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Pathway High School Classes
2023 - 2024
Pathway classes are in person, and meet weekly on Fridays in Huntersville, North Carolina
Please email us with any questions at pathwayhighschool@gmail.com
** We do have some classes that run at the same time, so before registering,
please make sure your class choices do not overlap **
Intro to Psychology-Psychology for everyday life
Class Time: 9:00 - 10:00 am
Instructor: Beth Gregory
Class Fee: Register and pay deposit by April 15: $475 course fee. After April 15: $495
Course Description:
**This is a cell phone FREE course. Phones will be collected at the door and returned after class**
This course is a study of psychology with application of concepts to the student’s everyday lives academically, emotionally and and in their relationships. This class will build a foundation for any future college-level psychology course.
High School Credit: 1 Social Studies, 1 Social Science, or 1 Elective credit.
Course Objectives:
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Students will study the major concepts and theories of psychology. They will learn key terms and concepts in the field of psychology and apply this to everyday life.
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Students will become familiar with psychological research methods.
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A Christian perspective will be incorporated throughout the course. Lectures will expand on the text and offer discussion time for improved understanding.
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Topics will include: memory and thought, personality, how we learn, attitudes and social influence, motivation and emotions, sleep, intelligence and personality, developmental stages, psychological disorders, drugs and alcohol, interests and careers and much more. (This could potentially fulfill a health education course requirement.)
Also Provided by the Instructor:
Syllabus provided on the first day of each semester. This is for easy student planning.
Graded papers for homework, tests, and projects. Weighted grading system.
In-class testing for developing test-taking skills for future high school and college success.
Midterm, Semester and Final grades each semester.
Customized in-class lessons with class activities, lecture, and discussion.
Student comments from anonymous evaluations:
“Psychology is so interesting, and this class is a fun way to explore the science while having fun.”
“It is very interesting to learn what goes on inside our brain…. the projects are very interesting to conduct, and the current events stretch you to learn what is going on outside your city.”
“It is a very fun, engaging class. I find it so interesting…you are an amazing lecturer and I like the current events and class discussion.”
“This is my favorite class ever!!...So fun! I have learned so much.”
“I love the energy and it’s fascinating. You are a fantastic teacher…”
Grade Level: 10-12th grade-Age 15 years and up. (Please consider each student’s academic and personal maturity level in this decision.)
Class Size: Minimum: 12 students.
Homework Requirements/Grading: Homework includes weekly reading from the course text, homework assignments, quizzes/tests and short projects. Class participation and attendance are also part of the overall grade.
Course Material:
Textbook: Understanding Psychology, Author: Kasschau, Richard A., Ph.D., Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education, (Copyright 2014). ISBN: 9780076631940.
Purchase textbook only (no e-books or teacher’s editions please). No online access card/code needed.
*You may find used textbooks online for under $20 in the spring and then prices tend to increase.
Suggestion: consider purchasing the text from a current student and “pre-order” it for when it comes available at the end of this school year.
*Beware of international textbook versions in alternate languages.
This is a secular textbook written for high school students. Classroom lectures incorporate a Christian perspective as well as additional content and research for enhanced learning.
For Questions/Information About the Course:
Please email Beth Gregory at hatladybg@hotmail.com
Modern World History
Class Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Instructor: Clay Broussard
Class Fee: $475
Course Description:
An introductory survey of Modern History, with emphasis on its relation to a philosophy of history, and ability to interpret meaning from history.
PURPOSE STATEMENT (OR ROLE OF THE CLASS IN PROGRAM OF STUDY):
The course will fulfill a full credit for humanities/social studies at the high school level and can be considered Advanced Placement and/or Honors if certain projects are undertaken by the student. These projects are optional.
OBJECTIVES:
After completing the course, the student should be able to:
1. demonstrate their acquaintance with the lecture and/or written material related to historical
Ideas/concepts and key events by the successful completion of assignments and class attendance.
2. demonstrate how particular ideas have shaped modern culture are brought to bear in the contemporary setting: The student will demonstrate how worldview shapes policy and culture by the successful completion of a research paper.
3. demonstrate historical knowledge by interacting with the course by performance on a mid-term and final exam.
4. Demonstrate achievement through successful performance on quizzes. (These will not be “pop” quizzes)
RESOURCES FOR THE COURSE:
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Holy Bible, ESV/NIV/KJV/NKJV/HCSB
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Access to the Internet.
