Specialized Secondary Programs are expected to be models of standard-based instruction that are rich in curriculum content and varied instructional methodologies that emphasize expanded, in-depth study of a targeted content area and/or career path. California Education Code (EC) Section 58800 requires that SSP sites “…develop model curricula…to be made available to other school districts in the public schools system.”
High schools that completed or are in the final year of their four-year SSP grant cycle will host SSP Demonstration Days to showcase programs, curriculum, and instructional strategies. Listed below are the names of the high schools, the SSP name, the curriculum/career focus, and the SSP Demonstration Days dates. A more detailed description of each SSP and contact information regarding the Demonstration Day follows the table. Please contact the school site if you wish to attend.
| School Name, SSP Name | Curriculum/Career Focus | Demonstration Dates |
|---|---|---|
Alexander Hamilton High School Global Studies Center |
International Studies | October 7, 2008 May 21, 2009 |
Arcata High School Arcata Arts Institute |
Visual/Performing Arts Integrated with English | Demonstration by appointment with school staff |
Canyon Crest Academy Envision (Technology and the Visual and Performing Arts Career Conservatory) |
Technology and Visual/Performing Arts | November 5, 2008 March/April 2009 Demonstration by appointment with school staff |
Capuchino High School Global Communications Program |
Technology Arts | November 14, 2008 April 24, 2009 |
Carlmont High School The Biotechnology Program |
Biotechnology | October 30, 2008 March 27, 2009 |
James C. Enochs High School Forensics/Biotechnology Science |
Forensic Biotechnology | October 28, 2008 February 10, 2009 October 2008 through June 2009 Demonstration by appointment with school staff |
June Jordan School for Equity Masterpiece Program |
Upper Division Students Projects | October 20, 2008 April 17, 2009 |
Montgomery High School Administration of Justice Academy |
Law Enforcement and Legal Studies | Demonstration by appointment with school staff |
Santa Susana High School Academies for Academic and Career Success |
Visual/Performing Arts Information Technology E-Business |
October 23, 2008 March 12, 2009 |
Alexander Hamilton High School
October 7, 2008, and May 21, 2009
Established in 1994, the Global Studies Center small learning community is a program that focuses on the exploration of different cultures, diverse languages, different lands, and international relationships. The foundational belief of this community is that knowledge and awareness of complexities of the world will foster social awareness and promote American citizenship. Students interested in pursuing careers in international business and law, the diplomatic corps, travel and hospitality, and foreign correspondence with find Global Studies a natural fit. The balanced liberal arts program, built on a humanities English and history core, recognizes the commonalities of the human experiences across diverse cultures, historical and emerging global issues, and social and political participation in the local and larger communities.
During the Demonstration Day, educators will observe the curriculum and discuss methodology with faculty. The counselor will discuss student support services and students will be available to explain how the Global Studies program impacts their experience and future goals.
Laura Press and Susan Wolfe Hecht
Global Studies Center
2955 South Robertson Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90034
310-280-1400
lpressparis@hotmail.com and shecht@lausd.net
http://www.hamiltonhighschool.net (Outside Source)
Arcata High School
Demonstration by appointment with school staff
The Arcata Arts Institute (AAI) provides tenth through twelfth grade students interested in advanced arts study with in-depth classes in visual and performing arts. The school day for AAI students is structured so that most core academic subjects are in the morning and an interdisciplinary program of arts and English classes are block-scheduled in the afternoon with no interruptions. AAI uses an audition-based admissions process which looks for a student’s commitment to the program. A student’s ability to continue in the program is determined by periodic performance assessments before a jury of teachers and professional artists.
The AAI offers a unique balance of traditional and innovative curriculum via the Art Works Network. This component of the AAI brings exemplary artists from the community into the classroom to mentor, hold in class seminars that connect to the curriculum, and offer workshops outside of the school day for in-depth arts study.
Anne Bown-Crawford
Arcata Arts Institute
1720 M Street
Arcata, CA 95521
707-825-2400
ABC@copia.net
http://www.artsinstitute.net (Outside Source)
Canyon Crest Academy
November 5, 2008, and March/April 2009-Demonstration by appointment with school staff
Envision, The Arts at Canyon Crest Academy, encompasses all of the visual and performing arts (VPA) courses offered. Envision utilizes working artists as instructors. Professional artists work side by side with our VPA teachers to deliver an outstanding arts experience. Envision is designed to serve the student who may only take one arts course during their high school experience as well as the student who wishes to study at the most intensive level possible.
Envision Conservatory is an extended day program that is available on an audition/interview basis only. Each term students participate in 90 hours of intensive discipline-specific work and about 15 hours of interdisciplinary exploration. The conservatory is designed to challenge students at the highest possible artistic levels.
The Demonstration Day will showcase curriculum as well as offer breakout sessions with VPA teachers and coaches. The structure and implementation of Envision will be discussed.
Amy Villanova
Envision, The Arts at Canyon Crest Academy
5951 Village Center Loop Road
San Diego, CA 92130
858-350-0253 ext. 4230
amy.villanova@sduhsd.net
http://teachers.sduhsd.net/avillanova/ssp.htm (Outside Source)
Capuchino High School
November 14, 2008, and April 24, 2009
The Global Communications program at Capuchino High School is a collaborative project between the English, Social Science, Physical Education, and Technology Arts departments. The goal of the Global Communications program is to make students better consumers of content they have access to on the Internet and expand their circle of influence outside of their local community. In the 21st Century, students will need to be connected, be able to collaborate and become interdependent.
