New Urban High School
Curriculum Guide
New Urban High School Graduation Requirements
Coursework
Subject
Credits
Language Arts
4
Math
3
Algebra I (1 year)
Geometry (1 year)
Integrated Algebra/Algebra II (1 year)
Science
3
Social Studies/History
US History (1 credit)
Government (0.5 credit)
World History (1 credit)
Economics (0.5 credit)
3
Fine Arts
1
Health
1
Physical Education
1
Youth Take Action
0.5 + 40 hours
Senior Internship
1 + 60 hours
Electives
6.5
Testing and Essential Skills
Subject
Math
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Science
Passing
Score of 236 + 2 work samples
Score of 236
Score of 40 + 2 work samples
2 work samples
1 work sample in each lab
science
Not passing
2 attempts + 3 work samples
2 attempts + 2 work samples
1 attempt + 3 work samples
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Level 1: Level one students are those who have not yet passed the core level
one classes listed below. Level one classes teach skills to participate in
exhibitions, be respectfully and effectively active in the community and
address foundational academic skills in conjunction with the course
curriculum.
Algebra
1 credit required
yearlong course
Algebra courses will lead to a better understanding of simplifying numerical and
variable expressions, ordering real numbers, extending and graphing linear patterns,
understanding integers, rational numbers, linear functions and systems, solving first
degree equations and inequalities, determining domain and range, evaluating
function notation, graphing inequalities, calculating probability, statistics, second
degree polynomials, exponential functions and related applications.
Language Arts 1
1 credit required
yearlong course
English I integrates the study of composition, language, literature, and reading.
Students read and write regularly. Grammar, vocabulary, and study skills are
implemented through the reading and writing. Students will read and respond to a
variety of literary genres and will develop essays through all stages of the writing
process.
Physics
1 credit required
two-trimester course
This course is a 2 term survey course of the basic principles of physics. The first
term is focused on motion, momentum, forces, gravity, work, and conservation
of energy. The second term is focused on heat and temperature, sound and
light, and electricity and magnetism.
World History
1 credit required
two-trimester course
World history is an exploration of immigration, the Progressive Era, World War I,
Imperialism, the Russian Revolution, the twenties, the great depression, The New
Deal, and World War II. The course will include topics relating to history.
Government topics include, The Oregon Plan, expanding federal powers and the
treaty process. Economic topics include New Deal policies and monetary and fiscal
policies. Geography topics include migration, cultures, historical places and maps
and charts. Students will practice and demonstrate the skills of social science
analysis.
World Geography .5 credit required
one-trimester course
Students are exposed to physical, cultural, and economic geography through topics
including the exports and imports of natural resources from states and nations of the
world. Students will develop discussion, analytical, evaluative and creative skills
while exploring these geographic issues.
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Level 2: Level two students are those who have passed the core level one
classes. Level two classes extend skills needed to participate in exhibitions,
prepare students to respectfully, effectively and independently act in the
community and teaches higher-level core academic skills in conjunction with
the course curriculum.
Geometry
1 credit required
yearlong course
Geometry courses focus on the building blocks and properties of geometric figures.
Topics include measurement, properties and relationships of points, lines, planes,
angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, basic polygons, the coordinate plane, midpoint
and slope, properties of circles, area, transformations and tessellations,
constructions, Pythagorean theorem, right triangle trigonometry, properties of
three dimensional figures, volume, similarity and related applications. To be
eligible to enroll in this class, students must have one full credit of Algebra 1, or
teacher approval.
Language Arts 3-4 1 credit required
yearlong course
In this course students build upon the reading, writing, and analysis skills from
language arts 1-2. They will explore a variety of literature as a class and
individually, beginning the year with a study of 1984 and the impact the government
has on individuals, continuing into second trimester with a study of poetry and
foreign relations, reading 19 Varieties of Gazelle, and finishing the year with book
groups based on our school theme.
In each trimester, students will engage in class discussions, small group activities,
writing informative and narrative essays and journals, and engage in a culminating
project where they will apply the knowledge they’ve gained. In this course, as
students study their place in the world, and the structures that impact us, they will
practice clearly communicating ideas and analysis of texts studied, and learn to
bridge the text-to-world connection.