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Periodic materials to read will be assigned from the public domain.
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Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus, Mary Shelley
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Animal Farm, George Orwell
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The Problem of Socialism, Thomas Dilorenzo
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE:
1. Readings & Class Participation
Each student will be required to do all assigned readings and attend and participate in class.
2. Paper
Each student will be required to write a research paper on a topic which must be pre-approved by the instructor. This paper will be 5-7 pages in length with full citations.
3. Tests
Each student will be required to successfully pass both a mid-term and final exam. A study guide will be given by the instructor.
4. Quizzes
Each student will be required to successfully pass 2-4 quizzes throughout the term. The quizzes will be announced prior to being given
GRADING:
Grade Percentages
Readings& Participation 20%
Paper: 25%
Tests 35%
Quizzes 20%
COURSE OUTLINE:
Part I: The Foundation for the Modern World
Lectures 1-7: The Enlightenment to 1848 and the Birth of Nations
Part II:
Lectures 8-14: The Spector of Socialism & The Overcoming of Man: From Marx & Darwin to Nietzsche & Freu
Part III:
Lectures 15-21: The Ideological Underpinnings of Global War & the Quest for Empire
Part IV:
Lectures 22-28: The New World Order and Questions of Authentic Humanity
Homework Load
This class is taught similar to a collegiate format in that it is heavily lecture based learning. The homework is very manageable and will be rooted in readings sent from the instructor and various writing assignments which promote critical thinking. All assignments/writings will be done at home with open access to the student's resources. This class offers invaluable information for the students, and a great option to add in to your student's schedule along with other classes that may be heavy in the homework area.
Class Reviews
"My son absolutely has loved both of Clay's classes and enjoys his teaching style of discussions and lectures. I feel this is setting him up for success and these types of classes in college. We will continue to take his classes in the future."
~Caroline, Parent
"Mr. Broussard is my son's favorite teacher. He engages the students and promotes thoughtful discussions in the areas of History, Economics and Christianity." ~Allison, Parent
“Clay is a good friend and a father figure to me. I cannot think of a better teacher for such an important subject.” ~Daniel, student of Clay's for 3 years.
"It’s been a gift for my son to sit in Mr. Broussard’s classes the past four years. As a passionate orator, gifted historian and insightful philosopher, he inspires his students to an understanding of history and events, as opposed to a dry history book. His dedication and care for his students and their relationship to their Lord and Savior is evident in all he does. Mr. Broussard has been the most influential teacher in my son's life, and I’m so grateful he takes the time to come to Pathway to teach and mentor." ~Tammy, Parent
Government & Econ (Civics)
Class Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Instructor: Clay Broussard
Class Fee: $475
Course Description:
The class will explore the key elements of Government and Economics while emphasizing their distinct interrelationship, including, but not limited to: Economic Theory and Social Contract Theory as well as the historical progression of systems of Government/Economics and their relationship and dependence upon Philosophy/Religion, Technological Progress, Natural Resources and the Arts. The consequences of ideas regarding freedom (individual rights) and the move to the collective currently underway in the West will be examined historically and as related to current events specific to Government and Economics. A Biblical worldview will be stressed as the only foundation for human freedom politically. The course will examine and evaluate Gov/Econ through the lens of the City of God, as characterized by human prosperity and liberty with the City of Man, and its oppressive and insidious recurrence and man imposed tyranny.
Key figures and turning points in history will be evaluated and discussed with a goal of basic comprehension of the ideas and impacts contained therein that have brought us to the modern world.
Highlights will include:
Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Locke, Hume, Rousseau, Jefferson, Adams, Bastiat, Hamilton, Madison, The Magna Carta, The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, The Bill of Rights, Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes, Milton Friedman, Von Hayek Emphasis will be placed on the philosophical/Christian development of the West as the primary cause of America's founding. Once this is established, we will look at the branches of Government, Key Supreme Court Decisions and their impact on Freedom as well as current events and the daily news cycle.
After the above, we will venture into Economic Theory and study both economic freedom, and the counter, Marxism in all of its pernicious forms. This will again bring us face to face with current events in our world.
The students will be required to read select texts and articles in a reading schedule (tbd), interact in classroom debate and dialog, and exhibit comprehension of the subject matter via tests (2) and a research paper (1).
