world in which we live. The research process, integral to the Social Studies class, is included in this
curriculum.
Grades 10&11
America in History 3 (4.0) (6 per/cycle – 1 credit)
Course #1004NB
Rationale: As a part of the redesign of the social studies curriculum, students will take this course instead of the World Cultures,
which is being recommended to be dropped for 2015-16.
Course Description: This required course integrates PA Standards into a study of America’s history and culture since 1945. This
course, the third installment of a three part series in American history, provides opportunities for students to study the Cold War,
McCarthyism and Korea, the Vietnam War and the cultural changes of the 1960s, the Great Society, Watergate, the Reagan era, the
1990s, and America at home and abroad in the era of 9/11. Current issues of the American political and societal arenas are
incorporated into the course. 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 engage in writing and research skills addressed in the PA Core Standards.
Grade 12
American Government (4.0) (Semester – 0.5 credit)
Course #1824NB
Course Description: All seniors are required to complete one semester of American Government. After a review of the elements
of the national government and the role of political parties, this required semester course for seniors places specific emphasis on the
various forms of state and local government. Citizenship, voting, and the role of interest groups and media are included as topics of
study. Through classroom study and opportunities for research, field trips, guest speakers, and attendance at local government
meetings, seniors will gain a greater understanding of the services provided by state and local governments to citizens, and more
importantly, their responsibilities as citizens to participate in all levels of government.
Grade 12
Topics In American Life (4.0) (Semester – 0.5 credit)
Course #1864NB
Course Description: This Grade 12 course provides a relevant and balanced analysis of the major trends, issues, and challenges
that face our society today, or may face in the future. Students will work to develop an understanding of the historical foundation of
these issues; the interconnected nature of these issues; and the impact each of these issues has on American life. Students will be
given opportunities to actively research, discuss, and assess the contemporary political, economic, social, and cultural issues that
influence American life.
Plato Semester (4.0) (Semester – 0.5 credit)
English
Math
Science
Social Studies
Course #08PLANB
Course #28PLANB
Course #38PLANB
Course #18PLANB
Course Description: This semester course is designed to engage students in the respective discipline while utilizing hybrid learning.
Students will have access to a self-paced, standards-based online learning program with a 21st century approach – engagement
through the exploration of interactive, media-rich content. In conjunction with the online component of this course, a teacher will
facilitate learning in a small group setting.
Plato Full-Year (4.0) (6 per/cycle – 1.0 credits)
English
Math
Science
Social Studies
Course #00PLANB
Course #20PLANB
Course #30PLANB
Course #10PLANB
Course Description: This year-long course is designed to engage students in the respective discipline while utilizing hybrid
learning. Students will have access to a self-paced, standards-based online learning program with a 21st century approach –
engagement through the exploration of interactive, media-rich content. In conjunction with the online component of this course, a
teacher will facilitate learning in a small group setting.
Minor Electives
Technology (2 per/cycle – 0.3 credit)
Course #8500NB
Course Description: This course gives the student an opportunity to explore the technology that is used in communications,
construction, manufacturing, energy and transportation. Students will learn and use graphic communication, desktop publishing,
graphic arts, photography, CAD, and graphic design. In addition, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and other
assorted programs will be incorporated into the instructional design of this course.
Art (2 per/cycle – 0.3 credit)
Course #8600NB
Course Description: This course will introduce students to the different elements of art and the principles of design. Students will
have the opportunity to experience many different genres of art, including but not limited to printmaking, drawing, painting,
ceramics, sculpture and weaving.
Health (2 per/cycle – 0.3 credit)
Course #7200NB
Course Description: This course is designed to promote positive decision-making when it comes to one’s health. Students will
explore daily living habits and learn how personal choices can impact future well-being on both an individual and societal scale.
This course will incorporate topics that relate to healthy decision-making on a personal level while also exploring health as it relates
to society.
Physical Education (2 per/cycle/semester – 0.15 credit)
Course #7910NB
Course Description: This course is designed to promote recreational activities that encourage and motivate students to maintain a
healthy lifestyle. Activities will include various team sports, racquet sports, team-building activities and fitness activities.