success today - success for life...guide students through lessons and promote active learning...

SUCCESS TODAY. SUCCESS FOR LIFE.

2018–19 PROGRAM GUIDE GRADES K–12

WELCOME!

Thank you for your interest. You have discovered a well-established, high-quality education option for your family! This guide will show you how, with your involvement, our personalized online approach to learning can help prepare your son or daughter for academic achievement and a lifetime of personal success in a future driven by technology.

Since the first Connections Academy-supported schools opened in 2002, we’ve nurtured and challenged students to help them connect with their interests and maximize their highest potential. We are proud to see our graduates go on to achieve great things both personally and professionally.

As a recognized national leader in online education, Connections Academy’s curriculum, technology, and methods are proven. Our parent satisfaction ratings are unmatched. Yet, even as we celebrate these achievements, we always look for ways to make the Connections Academy program even better.

Our award-winning Learning Coach Central website offers wonderful resources to help parents support student learning. In K–5 courses, friendly characters guide students through lessons and promote active learning skills. In all grades, Math, We’ve Got This! encourages students to discover the exciting real-world possibilities of numbers. And we continue to expand courses and clubs that inspire career exploration.

I invite you to learn more by connecting with us on social media, attending an information session, or talking to a current Connections Academy family. We look forward to helping your student develop confidence, learn new skills, and achieve his or her goals.

Sincerely,

Steven Guttentag, PhDPresident, Connections Academy

Table of Contents2

18

VIRTUAL SCHOOL BASICSTeachers, curriculum, the parent or Learning Coach role, technology, flexibility, socialization, clubs & activities

6 CONNECT WITH CARING TEACHERS

9 SUPPORT YOUR STUDENT’S LEARNING

16 LEARN ABOUT OUR WELCOMING COMMUNITY

WHAT TO EXPECT AT EACH GRADE LEVELLearning Coach participation, online and offline activity, working with teachers, real student experiences

20 GRADES K–5

22 GRADES 6–8

24 GRADES 9–12

RESULTS-DRIVEN CURRICULUM Descriptions of core courses; lists of electives and clubs & activities; a sneak peek at our high-quality resources

28 ELEMENTARY COURSES

35 MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSES

41 HIGH SCHOOL COURSES

26

QUESTIONS?Call us at

866-257-8780

READY TO ENROLL?Turn to the last page

to get started!

VIRTUAL SCHOOL BASICS

We connect studentsto success.Connections Academy®-supported schools provide a comprehensive and engaging education personalized to your child. Caring teachers use our award-winning curriculum and powerful technology to build a strong academic foundation, while Learning Coach support at home helps unlock your student’s potential.

That means more one-on-one attention, a flexible school day that works with your child’s learning preferences and needs, and a family-friendly schedule. And thanks to Connections Academy’s clubs and activities, your student will have great opportunities to make friends, explore new interests, go on field trips, and have an enriching and exciting school experience.

4

SCHOOL THAT PUTS STUDENTS AT THE CENTER

AT CONNECTIONS ACADEMY, WE UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR STUDENT

has unique gifts and abilities. We’ve made it our mission to help each child develop his or her strengths while connecting with personal interests

and passions. We also customize our program to help students improve in areas of concern. With the student at the heart of every decision, learning becomes a rewarding experience. We call this approach Personalized Performance Learning®.

At every full-time tuition-free Connections Academy-supported school, the teacher uses our award-winning curriculum and works with the parent or Learning Coach to personalize the student’s learning and achieve the best possible results. In the following pages, you’ll learn more about each element of this Learning Triad and how these elements interact.

PROVEN AND ACCREDITEDFounded in 2001, Connections Academy is part of Pearson, the world’s

learning company. Connections Academy students benefit from the proven

program, curriculum, and resources developed by Pearson’s Online & Blended Learning

experts. Each Connections Academy public school is operated independently, either by a

governing board or in conjunction with a school district.

Nearly all established Connections Academy schools are accredited by either a local

accrediting body or a regional organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education

Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Connections Academy schools typically

begin the accreditation process after operating for a full year, so newer schools may be in

the process of accreditation.

5

Virtual School Basics

OUR LEARNING TRIAD

T E ACHERS

personalize lessons, evaluate student progress, provide feedback and assistance, and encourage students. Periodically, teachers facilitate real-time virtual sessions to provide targeted support based on student learning. See pages 6–7.

CURRICULUM

delivers engaging, interactive content; multimedia tools; and superb resources. It also provides teachers with continuous information on student progress. See page 8.

®

is the technology that makes online learning possible. Students and Learning Coaches use the platform to connect with teachers, curriculum, and a wide range of resources.

LEARNING COACHEStypically support and motivate students and monitor schedules. Parents/Learning Coaches are also encouraged to communicate and collaborate with teachers. See page 9.

ST U DEN TS explore, create, and learn from home, accessing curriculum and resources via the internet. Students can contact teachers for assistance by WebMail or phone.

6

CONNECT WITHCARING TEACHERS

WE ATTRACT DEDICATED, HIGH-QUALITY TEACHERS who respect young people and believe in collaborating with parents. Often, they get to know the entire family and build life-changing connections with their students.

This helps teachers personalize lessons and coursework to ensure that each student receives the right degree of challenge and support. Teachers also monitor student participation and performance and provide timely feedback.

96%of parents

are satisfiedwith the

helpfulnessof their child’s

teacher.

Inside the Virtual ClassroomStudentsenjoyarichonlinelearningexperience

becauseConnectionsAcademyteachers receive

intensive training in using our multimedia

resources and interactive technology to engage

students.

InaLiveLesson® session, teachers may explain

or demonstrate new concepts, lead discussions,

write on a whiteboard, and show videos. They

canalsocreatevirtual“breakout”roomswhere

classmatescanmeettoworkonteamprojects.

Connections Academy teachers help prepare

students for a future driven by technology.

Students learn to use online tools and develop

computer skills that they can carry with them

intocollegeandtheworkforce.

Personal Attention When more help is needed, teachers may modify

instructionor lessons,providewaystopractice

skills,andofferhelpfulresources.Theymaywork

withastudentinasmallgrouporevenone-on-

one.Thispersonalattentionand individualized

support empowers students to do their best and

achievetheirgoals.

Committed to Excellence Connections Academy teachers are certified in

their grade levels and subject areas. All have

bachelor’s degrees, and many have master’s

or other advanced degrees. They participate

in ongoing professional development and

collaborate regularly with other teachers to

learn the latest research and best instructional

practices.Our professional learningmodelwas

recognized by industry experts as one of the best

professional learning solutions in 2017.

TheConnectionsAcademyprogramalsoprovides

licensed school counselors who can advise

students about academics, personal or social

issues, college preparation, and career options.

THERATINGS

ARE IN!

Families consistently give Connections Academy high ratings in our annual Parent Satisfaction Survey. Throughout this guide, we are pleased to share with you the ratings from our 2018 survey.

96%

7

Teacher Profiles

James SpauldingHOMEROOM/ADVISORY TEACHER • South Carolina Connections Academy

Afterayearofteachinginabricks-and-mortarschool,JamesSpaulding

realizedthatvariousdistractionspreventedsomestudentsfrombeing

theirauthenticselves.“Inmy10yearswithConnectionsAcademy,I’ve

thoroughlyenjoyedgettingtoknowthe‘real’studentsIteach,”Jamessays.

DuringLiveLessonsessions,Jamesstrivestohelphisstudentsbuild

confidencebylettingthemreadaloudthroughthemicrophonesotheycan

getusedtotalkinginfrontofpeers.Additionally,heusesinteractivegames

toenlivenandengagethevirtualclassroom.

LikemanyotherConnectionsAcademyteachers,Jamesbelievesthatvirtual

educationletsstudentstakechargeoftheireducationbystimulating

independenceandinitiative.

James received his BA in middle childhood education from Ohio University and

a master’s degree in education from Liberty University.

Meg KirbyLANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER • Arizona Connections Academy

Seekingtoconnecttostudentsandfamiliesinamoremeaningful

way, Meg Kirby began teaching at Connections Academy after 14 years

intraditionalschoolsettings.Meghasenjoyedwatchingherstudents

progressfromelementarytomiddleschool.“It’sgreattowitness

that‘aha’moment—themomentwherethelightbulbturnsonand

theygetit.”

MegalsolikesthatConnectionsAcademyallowsstudents’familiesto

partnerintheiracademicjourneysthroughactiveengagementindaily

learning.Toestablisharelationshipamongstudentsandhelpthosewho

are struggling, Meg started a peer mentoring program that encourages

leadershipwithintheirvirtualcommunity.

Meg received her BA in interdisciplinary studies from Tarleton State University

with an endorsement in special education and specializations in reading and

English. She has received numerous awards, including the Arizona Future City

Educator of the Year in 2013-2014.


8

OUR CURRICULUM: BUILT FOR THE FUTURE

EDUCATION SHOULD HELP PREPARE STUDENTS for work, college, and life. A good education starts with a strong curriculum.

For more than 15 years, we have developed, tested, and refined the Connections Academy curriculum to ensure that it meets or exceeds state, national, and international standards, as well as those set by leading educational organizations. Our award-winning curriculum is designed to meet the diverse needs of our students and uses the latest technology tools.

94%of parents agree that

the program’s curriculum is

high quality.

Curriculum Development ExpertsWehaveateamofexpertswhodesign,evaluate,

andimproveourcurriculum.Theseexpertshave

classroom teaching experience, subject matter

knowledge, and advanced degrees. They are

dedicated to developing a high-quality online

curriculumthatdeliversrealresults.

Theystartbyidentifyingtheskillsandobjectives

studentsneedtolearn.Thentheycreatelessons

to help students practice and develop those

skills,alongwithassessmentstomeasuretheir

progress. Thatway, studentsdon’t just learna

subject—theymasterit.

In addition to courses in core subjects, our

curriculum offers enriching electives for all

ages.Ourwiderangeofexcitingcoursesenables

students the opportunity to explore their

interests. We also offer gifted and talented,

AdvancedPlacement®*, and honors courses.†

We’recommittedtoreviewingandrevisingour

curriculum regularly. As part of this continuous

improvement, we ask students and parents to

rate each lesson on a five-star scale. We’re

proud that more than seven million reviews

have resulted in an average lesson rating of

4.2 out of 5.

Bringing Lessons to Life

Talented multimedia designers help bring the

curriculum to life. Our curriculum team also

selects the best texts and materials from leading

publishers to weave into units, lessons, and

activities. Then, we deliver these high-quality

resources right to each student’s home.

