New SAT info is out.

Here are the average national scores for the SAT:

Reading 505
Math 518
Writing 497

Total: 1520

Georgia is ....well, you can guess. I'm guessing students need to aim for a 1700 or so.

Here's a CNN article about the scores, etc.

DeKalb Libaries' database of the month is Learning Express Library:

"LearningExpress Library provides a completely interactive online learning platform of practice tests and tutorial course series designed to help patrons, students, and adult learners succeed on the academic or licensing tests they must pass. You'll get immediate scoring, complete answer explanations, and an individualized analysis of your results."

Seems pretty useful, huh? Subjects include SAT, GED, AP, various academic skills improvement tutorials (math, Spanish, etc.), TOEFL, and writing skills. You need a Dekalb library card to access it, but you can get a free 30-day trial even if you don't have one.

Easy-typing Accents in many languages

Go to
http://spanish.typeit.org/
to do just what this title says.

OR visit
http://www.spanishnewyork.com/spanish-characters.html
for how to type it otherwise

Link: Word Safari Vocab Builder

Word Safari

"Expand your word knowledge while surfing the Web.
A playful approach to sharpening your academic vocabulary."

Seems like it would be great for SAT takers.

Writely Invites

Writely is an internet-based word processing program now owned by Google. It's currently in Beta, and you need an invite to join. Take a tour. If you'd like an invite, please email me.

AAAck!

It's Sunday night and the docs aren't on the HorizonsSchool.com site!!! Why?

Link: Use Hip Hop to Teach SAT Vocab

http://www.flocabulary.com/

permission to travel, honor code, schedule .pdfs

permission to travel
honor code
schedule

still waiting for: psychology, biology, ap english, know yourself, earth science, introductory letter.

I'll be sending over the links & doc for Jay tomorrow around noon.

med release and enrollment form .pdfs

medical release
enrollment agreement

New .pdfs for review

horizons plan protocol
horizons plan form
graduation requirements
student profile: Les or Martha--#17 on this seems to be missing some information.

community expectations
langauge arts standards
social studies standards
working document: standards (repost)