U.S. Government 0.5 credit required
one-trimester course
Government topics include: the three branches of government, citizenship,
constitutional issues, federalism, the political spectrum and the United Nations.
Economic topics include capitalism and other economic systems. Students will be
expected to do research on issues and use materials from various perspectives.
Students will practice and demonstrate the skills of social science analysis.
Biology
1 credit required
yearlong course
This course is a three-term survey course of the basic concepts of biology, and it is
aligned with the current state standards for life science. Term 1 will focus on
ecology. Term 2 focuses on cell biology and genetics. Term 3 will focus on heredity
and evolution.
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Level 3: Level three students are those who have passed level one and two core
classes. In level three, students begin working directly with the community,
participating in large-scale project-based learning and creating a vision for their
future.
Integrated Algebra
1 credit required
yearlong course
This course provides a review of concepts covered in Algebra 1 and Geometry and
extends student knowledge of topics covered in these classes with the intent of better
preparing students for Algebra 2. This course is intended for students that have
completed Algebra 1 and Geometry, but will benefit from review and/or a slower pace
or have not been enrolled in math classes continuously. To be eligible to enroll in this
series of courses, students must have at least one full credit in Algebra 1 and Geometry,
or teacher approval.
The topics covered in Integrated Algebra 1.5a include, ratios, proportions and percents,
geometric concepts such as perimeter area and volume, identifying and solving single
variable equations and inequalities, identifying graphing and manipulating linear
equations, and the related applications. non-linear relations and functions including
absolute value, rational, exponential, logarithmic, quadratic and polynomial relations,
rational exponents, complex numbers, probability and statistics, the Pythagorean
theorem, right triangle trigonometry, and related applications.
OR
Algebra II
1 credit required
yearlong course
Algebra 2 builds off concepts discussed in Algebra 1 and Geometry. Topics include
integer exponents, simplifying numerical and variable expressions, identifying graphing
and manipulating linear relations, using and understanding graphing utilities, functions,
function notation, inverses and related applications, rational exponents, complex
numbers, solving graphing and manipulating non-linear relations and equations including
radical, rational, exponential, logarithmic, quadratic and polynomial relations and
equations, key features of graphs, use and understanding of graphing utilities, average
rate of change, Pythagorean theorem, right triangle trigonometry, identifying extending
and modeling periodic functions, radians, the unit circle, normal distribution, standard
deviation, surveys, sampling, bias, randomized experiments, use and understanding of
graphing utilities, and related applications. To enroll in this class, students must have at
least one full credit in Algebra 1 and Geometry, or teacher approval.
Language Arts 5-6
1 credit required
yearlong course
This course is the third level of language arts in which students continue to build
reading, writing, and analysis skills. They team up with the chemistry class to create
real-life projects and integrate skills in a meaningful way. They begin the year with the
Coffee Project in which they develop their own coffee company. They read an edited
version of the Henry Rollins short story “Black Coffee Blues”, as well as many
informational articles and essays. They write persuasive essays, narrative and analytical
journals, and present the entire project to a panel of community judges.
Second trimester, students work on a Biodiesel Unit in which they read The Grapes of
Wrath and study the agricultural impacts of biodiesel. Students read articles and essays
about the history of farming, and the presence of biodiesel as an option for fuel. They
culminate this trimester with a large presentation to a panel of community members
where students have chosen to be either for or against biodiesel. Third trimester,
students participate in the whole-school themed project, and book groups where they
hone their analytical skills, as well as presentation skills as they teach one another
about the texts and writings. This level of language arts focuses on real-life application
as students prepare to enter their senior year.
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Level 3 Continued
U.S. History. 1945-Present
1 credit required
two trimester course
The history topics start with a review of American history 1900-1945 and an in depth
study of America since 1945. Topics include civil rights, the Great Society, the Cold
War, the Korean War, Vietnam, the rise and fall of communism in Russia/USSR.
Related economic, government and geographic issues will be explored. Students
will practice and demonstrate to skills of social science analysis.