The curriculum engages students in individual

study as well as collaboration with their

classmates.Asaresult,studentslearntothink

independently and work together using digital

technology. Descriptions of core courses for

eachgradelevelcanbefoundstartingonpage28.

LEARN MORE: ConnectionsAcademy.com/Curriculum

* AP®andAdvancedPlacement®areregisteredtrademarksoftheCollegeBoard.Usedwithpermission. †Offeringsvarybystate.

94%

http://ConnectionsAcademy.com/Curriculum

9

LEARNING COACH: AT-HOME SUPPORT

EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT A STUDENT LEARNS BEST as part of an inclusive and welcoming community of parents, teachers, and classmates—all working toward a common goal.

One of the central roles in this community is that of the Learning Coach. Typically, the Learning Coach helps keep students motivated and on track and regularly communicates with teachers. Most often a parent chooses to act as the Learning Coach, while some families assign that responsibility to another trusted adult.

The active support of a Learning Coach can show students that education is a top priority and help ensure successful learning. While each family is unique, many Learning Coaches tell us that participating in the learning process and sharing more time with their student is very rewarding.

Enhancing Online LearningThe Learning Coach has many opportunities

to enhance and personalize the online school

experience. He or she can maintain a comfortable

environmentthatenablesthestudenttofocuson

learning. The Learning Coach may also provide

the structure a student needs by establishing

and managing the daily routine, helping monitor

attendance, and ensuring that the student attends

anystate-requiredexaminations.

WithConnectionsAcademy,theLearningCoachis

empowered to stay in touch with teachers by phone,

WebMail (our secure internal messaging system),

andonlinemeetings.TeacherscontacttheLearning

Coach early in the school year to discuss how they

canworktogethertohelpeachstudentreachhis

orhergoals.ThisallowsbothLearningCoachand

teacher to understand each other’s expectations

and abilities as they relate to the student’s learning.

Supporting Student DevelopmentThe Learning Coach can be instrumental in

supporting student development. In general,

the age of your student determines how much

hands-on time you may spend coaching. You

can read more about the recommended amount

of guidance your studentwill likelyneed in the

What to Expect at Each Grade Level section,

starting on page 20.

Connections Academy has many resources to help

LearningCoachesbecomeconfidentandeffective

in their chosen role, including our Get Coaching!

program, featured on page 17 of this guide.

93%of parentsrecommend Connections Academy to other parents.

Learn more about the role of the Learning Coach starting on page 20.


10

TECHNOLOGY THAT ENGAGES STUDENTS

EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY WORKS BEST

when it makes learning relatable, meaningful, and fun. That’s why we develop many of our own engaging virtual tools and resources. It all starts

with our online learning system, which brings the school experience right to students.

93%of parents

say that our technology

improves their child’s learning

experience.

Your New Home BaseTheConnexus online platform is the engine that

makeslearningatConnectionsAcademyschools

possible. At home or wherever the internet is

accessible, this user-friendly system connects

students with lessons, teachers, and a wide

range of resources.

We designed this platform from the ground

up to meet the needs of our students and their

families. From their personalized home page,

students and families can:

• Access daily lessons and assignments

• Monitor progress through the online

gradebook

• Create and update monthly or daily schedules

• Connect with teachers and other students

andfamiliesviasecureWebMailand

MessageBoards

•Accessvideos,webapplications,andother

learning tools

•Providefeedbackoncoursesandtheschool

Available around the clock, the Connexus

learning platform is accessible on the internet

from your own computer or, in some cases, from

a computer that will be supplied by your school.*

Upon enrollment, families receive step-by-

step training to get them up to speed with the

system’s features. For ongoing assistance and

support, our expert tech team is just a phone

call away.

ConnectionsAcademy.com/ LearningPlatform

LEARN MORE

*SomeConnectionsAcademyschoolsprovideacomputerand/oran

internet subsidy. For more information, including computer and

connectivityrequirements,pleasevisitConnectionsAcademy.com/

hardware.

http://ConnectionsAcademy.com/LearningPlatform

11

Multimedia Tools and ResourcesOur instructional tools add dimension to

students’ coursework. As students engage and

explore, they deepen their understanding of

conceptsandmastereverydayskills.

For example, our interactive math reviews

providehelpfulfeedbackasstudentssolveword

problems. Students who choose music as an

electivecancreatetheirowncompositionsusing

our award-winning virtual music tools. These

cutting-edge tools promote learning through

practiceanddiscovery.

OurexclusiveLearningBuddies—Lion,Ladybug,

Clara the Cat, and other animal friends—

bring the math, language arts, and

science courses to life for students in

grades 1–5. The buddies introduce concepts,

modelskills,andguidestudentlearning.

The Learning Buddies animal characters bring curriculum to life for elementary students.

Videos demonstrate real-world applications of math.

LiveLesson SessionsStudents benefit from periodic live online

sessions provided by their teachers as needed,

based on course content and the learning

needsofthestudent.TheseLiveLessonsessions

offertheinteractionofatraditionalclassroomin

an online setting.

By typing or speaking into a microphone,

students can ask and answer questions in real

time.Theycanuseon-screentools,joininclass

discussions, and work with other students in

small-groupsessions.

Teachers also use this powerful technology,

sometimes with web cameras, to hold virtual

office hours or meet with students for

personalizedone-on-oneinstructionalsupport.

LEARN MORE

ConnectionsAcademy.com/ LiveLesson


http://ConnectionsAcademy.com/LiveLesson

12

MAKE LEARNINGPERSONAL

AT CONNECTIONS ACADEMY, students receive individual attention in a nurturing learning environment. Our Personalized Performance Learning approach lets us adapt each student’s instructional program to motivate,

inspire, and provide the best opportunity for success.

of parents say that

their child is satisfied

with the Connections

Academy program.

95%Progress for Every LearnerEach Connections Academy student receives a

personalizedlearningplan.Tobegin,weconduct

assessmentstoidentifyandevaluateastudent’s

strengths and challenges. This allows us to

tailor each student’s instruction appropriately.

Regular testingandevaluationof studentwork

shows us how to modify a student’s program for

continued success.

Evenstudentswhoarealreadymakingprogressin

schoolcanlearnmoreeffectively.Smallchanges

in instruction, approaches based on learning

preferencesandneeds,andprojectsof interest

enrich the school experience. These changes

engage students more fully in their courses and

help enhance their learning potential.

Extra Help When NeededIf students struggle, Connections Academy

teachers are available to help. They develop

individual plans to provide the extra time,

attention,andpracticeeachstudentneeds.This

enables students to build a strong academic

foundation by mastering skills, gaining

knowledge,andachievingmeaningfulprogress.

Enrichment for Gifted LearnersOur gifted and talented program* allows gifted

students to deepen, broaden, and accelerate their

learning.Giftedstudentsmayhavetheoptionto

take challenging advanced courses, work above

their grade level, engage in special enrichment

projects,orperformindependentresearch.

*ThegiftedandtalentedprogramisavailableatmostConnections

Academy-supportedschoolsforstudentswhoqualify,starting

inthirdgrade.Whenappropriate,advancedyoungerstudentsmay

participate in the gifted and talented program.

13

PM

TIME TO CONNECTAND EXPLORE

WITH CONNECTIONS ACADEMY, students and families find more time to connect with what is important to them. Many find that this method of schooling enables them to create a unique balance of education,

extracurricular activities, and family life.

TimeISABELLA

Grade 2

Begin schoolwork

Complete schoolwork

Quiz Bowlactivity

Ballet class

JACOB Grade 8

Scout meeting

Complete schoolwork

Piano practice and lessons

Begin schoolwork

Academics Extracurriculars and leisure

EMILY Grade 12

Complete schoolwork

Part-time job

Begin schoolwork

Meet friends at the gym

ConnectionsAcademyclub/activity

College Planning Club

Chess Club

THE LEARNING SCHEDULE

AM

8

9

10

11

12

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Flexibility for Learning—and Life!Although some coursework and

LiveLesson sessions do need to take

placeatfixedtimes,virtualschooling

givesyougreaterflexibilityinhowand

when your student spends that time.

It is important to meet the minimum

required hours of instruction set by

your state. With a combination of

structure and flexibility, students

havetimetomastertheirstudiesand

pursue their interests.

Many families turn to Connections

Academy because it allows them to

create a customized learning schedule.

The schedules on this page are just

three examples of how our students

connect with what is important

to them.

Visit ConnectionsAcademy.com/DayInTheLife to watch how some families organize their days.


http://ConnectionsAcademy.com/DayInTheLife

14

OPPORTUNITIESTO EXTEND LEARNING

OUR ONLINE CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES provide students with the opportunity to deepen their learning and engagement in subjects of interest while forging friendships with students across the country and around the globe. These

rich, teacher-directed offerings are an important part of our commitment to provide a well-rounded education and are open to students at every grade level.

93%of parents

are satisfied with the

variety of learning

activities.

Calling All InterestsWith a large variety of academically focused

clubs* and engaging activities, students can

customize learning as they pursue their passions,

whether their interest lies in art, music, sports,

broadcasting, debate, or writing for the student

blog.Other students might prefer to delve into

gaming and technology, math competitions,

chessclub, science,or robotics.Our careerand

college planning clubs inspire middle and high

school students to examine their options, set

goals,anddevelopavisionforthefuture.

When students join our clubs, they interact

with other Connections Academy students

nationwide and with students who attend

International Connections Academy. Bringing

studentstogether,sparkingtheirpassions,and

pointing them toward a successful future are

what these student engagement activities are

all about.

Students and staff from all of our Connections Academy schools enter their best photographic moments in this exciting annual competition.

*Specificclubsaresubjecttochange.

15

LAUNCHING AN UNLIMITED FUTURE

SUCCESS CAN BE DEFINED IN MANY WAYS. We are proud of the countless ways that Connections Academy students go on to shine, from attending an Ivy League university, to training for a specific career, to entering the

workforce the day after graduation. Our program establishes a strong foundation for success in a constantly changing world.

As students work toward personal excellence, they develop problem-solving, critical- thinking, collaboration, and communication skills that are valued in the global workplace. Our goal is to help every student prepare to excel in the next phase of his or her life.

A wide range of measures show that Connections Academy succeeds at helping students thrive.

•ParentsgiveConnectionsAcademyhigh

satisfaction ratings year after year.

•Ourgraduatesareacceptedbyleading

collegesanduniversitiesacrosstheUnited

States and around the world, including

DukeUniversity,HarvardUniversity,and

YaleUniversity.

• In 2017 alone, students were accepted

tomorethan600four-yearcollegesand

universitiesacrossall50statesandthe

District of Columbia.