Language Arts Standards

Language Arts

Standards
Writing
1. Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process:
a. Prewriting
b. Drafting and Revision
c. Editing and publishing
d. Evaluates own and others’ writing
e. Uses strategies to address writing to different audiences
f. Uses strategies to adapt writing for different purposes
g. Writes expository compositions
h. Writes fictional, biographical autobiographical, and observational narrative compositions
i. Writes persuasive compositions that address problems/solutions or cause/effects
j. Writes descriptive compositions
k. Writes reflective compositions
l. Writes in response to literature
m. Uses appropriate strategies
2. Uses the stylistic and rhetorical aspects of writing
a. Uses precise and descriptive language that clarifies and enhances ideas and supports different purposes
b. Uses paragraph form in writing
c. Uses a variety of sentence structures and lengths
d. Uses a variety of transitional devices
e. Uses a variety of techniques to provide supporting detail
f. Organizes ideas to achieve cohesion in writing
g. Uses a variety of techniques to convey a personal style and voice
3. Uses grammatical and mechanical conventions in written compositions
a. Uses pronouns in written compositions
b. Uses nouns in written compositions
c. Uses verbs in written compositions
d. Uses adjectives in written compositions
e. Uses adverbs in written compositions
f. Uses conjunctions in written compositions
g. Uses conventions of spelling in written compositions
h. Uses conventions of capitalization in written compositions
i. Uses conventions of punctuation in written compositions
j. Uses commonly confused terms in written compositions
k. Uses standard format in written compositions
4. Gathers and uses information for research purposes
a. Uses appropriate research methodology: questionnaires, experiments, field studies
b. Uses a variety of print and electronic sources to gather information for research topics: news sources; databases; Internet; technical documents
c. Uses a variety of primary sources
d. Uses a variety of criteria to evaluate the validity and reliability of primary and secondary source information
e. Synthesize information from multiple research studies to draw conclusions that go beyond those found in any of the individual studies
f. Uses systematic strategies
g. Scans a passage to determine whether it contains relevant information
h. Writes research papers
i. Use standard format and methodology for documenting reference sources
Reading
5. Uses the general skills and strategies of the reading process
a. Uses context to understand figurative, idiomatic, and technical meanings of terms
b. Extends general and specialized reading vocabulary
c. Uses a range of automatic monitoring and self-correction methods
d. Understands writing techniques used to influence the reader and accomplish an author’s purpose
e. Understands influences on a reader’s response to a text
f. Understands the philosophical assumptions and basic beliefs underlying and author’s work
6. Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of literary texts
a. Uses reading skills and strategies to understand a variety of literary texts: fiction, nonfiction, myths, poems, biographies, autobiographies, science fiction, fantasies, satires, drama
b. Knows the defining characteristics of a variety of literary forms and genres
c. Analyzes the use of complex elements of plot in specific literary works
d. Analyzes the simple and complex actions between main and subordinate characters in literary works containing complex character structures
e. Knows archetypes and symbols present in a variety of literary texts
f. Understands how themes are used across literary works and genres
g. Understands the effects of author’s style and complex literary devices and techniques on the overall quality of a work
h. Understands relationships between literature and its historical period, culture, and society
i. Makes connections between his or her own life and the characters, events motives and causes of conflict in texts
j. Uses language and perspectives of literary criticism to evaluate literary works
7. Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts
a. Uses reading skills and strategies to understand a variety of informational texts
b. Knows the defining characteristics of a variety of informational texts
c. Summarizes and paraphrases complex, implicit hierarchic structures in informational texts, including the relationships among the concepts and details in those structures
d. Uses a variety of criteria to evaluate the clarity and accuracy of information
e. Uses text features and elements to support inferences and generalizations about information
Listening and Speaking
8. Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes
a. Uses criteria to evaluate own and others’ effectiveness in group discussions and formal presentations
b. Asks questions as a way to broaden and enrich classroom discussions
c. Uses a variety of strategies to enhance listening comprehension
d. Adjusts message wording and delivery to particular audiences and for particular purposes
e. Makes formal presentations to the class
f. Makes multimedia presentations using text, images, and sound
g. Uses a variety of verbal and nonverbal techniques for presentations and demonstrates poise and self-control while presenting
h. Responds to questions and feedback about own presentations
i. Understands influences on language use
j. Understands how style and content of spoken language varies in different contexts and how this influences interpretation of these texts
Viewing
9. Uses viewing skills and strategies to understand and interpret visual media
a. Uses a range of strategies to interpret visual media: refers to images of information in visual media to support point of view, deconstructs media to determine the main idea
b. Uses a variety of criteria to evaluate information media
c. Understands the conventions of visual media genres
d. Understands that the rules and expectations about genres can be manipulated for particular effects or purposes
e. Uses strategies to analyze stereotypes in visual media
f. Understands the connection between context and values projected by visual media
g. Understands how images and sound convey messages in visual media
h. Understands effects of style and language choice in visual media
i. Understands how literary forms can be represented in visual narratives
j. Understands a variety of techniques used in advertising
k. Understands how editing shapes meaning in visual media
l. Understands the effects of visual media on audiences with different backgrounds
Media
10. Understands the characteristics and components of the media
a. Understands that media messages have economic, political, social, and aesthetic purposes
b. Understands how different media are structured to present a particular subject of point of view
c. Understands aspects of the construction of media messages and products
d. Understands production elements that contribute to the effectiveness of a specific medium
e. Understands aspects of media ownership and control
f. Understands the influence of different factors on media production, distribution, and advertising
g. Understand different aspects of advertising in media: association of advertising with content in various forms
h. Understands the extent to which audience influences media production
i. Understands the relationship between media and the production and marketing of related products
j. Understands the influence of media on society as a whole
k. Understands legal and ethical responsibilities involved in media use
l. Understands the role of the media in addressing social and cultural issues

I'm Done. Here's the working doc

Here is the MSWorks doc with all the standards I have. Please note that the table of contents and the order of the standards don't match. If you need to make changes to your standards or pick up my formatting, you can download it. If you need me to make a new .pdf, please email me with just your portion (formatted to match the others) attached.

Martha and Les:
The standards are posted on the blog for your dowloading pleasure. They can be found here and here. When Jay puts them on the school's site, he should save them onto your server rather than use these links. That way, I can take them down when I need to and it won't mess up the school's site.

One more standards .pdf

Here is a link to the .pdf for Priscilla's Historical Understanding Standards.

