Course Descriptions
SOUTH COASTAL ADULT LEARNING CENTER PROGRAMS
Students may pre-register for these FREE programs, which are funded by the Massachusetts Department of Education, by calling 781-871-8410. Registration for enrollment and testing will be scheduled by appointment. If you have any questions regarding these programs, please call 781-871-8410.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION
RHS Tues./Thurs. 6:00-9:00p.m.
FREE instruction in basic skills for those who need it. If you need to brush up on your math, reading, or writing, please stop by the Adult Learning Center located in Rockland High School. If you know someone who could benefit from this program, but cannot read the brochure, please share this information with him or her.
Adult Basic Course Descriptions
Basic Math
The purpose of this class is to develop basic math skills attributed to whole numbers and their operations. Students will be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers. Students will be able to use these skills and apply them to adding and subtracting decimals. Finally, students will be able to use estimation to help with problem solving
Intermediate Math
This course is designed to build upon the basic structures of numbers and expand into operations and solving equations. Students in this course will develop a solid understanding of the rules of integers and fractions. Students will also be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions and integers with confidence. Students will demonstrate the ability to convert fractions to decimals to percents and vice versa. Students will develop various problem solving techniques and use them to create and solve equations.
Adult Basic English
The purpose of this class is to reacquaint students with basic writing and comprehension skills in preparation for high school English and Adult Diploma. The focus of this class will be to re-introduce students to Basic English skills through writing, reading and discussion. Through individual writing assignments students will improve their knowledge as related to basic grammar, vocabulary and paragraph development. Students will also complete reading assignments and participate in class discussion of current events or areas of interest in order to develop critical thinking skills. The end goal of the class will be to write an essay addressing 3 goals they will have set to be accomplished over the next 2, 5 and 10 years, related to their financial and career lives.
ADULT DIPLOMA PROGRAM
RHS Tues./Thurs. 6:00-9:00p.m.
The Adult Diploma Program offers a way to obtain a high school diploma. A student must complete four ten - week cycles and a portfolio in order to receive a high school diploma. Additionally, students must be 18 years of age and their previous school's class must have graduated. Come and join the class of 2009/2010. For more information, or to register, please call 781-871-8410.
Adult Diploma Course Descriptions
Algebra and Geometry Concepts
This course is designed to sharpen the skills learned in previous classes and develop more advanced skills that will prepare students to pass the MCAS. Students will be able to interpret graphs, solve equations and inequalities. Students will also develop various geometry skills, such as area, perimeter and area of various shapes. By end of this class, each student will be well versed in all of the areas of math that will prepare students to enroll in community colleges or a technical educational school.
Advanced English
The purpose of this class is to expand and develop a student's knowledge of writing skills and reading comprehension. Through individual writing assignments and journaling, the student will improve his/her writing skills with a focus on continued strong paragraph development, editing, and revising skills. Students will also read The Freedom Writers Diary, and the literature will be used to integrate MCAS instruction of literary devices, grammar, capitalization, sentence structure, and paragraph development. The end goal of the class will be to show improvement in writing ability by writing a five paragraph essay relating to critical thinking and analysis of the literature.
Biology
This course will introduce students to biological principles and laws. Its structure is based on the MCAS frameworks. Students will investigate the human systems, biochemistry, cellular structure and function, genetics, evolution and ecology. Laboratory classes will meet when appropriate. Biology runs every November –February, when students take the biology MCAS test as needed.
Forensic Science
This course will present the scientific principles, laboratory and field methods forensic scientists use to solve problems. Students will take on the various roles of crime scene investigator, scientist and medical examiner in order to collect and evaluate evidence in a problem-solving environment. Topics include DNA technology and its uses, toxicology, anthropology, entomology, evidence law, criminalistics and career opportunities.
Life Skills/Portfolio
This is an independent course, which emphasizes researching, writing, editing and presenting information in a final copy portfolio. Teachers are available to instruct students in all aspects of problem solving, researching and the writing process.
Graduation Portfolio
16 Life Skills neatly organized, in correct order, typed, double- spaced, and using size 12 font. Each Life Skill is edited with correct spelling and sentence structure, in paragraph form if applicable, with proper use of punctuation.
Life Skills are not plagiarized and proper credit is given to sources used.
Life Skills are completed, with all questions thoughtfully answered, and all required elements complete. Life Skill 16 is included with an appointment with a career counselor, resume, cover and thank-you letter, and career information.
ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES
RHS Tues./Thurs. 6:00-9:00p.m.
FREE instruction is available to anyone who speaks English as a second language. Continuing classes will be held at the South Coastal Adult Learning Center at Rockland High School on Tuesday & Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00p.m. If you or someone you know is interested, please call 781-871-8410 for more information.
English As A Second Language Course Descriptions (ESOL)
Level One:
Beginner.
The purpose of this course is to introduce everyday expressions and basic grammar necessary for further study of English. Pronunciation and vocabulary necessary to understand Basic English phrases are stressed. Students will respond to simple questions related to common conversation. This course in intended for those with limited oral communication in English. Students in this course would score a zero to 2 on a Best Plus Assessment.
Advanced Beginner.
Students in this course should be able to ask and answer simple questions. More detailed vocabulary, grammar and speaking will be focused and students will be encouraged to begin writing simple sentences; although, the main goal of the course is to enhance listening and oral communication skills. Students in this course need a qualifying score of a 3-5 on the Best Plus Assessment
Level Two:
Intermediate.
Students in this course will possess comfortable conversations skills and seek to enhance their oral communication beyond basic. More detailed vocabulary, grammar and spelling will be focused. Basic writing of simple sentences and the beginning of a paragraph will also be stressed. Basic reading is also a component of this course. Students in this course need a qualifying score of a 5-7 on the Best Plus Assessment. All students will take the REEP Assessment; however, students will not advance to Level Three until a 7 on the Best Plus is achieved.
Advanced Intermediate.
Students in this course have functionally fluent conversational skills and are beginning to work on writing beyond the basic paragraph. Grammar and vocabulary necessary for more in depth writing and speaking are the focus of this course, Students are encouraged to read both inside and outside of the classroom environment and bring such documents in for discussion and analysis. Students in this class will have a qualifying score of 1-6 on the REEP Writing Assessment
Level Three:
Advanced.
Students in this course have fluent informal conversational skills. Vocabulary, writing and grammar are a focus of this course; however, the main thrust of this course is to prepare students with the reading and writing skills necessary to advance to Adult Diploma, Community College or other Trade school. Students will take a reading comprehension test for the purpose of establishing reading level proficiency. Conversation and writing will be stressed. The goal of these students must achieve a 9 on the REEP Assessment.
For advancement from one class to another students must meet the minimum requirement on the state mandated assessment (Best Plus or REEP) and meet the minimum score on the class designed assessment. Class designed assessment are similar to a final examination.
All courses have cultural components that are intended to assist in transitioning into American Culture.
This document has been created using the English Language Learner Benchmarks and Outcomes, SABES assessment guidelines and the SCALC ESOL Curriculum.
G.E.D. PREPARATION
RHS Tues./Thurs. 6:00-9:00p.m.
This course will assist students who intend to participate in G.E.D. testing. Students will be prepared to successfully complete this test using traditional and computer instructional technology. Counselors will assist prepared students for G.E.D. test registration at Massasoit Community College.
FAMILY SUPPORT
RHS Tues./Thurs. 6:00-9:00p.m.
FREE family-based remedial and enrichment literacy program for school-aged children of South Coastal Adult Learning program participants. Spaces are limited and ONLY CHILDREN OF ACTIVE STUDENTS CURRENTLY IN ATTENDANCE will be permitted to attend.