Academic Course Descriptions
- English
English 9 – 1 credit
In this course, students will enhance their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills in literature, content, and technical materials. Writing using the five-paragraph essay model will be expected. Technical communication, speaking, and listening skills are developed throughout the year in a variety of activities. All lessons are carefully aligned to the PA Academic Standards in Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. The PDE recommended reading anchors are reflected in the lessons.
English 10 Literature – 1 credit
This course is heavily aligned with the Common Core and PA Academic Standards in reading, writing, and speaking. The class covers literary terminology, vocabulary building, test-taking strategies, and several literary genres. A large portion of the focus for this class is Keystone Exam preparation, where students will study the tools and acquire the skills to make them successful on the exams. Students will also synthesize reading materials, utilize various types of technology, and organize a professional portfolio.
English 11 – 1 credit
This course focuses on developing and expanding the individual student’s ability to read with critical awareness the various works of American and World literature. Genres include poetry, prose, drama, and nonfiction. Various forms of writing will be studied. The course is aligned with the Common Core and PA Academic Standards in reading, writing, and speaking. It will include a study of the language arts and communication skills necessary for the matriculation student’s or entry-level worker’s success. Written and oral skills vital to continuing education or joining the workforce are emphasized.
English 12 – 1 credit
The English 12 curriculum includes a comprehensive study of written and oral communication skills necessary for entry-level employment and/or college/technical school matriculation. It includes a study of the following areas: literature analysis and evaluation, various writing, and oral communication. The course is heavily aligned with the PA Academic Standards.
Advanced English 11 – 1 credit
This course is heavily aligned with the PA Academic Standards and Anchors in both Reading and Writing. It will also include those language arts and written communication skills necessary for post-high school and/or entry-level worker’s success. Added reading and writing assignments, including a classical and modern novel selection, as well as in-depth literary analysis, evaluation, and criticism will be emphasized. In addition to the PA standards for writing informative and persuasive essays, students will also write descriptive and compare/contrast essays. Vocabulary skills will be enhanced through word etymology and study of Greek and Latin root words. Research assignments relating to topics discussed in literary works will also be utilized.
AP English Literature & Composition – 1 credit
This AP English Literature course is designed to teach beginning-college writing and literature through the fundamentals of literary analysis. It follows the curricular requirements described in the AP English Course Description. We will talk essentially every day about some vital aspects of writing, including invention and rhetorical appeals, structure, and style (diction, syntax, figurative language, and mechanics). We will do so through the use of poetry and prose, as well as critical essays and dramas. There is also a large amount of writing involved in this course and students should expect weekly writing assignments. These assignments may vary from journals to research papers to creative writing assignments. Writings are mostly critical, and ask students to evaluate a literary piece as far as its effectiveness and use of devices. We will revise these works a good deal and work throughout the year to create a writing portfolio. In the process of these workshops, students will be exposed to the conscious choice of diction and the appropriate use of words, the ability to create varied and effective syntactic structures, the capacity for coherence and logical organization, the ability to balance generalizations with specific and illustrative details, and, overall, ability to combine rhetorical processes into an effective whole.
The course will cover genres such as poetry, drama, novels, and essays. Furthermore, thematic units including all of these within a single course of study will be employed to follow a theme through several types of literature, as well as essays comparing the genres and forms. Students will qualify for this course upon teacher recommendation and a course grade of B or better.
- Social Studies
American Historical Studies – 1 credit
This course provides the students at CCTI with a cast of historical personalities, major events, and various conflicts that have shaped the United States as we know it today. Instruction begins at the original population of the Americas and continues to what is roughly considered to be the dawn of the Modern Era (WWII). Students will be exposed to different texts, small and large group instructional activities, selected primary source readings, and project-based learning. Homework assignments will be given, and students will be expected to achieve a progressive level of competency in the field of History. This course is aligned with all required State and National Academic Standards.
Civics & Government – 1 credit
Civics is the study of civilization, and what it means to be a citizen. Here at CCTI, this means students’ learning will consist of units on how the Government works, as well as how Economics and
World Affairs shape the workings thereof. The purpose of this course is for students to recognize and understand ideas about civic life, politics, and government so that they can make informed 26
judgments and decisions. Specifically, we will focus on Local, State, and Federal Government’s roles, responsibilities, and procedures. The course includes reading and writing in the context of history and civics. On each level (Local, State, and National), government studies will allow students to understand the purpose, structure, and function of government, from local school district, municipal, and county affairs, to national and global concerns. Students will be expected to identify the citizen’s role (rights and responsibilities) within each of those levels. Finally, the students will learn to recognize and understand what it means to function as a responsible citizen in the global society as we study world affairs. In each of these units, reading and writing skills will be applied as they relate to the reading of primary sources, as well as historical and governmental documents. This course is aligned with all required State and National Academic Standards.Modern World – 1 credit
This course provides a study of the United States and world history beginning with the causes of World War I, and continuing to the present day. Students enrolled in this course will be actively engaged in the research and analysis of the historical events of the 20th Century. Formal presentations are a part of this course, as are informal, student-generated discussions. This course offers students an opportunity to develop a better understanding of the people, events, and forces that have shaped the United States as it exists today, as well as how these forces continue to shape our lives and nation. This course is aligned with all required State and National Academic Standards.