•Ofthosestudentswhoindicatedaninterest

inattendingafour-yearcollege,91percent

wereacceptedtoafour-yearcollegein2017.

•Studentsreceivedscholarshipstotaling

morethan$38millionin2017—a52percent

increaseover2016.

• Graduates tell us they learned time

management,organization,andstudyskills

that are helping them succeed in college

and career.

SEE THE FULL LIST OF OUR STUDENTS’ COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES ConnectionsAcademy.com/Grads


http://ConnectionsAcademy.com/Grads

16

A VIBRANT, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

WHEN YOU ENROLL YOUR CHILD in a Connections Academy school, your whole family is welcomed into a friendly and encouraging community. Field trips and other fun outings allow students and families to meet

teachers in person and make new friends.

Students from Reach Cyber Charter School in Pennsylvania attend a field trip to celebrate National Model Railroad Month. Families gathered in three different locations in the state for “Railroading with Reach” day.

Beyond the Online ClassroomStudents,teachers,andparentstakelearningon

theroadwithavarietyofschool-sponsoredfield

trips.Journeystomuseums,farms,statecapitals,

and science centers give students real-world

experiences that can’t be matched. In addition,

middle and high school students can choose

from events such as college fairs and campus

or business tours. Other fun gatherings, like

picnics and scavenger hunts, provide students

and families with opportunities to socialize.

Get Connected!Parents told us they wanted more opportunities

for casual interaction with other Connections

Academy families, and we listened. Our Get

Connected! program gives families more ways

to connect. Parents can use our secure online

school directory to find other families nearby

who are interested in sharing learning tips or

arranging social outings. Club ORANGE, our

parent volunteer club, brings together families

as they reach out in their local communities to

spread the word about Connections Academy.

JOIN OUR SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY ON FACEBOOK Facebook.com/ConnectionsAcademy

http://Facebook.com/ConnectionsAcademy

17

STARTING SCHOOL STRONG

ONLINE EDUCATION CAN TRANSFORM A CHILD’S LIFE, but getting started can be a big change for parents. Our family support program was designed to help students and families succeed in virtual schooling.

Tools for New FamiliesOurGetStarted!programensures that familiescan

connect with the support and tools they need to

makeasmoothstartinonlineschool.Theseinclude:

• Personal welcome calls from teachers

•OurPrepareforSuccesswebsite

•Liveonlinesessionswhere

new families can learn

fromexperiencedvirtual

school parents

• Recorded orientation

programs

Succeed as a Learning CoachOur Get Coaching! program provides ongoing

supportforLearningCoaches,offeringeasyaccessto

resources,tools,andstrategiestomotivateandassist

their students, such as:

•LearningCoachCentral,awebsitefeaturing

on-demandtutorials,

access to social media sites,

and more

•LearningCoachLink,a

monthlye-newsletter

•LearningCoachResource

Sessions, engaging

interactivewebinars

HELP WHEN IT’S NEEDEDIfyourfamilyneedsadviceorassistance,usefulinformationisavailable

24/7throughoursearchableonlinehelpsystem.Duringbusinessandearly

eveninghours,LearningCoachescancallatoll-freenumberforassistance

withinstallationandtroubleshooting.Teachersandotherschoolstaffalso

offersupportandencouragement.

ConnectionsAcademy.com/FamilySupport

EXPLORE THIS RESOURCE


http://ConnectionsAcademy.com/FamilySupport

WHAT TO EXPECT AT EACH GRADE LEVEL

grade by grade.Building achievement,

The Connections Academy program is designed to meet students’ needs at every grade level, with the right combination of interesting courses, supportive teachers and counselors, helpful resources, and engaging activities. Students learn online and offline, with a Learning Coach helping them along the way as they build independence, collaborate with classmates, and discover new subjects that spark their interests.

The result is an education that brings new challenges every year and new opportunities to help your child grow. Plus, building good habits and a love of learning is a step-by-step recipe for future success—in college and in life.

20

GRADES K–5: A FOUNDATION FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE

IN GRADES K–5, CONNECTIONS ACADEMY HELPS YOUNG STUDENTS learn the basics, acquire study and problem-solving skills, and develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

Elementary students are introduced to the building blocks for success in school—reading, writing, and mathematics. The well-rounded curriculum weaves in science, social studies, technology, art, and physical fitness.

Students work with hands-on resources, including workbooks, kits, and virtual tools supplied by Connections Academy. We also offer exciting electives, activities, and clubs to encourage students to explore personal interests. Students can take world language courses, learn basic music concepts, challenge themselves in the Quiz Bowl, and much more.

Learning Coach ParticipationExperience shows that most elementary

studentsrequireahighlevelofoversight.While

each student’s needs and capabilities will vary,

thetypicalLearningCoachforstudentsingrades

K–5 is involved for about five hours per day.

Activitiesmayinclude:

•Settingaschedulewithvariedactivities andbreaks

• Assisting with lessons

• Monitoring student grades and understanding of concepts

•Communicatingfrequentlywiththeteacher

Online and Offline ActivitySince the majority of the work is

done offline, including reading books and

writing, studentshave a veryflexible schedule.

A minimum of 30 hours per week is spent

learning, and about 15 to 30 percent of the school

dayiscenteredoninteractiveonlinecourses.

Expert Elementary TeachersStudents in grades K–5 are assigned

one expert elementary teacher who brings

it all together by motivating students online

and personalizing lessons. A school counselor is

alsoavailable.

To read more about courses for grades K–5, turn to page 28.

21

What to Expect at Each Grade Level

Student Profile

Emily PascuGRADE 5 • Oregon Connections Academy

EmilyPascureceivesthepersonalattentionsheneedstothrive

atOregonConnectionsAcademy.Previouslyatasmallprivate

school, Emily struggled with reading yet needed extra challenge

inothersubjects.Hermother,Nafeesa,says:“Afteronemonth

with Connections Academy, Emily began to respond and do better

in reading. Her teachers are always there to support us, answering

questions,providingextrapracticewhenneeded,andpraising

herhardwork.”

Emilyandherfamilylikehavingamoreflexibleschedule.“Ican

workatmyownpaceandstillhavetimeforscouting,dance,or

playingoutside.I’vemadelotsoffriendsthroughmyactivities,”

Emilyexplains.HermomappreciatesthatEmilycanworkahead

ortakeschoolontheroad.“Emilyhasbeenabletoaccompany

herfatherwhenhetravelsforwork,attendachoirconvention,

andactinplays—allwithoutfallingbehindinschool.”

22

GRADES 6–8:ON THE PATHTO SUCCESS

STUDENTS ENTER A NEW WORLD of academic growth and personal discovery in middle school.* Connections Academy helps them reach their potential and prepare for the limitless opportunities available now and in the future.

In grades 6–8, students sharpen their language arts, math, and critical-thinking skills through a blend of online and offline work. They also deepen their understanding of history and science. Through exciting electives, students learn new skills, find art in everyday life, and examine new technologies. They can also join enriching clubs and learn about robotics, explore careers, or write for the Monitor, our student blog. Advanced students can even start earning high school credits early.†

Learning Coach ParticipationTheroleoftheLearningCoachchangesas

thestudentbecomesmoreindependentandtakes

increased ownership of his or her learning. We

recommend that theLearningCoachbasehisor

her time commitment on the student’s progress.

Formiddleschoolstudentswefindthatthetypical

LearningCoach spends about 2–3hoursper day

overseeinglearning.Activitiesmayinclude:

• Supporting the transition to more

independent learning

• Assisting with some lessons

• Monitoring student grades and understanding

of concepts

• Communicating with teachers and referring

students to teachers as needed

Online and Offline ActivityWeprovidestudentswithaprescribed

schedule,whichrequiresaminimumof30hours

perweek.Studentsworkwithteachersasneeded

to create more accommodating schedules.

About 50 to 75 percent of the school day is

centeredoninteractiveonlinecourses.

Subject-Specific Teachers Connections Academy middle school

students begin working directly with subject-

specific teachers and a homeroom or advisory

teacher who monitors and assists with all

subjects.Aschoolcounselorisalsoavailable.

To read more about courses for grades 6–8, turn to page 35.

*Grades7-8insomeschools.

† Notavailableinallschools.Requirestheschoolcounselor’sapproval.

23


Student Profile

Jon-Marc CooteGRADE 8 • Georgia Connections Academy

AdvancedlearnerJon-MarcCootewasn’tbeingchallengedin

hisprevious,traditionalschool,soheandhisfamilydecidedto

switch to online learning. At Georgia Connections Academy,

heisabletotakegiftedandtalentedcoursesandworkatapace

thatsuitshisacademicabilities.Hisdad,Mark,says,“Jon-Marc

isnowdoingninthgrademath.Inhispreviousschool,hewould

getboredbecausehecouldn’tworkahead.Nowthatheismuch

morechallenged,hegetsreallyexcitedaboutschool.”

Jon-Marcisgratefulforhiskindandencouragingteachers.

“IhavemoreinterestinthingsthatIdidn’thavebefore,like

math,andIthinkmyteachershavealottodowiththat.They

arealwaysveryhelpful,andIcanaskthemasmanyquestions

asIwouldlike,”heexplains.Inthefuture,Jon-Marcwould

liketoattendtheNavalAcademy.

24

GRADES 9–12: REACHING GOALS AND PREPARING TO SOAR

HIGH SCHOOL IS ABOUT SETTING GOALS AND REACHING THEM. We encourage students to aim high—and then soar. Connections Academy’s high school education features a core curriculum including math, science,

English, and social studies. Electives in varied topics such as digital photography, marine science, game design, and world languages encourage students to explore and grow to become well-rounded individuals. Honors and Advanced Placement® courses provide the challenge needed for college preparation. In some states, early college credit is available. Students can also prepare for the future by joining college and career clubs or taking Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses.

Learning Coach ParticipationThe Learning Coach role changes as the

student transitions to high school and more

independent learning. We recommend that the

LearningCoachbasehisorhertimecommitment

on the student’s progress. We find that the

typical Learning Coach at this level spends

about 30 to 60 minutes per day overseeing

learning.Activitiesmayinclude:

• Encouraging and supporting a teen’s

growing independence

• Verifying that lessons and assessments

are completed

• Communicating with teachers and referring

students to teachers as needed

• Attending regular teacher conferences

Online and Offline ActivityStudents maintain their prescribed

schedule, spending a minimum of 30 hours

per week learning. Students may work with

teachers to create modified schedules. About

80 to 90 percent of the school day is centered

oninteractiveonlinecourses.