American History Standards

Here are the standards from McREL for American History and Understanding History. I have them as a Word Document if you want that, Angie. I just couldn't figure out how to attach it to this Blog.

Historical Understanding

Standards 1. Understands and knows how to analyze chronological relationships and patterns
2. Understands the historical perspective while recognizing that there are assumptions about time and history that are culturally based

Topics
1. Calendar time
2. Causes and effects in history
3. Chronological thinking
4. Conducting historical research
5. Evaluating historical sources
6. Historical analysis and interpretations
7. Historical change and continuity
8. Historical periods
9. Historical sources
10. Historical time lines
11. Historical viewpoints and perspectives
12. History of the local community
13. Influence of ideas on society
14. Role of individuals in history

United States History

Standards
Three Worlds Meet – (Beginnings to 1620)
1. Understands the characteristics of societies in the Americas, Western Europe and Western Africa that increasingly interacted after 1450
2. Understands cultural and ecological interactions among previously unconnected people resulting from early European exploration and colonization
Colonization and Settlement (1585-1763)
3. Understands why the Americas attracted Europeans, why they brought enslaved Africans to their colonies and how Europeans struggled for control of North America and the Caribbean
4. Understands how political, religious, and social institutions emerged in the English colonies.
5. Understands how the values and institutions of European economic life took root in the colonies and how slavery reshaped European and African life in the Americas.
Revolution and the New Nation (1754-1820s)
6 Understands the Causes of the American Revolution, the ideas and interests involved in shaping the revolutionary movement and reasons for the American victory
7. Understands the impact of the American Revolution on politics, economy, and society
8. Understands the institutions and practices of government created during the Revolution and how these elements were revised in 1787 and 1815 to create the foundation of the American political system based on the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)
9. Understands the United States territorial expansion between 1801 and 1861, and how it affected relations with external powers Native Americans
10. Understands how the industrial revolution, increasing immigration, the rapid expansion of slavery, and the westward movement changed American lives and led to regional tensions
11. Understands the extension, restriction, and reorganization of political democracy after 1800
12. Understands the sources and character of cultural, religious, and social reform movements in the antebellum period
Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877
13. Understands the causes of the Civil War
14. Understands the course and character of the Civil War and its effects on the American people
15. Understands how various reconstruction plans succeeded or failed
The Development of the Industrial United States (1870-1900)
16. Understands how the rise of corporations, heavy industry, and mechanized farming transformed American society
17. Understands massive immigration after 1870 and how new social patters, conflicts and ideas of national unity developed amid growing cultural diversity.
18. Understands the rise of the American labor movement and how political issues reflected social and economic changes.
19. Understands federal Indian policy and United States foreign policy after the Civil War
The Emergence of modern America (1890-1930)
20. Understands how Progressives and others addressed problems of industrial capitalism, urbanization, and political corruption.
21. Understands the changing role of the United States in world affairs through World War I
22. Understands how the united States changed between the post-World War I years and the eve of the Great Depression
The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945)
23. Understands the causes of the Great Depression and how it affected American society
24. Understands how the New Deal addressed the Great Depression transformed American federalism, and initiated the welfare state
25. Understands the causes and course of World War II, the character of the war at home and abroad, and its reshaping the U.S. role in world affairs
Postwar United States (1945 to early 1970s)
26. Understands the economic boom and social transformation of post-World War II United States
27. Understands how the Cold War and conflicts in Korean and Vietnam influenced domestic and international politics
28. Understands domestic policies in the post-World War II period
29. Understands the struggle for racial and gender equality and for the extension of civil liberties
Contemporary United States
30. Understands developments in foreign policy and domestic politics between the Nixon and Clinton presidencies
31. Understands economic, social and cultural developments in the contemporary United States