- Mathematics
Algebra 1 – 1 credit
This course emphasizes fundamental operations, variables, linear and quadratic equations, radicals, inequalities, polynomials, exponents, powers, and exponential growth. Students learn through reading, problem-solving, use of technology, and hands-on projects. This course highlights applications and integrates statistics, probability, and geometry. It is aligned with the PA Academic Standards.
Transitional Algebra – 1 credit (prerequisite Algebra 1)
This course is designed for those students who have difficulty with Algebra I and need reinforcement of the Algebraic concepts before taking Algebra II and/or Geometry. This course reviews basic Algebra and will continue with topics necessary to be successful in Algebra II and/ or Geometry. It is aligned with the PA Academic Standards and Common Core Standards. This course is a remediation course for the Keystone Exams.
Algebra 2 – 1 credit (prerequisite Algebra 1)
This course emphasizes facility with Algebraic expressions and forms, including linear and quadratic forms, powers and roots, matrices and systems, logarithmic, trigonometric, polynomial, and other functions, series, and combinations. All concepts are examined as tools for modeling “real-world” situations. Graphing is emphasized and geometry is applied. The course is aligned with the PA Academic Standards.
Geometry – 1 credit (prerequisite Algebra 1)
This course explores the properties and relationships of lines, rays, angles, triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons. Deductive and inductive reasoning, as well as algebraic techniques, will be used to solve problems. The focus of the course will be on practical applications of these principles, although geometric proofs will be introduced. The course is aligned with the PA Academic Standards.
Probability and Statistics — (prerequisite Algebra 2 and Geometry)
The main focus of the course will be exploring data, planning a study, producing models using probability theory, and making statistical inferences. Students will work with statistical measures of centrality and spread, probability, methods of data collection, methods of determining probability, binomial and normal distributions, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and technological tools, graphs, and models to analyze statistics.
Pre-Calculus – 1 credit (prerequisite Algebra 2 and Geometry)
This course emphasizes number systems, polynomial arithmetic, synthetic division, zeroes of
polynomials, systems of linear equations, matrices with matrix multiplication, trigonometric functions, exponents and radicals, linear and quadratic functions, polynomials and factoring, algebraic fractions and their operations, rational functions, logarithms, and probability. This course is aligned with the PA Academic Standards.Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus – 1 credit (prerequisite Pre-Calculus)
This is a college-level course in introductory Calculus. The AP Calculus course is equivalent to one semester of a first-year course in college Calculus. Students must take the Advanced Placement Calculus AB Exam to earn college credit. The course is designed to develop student understanding of Calculus concepts providing experience with methods and applications. The course emphasizes a multi-representational approach to Calculus with concepts, results, and problems being expressed geometrically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. It is imperative that both students and parents understand that this course will be taught and graded as a college course due to the heavy emphasis on mathematical concepts and theories. Instruction will focus on the major topics of Calculus in the following areas: Limits and Continuity, Derivatives, Derivative Applications, Definite Integrals, Differential Equations, and Applications of Definite Integrals.
- Science
Biology 1 – 1 credit
This course is in preparation for the Standardized Biology Keystone exam administered to all Pennsylvania high school students. It is a requirement for graduation. Students will focus on learning about the biology of organisms and cells. According to the PA Department of Education, 28 Biology “concerns living things, their appearance, different types of life, the scope of their similarities and differences, where they live and how they live. Living things are made of the same components as all other matter, involve the same kinds of transformation of energy, and move using the same basic kinds of forces as described in chemistry and physics. Through the study of the diversity of life, students learn how life has evolved. This great variety of life forms continues to change even today as genetic instructions within cells are passed from generation to generation, yet the amazing integrity of most species remains.
Anatomy & Physiology – 1 credit (prerequisite Biology 1)
This course is designed for remediation and is intended to provide additional instructional time to review the topics for the Biology Keystone Exam, required for graduation. Concepts will be taught to prepare for the winter retest and a spring retest if necessary. Additional topics will include an organismal approach through the human body systems in the second half of the course. Students who are successful in this course will demonstrate a thorough conceptual understanding of science content and the application of skills and processes related to biological concepts.