While the subject matter at hand can be daunting and dry, the instructor will seek to build a lifelong passion for activism and evangelism through proper integration of the subject to our actual life experiences. The goal is to bring the material to life!
Homework Load
This class is taught similar to a collegiate format in that it is heavily lecture based learning. The homework is very manageable and will be rooted in readings sent from the instructor and various writing assignments which promote critical thinking. All assignments/writings will be done at home with open access to the student's resources. This class offers invaluable information for the students, and a great option to add in to your student's schedule along with other classes that may be heavy in the homework area.
Class Reviews
"My son absolutely has loved both of Clay's classes and enjoys his teaching style of discussions and lectures. I feel this is setting him up for success and these types of classes in college. We will continue to take his classes in the future."
~Caroline, Parent
"Mr. Broussard is my son's favorite teacher. He engages the students and promotes thoughtful discussions in the areas of History, Economics and Christianity." ~Allison, Parent
“Clay is a good friend and a father figure to me. I cannot think of a better teacher for such an important subject.” ~Daniel, student of Clay's for 3 years.
"It’s been a gift for my son to sit in Mr. Broussard’s classes the past four years. As a passionate orator, gifted historian and insightful philosopher, he inspires his students to an understanding of history and events, as opposed to a dry history book. His dedication and care for his students and their relationship to their Lord and Savior is evident in all he does. Mr. Broussard has been the most influential teacher in my son's life, and I’m so grateful he takes the time to come to Pathway to teach and mentor." ~Tammy, Parent
Composition and Literature
**Please note that this class is offered 3 different times throughout the day to maximize student scheduling flexibility**
Class Options:
9:00 - 10:30 am
10:30 - 12:00 pm
12:30 - 2:00 pm
Instructor: Sara Rhew
Class Fee: $450
Class Description:
This course appeals to various learning styles and provides an atmosphere that expands students' reading and writing experiences, fostering individual and academic growth. Engaging and lively in-class discussions and small group projects will be an integral component, as well as weekly vocabulary and grammar reviews.
Writing assignments will feature responses to literature, a variety of essays, creative pieces, real-world practical writing, and a detailed step-by-step guide through the process of writing a research paper. Students will be exposed to numerous styles of writing through a multi-genre survey of literature both modern and historical. Texts will take the form of engaging short stories, poetry, novels, and plays.
Literary study will be infused with historical applications for a better understanding of the social and historical context of the readings. Beginning with the modern selection of Fahrenheit 451, students will encounter units themed The American Dream, Mystery and Suspense, and Discovering American Roots. In addition, we’ll experience extraordinary literary selections such as Of Mice and Men and The Great Gatsby. We’ll also enjoy structurally diverse texts from compelling authors like Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, O. Henry, Mark Twain, Booker T. Washington, and others through this year’s American literature-focused survey process.
Composition and Literature will provide an academic atmosphere that expands students' reading and writing experiences. The class includes an Honors option and the opportunity for accommodations. Building a foundation for high school and beyond, this course will give students the confidence to approach sources from a variety of backgrounds.
Drama - Theater
Class Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm
**When we get into play production, students will be on a rotation to stay until 4:30pm if we are working on their scene**
Instructor: Jill Graham
Class Fee:
$425 if registered by June 1
$450 if registered after June 1
Class Description:
** Counts as a Fine Arts Elective **
You don’t have to be a super actor or an extrovert to be part of this class. (Some of the best actors and actresses are introspective introverts!) You may find that your talent is needed in directing, set design, props, make-up, tech, etc.
Theater is also a great way to develop confidence, so don’t be intimidated! It’s a place to build friendships and let your imagination be free! It’s also a place where it’s cool to be a little weird!
1st semester will be focused on the development of acting skills in preparation for a Christmas performance that will include various Christmas themed sketches and music. We will learn the basics of acting, blocking, plot structure, and terms needed to get around the stage as well as a brief history of theater.
2nd semester will focus on exploring directing, costumes, make-up, tech, props, and set design. Students will work in groups to direct and produce their own One Act play for a final performance at the end of the semester.
Ex. Scenes from Steel Magnolias, The Princess Bride, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Screwtape Letters, The Importance of Being Earnest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Taming of the Shrew, etc.