After finishing the introductory course in Global Communications, students can enroll in a variety of Technology Arts classes (Art of Video, Art and Multimedia, Digital Media: Animation, Computer Systems Design and Cisco Networking). After completing other courses in the Global Communications Pathway, students can enroll in an internship course, where they will gain real-world experience applying the skills they have acquired. Students completing coursework can obtain college credit from colleges in the San Mateo County Community College District.
Martee Lopez and Dominic BigueGlobal Communications Program
1501 Magnolia Avenue
San Bruno, CA 94066
650-558-2780 and 650-588-2726
mlopez@smuhsd.org or dbigue@smuhsd.org
http://chs.smuhsd.org (Outside Source)
Carlmont High School
October 30, 2008, and March 27, 2009
Carlmont High School has implemented a three year Biotechnology Program, including an introductory biotechnology course, an advanced biotechnology course, and chemistry for biotechnology students. Numerous partnerships, which enhance the program, were formed with industry, other educational programs at the high school, and higher educational institutions.
Teachers and students will showcase curriculum and will discuss how to implement a biotechnology program with a realistic timeline. Students will present multimedia (PowerPoint, Excel, iLife) scientific projects and share their experiences. Participants will complete a laboratory on cheese production. There will be a discussion regarding where to find additional funding sources and support once a program has been implemented.
Andrea Jenoff and Tina Doss
The Biotechnology Program
1400 Alameda de las Pulgas
Belmont, CA 94002
650-595-0210
ajenoff@seq.org and tdoss@seq.org
James C. Enochs High School
October 28, 2008, February 10, 2009, and October 2008 through June 2009- Demonstration by appointment with school staff
The Forensic Biotechnology Career Pathway Program at James C. Enochs High School allows students to combine an existing interest in popular television shows such as CSI with standards-aligned core science concepts. Through highly engaging forensic investigations, students grasp scientific principles, complete graduation requirements, and prepare for college entry with well-developed laboratory skills. It is expected that students will build on their interest in science by selecting one of numerous related careers.
Curriculum for years one and two follow an integrated science model, with year three being a biotechnology emphasis. Year four offers students the chance to develop their interests in research or gain further job skills through Regional Occupational Programs (ROP) placement. Small learning community emphasis is established and maintained by looping the students with their freshman teacher through subsequent school years. Well supported by colleges, universities, industry, and the community, this program’s teaching model has been nationally recognized.
Dave Menshew
Forensic Biotechnology Career Pathway Program
3201 Sylvan Avenue
Modesto, CA 95356
209-550-3400 x 5081
June Jordan School for Equity
October 20, 2008, and April 17, 2009
Do you think standardized testing is an inadequate way to measure student performance? June Jordan School for Equity in San Francisco has a Masterpiece System that is designed to ensure real, public accountability for student achievement. With a focus on college prep and social justice, we work to build the skills necessary for college success while arming students with the tools to empower them to achieve their dreams. Using scaffolding, inquiry, essential questions and culturally relevant material, we guide students through the process of developing papers on each of the following anchor tasks: Literary Analysis, Scientific Research, Mathematical Application, and Original Research. Students then present and defend a paper and a post-graduation plan to a graduation committee before they are allowed to graduate. Committees include teachers, students, family members and community members. Lessons from the presenters and committees are then integrated into the curriculum for the following year.
Guests will have an opportunity to investigate our classroom practices of inquiry, scaffolding and culturally relevant material, get practical advice on how to implement your own alternative assessment process, and participate on a Graduation Panel.
Allison Bird Allbee
Masterpiece Program
325 La Grande Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94112
415-321-9384
Montgomery High School
Demonstration by appointment with school staff
Montgomery High School’s Administration of Justice (AOJ) Academy developed and implemented new justice related courses in law enforcement and legal issues. Students take Introduction to Legal Systems, Criminal Law, Civil Law, Communications, and a college credited Administration of Justice course. Teachers of core courses have integrated aspects of law into their subjects: AOJ English students read law related books and articles; in AOJ Physical Education students learn self-defense, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first-aide, and run a police obstacle course; AOJ World Cultures students study comparative justice systems; and in AOJ Biology the focus is on forensics. Students participate in Mock Trial and Teen Court and go on several field trips. Guest speakers from various law-related agencies, such as California Highway Patrol, Drug Enforcement Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Coast Guard, Border Patrol, Customs, San Diego County Sheriffs, County Coroner, District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Harbor Police, Probation, Chula Vista Police Department, CA Department of Corrections, and San Diego County Courts provide students with first-hand information about law-related careers.
George Sykes
Administration of Justice Academy
3250 Palm Avenue
San Diego, CA 92154
619-628-3055
Santa Susana High School
October 23, 2008, and March 12, 2009
Santa Susana High School has created a unique school structure SSP of “schools and academies” that include a nine period, extended-day flexible schedule, an advisement program, senior project, and scheduled weekly faculty collaboration. Students follow a four year course of study in one of three “schools” of study: The Arts, Information Technology, and Advanced Academics. Within each of these “schools,” students focus their studies in one of the following academies: Performing Arts, Fine Arts, Technical Arts, Digital Graphics and Publication, Internet Development, Technology Service and Support, Computer Programming, E-Business, and Law and Society. Within these academies students may take specialized courses such as Musical Theatre, Video Production, Virtual Enterprise, Comedy Workshop, Production Orchestra, Digital Photography, and Computer Animation. Visitors to Santa Susana High School will have an opportunity to learn about the unique school structure, alternative scheduling, and our specialized curriculum.
Linda Wooldridge
Academies for Academic and Career Success
3570 E. Cochran Street
Simi Valley, CA 93063
805-520-6800
lwooldridge@simi.k12.ca.us
http://www.santasusana.org (Outside Source)