Subject-Specific Teachers Students are guided by outstanding

subject-specificteachersandschoolcounselors.

Allstudentsmeetwithanadvisoryteacherwho

continuestomonitoradvancementandhelpsto

develop a Personalized Learning Plan that will

prepare them for success in their chosen path.

To read more about courses for grades 9–12, turn to page 41.

25


Student Profile

Samantha HudzikGRADE 11 • Ohio Connections Academy

SamanthaHudzikswitchedtoOhioConnectionsAcademy

for a more structured and challenging education than was

availableatherpreviousonlineschool.

A member of the school’s National Honor Society and

giftedandtalentedprogram,Samanthanowenjoyslearning

withteacherswhoencouragehertoachieveherfullpotential.

“Theyreallyhelpmetogrow,succeed,andenrichmylearning

experience,”sheshares.

WithConnectionsAcademy’sschedulingflexibilityand

accelerated graduation option, Samantha has been able

toworktowardhergoalofgraduatingfromcollegeearly

bytakingcoursesatMaloneUniversity.Shesays,“Every

[Connections Academy] teacher and administrator has

helpedmegethere.”Samanthaisalsoactivelyinvolvedin

theuniversity’stheatreprogram.

Samanthaissettoreceiveherbachelor’sdegreeinPolitical

ScienceandCommunicationArts(Theatre,Film,andMedia

concentration) a year after graduating from high school!

RESULTS-DRIVEN CURRICULUM

Our curriculum isdesigned for success.The Connections Academy program delivers a comprehensive high-quality curriculum. At each grade level, we lay the groundwork for future success by building a solid foundation in required courses, developing lifelong learning and communication skills, and encouraging exploration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

With the best resources at their fingertips, students master core subjects: language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Our broad range of electives, gifted and talented courses, and honors and AP® classes allow students of diverse abilities to thrive and grow.

Explore Our Curriculum

28–34 Grades K–5

35–40 Grades 6–8

41–48 Grades 9–12

28

KINDERGARTENLanguage Arts In kindergarten, students build afoundation for successful reading as they explore topics and apply reading, writing, speaking, and listeningskillsoutlinedinnationalandstatestandards.Learningactivities combine phonics, listening, comprehension,and vocabulary instruction with daily exposure tobooks, including literature and informational texts.A combination of interactive and hands-on exercisesencouragesthedevelopmentoffinemotorskills.Studentslearnlanguageskillsaswellasletterformation,andtheypracticethesebydrawing,dictating,andwriting.Bytheendofkindergarten,manystudentswillbereading,andallstudents should be able to recognize consonants as well as longandshortvowelsounds.

Reading Street, Scott Foresman

Math Mathematical thinking and problem-solving areintroducedinkindergarten.Studentsexploretopicsandapply mathematical practices outlined in national and statestandards.Theylearnhowtoidentifynumbers,writenumbers zero to 20, and count to 100 by ones and tens. Theyalsodescribe,sort,andcompareobjectsand learnbasicshapes.Storiesandactivitiesintroduceadditionandsubtraction.Acombinationofinteractiveandhands-onexercises teaches students about money, time, fractions, and measurement.

enVisionMATH, ScottForesman-AddisonWesley

Science The key to science is stimulating curiosity.A combination of interactive and hands-onexercises encourages students to observe, describe,measure, and question the world around them.Life, Earth, and physical sciences are introduced.Students investigate living things, such as plantsand animals, and nonliving things, such as matter and mixtures.

Interactive Science, Pearson

Social Studies Students learn the concepts of community, nation,andworld in thiscourse.Theyansweressentialquestions including “How do people get what theyneed?”; “How is culture shared?”; and “How does lifechangethroughouthistory?”Acombinationofinteractiveandhands-onexercisesteachesstudentsaboutpersonalresponsibility, good citizenship, and basic geography. While learning about America’s past and its important historical figures, students research their personal histories and heroes.

myWorld Social Studies, Here We Are, Pearson

Educational Technology and Online Learning In this course,studentsexplorethefeaturesofadraw-and-paintprogram as a tool to support emerging reading, writing, andmathematicsskills.Theylearntolocatelettersandnumbersonthekeyboard.Astudyskillsunitintroducesthem to listening and visualization techniques thatsupport learning. Students also learn to recognize safe and responsible use of technology resources so they can become model digital citizens.

Art In art, students explore color, line, and shape. A combination of interactive and hands-on studioprojectsencouragesstudentstocreateart.Theysharpentheir fine motor skills and explore the areas of art they find interesting. Artistic modes include drawing, painting, assembling, and sculpting.

Physical Education In kindergarten, physicaleducation encourages students to develop their finemotor skills, movement, and confidence to enjoyhealthy physical activity regularly. A combinationof interactive and hands-on activities teachesstudents essential skills. Students learn how torespectthemselvesandotherswhileplaying.

29

Grades K–5 Curriculum

FIRST GRADELanguage Arts In this course, students master keyfoundational skills. They are exposed to a variety offiction and nonfiction stories organized into themes such asGetting toKnowUsandOurCommunity.Examiningliterature through themes helps students makeconnections between texts and relate reading topics to personalknowledgeandinterests.Studentsbuildwritingfluencybyrespondingtovariousprompts,andtheyworktowardmasteryofstandardlanguageconventionsthroughdailygrammarandmechanicspractice.Thecourseteachesstudentshowtocommunicatepurposefullybygivingthemtheopportunitytoparticipateincollaborativediscussionsandtaketurnstalkingandlisteningcarefullytoapartner.

Wonders, McGraw-Hill

Math In this course, students learn mathematical concepts related to addition and subtraction, measuring lengths, time, and representing and interpreting data. Theyalsolearnaboutcounting,determiningplacevalue,comparingtwo-digitnumbers,usingmodelstoaddandsubtract,reasoningwithshapes,andworkingwithpartsof figures. Students use problem-solving, reasoning,communicating, representing, andmaking connectionsto form mathematical concepts. The course supportsthe development of students’ mathematical thinkingby building both conceptual knowledge and proceduralfluency.

enVisionmath®2.0, ScottForesman-AddisonWesley

Science Thiscourseencouragesstudentstoexplorethenaturalworld. They study Earth, its resources,ways toprotect the planet, and how plants and animals grow and change.Theycreateamodelofamountainandinvestigatethewaysunlightaffectsleaves.Studentsalsolearnaboutthe scientific method and explore careers in science.

Science: A Closer Look, McGraw-Hill

Social Studies Students learn about the ways in which peoplecontributetotheircommunitiesandworktogethertothebenefitofall.Thiscourseexplorestheconceptsofgood citizenship, economics, culture, and history. Students also study charts, maps, and music to help explain the concept of communities and extend it to the larger world.

myWorld Social Studies, Pearson

Educational Technology and Online Learning In this course,studentsbuildonfoundationalskillswhileusingsoftwaretodraw,type,andformattext.Theyalsocreatepresentationstosupportacademicskills.Studentslearnlistening and organizational skills and set attainablelearning goals. Students become responsible users of technology as they learn about internet safety and appropriateonlinebehavior.

Art Students expand their understanding of color, line, andshape.Activities includedrawing, cutting, creatingdesigns,andpaperconstruction.Theconceptsoftextureandthree-dimensionalformsareintroduced.

Physical Education Each week, students learn newgamesandactivitiesthataregroupedintothematicunits,includingMakingHealthyChoicesandGamesAroundtheWorld.Inadditiontocompletingtheactivitiesdescribedinthelessons,studentshavetheoptionofparticipatinginyogaoranindividualorteamsport.

This textbook is available in an electronic format. Students in some schools may also receive printed texts.

This course is new, revised, or expanded.

Science courses vary by state.

Learning Buddies help guide students through language arts, math, and science lessons.

30

SECOND GRADELanguage Arts Inthiscourse,studentsdevelopreading,writing,listening,andspeakingskillsessentialforfuturesuccess.Studentsexpandtheirvocabularieswhileusinganarrayofstrategies—includingmainidea,problemandsolution,andauthor’spurpose—tocomprehendcomplextexts. A variety of stories are organized into relevantthemessuchasFriendsandFamily,LiveandLearn,andOur Life/Our World. Students enjoy daily independentreading routines. Additionally, they use the writing process to produce various compositions, including narrativetexts,informativetexts,andopiniontexts.Studentsalsomaster standard language conventions through dailygrammarandmechanicspractice.Engagingactivitiesanddiscussions help students become proficient listeners andspeakers.


Math In this course, students learn mathematical conceptsrelatedtoadditionandsubtraction,evenandoddnumbers,time,andmoney.Theyalsolearnaboutlengthmeasurement, graphs and data, shapes and their attributes, and place value using models. Students use problem-solving, reasoning, communicating, representing, andmaking connections to form mathematical concepts.The course supports the development of students’mathematical thinking by building both conceptualknowledgeandproceduralfluency.

enVisionmath®2.0,ScottForesman-AddisonWesley

Science Thiscoursestimulatesstudents’curiosityaboutthe world around them. They investigate energy andchangingstatesofmatter,suchasliquidwaterchangingtowatervapor,andtheycreateaweatherchart.Studentsenjoyhands-onandvirtualactivitiesastheyinvestigatethe importance of water and vegetation in life science and explore forces in physical science.

Science: A Closer Look,McGraw-Hill

Social Studies Students explore basic concepts of history, geography, economics, and government whilediscovering more about world cultures. Studentspractice basicmap, chart, graph, and critical-thinkingskills. They also learn about ordinary people whodemonstrate good citizenship and famous people whohaveinfluencedtheUnitedStatesandtheworld.


State History Students are introduced to the history of theirstate.Theytracethetimelinefromtheearlyhistoryof Native Americans to the present, while focusing onthe state’s people, government, economy, resources,and geography. Throughout the course, students areintroducedtoanalyticalskillssuchasrecognizingchangeandcontinuityovertime,aswellasidentifyingcauseandeffect. (This coursemaybe offered in second, third, orfourth grade depending on staterequirements.)

Educational Technology and Online Learning In this course, students use appropriate technology tools and resources to complete projects and solve problems.Students use software to draw, write, organize, and present information. Students learn listening and organizational skillsandsetattainablelearninggoals.Studentsbecomeresponsible users of technology as they learn about internetsafetyandappropriateonlinebehavior.

Art Students learn how the elements and principles of art are combined to create unique and expressive artwork. They explore how art is connected to other subjects such as science and math. Students also learn the basics of drawing, painting, and three-dimensional design.