Topics
1. Abolition of the slave trade
2. African, European, and Native American Societies circa 1492
3. Allies in World War II
4. American cultural movements, late 19th Century
5. American expansionism, post-Civil War
6. American political conflict
7. Antebellum debates over slavery
8. Antebellum immigration
9. Art in culture/society
10. Causes and consequences of slavery
11. Causes of the American Revolution
12. Causes of World War I
13. Causes of World War II
14. Changes in American life during the 1930s
15. Changes in American political life
16. Changing role of the United States in world affairs, early 20th century
17. Civil Rights Movement
18. Civil War
19. Colonial economic life and labor systems
20. Colonies and colonial systems
21. Comparative analysis of culture and societies
22. consequences of U.S. involvement in Vietnam
23. Consumer culture
24. Contemporary American culture
25. Cooperation and conflict
26. Creation and ratification of the United States Constitution
27. Cultural continuity and change
28. Cultural diffusion, adaptation, and interaction
29. Cultural movements in American society, 1920s
30. Cultural perspectives
31. Development of state and national government post-American Revolution
32. Development of the first American party system
33. Development of the Supreme Court
34. Development, ideology, and structure of political systems
35. Differences between the North and South prior to the Civil War
36. Domestic policies in late 20th century United States
37. Domestic policies Kennedy and Johnson administrations
38. Domestic policies of the Nixon and Carter administrations
39. Domestic policies of the Reagan and Bush administrations
40. Economic changes of the post-World War II period
41. Economic conditions and society
42. Economic development and growth
43. Economic patterns in the United States since 1968
44. Economic programs and policies
45. Economic systems
46. Education and society
47. Effects of the environment
48. Emergence of modern capitalist economy, 1920s
49. European exploration and colonization, 9th to 17th centuries
50. European struggle for control of North America
51. Expansion, exploration, and conquest
52. Family and gender roles
53. Farming and agriculture
54. Foreign policies in the late 20th century United States
55. Government and the economy
56. Great Depression
57. Group and national identity
58. Growth of slavery after 1800
59. Guarantees and significance of the Bill of Rights
60. Historic documents, treaties, and agreements
61. Historical analysis and interpretations
62. Historical documents, treaties, and agreements
63. Historical viewpoints and perspectives
64. Human and civil rights
65. Immigration and demographic shifts in the United States
66. Immigration and the immigrant experience
67. Immigration in the United States late 19th century
68. Impact of American Revolution
69. Impact of immigration on colonial development
70. Impact of post-World War II science and technology in the United States
71. Impact of religious diversity on American institutions and values
72. Impact of slavery on African life
73. Impact of society on the environment
74. Impact of the American Revolution
75. Impact of the new Deal on labor
76. Impact of World War II on the home front
77. Industrialization and the rise of big business
78. Influence of art on culture/society
79. Influence of ideas on society
80. International background of World War II
81. International diplomacy and relations
82. Labor movements, patterns, and conflicts
83. Labor unions and role of government in labor conflict
84. Leaders and leadership styles
85. Leadership of Franklin D. Roosevelt
86. Legacy of the New Deal
87. Limits of Progressivism
88. Literary and artistic developments
89. Migration and settlement patterns
90. Military strategies
91. Multinational and international organizations
92. Northern and southern resources of the Civil War
93. Opposition to the New Deal
94. Origins and consequences of the Cold War
95. Origins of colonial government and politics
96. Origins of Progressivism
97. Perspectives on federal Indian policy and westward expansion
98. Political controversy over Reconstruction
99. Political debates of the post-World War II period
100. Political parties, campaigns, and elections
101. Politics and ideologies that led to the Civil War
102. Politics and international affairs of the 1920s
103. Popular culture
104. Population density, distribution, and growth rates
105. Pre-Columbian indigenous societies
106. Principles of the Declaration of Independence
107. Progressivism at the national level
108. Race and ethnicity
109. Race relations and the struggle for equal rights after 1870
110. Racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination
111. Rapid industrialization and environmental issues, late 19th century
112. Reconstruction policies
113. Reform movements
114. Religion in the English colonies
115. Religion, belief systems, and values
116. Revolutionary War
117. Rights and status of individuals and groups
118. Rise and decline of societies and civilizations
119. Rise of social, political, and economic revolutions
120. Role of government in society
121. Role of individuals in history
122. Role of race and ethnicity
123. Role of the Warren Court in addressing civil liberties and equal rights
124. Role of women
125. Roles and experiences of diverse groups
126. Roles of ordinary people in American democracy
127. Science, technology, and society
128. Scope and human costs of World War I
129. Second industrial revolution
130. Settlement of the West, early 19th century
131. Shay’s Rebellion
132. Slavery
133. Social change and development
134. Social change in the post-World War II period
135. Social class structure and interaction
136. Social conflict
137. Social experience of the Civil War
138. Social issues and individual rights in contemporary American society
139. Social movements
140. Social, economic, and political issues of the late 19th century
141. Social, political, and economic characteristics of West African societies in the 15th-17th centuries
142. Social, political, and economic characteristics of the society emerging in the English colonies
143. Society and culture in colonial America
144. Spanish and Portuguese conquest of the Americas
145. State and federal Indian policy, early 19th century
146. Successes and failures of Reconstruction
147. Suffrage movements
148. Territorial expansion in the United States, early 19th century
149. Trade and trade routes
150. Transformation of agriculture, mining, and ranching
151. Transportation and market revolutions of the 19th century
152. U.S. involvement in World War I at home and abroad
153. United States foreign policy post-World War II
154. United States foreign policy, early 19th century
155. Urban growth and development
156. Western Europe during the Age of Exploration
157. Women’s movement for civil rights and equal opportunities