Chemistry
1 credit required
yearlong course
This year-long course focuses on the fundamental elements of chemistry. Topics
include atomic structure, the Periodic Table, physical and chemical properties
of compounds, the law of conservation of mass, types and strengths of bonds,
and chemical reactions. Students use their scientific inquiry skills to design an
investigation, collect, organize, display, summarize, analyze, and interpret
data, and propose and communicate explanations supported by data. Students
practice technical writing, use multiple types of technology, create visual
presentations, work in collaborative teams, and participate in cross-curricular
projects. They evaluate the impact of human activities on their environment
and society.
Youth Take Action (Y.T.A.)
.5 credit required
trimester-long course
This 1 trimester course focuses on empowering students to pro-actively participate
in their communities. Y.T.A. is a school-based service-learning program designed
to connect education with service in the community. Y.T.A. is based on the
following concepts: 1) youth should be given a voice and challenged to identify,
research and propose solutions to real life problems in the community as part of
their curriculum; 2) peer discussion on current, relevant civic topics increases
youth engagement in their society ; and 3) providing students with a servicelearning option to meet state standards while helping their community can
promote lifelong civic engagement and citizenship. Each participating student is
required to do at least 40 hours of service through individual and group projects
with community-based organizations. The course curriculum includes civics and
government lessons such as the rights and responsibilities of being a U.S. citizen
and how these concepts relate to serving in the community. Students will also
learn important career skills, such as interviewing, public speaking and teamwork,
and have the opportunity to explore career possibilities. This class supports the
goals and skills required during their Senior Internship.
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Level 4: Level 4 is called the senior house. Students advance to the senior house
when they have earned enough credits to graduate in a year or less. Each senior
participates in a senior cohort where they articulate some basic truths about
themselves, create a network in the community and develop skills and plans for
their post-high school years.
Pre-Calculus
yearlong course
Pre-Calculus builds off of topics covered in Algebra 2 and previous courses. Topics for
the first trimester include review and extension of expressions, rational exponents,
geometry, Pythagorean theorem, and linear relations, as well as set notation, conic
sections, review and extension of functions, function notation, domain, range, and
inverses, and continues these discussions to include piece-wise functions, polynomial
division, asymptotes, identify, evaluating, modeling and writing periodic functions,
trigonometric formulas, solving trigonometric equations, laws of sine and cosine, nonlinear data fitting, and related applications. This course is technology intensive.
To be eligible to take this course series, students must have a full credit in Algebra 1,
Geometry and Algebra 2.
Calculus
yearlong course
Calculus builds off of topics covered in Pre-Calculus. Topics include Polar coordinates,
vectors, matrices, graphing in three dimensions, 3x3 systems of equations and
inequalities including non-linear equations, as well as review of functions including
exponential, logarithmic, and rational functions, limits, rate of change of a function,
the tangent line problem, continuity, calculating derivatives, rules of differentiation,
chain rule integration including indefinite and definite integrals, integration by
substitution, area between curves, disk and shell method, integration by parts, and
related applications. This course is technology intensive.
To be eligible for this course series, students must have a full credit of Pre-Calculus.
This course is technology intensive.
Senior Cohort: Senior English/Senior Internship
1 credit required
yearlong course
The senior cohort is designed to help students through the transition from one focus
(high school) to another (work, college an apprenticeship, etc.). It allows students the
opportunity to explore themselves (dreams, skills, the type of person he/she is
constantly working to become), the world of employment, post-high school options and
a career field of interest. The senior cohort combines a student’s interests, vision for
their future, their academic skills and knowledge and will help them make professional
connections.
The cohort is a combination of senior internship and senior English. The three-trimester
course addresses the state standards for career related learning and language arts.
Students write research papers about themselves; conduct and present career research
using technological tools; apply for colleges, FAFSA and scholarships; write a detailed 5
year plan and back up plan; develop a portfolio; complete a 60 hour internship; read
classic and contemporary literature; write expository, narrative and persuasive papers
and speeches; and present their year-long experience to a panel of school staff,
program alumni and community members.
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Level 4 continued
Economics
0.5 credits required
trimester-long course
This course is offered to grades 11 & 12. The political issues include the Constitution
and citizenship while studying national and world issues. The economic issues
include the market, economic conditions and the State and National budgets.
Related economic, government and geographic issues will be explored. Students will
practice and demonstrate to skills of social science analysis.