Physics & Technology – 1 credit
This course is an introduction to the basic science that underscores all other sciences and technology. It focuses on forces, matter, and energy from an engineering and design perspective. After this course, students will understand that there is order and regularity to how objects behave because of the laws of mechanics. The objective is to begin to see the world from a different perspective. The coursework is guided by questions like: How does that work? Why does that happen? And what happens if we change this?
Chemistry 1 – 1 credit
An important part of the Chemistry curriculum is its relevance for both science and technical areas. Thinking skills and problem-solving techniques are reinforced along with topics such as measurement, the properties of matter, atomic structure, periodicity, the mole and chemical bonding, chemical relationships and reactions, and the behavior of gases. The students are expected to solve related mathematic, geometric, algebraic, and graphical problems throughout the year. Laboratory investigations and reports will help students with chemistry applications in future endeavors. Safety instruction is integrated into all activities. The course is aligned with PA Academic Standards.
Chemistry 2 – 1 credit (prerequisite Chemistry 1)
In Chemistry 2, the students continue the study of concepts from Chemistry 1 in greater depth and explore new areas such as acids and bases, equilibrium, nuclear energy, nanotechnology, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. An effort is made to help the student relate chemical knowledge to problems and issues of modern society in regard to their technical area. In-class demonstrations, along with traditional and virtual labs, are used to emphasize the experimental nature of chemistry. Safety instruction is integrated into all activities. The course is aligned with PA Academic Standards. Qualified students may be eligible to take the Lehigh Carbon Community College’s Entrance Chemistry Exam at CCTI.
Environmental Science – 1 credit
This course emphasizes a conceptual understanding of natural systems and the three foundations of environmental education: relevance of ecology and biology to occupational areas and students’ everyday lives, respect for the environment in which they live, and responsibility to make decisions that will help protect the Earth for themselves and future generations. Content covered includes basic principles of ecological and biological science, living and non-living environmental factors, habitats, and population dynamics. The course is aligned with the PA Academic Standards.
Filed Biology – 1 credit
This upper-level biology course emphasizes the interrelationships between humans and their environments. The main units of study include Forestry, Soil Science, Wildlife Science, and Aquatic Biology. Additionally, the state provides a major unit for the course which changes annually and gives students a chance to investigate a topic in greater depth. The course is defined by the Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards and content focuses on the ecosystems found in Pennsylvania, as well as local ecological concerns. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to make informed decisions as homeowners and landowners, hunters, fishermen, and voters in the state of Pennsylvania. There are five main units: Forestry, Soils and Land Use, Wildlife Science, Aquatic Ecology, and Pennsylvania Concerns.
- Health & Wellness and Special Programs
Wellness Education/ Physical Education – 1 credit
The program’s goal is to teach health and fitness concepts and principles, which will enable students to adopt favorable health behavior patterns, meet their own health needs intelligently, and utilize health resources that are available to them.
Embedded Safety – 1 credit
Each student will receive a 1/4 credit per year for safety instruction in grades 10 and 11 delivered as a part of their career and technical studies. This allows students to focus on issues of safety unique to their program of study.
Cooperative Education
This program offers students the opportunity to work at a career occupation during part of their school day. It is a unique plan of education designed to integrate theoretical classroom and technical studies with supervised practical experience in selected educational assignments. This employment experience will assist students in establishing and achieving goals appropriate to their employment needs.
Area employers who participate have the opportunity to train highly motivated students. This in turn establishes a pool of potential permanent employees who have demonstrated their abilities. Ultimately, this school-to-work method of education provides the community with a more mature and experienced graduate to consider for permanent employment.
At CCTI, all qualified school students are eligible for and expected to participate in the Capstone program. Capstone students receive a cooperative education experience through a community employer in their area of study. Through cooperative education, these students “cap- off” their experiences at a school-approved station.
Alternative High School Diploma Program
This program serves young adults ages 16-20 of Carbon County who have dropped out of high school or have documented family or personal situations that makes traditional high school attendance infeasible. Residents ages 21 and older must pay tuition in order to attend the program. The program design allows a chance for individuals to earn a high school diploma at their own pace, at a time convenient for them. Students may enter at any time of the year, attend classes on a flexible schedule while holding a job (minimum 15 hours per week), and graduate when they have met the requirements. Employment is required under the Diversified Occupations Program.
Academic Goal:
CCTI will design an aligned curriculum and administer a program(s) that supports high-quality academic programs and aligns Career & Technical, CTE Standards, and the new PA Core Standards.
- Support staff in revising district-wide curriculum maps and programs of study to align to the PA Core Standards.
- Provide programs, resources, and the time to develop Student Learning Objectives for the staff as required by PDE.
- Develop programs and opportunities that integrate college and career-ready skills.
- Ensure that the data collected for monitoring student progress will drive instructional decisions to improve student learning and/or outcomes.
Keystone Eng 10-11 Curriculum.
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Keystone- Biology Curriculum