Physical Education Each week, students learn a new game or activity based on thematic units, including gamestheycanmakeandgamesfromaroundtheworld.In addition to doing the activities described in the lessons,studentshavetheoptionofparticipatinginyogaoranindividualorteamsport.

31


THIRD GRADE Language Arts Inthiscourse,studentsusecritical-

thinking and reading comprehension skills to analyzetexts.Usingamulti-draftreadingapproach,studentsmakeconnectionsbetweentheirreadingsandtheworld.Theywillbeaskedquestionssuchas“Howcanlearninghelpusgrow?”and“Whatarewayspeoplecantakeaction?”Through the five-stage writing process—prewriting,drafting, revising, editing, and publishing—studentspractice writing quality sentences and well-organizedcompositions.Daily reading andwriting activities helpstudents continue to master spelling, grammar, and language skills. Studentswill also learn the strokes ofcursivehandwriting.

Wonders,McGraw-Hill

Math In this course, students learn mathematical conceptsrelatedtomultiplicationanddivision,patterns,rounding, andmentalmath.Theyalso learnabout2-Dshapes, area, perimeter, fractions, interpreting data, time,mass,andcapacity.Studentsuseproblem-solving,reasoning, communicating, representing, and makingconnectionstoformmathematicalconcepts.Thecoursesupports the development of students’ mathematicalthinking by building both conceptual knowledge andprocedural fluency.

enVisionmath®2.0,ScottForesman-AddisonWesley

Science Students explore topics throughhands-onexperiences,virtuallabs,andinteractiveactivities.Theydevelop inquiry skills suchasplanning and conductinginvestigations,organizingandanalyzingdata,anddrawingconclusions—and especially how to ask questions andmake predictions. Students gain experience with theengineering design process, focusing on brainstorming, planning,anddesign.Theydevelopknowledgeacrossanumber of topics in Earth, physical, and life science and come to understand structure, function, stability, and change concepts throughout the course.


Social Studies This course focuses on the theme ofcommunity, with an emphasis on geography, U.S. history, civics,andeconomics.StudentscomparecommunitiesandlearnaboutthesettlementofNorthAmerica.Theystudythe foundational documents of the United States and learnaboutthethreebranchesofgovernment.Theylearnaboutnational,state,andlocalgovernmentandacitizen’srights and responsibilities. Students explore the growth of theUnitedStatesandlearnaboutbasiceconomics.Theycomplete the course by comparing cultures from around the world.



Educational Technology and Online Learning In this course, students use appropriate technology tools and resourcestocompleteprojects,manageinformation,andsolveproblems.Studentsusesoftwaretowrite,organize,analyze, and present information. They learn listeningand organizational skills and set attainable learninggoals. Students become responsible users of technology as they learn about internet safety and appropriate onlinebehavior.

Art Students engage in arts and crafts that explore the characteristics of the four seasons. As they study the art ofvariouscultures,theyareintroducedtoarthistoryandartcriticism.Studentsalsouseavarietyofmediatocreatetwo-andthree-dimensionalprojects.

Physical Education By third grade, students areexpected to understand and demonstrate clearly defined combinationsofmovements,andtheylearnoneormorenewactivitieseachweek.Studentslearntheimportanceof nutrition as it relates to health and physical fitness. Theyalsohavetheoptionofparticipatinginyogaoranindividualorteamsport.


A gifted and talented course is available at some schools. Gifted and talented math courses include above-grade-level content that may not be noted in the course summaries.



32

FOURTH GRADE Language ArtsInthiscourse,studentsusecritical-

thinking and reading comprehension skills to analyzetexts. Using a multi-draft reading approach, studentsmakeconnectionsbetweentheirreadingsandtheworld.Theywillbeaskedquestionssuchas“Howcanachallengebringoutourbest?”and“Howdodifferentwriterstreatthesametopic?”Throughthefive-stagewritingprocess—prewriting,drafting,revising,editing,andpublishing—students practice writing quality sentences andwell-organizedcompositions.Dailyreadingandwritingactivities help students continue to master spelling,grammar,andlanguageskills.Studentswillalsolearnthestrokesofcursivehandwriting.


Math In this course, students learn mathematical concepts related toplacevalue, addingand subtractingmulti-digitwholenumbers,strategiesformultiplicationand division, factors,multiples, algebra, and patterns.They also learn about calculating fractions; comparingdecimals; interpreting data; classifying andmeasuringangles, lines, and shapes; and converting units ofmeasurement.Studentsuseproblem-solving,reasoning,communicating, representing, andmaking connectionsto form mathematical concepts. The course supportsthe development of students’ mathematical thinkingby building both conceptual knowledge and proceduralfluency.


Science Students explore topics throughhands-onexperiences,virtuallabs,andinteractiveactivities.Theydevelop inquiry skills suchasplanning and conductinginvestigations, organizing and analyzing data, anddrawingconclusionsbasedonevidence—especiallyhowto collect and analyze data. Students gain engineering design experience by testing and improving a designsolution. They develop knowledge across a number oftopics in Earth, physical, and life science. Concepts such as scale, proportion, and quantity are integrated throughout the course.


Social Studies Inthiscourse,studentscoverthemesofsocialstudies:geography,U.S.historyandgovernment,and economics. They also use a regional approach toexamine these themes. Students learn to use different types of maps and other geographic tools and to apply geographic skills and concepts. The course emphasizeshow geography influences howwe live, the role of theindividualinthecommunity,andhowthingschangeovertime.(Coursecontentmayvarybystate.)



Educational Technology and Online Learning In this course, students use appropriate technology tools and resources to complete projects, manage information, and solve problems. Students use software to write, organize, analyze, and present information. Students become responsible users of technology as they learnaboutinternetsafety,appropriateonlinebehavior,andeffectivesearchandwebsiteevaluationstrategies.

Art Inthiscourse,studentsareintroducedtoworksofartfromseveral continents.As theybecomemore familiarwith art elements and the principles of design, they learn how these are applied in creating visual art in diverseculturesaroundtheworld.Inaddition,studentsusevariousmediatocreatetwo-andthree-dimensionalprojects.

Physical Education By fourth grade, students haveimprovedhand–eye coordination, and they understandrulesandtheimportanceoffollowingthem.Thispreparesthem formore advanced instruction in both individualandpartneractivities.Studentslearntheimportanceofnutrition and exercise as they relate to health and physical fitness.Studentsalsohavetheoptionofparticipatinginyogaoranindividualorteamsport.

33


FIFTH GRADE Language ArtsInthiscourse,studentsusecritical-

thinking and reading comprehension skills to analyzetexts. Using a multi-draft reading approach, studentsmakeconnectionsbetweentheirreadingsandtheworld.They will be asked questions such as “What kinds ofexperiencescanleadtonewdiscoveries?”and“Howdowe decide what’s important?” Through the five-stagewritingprocess—prewriting,drafting, revising,editing,and publishing—students practice writing qualitysentencesandwell-organizedcompositions.Dailyreadingandwritingactivitieshelp students continue tomasterspelling,grammar,andlanguageskills.Studentswillalsolearnthestrokesofcursivehandwriting.


Math In this course, students learn mathematical concepts related toplacevalue, addingand subtractingdecimals, using models to multiply and divide, thecoordinate plane, algebra, patterns, and relationships. They also learn about 2-D figures, operations withfractions,volume,convertingmeasurements,interpretingdata,andequivalentexpressions.Studentsuseproblem-solving, reasoning, communicating, representing, andmaking connections to form mathematical concepts.The course supports the development of students’mathematical thinking by building both conceptualknowledgeandproceduralfluency.


Science Students explore topics throughhands-onexperiences,virtuallabs,andinteractiveactivities.Theydevelop inquiry skills suchasplanning and conductinginvestigations, organizing and analyzing data, anddrawing conclusions—especiallywhen it comes tohowdata collection provides evidence tomake conclusions.Students also compare and analyze multiple solutions toadesignproblem.Studentsdevelopknowledgeacrossa number of topics in Earth, physical, and life science. Concepts such as understanding systems and system models are integrated throughout the course.


Social Studies In this course, students trace the history of the United States from the earliest Americans to the 21st century. Students examine factors that impact settlement, immigration,migration,technologicaladvancements,andtheroleofgovernment.Studentsusemapstochartthegrowthofthenation.Theycompare,makegeneralizations,drawconclusions,sequenceevents,andinterpretprimaryandsecondarysources.Theyalsolearnhowgeographyhasaffectedcultureandhistoricevents,andtheystudythefactors that impact economic growth.


Educational Technology and Online Learning In this course, students use appropriate technology tools and resourcestocompleteprojects,manageinformation,andsolveproblems.Studentsusesoftwaretowrite,organize,analyze, and present information. Students learn listening and organizational skills and set attainable learninggoals. Students become responsible communicators and users of technology as they learn about intellectual property, internet safety, and effective search andevaluationstrategies.

Art Studentsareintroducedtovariousworksofart,andthey become familiar with the elements of art and the principlesofdesign.Theyexaminehowtheseelementsandprincipleswereappliedtocreatevisualartindifferenttime periods and cultures. Students use assorted media to createtwo-andthree-dimensionalprojects.

Physical EducationByfifthgrade,studentsunderstandthe concepts of fair play and playing by the rules. Respectingthemselvesandothersisemphasizedduringcooperativephysicaleducationactivities.Studentslearnthe importance of nutrition and exercise as they relate to healthandphysicalfitness.Studentsalsohavetheoptionofparticipatinginyogaoranindividualorteamsport.





34

Read full descriptions at ConnectionsAcademy.com/Elementary K–5

ELECTIVE COURSESChinese (I and II)

Grades 3–5

Discovering Music (I, II, and III)Grades 3–5

Experiencing Music (I, II, and III)Grades K–2

Gifted and Talented Literature StudyGrade 2

Home Life

Sign Language

Spanish (I and II)Grades 3–5

WebQuest

CLUBS & ACTIVITIESArts and CraftsBook and Digital Storytelling ClubBrainteasers ClubChess ClubMath Club IMath Club IIMovie ClubMusic ClubPen PalsPens and Lens: Student Literary MagazineQuiz BowlRobotics ClubScience Sleuths: Weird ScienceScience Sleuths: Wild WeatherSports Club

Clubs and activities are subject to change.

ELECTIVE COURSES

K–5

http://ConnectionsAcademy.com/Elementary

35

Grades 6–8 Curriculum

LANGUAGE ARTS 6–8 Language Arts 6 Throughthestudyofauthorssuch

asElizabethPartridge,GarySoto,andLangstonHughes,students ponder such questions as “Is conflict alwaysbad?”;“Howdowedecidewhoweare?”;and“Howmuchdo our communities shape us?” Short-term researchengagesstudents’ curiosityandcritical-thinkingskills.Students are encouraged to support their ideas with evidence as they practice narrative, informative, andpersuasivewriting.