Non-level requirements: Students are required to earn credit
in the following classes, but may earn the credits at any level.
Physical Education
1 credit required
Physical education is an integral part of the total education program and
contributes to the development of the individual through the natural medium
of physical activity; human movement. The physical education experience
should be a positive motivating force that will help develop a lifestyle of
physical activity. Each student will have the opportunity to participate in
sport, components of overall fitness, and life long activities that can be
enjoyed now and in the future.
Health I
0.5 credits required
This class is designed to assist students in evaluating and analyzing their
current health related behaviors and beliefs with the intention of inspiring
change. Specifically, we will focus on Healthy relationships, non-violent
communication, decision-making skills, self-esteem, sexual health
promotion and nutrition.
Health II
0.5 credit required
This class is focused on mental health as well as drug, alcohol and tobacco
prevention. Specifically we will focus on stress management, depression,
suicide prevention, mental disorders, refusal skills, decision-making skills
and addiction of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
Intro to Art
0.5 credit required
year-long course
This is an introductory art course focusing on the study of the elements (line,
shape/form, color, texture/pattern, space) and principles (balance, rhythm,
unity, contrast, emphasis) of design and how they relate to each other in a
composition. Sample projects include sculpture, two and three- dimensional
drawings, tempera and watercolor paintings.
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Non level requirements continued
0.5 credit required in one of the three following art courses
Drawing and Painting
This is an intermediate level course specializing in various drawing and painting media
and techniques. Emphasis is placed on representation of still life, landscapes, animals,
and human form. Art history is incorporated into the curriculum. Media include pencil,
pen and ink, charcoal, pastel, watercolors, and paint.
Graphic Design
This is an introductory course to the use of electronic media in the arts. This computer
art course is designed to introduce students to the basics of computer technology and
to how artists might use this tool to solve visual problems in graphic and studio art.
The emphasis of this course is building upon the basic elements and principles of Intro
to Art while acquiring the skills necessary to communicate visually with the use of a
computer.
Ceramics
In Ceramics, students will learn basic skills and technical knowledge of traditional
hand building methods: pinched forms, coil and slab construction and wheel
throwing and will use a range of surface decoration and firing techniques.
Printmaking
This course is designed for the student who has a special interest in printmaking and
textiles. Some of the following processes are taught in printmaking: block printing,
silkscreen, intaglio, relief printing, and etching.
Electives: Students are required to earn a minimum of 6.5 elective credits. Any
combination of elective credits can be used to meet the requirement. Seniors in
good standing have the option to take elective credits at the Sabin-Schellenberg
Skill Center.
Global Science
Global science is a science elective that is meant to: familiarize students with
current scientific events, use the internet to locate and utilize resources for
enhancement of knowledge and understanding of current global scientific issues,
draw interest to science related issues, critically evaluate new / current global
scientific trends in research and assert how the knowledge may be used, understand
the impact of science and technology on the global society, discuss and identify
ethical issues that new technology raises
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Electives continued
Reading
The reading course is designed to improve reading comprehension and fluency, to
set aside time to read and to helps students to develop reading skills to become
more successful in all of their classes. Students will practice oral reading fluency
(practice reading out loud); Rewards Plus, which builds social studies vocabulary
and comprehension; comprehension passages – short readings with six questions;
and personal reading and journaling – read and then write about what they’ve
read.
Media Literacy/Filmmaking
This course is a one-term course that contains three parts. The first section
develops the students' skills in filmmaking where students learn to film and edit
their own pieces, while learning about the power of editing and film (and TV) as
a medium. The second section focuses on how media shapes our perceptions and
the stereotypes we have. The third section is a culmination of the first two,
where student create a final project (film) that attempts to persuade their
audience of a “bias”.
Photography
This course is an introduction to digital photography with a focus on basic
photographic composition. Students will complete 4 photography projects that
include self and peer evaluations. Work will be displayed at the exhibition at the
end of the trimester. This class may also be used as a fine arts credit.
Yearbook
Yearbook is a junior and senior level course that offers the student total
involvement in the production of the school yearbook. Activities include
advertising, layout planning, photography, copy writing, and proofing.
Leadership
In this course, students study the skills necessary to be an effective leader.