Standards .pdfs

Well, folks, here's what I have so far. Please print them and check them over. Please continue emailing/posting with updates and changes. We're doing pretty well with indiv. class standards. Still need "know thyself" and Priscilla's humanities class. Also need enviro. science. If you sent me / posted standards and don't see them listed, let me know. I'll accept edits through the afternoon.

community expectations
business math
economics
math 1
math 2
math 3
math 4
math 5
U.S. at War
foreign lang
esl
decision making
chemistry
physiology
physics

Language Arts, American History

Angie, et al,
How does everyone feel about the fact that the subject area benchmarks' styles are all so different? It was bothering me a lot, but I think I'm becoming sincerely reconciled.

PLEASE, SOMEBODY, put in what the assessment tools are going to be for math and reading in my addenda to the graduation benchmark additions I made that Angie so kindly posted. I left blanks.

Bruce and I met and discussed Language Arts and Social Studies Benchmarks and agree that we think the McREL standards are more than adequate. They are layered--you click through under the standards and the topics. Do you want me to put them into a Word document?

As noted earlier, I think Bob's intro is excellent and should be included.

Here is one other set of benchmarks from McRel that I like a lot, but I added on to the 2. of the Standards Part. I think it's a little clunky, so if anybody has a suggestion . . .

Historical UnderstandingStandards 1. Understands and knows how to analyze chronological relationships and patterns
2. Understands the historical perspective while recognizing that there are assumptions about time and history that are culturally based

Topics
1. Calendar time
2. Causes and effects in history
3. Chronological thinking
4. Conducting historical research
5. Evaluating historical sources
6. Historical analysis and interpretations
7. Historical change and continuity
8. Historical periods
9. Historical sources
10. Historical time lines
11. Historical viewpoints and perspectives
12. History of the local community
13. Influence of ideas on society
14. Role of individuals in history

Link for Math Teachers

There's a new online elementary algebra textbook. It includes instructors manual and other good stuff.

Proposed Introductory Paragraph: Please Comment

Here is the proposed introductory paragraph for the school-wide expectations page

We applaud your decision to attend Horizons School and we are happy that you have chosen membership in our community. This is an overview of specific skills in which every student will show competency before graduating from Horizons. Your advisor and teachers are eager to help you achieve these goals. Students and parents/guardians should examine this list carefully. If there is any reason, physiological or otherwise, to waive any of these expectations, the student and/or parent or guardian should speak with the advisor (documentation may be required).

Proposed Additions to School-Wide Expectations

Priscilla has passed along these ideas. Please comment on them. If I don't hear from anyone, I'll assume they're ok.

Under Communication Skills:
Student demonstrates reading fluency at grade level using _______(need this) or TOEFL score as a means of evaluation.

Under College and Career Skills:
Student demonstrates the ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Student demonstrates the ability to ask relevant questions

Under Personal Awareness:
Student has developed strategies for solving problems and demonstrates adaptability
Student demonstrates an understanding of his or her physical and intellectual capacities and has developed strategies for dealing with exceptionalities.

Blank Layered Curriculum Form & Info

I whipped up a blank layered curriculum form. It's almost identical to the one I handed out at the meeting, but you can fill this one in yourself. Also, here's a link to more info on layered curriculum.