Pearson Literature, Grade 6

Language Arts 7 BystudyingauthorssuchasAmyTan,EmilyDickinson,andLaurenceYep,studentspondersuchquestionsas“Doeseveryconflicthaveawinner?”;“Whatisthebestwaytocommunicate?”;and“Doothersseeusmoreclearlythanweseeourselves?”Short-andlong-termresearchengagestheircuriosityandcritical-thinking skills. Students are encouraged to integrateknowledge and ideas into their work as they practicenarrative,informative,andpersuasivewriting.


Language Arts 8 Through the study of authors such as Nikki Giovanni, Elie Wiesel, and Mark Twain, students ponder such questions as “Can all conflicts be resolved?”; “Is it our differences or our similarities that matter most?”; and “Are yesterday’s heroesimportant today?” Students exercise their curiosity and critical-thinking skills through short- and long- termresearch.They refineand reinforce their skillsbypracticingnarrative,informative,andpersuasivewriting.



A gifted and talented course is available at some schools.

Textbooks may vary by state.

36

MATH 6–8 Math 6 Students connect ratio and rate to whole-

number multiplication and division and also use theconceptsofratioandratetosolveproblems.Inaddition,theyexpandtheirabilitytodividefractionsandtowrite,interpret,andapplyexpressionsandequations.Theyalsodevelopanunderstandingofstatisticalthinking.

Mathematics: Course 1, Prentice Hall

Math 7 Students build on their knowledge ofproportional relationships and operations with rational numbers.Theysolvereal-worldproblemsinvolvingscaledrawings, geometric constructions, area, surface area, and volume.Studentsalsodrawinferencesaboutpopulationsbased on samples.


Algebra Readiness (Pre-Algebra) Students prepare for algebra as they expand their understanding of expressions andequations.Theysolvelinearequationsandsystemsoflinear equations,use functions todescribequantitativerelationships,andanalyze two-and three-dimensionalspace and figures.


Algebra 1 In this course, students explore the properties ofrealnumbersandapplythisknowledgetoequations,inequalities,andmulti-stepequations.Studentslearntoidentify,write,andgraphfunctionsandequations;simplifyradicalexpressions;andsolvequadraticequations.Theylearn to factor and perform operations with binomials and polynomials. Students calculate slope and use the slope-interceptformtographlinearequations.Theyalsolearntosolvesystemsofequationsandinequalitiesbothgraphically and algebraically. This course is offered toqualifiedstudents.

Algebra 1, Prentice Hall

37


SCIENCE 6–8 Themiddleschoolscienceprogramcoverslifescience,

Earth science, and physical science using a varietyof online resources as well as meaningful hands-onactivities.Studentsexplorefundamentalconceptsrelatingtothevariousfieldsofscience,andtheybegintodevelopascientificworldview.

These media-rich science courses enable students toengage actively in inquiry-based investigations andscience, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)projects,aswellascross-disciplinaryandcross-curricularactivities.Studentsareencouragedtomakeconnections,collaborate, and reflect on their learning as theyworkthrough the content.

As students advance through the courses, they receivean internationally benchmarked science education thatcovers the topics listed below. Because each course isdesignedtomeetstate-basedstandards,thesequenceofcontentwillvarybystateandmayincludethefollowing: • Structure of the cell

•Organismsystemsandinformationprocessing in the body

•Transferofmatterandenergyinorganisms and ecosystems

• Interdependent relationships in ecosystems

• Natural selection and adaptations

•Growth,development,andreproduction of organisms

• Earth and space systems

• Earth’s surface and interior processes

• Weather and climate

• Human impact on Earth

• Structure and properties of matter

• Chemical reactions

• Forces, energy, and motion

•Wavesandelectromagneticradiation



An honors course is available.

38

SOCIAL STUDIES 6–8Social Studies 6 Students study political, economic, and socialchangesfromworldhistoryinSocialStudies6.Theyuse their critical-thinking skills to make connectionsbetween historical events, such as the rise and fall ofempires, the rise and spread ofmajor world religions,andtheriseofdemocracy.Theyalsoanalyzelong-termchanges and recurring patterns in world history. In addition to history, students also study the geography, culture, and governmentstructuresoftheareasoffocus.Thinkingashistorians, they analyze timelines, read primary source documents, form hypotheses, and draw conclusions.

myWorld Interactive: World Geography, Pearson

Social Studies 7 Students study political, economic, and social changes from world history in Social Studies 7. They use their critical-thinking skills to make connections between historical events, suchas the spread of cultures, the development of newtechnologies,andthemodernizationofgovernmentandeconomicsystems.Theyalsoanalyzelong-termchangesand recurring patterns in world history. In addition to history, students also study the geography, culture, and governmentstructuresoftheareasoffocus.Thinkingashistorians, they analyze timelines, read primary source documents, form hypotheses, and draw conclusions.

myWorld Interactive: World History, Pearson

Social Studies 8 In this course, students study the history oftheNorthAmericancontinent.ThecoursecoverstheearlyculturesthatthrivedintheAmericasforthousandsof years, the European exploration and colonization of the continent,andthesubsequentriseoftheUnitedStates.StudentslearnabouttheCivilWarandtheReconstructionthatfollowed.Thecoursetracestheadvancesmadeoverthe last century and a half and the role the United States has played in a changing world.

American History, Pearson



State history or alternative social studies courses may be

offered in grades 6–8 depending on state requirements.

39


ADDITIONAL REQUIRED COURSES 6–8ArtThemiddleschoolartprogramisorganizedaroundthe three artistic processes of creating, presenting, and responding. In addition, the program emphasizes how art anddesigncandriveinnovationinthesamewayscience,technology,engineering,andmathematicsdo.Throughoutthecourses,studentsusevariousmediaandtechniquestoconstructprojects,collaboratewithpeers,andcritiquetheir own work, as well as the work of other artists.Students explore how local, national, and international artinfluencesideas,actions,cultures,andenvironments.

Educational Technology and Online Learning Students use electronic media and software to apply academic conceptsastheycreatemeaningfulorganizers,projects,andpresentations.Studentslocate,retrieve,andevaluatedata in order to construct and analyze databases. They produce presentations on internet safety, onlinepredators,andcyberbullying.Studentsbecomeeffectivecommunicatorsandcollaboratorsastheyplan,evaluate,and synthesize research emphasizing current issues in the field of technology.

Health and Physical Education Students determine currentpersonalfitnesslevelsandlearntoimprovethem.Thisprovides studentswith the foundation for lifelonghealth andphysical fitness. They learn safety rules forexercise, how different activities target different bodyparts,howtosetandreachagoal,andhowtomakehealthychoices.Activityoptionsareplentiful,leadingstudentstoahealthyandphysicallyactivelifestyle.Studentskeepalogofphysicalfitnessactivitiessotheycanmonitorandreflectonpersonalprogress.AyogaDVDisprovided.

Art: Students learn about color variations by completing an interactive activity.

Health and Physical Education: This interactive tool enables students to engage with the content as they review health-related topics.

40

Read full descriptions at ConnectionsAcademy.com/MiddleSchool 6–8

ELECTIVE COURSESChinese (I and II)Exploring Music (I, II, and III)Home LifeIntroduction to Online LearningMiddle School Career Exploration IMiddle School Digital Art and DesignMiddle School JournalismSign LanguageSpanish (I and II)WebQuest


CLUBS & ACTIVITIES6–8

Art ClubArts and CraftsBook and Digital Storytelling ClubBrainteasers ClubBroadcast and Theater Arts ClubCareer ClubChess ClubDebate ClubGaming and Technology ClubMath Club IMath Club II

The Monitor: Student BlogMovie ClubMusic ClubPen PalsPens and Lens: Student Literary MagazinePoetry CornerQuiz BowlRobotics ClubScience ClubSports Club

Clubs and activities are subject to change.

http://ConnectionsAcademy.com/MiddleSchool

41


THE CONNECTIONS ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL ADVANTAGE

Connections Academy online schools are a great match for today’s teens as they prepare for careers of the future.

STUDENT SUPPORT Licensed or certified schoolcounselors support students in the areas of academic development, personal and social growth, and careerexplorationandfutureplanning.Thisincludes:

•Helping studentsmaximizeacademicachievementsandsetgoalsforcollegeand/orcareer

•Assisting with college applications and providingofficial transcripts for those applying to college

•Providingguidanceforstudentsenteringtheworkforceor the military

COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS The counselingteam holds national LiveLesson sessions focused onstudents’developmentduringhigh school andbeyond.Weekly sessions cover academicachievement,personalandsocialdevelopment,andcollegeandcareerreadiness.The College & Career Readiness Programs include thetheCareerFiresideChatseriesthattakesasneakpeekatvariouscareerpaths.Guestspeakersexplaintheircareersandtheacademicandprofessionaljourneythatledthemto their current position. Another series, Chat with a Grad, allows students to chat with Connections Academy graduates about life after high school.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES Connections AcademyoffersawiderangeofCollegeBoard–approved AP courses to prepare talented students for the national AP exams. High scores on these tests could enable students to earn early college credit or placement in advancedclasses,dependingontheindividualcollege’spolicies.

• AP Art History •APBiology•APCalculusAB•APCalculusBC• AP Computer Science A •APEnglishLanguage

and Composition • AP English Literature

and Composition•APEnvironmentalScience

• AP Human Geography• AP Macroeconomics• AP Microeconomics• AP Psychology•APSpanishLanguage• AP Statistics • AP United States

Government and Politics

• AP United States History

NCAA AND CALIFORNIA A–G COURSES Most of ourhighschool corecoursesandmanyelectivesareapprovedbytheNCAAEligibilityCenter.Also,manycourses are certified as fulfilling the “a–g” subjectrequirementsforfreshmanadmissiontotheUniversityof California. Visit ConnectionsAcademy.com/CourseApprovals for more details.

ACT/SAT PREPARATION COURSES Students can prepare for college by enrolling in the College Prep withACT/SATcourses,whichutilizeonlineresourcesfromSchmoopandtheCollegeBoard/KhanAcademy.StudentscantakeseveralpracticetestsandTeachlet® tutorials devoted to other critical aspects of thecollegeapplicationprocess,includingwritingeffectivepersonal essays and understanding the financial aid process.

POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE To celebrate thesuccessful completion of high school, most Connections Academy schools hold live graduationceremonies.