They read texts such as The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens and the guiding
texts for learning the Synergy Pals roles in order to teach themselves how to
effectively make goals, and how to lead in their own lives. They pair that with
biographies of people in leadership positions in order to discuss the different
methods of being a leader. Finally, they assume the role of leadership in their
own school as they design projects that will help build a positive community at
New Urban. By focusing on the skills, analysis, evaluation, and practice of
leadership, students gain a better understanding of the importance of being
able to lead.
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Electives Continued
Poetry
This course studies the function and form of poetry. Students begin with a survey
of different forms of poetry, working on analysis and writing, and then move into
the study of a specific them of poetry (middle eastern poetry, for example), and
finish with a study of spoken word, or Slam poetry. Students enhance their reading,
writing, analysis, and presentation skills in this course as they learn to distinguish
between effective and ineffective ways of expression. They read, write, watch,
and listen to a large variety of poetic forms, and then transfer that knowledge into
creating their own form of expression in either a poetry book or a spoken word
performance.
Culinary Chemistry
This one-trimester course focuses on the fundamental elements of chemistry. Topics
include atomic structure, the Periodic Table, physical and chemical properties of
compounds, the law of conservation of mass, types and strengths of bonds, and
chemical reactions. Food and carbon-based molecules are the platform by which all
topics are introduced and understood. Students use their scientific inquiry skills to
design an investigation, collect, organize, display, summarize, analyze, and
interpret data, and propose and communicate explanations supported by data.
Students practice technical writing, use multiple types of technology, create visual
presentations, work in collaborative teams, and participate in cross -curricular
projects. They evaluate and relate chemistry’s role in food.
Electives/Support Classes: The following electives are available by referral
and/or assignment only.
Skill Building
Skill Building is an elective credit class that provides academic, behavioral and
transition support to students with disabilities. All students receive their special
education services in this class, as outlined on their Individualized Education Plan
(IEP). Students participate in direct instruction math, reading, writing programs that
are targeted to increase skills and performance in these respective areas.
Additionally, students are also taught strategies for how to improve both study and
organizational skills.
Beginning ELD
Prerequisite: Language proficiency score of 0 to 1, and/or designated as a
newcomer. ELD Specialist Approval Required.
Students will learn beginning English listening, speaking, reading and writing, using
vocabulary and concepts from everyday life and mainstream language arts. Students
will know basic sentence and paragraph structures, spelling patterns and
punctuation, as well as the basic elements of the short story, poetry and drama, and
skills for brief oral presentations. Coursework will generally be completed within the
class period. Regular attendance and positive participation are required for success
in this class.
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Electives/Support Classes Continued
Beginning ELD: Language Arts
Prerequisite: Language proficiency score of 0 to 1, and/or designated as a newcomer.
ELD specialist approval required.
Beginning ELD: Language Arts
Prerequisite: Language proficiency score of 0 to 1, and/or designated as a newcomer.
ELD specialist approval required.
Students will explore different types of maps, along with geographical terms, major
events in U.S.History, including the major periods of immigration, the three branches
of the U.S. government, and the two-party system. Students will also learn basic
aspects of successful intercultural communication, such as knowledge of personal space
and degrees of formality. Students will complete maps, posters, presentations, brief
reports, dramatizations, graphic organizers and timelines. Coursework will generally be
complete within the class period. Regular attendance and positive participation are
required for success in this class.
Early Intermediate ELD
Prerequisite: Language proficiency score of 1 to 2, and/or completion of the
Beginning ELD program. ELD specialist approval required
This level develops students’ academic English language skills in reading,
writing, listening, and speaking. By the end of the beginning level, students will
be able to write a clear paragraph and be familiar with the writing process.
Students will be able to read simple texts independently with a comprehension
of general meaning. Students will also be able to show comprehension of social
and academic concepts and use a variety of sentences to communicate orally.
This level develops students’ academic English language skills in reading,
writing, listening, and speaking. By the end of the early intermediate level,
students will be able to write a multi-paragraph essay with an identifiable
introduction, body and conclusion. Students will be able to read simple texts
independently for main idea, drawing conclusions, and extending
understanding. Students will also be able to show comprehension of social and
academic concepts and use a variety of sentences to communicate in academic
and social settings.
