Academies at Baldwin High School
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Course Descriptions for Education Academy
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CONTEMPORARY TOPICS IN EDUCATION
One-half Credit One-half Year
In this course, students will conduct research on contemporary issues in education including school policy and school reform. They will also evaluate instructional methodology and philosophy. The research the students will conduct will serve as the foundation for a capstone project at the end of the course.
MINDFULNESS
One-half Credit One-half Year
Mindfulness is a health elective which focuses on stress management, coping with life’s daily demands, improving self-focus and engaging in guided and individual meditation. This course also allows students to learn about the health benefits of practicing mindfulness daily, and the long-term improvements it has on the human brain. Students will also explore and participate in activities that are proven to decrease anxiety and stress.
INTRODUCTION TO TEACHING
One-half Credit One-half Year
This course will introduce students to the field of teaching. Topics include current learning standards, lesson plan components, the realities of teaching as a career, certification requirements, professional expectations, and an introduction to teaching strategies. This course will provide students with field experience and to create and present units of study.
AP SEMINAR
One Credit One Year
The AP Capstone Seminar course is an inquiry-based, research-driven course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore real-world topics and issues from multiple perspectives. This course is designed around the following essential skills and their development—critical thinking and reasoning, critical reading, inquiry and research, argumentation, communication, and collaboration. Students in this course will be working collaboratively toward the completion of a team research project and presentation, an individual research-based essay and presentation, and an end-of-course examination administered by the AP College Board. This course places great emphasis on reading, writing, and presentation both in and out of class.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY
One Credit One Year
The Advanced Placement course is designed to provide the student with a learning experience equivalent to an introductory college psychology course, usually taken during the freshman year. The course will introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students will be exposed to the psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. The course will also prepare students for the Advanced Placement examination given in May where college credit may be earned. ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMINATION IN PSYCHOLOGY AND A SCHOOL EXAMINATION ARE REQUIRED
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION
One Credit One Year
Prerequisites: English 2H and Teacher Recommendation
Focusing on the study of selected multicultural works with an intense concentration on language, this course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Exam in Language and Composition. Emphasis is placed upon the four discourse modes: narration, exposition, argumentation and description. Students will submit a research paper and develop a writing portfolio. Students will be prepared for Regents Exam. ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMINATION IN MAY IS REQUIRED
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION
One Credit One Year
Prerequisites: AP English Language and Composition and Teacher Recommendation
Focusing on the study of great works of literature, this course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Exam in Literature and Composition. Students will submit a research paper and develop a writing portfolio. ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMINATION IN MAY IS REQUIRED.
SENIOR INTERNSHIP
One Credit One Year
Grade 12
The Senior Internship Program will provide the opportunity for a limited number of students to pursue a one-credit independent, non-paid internship experience. This course will allow students to link their interests and preferences to career and research exploration. They will gain expert advice on the job search process and insight to jobs of the 21st Century while learning about a particular area of interest. The Senior Internship course will enable students to discover the right college major and learn how to make the most of a workplace experience. Students wishing to enroll in this class must fill out an application and interview with the internship coordinator. Application and 80% or above cumulative average required. See Business Department. Students will learn research, resume writing, interview, and presentation skills. After all students are placed at the professional site, they will be required to attend a seminar class one day a week where they can discuss their internship and prepare for an end-of-the-year presentation. (They must complete 80 hours by June 1st.)
CRITICAL ISSUES IN EDUCATION (MOLLOY COLLEGE)
One Credit One Year
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Contemporary Issues in Education
The course is the second in a sequence of courses within the Education Academy. It is designed to provide a framework for critical examination of current issues affecting the modern classroom. Teacher candidates will learn to analyze and evaluate contemporary educational issues and research ideas based upon the knowledge gained in the course. The course provides an overview of education as an evolving system, an area of study and a field for professional growth. This course can be taken for dual enrollment credit through Molloy College.
AP RESEARCH
One CREDIT One Year
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: AP Seminar
AP Research is the second required course in the AP Capstone program. Students engage in a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Students explore a topic or question of personal interest and develop a comprehensive argument and solution. AP Research will expand students’ knowledge of research methodology as students employ ethical research practices; analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information; and build empathy for their topic of interest by establishing partnerships with experts in the field. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000-5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense. Open to students in grades 11 and 12.
FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION (MOLLOY COLLEGE)
One Unit One Year
Prerequisite: Critical Issues in Education
Foundations of Education is the overview of the philosophical, historical and sociological influences, models and theories that provide the basis of American education. Focusing on outstanding educators and events that have affected general and special education movements, students are expected to develop a personal philosophy of education and to demonstrate an awareness of the interaction and interdependence of society. Students will objectively analyze and criticize today’s educational issues. Students will examine variations in beliefs, values and cultures within society and the effect of these on schooling. This course can be taken for dual enrollment credit through Molloy College.