Ifyourstudentisjoiningusfromanotheraccreditedhighschool, our counselorswill review transcripts to placehimorherintheappropriatecourses.Ifyouhavebeenhomeschooling your student, you can submit a High School Home School Credit form. Counselors will use this to determine placement.

Transferring from another school?

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ENGLISH 9–12 English 9 Classic and contemporary works of

American, British, and world literature in a variety ofgenres are introduced. Students analyze short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry selections. Students also read and analyze novels and other major literary works.Assignments strengthen students’ understanding of literary elements in poetry, fiction, and drama; thecharacteristics of narrative, expository, and persuasivewriting;correctgrammarandusage;andresearchskills.The thematic units include works by Homer, Gabriel GarcíaMárquez,andLeslieMarmonSilko.

Pathways: Literature for Readers and Writers, Perfection Learning

The Essential Guide to Language, Writing, & Literature, PerfectionLearning

Writing with Power, PerfectionLearning

English 10Thetimelessthemesinworldliteratureareemphasized in English 10. A classic literature selection introduces each region, followed by short fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and/or drama. Students explore thecultures surrounding each piece of literature and consider thesimilaritiesthatunitethehumanfamily.Thesurveyofworld literature includesworksbyMargaretAtwood,Pablo Neruda, and Eugène Ionesco. Students continue to strengthen their mastery of the writing process and composeforvariouspurposesandtodeveloptheirresearchprocessandoralcommunicationskills.

Reading the World, PerfectionLearning


English 11Studentsfocusontheliterarymovementsthat comprise American literature and trace the chronology of national literature from the early American and colonial period through the contemporary period. Students read selectionsfromtheNativeAmericanoraltradition;seminalhistoricaldocumentsandessays;andfiction,nonfiction,poetry, and drama. The survey of American authorsincludesMark Twain, Ralph Ellison, and Julia Alvarez.Studentscontinuetostrengthenandapplyhigher-levelcritical-reading, literary analysis, and research skills.

American Short Stories, PerfectionLearning

A Multicultural Reader: Collection Two,PerfectionLearning


English 12 Students study classical and contemporary British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to themodern era. They examine how the historical, social,and cultural contexts of each period influenced writers. Particularattentionisgiventotheformandfunctionofdifferent types of literature, including epic poetry, allegory, lyricpoetry,fiction,nonfiction,anddrama.ThesurveyofBritishliteratureincludesexcerptsfromGeoffreyChaucer,WilliamShakespeare,andVirginiaWoolf.Studentswritecreative and analytical compositions andparticipate incollaborativediscussionstorefinetheirwritingproducts.

British Literature, PerfectionLearning


AP English Language and Composition This courseprovideshighschoolstudentswithcollege-levelinstructionin language, rhetoric, and exposition. Students study and writevariouskindsofanalyticandpersuasiveessaysonliteraryandnonliterarytopics.Studentsbecomeskilledreadersofprosewritten invariousperiods,disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. Both reading and writingassignments are designed to make students awareof the interaction between a writer’s subjectand purpose and the audience’s expectations, as well as the way in which conventions and languagecontribute to effectiveness in writing. This courseprepares students for the AP English Language andComposition exam by enabling them to read, comprehend, andwriteaboutcomplextextswhiledevelopingfurthercommunicationskillsatacollegelevel.

Writing America: Language and Composition in Context, AP Edition, Pearson

AP English Literature and Composition This courseprepares high school students for the AP English Literature and Composition exam by providing themwithcollege-levelinstructioninvariouskindsofanalyticandpersuasiveessaysonliteraryandnonliterarytopics.Studentsbecomeskilledreadersofprosewritteninvariousperiods,disciplines,andrhetoricalcontexts.Throughtheirintegratedreadingandwritingactivities,studentsanalyzeandevaluate the interactionbetweenawriter’s subjectand purpose and the audience’s expectations, as well as thewayinwhichconventionsandlanguagecontributetoeffectivenessinwriting.

How to Prepare: AP Exam English Literature and Composition,Barron’sEducationalSeries

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SCIENCE 9–12 Biology Students have frequent opportunities to

debate scientific findings and analyze how biology impacts society as they study topics such as ecology, genetics,andanatomy.Usingbothhands-onexperimentsand interactive tools, they also study cells, comparemicroorganisms,investigateplantandanimalstructureand function, and explore the history of life on Earth.

Miller and Levine Biology, Pearson

AP Biology This challenging course is designed to provideacollege-levelexperienceandpreparestudentsfortheAPBiologyexam.Studentsareengagedinawide variety of activities, with substantial emphasis oninterpretingandcollectingdata invirtual labs,writinganalytical essays, mastering biology concepts, and making connections. The key themes in the courseincludethescientificprocesses;theeffectsofscienceontechnology and society; the chemistry andmakeup oflivingorganisms;andgenetics,diversity,andevolution.

Campbell Biology, Ninth Edition, Pearson

Chemistry Students are given the opportunity to model atomic structure and to observe, represent, andinterpret reactions between atoms and molecules. Students investigate thepropertiesof solutionsandanalyze thenatureofsolids,liquids,andgasesusinginteractivetools.They describe and calculate the energies of different types of reactions and explore electrochemistry.

Chemistry, Prentice Hall

Earth ScienceStudentslookatourplanet’splaceintheuniverse,atitscomposition,andatthemanychangesit may undergo. In addition, they study Earth’s history by comparing landforms; investigating the propertiesofrocksandminerals;analyzingweatherpatterns;andexamining the relationships between the Earth, moon, and sun.

Earth Science, Prentice Hall

AP Environmental Science The goal of this courseis to provide students with the scientific principles,concepts, and methodologies required to understandinterrelationships in the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems that are natural andhuman-made, and prepare for the AP EnvironmentalScience exam. Students evaluate the relative risksassociatedwiththeseproblemsandexaminealternativemethodsforresolvingorpreventingproblems.Hands-onandvirtual labexperiencessupportstudents’ability tomaster the content.

Environment: The Science Behind the Stories, Pearson

Physical Science Students explore and learn the basic concepts of chemistry and physics. The chemistry-focused lessons extend prior knowledge of the properties, states, and structure ofmatter;explore thedynamicsofchemicalbondingandreactions;andintroducestudentstonuclearchemistry.Thephysics-focusedlessonsenablestudentstoexploremotion, force, work, power, energy, wave mechanics,electricity, magnetism, optics, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Additional content includes Earth science units. Hands-onexplorationsandvirtualsimulationsenhancestudents’comprehensionofkeyscienceconcepts.

Physical Science: Concepts in Action, Prentice Hall

Physics Students apply the math and science skillstheyhavealreadylearnedtoexplainthelawsofmotion,analyze the laws of thermodynamics, describe the behavior of waves, and investigate the relationshipbetweenelectricityandmagnetism.Theyareintroducedto quantum physics and are asked to apply physicsconceptstoreal-lifesituations.

Physics,Holt,Rinehart,&Winston




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MATH 9–12Pre-Algebra In this course, students areprovidedwitha solid foundation for success in future high school mathematics.Theyrefinetheiroperationalskillsastheyworkwithexponents, fractions,decimals,and integers,andtheylearntousevariablesandexpressionstowriteandsolveequationsandinequalities.Studentsareintroducedtorelationsandfunctions,aswellasmulti-stepequations,whichtheylearntosolveandgraph.Unitsongeometricskills focus on development of spatial thinking and anunderstanding of basic geometric terms and formulas. (Thiscourseisnotofferedatallschools.)


Algebra 1 Students learn about the properties of real numbers and apply their knowledge to equations,inequalities,andmulti-stepequations.Theymoveontoidentify,write,andgraphfunctionsandequations;simplifyradicalexpressions;solvequadraticequations;andfactorand perform operations with binomials and polynomials. Students calculate slope and use the slope-interceptform to graph linear equations. They also learn to solvesystemsofequationsandinequalitiesbothgraphicallyandalgebraically.


Algebra 2Studentsengageinhigh-levelmathematicaldiscussions and apply algebraic concepts to real-worldscenariosastheybuildonpriorknowledgeoffunctions,systemsofequations,thequadraticformula,andfactoring.Students also continue to study arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, probability and statistics, andtrigonometricidentitiesandequations.


Geometry This courseguides students through theexploration of geometric figures. They analyze planefiguresandthree-dimensionalfiguresandapplyformulasto calculate area, surface area, and volume. They learnhowtouseinductiveanddeductivelogictoconductformalproofs through predictions, counterexamples, and drawing conclusions. Students also conduct detailed analyses of the properties of parallel and perpendicular lines, triangles, polygons,quadrilaterals,andcircles,includingsimilarityand transformations.

Geometry, Prentice Hall

PrecalculusInthiscourse,studentsanalyzevariousfunctions.Theystudyquadratics,sequences,andseries.Students expand their knowledge of trigonometricconceptsandexplorevectorsandparametricequations.Finally, students examine concepts, including limits and derivatives, in preparation for their study of calculus.Throughout thecourse, lessons focusonways inwhichmathematics is applied in the real world and is essential to everyday life. This, combined with an emphasison mathematical reasoning and critical-thinkingskills, prepares students for future college and careeropportunities.

Calculus Students study limits, continuity, and differentiation while exploring integrated algebraic, trigonometric, and transcendental functions and the applications of derivatives and integrals. Major topicsand concepts include differentiation and integration rules, ratesof change,derivative tests, anddifferentialequations. A TI-83+ or TI-84+ graphing calculator isstronglyrecommendedbutisnotprovidedbyConnectionsAcademy.

Thomas’ Calculus: Early Transcendentals, 13th Edition, Pearson

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AP Calculus AB This college-level course covers suchconceptsasderivatives,integrals,limits,approximation,applications, and modeling. In the first semester, studentsbeginbyreviewingfunctionnotation,andthenthey explore absolute value, piecewise, exponential,logarithmic, trigonometric, polynomial, and rational functions. After studying limits and continuity, students move on to concepts of derivatives, including thechain rule, differentiation, implicit differentiation, and logarithmic differentiation. Toward the end of thecourse, students applywhat theyhave learned to solveintegrationproblems.ThiscoursepreparesstudentsfortheAPCalculusAB exam.ATI-83+or TI-84+graphingcalculatorisrequiredforthiscoursebutisnotprovidedbyConnections Academy.

Calculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic, Fourth Edition, Prentice Hall

AP Calculus BCThiscourse,anextensionofAPCalculusAB,emphasizesbroadconceptsandapplicablemethods.Students describe and analyze functions, limits, and graphs; calculate and apply derivatives; interpret andapply integrals; and study polynomial approximationsand series. The course provides opportunities forstudents toapplyconcepts toreal-worldsituations.ThiscoursepreparesstudentsfortheAPCalculusBCexam.ATI-83+orTI-84+graphingcalculatorisrequiredforthiscoursebutisnotprovidedbyConnectionsAcademy.

Calculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic, Fourth Edition, Prentice Hall

Consumer Math Students focus on math skills andproblem-solvingstrategiesthatarerelevanttopracticalfinancial applications. Topics include planning andmanagingabudget,avoidingcommonfinancialpitfalls,and posing questions to businesses and companies.Students also learn to examine their own spending behaviorandevaluatepurchasingdecisions.

Explorations in Mathematics Students delve intofundamentalmathconceptsandapplythemtoreal-lifesituations. Topics covered include prime factorization,operationswith rationalnumbersand integers, solvingequations,propertiesofrealnumbers,andbasicstatistics.Thegoalofthiscourseistoestablishasolidbaseforthestudyofmoreadvancedmath.

Statistics In this course, students are introduced to the major concepts of collecting, organizing, and drawingconclusionsfromdata.Studentshavetheopportunitytoobserve patterns and departures from patterns, plan astudy, produce models using probability and simulation, and use statistical inference to confirm models.

Stats: Modeling the World,Addison-WesleyProfessional

AP Statistics Students gain an understanding of the vocabulary, method, and meaning of statistics. Theyexplore data and patterns found in the world around them by analyzing information and noting statistical relationships. Theyapplytheirknowledgetorelevantopen-endedtasksrequiring them to connect multiple statistical topicstogether.Todemonstratetheircomprehension,studentsactivelyconstructexperimentstounderstand,interpret,communicate, and apply statistical methods. General topics of study include planning and designing a study, anticipatingpatterns,andmakingstatisticalinferences.ThiscoursepreparesstudentsfortheAPStatisticsexam.

Stats: Modeling the World,Addison-WesleyProfessional




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SOCIAL STUDIES 9–12Economics This course provides an introduction tomacroeconomics andmicroeconomics and covers suchbasics as supply and demand, labor issues, financial markets, taxes, and international trade. Students alsoexaminehowcapitalismandtheglobaleconomywork.

Economics: Principles in Action, Prentice Hall

AP Macroeconomics Students learn about the overalleconomy and explore the gross domestic product (GDP) and other indicators. Students also examine inflation, unemployment, world trade patterns, and the role of the Federal Reserve. Working with atheoretical economy, they also use fiscal and monetary policy to create high employment and a higher standard of living. This course prepares students for the APMacroeconomics exam.

Foundations of Economics, Pearson

AP Microeconomics This course introduces the waysinwhichpeoplemakeuseoflimitedresources.Studentsexamine supply and demand, factors of production, the roles of labor and management, the relationship between the environment and the economy, and the impact ofgovernmentpoliciesonindividuals’economicdecisions.Students also study the stock market and track theprogressofvariousstocks.Thiscoursepreparesstudentsfor the AP Microeconomics exam.

Foundations of Economics, Pearson

Personal Finance Through real-world applicationsand clear, engaging lessons, Personal Finance prepares studentsformakingsoundfinancialdecisions.Exercisesillustrate the influence of economics in daily life and show howfinancialdecisionsmadetodayaffectthefuture.Thecoursecoverstopicssuchasfinancialandcareerplanning;banking,savings,andinvestmentprograms;andstocks,bonds, and mutual funds.

Geography and Society Students explore geography skillsandprinciplesastheyexamineseveralcasestudieswithgeographicimplications.Theygainanunderstandingofthewaysinwhichgeographyinfluencesthedailylivesofpeoplearoundtheworld.Thiscoursecoverstheconceptsof physical geography, human and environmentalinteraction,humansystems,andthemovementofpeoplesand their cultures.

World Geography Students explore the world’s cultural regions by focusing on location, physical characteristics, demographics, historical changes, economic activity,and landuse.Theyareencouraged toexamine real-lifesituations,developanunderstandingofmulticulturalism,and explore the relationship between people and their environment.

AP Human GeographyThiscourseisdesignedtoprovidecollege-level instructionon thepatternsandprocessesthat impact the way humans understand, use, and change Earth’s surface. Students use geographic models, methods, and tools to examine human social organization and its effectontheworld.Theyarechallengedtousemapsandgeographical data to discern spatial patterns and analyze the changing interconnections between people and places.ThiscoursepreparesstudentsfortheAPHumanGeography exam.

The Cultural Landscape, Pearson

American Government Students examine concepts such as democracy, federalism, separation of powers, andchecksandbalances.Thebranchesofgovernment—legislative,executive,andjudicial—arestudiedindepth.Students learn about the basic rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens; the influence of political parties, themedia,andinterestgroups;andthestructureoflocalandstategovernments.The coursepresents information inacontextrelevanttostudents.Activitiesaredesignedtodevelop students’ ability to read andevaluatedifferentforms of information and communicate their ideas.

American Government, Pearson

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AP United States Government and Politics Students surveythecomplexsubjectsoftheU.S.governmentandpolitics. Theymake detailed analyses of the processesand institutions (both formal and informal) by which the political system functions and policy decisions are made.Theseanalysestakeintoaccounttheconstitutionalstructure of government, participatory politics, theformal institutions of power (and extra-constitutionalinfluencesonthem),publicpolicy,andindividualrightsand liberties. This course prepares students for the APUnitedStatesGovernmentandPoliticsexam.

Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy, Pearson

United States History Students follow the significant developments in America’s history. They explore thegrowth of American society from early settlement and colonization to the emergence of the United States as an independentnation.ThecausesandaftermathoftheCivilWararediscussed,asisAmerica’sinvolvementinWorldWar I. Students explore the social and economic whirlwind of the Roaring Twenties and the subsequent GreatDepression;WorldWarII;theColdWar;andtheturmoilandsocietalchangesofthe1960sand1970s.Thefinalpartof the course explores America’s history from Watergate to theearly21stcentury.Throughoutthiscourse,geographyandgovernmentconceptsareintroducedanddiscussed.

United States History, Prentice Hall

AP United States History Students learn about what makesAmericagreatastheyuseinteractiveassignments,write essays, study primary source documents, and engage in discussions on topics ranging from colonial America to theCivilWar to the present. They investigate learningobjectives covering sevenmajor themeswhile applyingthehistoricalthinkingskillsthatarecentraltothestudyand practice of history, including chronological reasoning, comparison and contextualization, crafting historical arguments from historical evidence, and historicalinterpretation and synthesis. This course preparesstudents for the AP United States History exam.

By the People: A History of the United States, AP Edition, Pearson

World HistoryThiscourseprovidesstudentswithacomprehensiveexaminationofworldhistory,fromancienttimes through present day. Students explore prehistory andearlycivilization,focusingontheancientcivilizationsof the Americas, Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome. TheystudymedievalChristianEuropefromtheearlytolate Middle Ages; regional civilizations including theMuslimworld,Africa,andAsia;andearlymoderntimes,with a focus on the Renaissance, Reformation, and Global Age.Thecourseexploressocial,political,andeconomicchanges of the 19th and 20th centuries, including theindustrial age and independencemovements. Studentsstudy the impact of nationalism, imperialism, and the world wars. Finally, they explore the Cold War, new nations, and the effects of globalization.

World History, Pearson



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Read full descriptions at ConnectionsAcademy.com/HighSchool 9–12

ELECTIVE COURSESADVANCED PLACEMENTAP Art History†

AP Computer Science A†

AP PsychologyAP Spanish Language†

Additional AP courses are listed within the core subjects on preceding pages.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Entrepreneurship: Owning Your Own BusinessSports Management

CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATIONAccounting IAccounting IIAdministrative Duties and Office ManagementAnatomy and PhysiologyBusiness CommunicationBusiness Information SystemsBusiness LawBusiness MathCriminal InvestigationDevelopmental WritingHealth, Safety, and NutritionHuman Resource ManagementIntroduction to BusinessIntroduction to Communication

Introduction to Criminal JusticeIntroduction to Early Childhood EducationIntroduction to FinanceIntroduction to Homeland SecurityIntroduction to LawIntroduction to Medical AssistingIntroduction to Paralegal ProfessionIntroduction to PsychologyIntroduction to SociologyIntroductory AstronomyJava Programming IJava Programming IILeadership and Supervision in BusinessMedical Law and EthicsMedical TerminologyPrinciples of ManagementPrinciples of MarketingPublic SpeakingResearch Methods

ENGLISHJournalismSpeech and Debate

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATIONHealth, Fitness, and NutritionPersonal FitnessPersonal Fitness IIPhysical Education

MATHAlgebra with Finance

SCIENCEEarth Space Science*Environmental ScienceMarine Science*

SOCIAL STUDIESPsychology

STUDENT DEVELOPMENTCareer Planning and Skill DevelopmentCollege Prep with ACTCollege Prep with SATDriver’s EducationInternship and Work StudyReading and Writing for Purpose

TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING3-D Computer ModelingConcepts of Engineering and TechnologyEmergent Computer TechnologyGame Design IGame Design IIIntroduction to Computer ApplicationsIntroduction to Graphic DesignWeb Design

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTSArt HistoryDigital Photography IDigital Photography II

†*

Living Music ILiving Music II

WORLD LANGUAGESChinese IChinese IIChinese IIIFrench IFrench IIFrench IIIFrench IVGerman IGerman IIGerman IIIJapanese IJapanese IILatin ILatin IILatin IIISign Language ISign Language IISpanish ISpanish IISpanish IIISpanish IVSpanish for Spanish Speakers

Also offered as an honors course

Two-semester course; must begin in fall semester

Designates a new, revised, or expanded course

Not all courses are available in all states. See ConnectionsAcademy.com for details.

Visit ConnectionsAcademy.com/ CourseApprovals to see which courses are approved by either the University of California a-g program or the NCAA Eligibility Center.

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

9–12Art ClubBook and Digital Storytelling ClubBrainteasers ClubBroadcast and Theater Arts ClubCareer ClubChess ClubCollege Planning ClubDebate ClubFirst-Generation ClubGaming and Technology Club

The Monitor: Student Blog Movie ClubMusic ClubPen PalsPens and Lens: Student Literary MagazinePoetry CornerQuiz BowlRobotics ClubScience ClubSports ClubClubs and activities are subject to change.

Read full descriptions at ConnectionsAcademy.com/HighSchool 9–12

http://ConnectionsAcademy.com/HighSchool

http://ConnectionsAcademy.com/CourseApprovals

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