Early Intermediate ELD: Language Arts
Prerequisite: Language proficiency score of 1 to 2, and/or completion of the
Beginning ELD program. ELD specialist approval required.
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Electives/Support Classes
Intermediate ELD
Prerequisite: Language proficiency score of 2 to 3, and/or completion of Early
Intermediate ELD program. ELD specialist approval required.
This level develops students’ academic English language skills in reading, writing,
listening, and speaking. By the end of the beginning level, students will be able to
follow the writing process to produce multi-paragraph essays for a variety of
purposes and audiences. . Students will be able to read and respond to increasingly
complex texts independently and will scaffold grade-level tests for main idea,
drawind conclusions, and extending understanding. Students will also be able to
show comprehension of social and academic concepts and experiment with newly
acquired vocabulary using longer phrases and sentences.
Integrated I ELD (will become Early Advanced next year)
Prerequisite: Language proficiency score of 3 to 4, and/or completion of the
Intermediate ELD. ELD specialist approval required
This level develops students academic English language skills in reading, writing,
listening, and speaking. By the end of the intermediate level students will be able to
produce increasingly elaborate essays for a variety of purposes and audiences, using
more complex sentences. Students will be able to read and respond, with decreasing
scaffolding, to a wider range of grade level tests for main idea, drawing conclusions,
text analysis, inference and extending understanding. students will be able to
communicate effectively with an audience for a variety of social and academic
purposes.
Integrated II ELD (Will become Advanced English Language Development next year)
Prerequisite: Language proficiency score of 4 to 5, and/or completion of Early Advanced
ELD. ELD specialist approval required.
This class supports the mainstream language arts curriculum with sheltered instruction
strategies (such as focus on language forms, functions, vocabulary development, use of
graphic organizers, visuals, teacher modeling, and student practice of new concepts) in
reading, writing, listening, and speaking targeted for students whoa re English Language
learners.
Credit Recovery
This course offers students the opportunity to recover credits by combining computer
programs and personal support. Counselor approval required.
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NUHS Counseling Services
New Urban High School has two full-time guidance counselors who provide students support in the
areas of academics, mental health, postsecondary education and career decision-making, and
personal/social development. This year, additional counseling resources include one full-time social
worker through Outside In, an organization that provides students with mental health support and
access to community health and medical resources. The school counselors and the Outside In social
worker provide one-on-one counseling and support groups. Members of the counseling department
assist students’ in fostering high self-esteem and help maintain a positive school culture. Encouraging
students to discover his/her personal strengths is a goal of this counseling department.
Through New Urban’s community partnerships with Outside In, Northwest Behavioral Healthcare
Services, Clackamas County Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coalition, Clackamas County Resolution
Services and the Vibrant Future of Milwaukie Coalition the counseling department it able to provide
New Urban students with wrap around services to support their educational and personal growth.
Current programs and support services include:
Outside In Medical Van
The Med.Van visits the New Urban campus once a week for four hours. A doctor, medical assistant
and clinic coordinator are available for visits and treat any student regardless of insurance status.
Support Groups
In addressing various issues and barriers, support groups promote students’ personal wellness and
resiliency, social competency, academic tenacity and community involvement.
Peer Mediation Program
A small group of outstanding students that have been identified as being leaders at NUHS received
training from Clackamas County Resolution Services on how to use effective mediation techniques to
resolve conflicts. Peer Mediation provides students with the opportunity to peaceful resolve their
conflicts and come to mutual agreements.
Noontime Activity Groups
A variety of activities are done during lunchtime to provide students with opportunities to connect
with their peers in positive and meaningful ways.
PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)
Behavioral Support for all students including non-violent communication instruction and advocacy
Consultation Team Process of Referral
NUHS Substance Prevention Consultation Team
Team Members:
Outside In: Molly Hudson
Northwest Behavioral Services: Kris Bella
New Urban High School counselors, principal and two teachers
Clackamas County Substance Prevention Coalition: Kitty Huffstutter
New Urban High School has been chosen as a pilot school for best practices policy development
Vibrant Future of Milwaukie Coalition
SPED Consultation Team
Behavioral and Attendance Consultation Team
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