Minimum 15 students
Max 30 students
Biology
Class Time: 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Instructor: Shari Kaiser
Class Fee $475
– lab costs included in tuition –
Modules cover atoms, chemical structures, ecosystems, biomes, ecological communities, cell structure and function, cellular energy, DNA, proteins, cell cycles, and genetics (including inheritance, disorders, and technology). Students will also learn about prokaryotes, viruses, protists, fungi, and the fascinating worlds of plants and animals.
This college-prep course will include labs and lectures. Students will be expected to complete homework, prepare lab reports and demonstrate their understanding with closed-book tests. The text and course are taught from a Christian perspective. The course requires a substantial amount of work to be done by the student at home. The student is expected to check and correct his/her own homework.
Parents are expected to oversee completion of assignments. The facilitator will present each module’s concepts, provide in-class lab time, grade tests and lab reports and provide quarterly progress reports.
Required online component using Google Classroom:
This class is set up to be a fluid mix of in-person and/or remote to work for each student as needed. There will be a weekly in-person class for lecture, lab and review. There will be pre-recorded videos available covering the lecture material, which can be watched if a student misses class for any reason (illness, vacation, etc.).
All work will be given out and turned in using the online portal Google Classroom.
Honors Option
There is an Honors option available for this course. Requirements will be explained on the first day of class.
Requirements include additional detail in lab reports, and extra work outside the text. Send an email inquiry for questions prior to the start.
Required Purchases
Textbook: Exploring Creation with Biology ISBN-13: 9781946506450 (3 rd Edition)
Solutions Guide: ISBN-13: 9781946506467
[optional: MP3 Audio CD for auditory learners, ISBN-13: 9781946506498]
Maximum: 16 students
Chemistry
Class Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am
Instructor: Shari Kaiser
Class Fee: $475
– lab costs included in tuition –
This course covers fundamental aspects of chemistry such as the classification of matter, atomic structure, spectroscopy, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, physical change, chemical change, stoichiometry, solutions, ideal gasses, acid/base chemistry, reduction/oxidation reactions, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. Weaving together concepts and their mathematical applications, the course teaches students how to think as a chemist so they can analyze the major changes that occur in matter.
Math Prerequisite: successful completion of Algebra 1 (no exceptions)
This college-prep course will include labs and lecture. Students will be expected to complete homework, prepare lab reports and demonstrate their understanding with closed-book tests. The text and course are taught from a Christian perspective. The course requires a substantial amount of work to be done by the student at home. The student is expected to check and correct his/her own homework.
Parents are expected to oversee completion of assignments. The facilitator will present each module’s concepts, provide in-class lab time, grade tests and lab reports and provide quarterly progress reports.
Required online component using Google Classroom:
This class is set up to be a fluid mix of in-person and/or remote to work for each student as needed. There will be a weekly in-person class for lecture, lab and review. There will be pre-recorded videos available covering the lecture material, which can be watched if a student misses class for any reason (illness, vacation, etc).
All work will be given out and turned in using the online portal Google Classroom.
Honors Option
There is an Honors option available for this course. Requirements will be explained on the first day of class. Requirements include additional detail in lab reports, and extra work outside the text. Send an email inquiry for questions prior to the start.
Required Purchases
Textbook: Discovering Design with Chemistry ISBN: 978-0-9962784-6-1 Publ date: 2015
Solutions Guide: ISBN #: 978-0-9962784-7-8
Required Supplies: Text, Solutions Guide, and scientific calculator (parentheses and scientific notation)
[Optional: MP3 Audio CD for auditory learners, ISBN: 9780996278485]
Maximum: 16 students
Earth Science
Class Time: 11:30 - 1:00 pm
Instructor: Shari Kaiser
Class Fee: $475
– lab costs included in tuition –
The text covers the geosphere (such as core, mantle, crust, etc.), minerals and rocks, then plate tectonics, seismic waves, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Students learn about fossils and how both uniformitarians and catastrophists interpret those fossils. The course explores the properties of water such as polarity, the ability to hydrogen bond, and heat capacity, which leads to a discussion of the hydrologic cycle and residence time, then the waves, currents, and tides in the ocean, and the ice and freshwater reservoirs on the earth. The atmosphere is discussed, including the composition of air, the sections of the atmosphere, temperature gradients, and pollutants, and the weather. The course ends with chapters on the solar system and the universe as a whole.
This college-prep course will include labs and lectures. Students will be expected to complete homework, prepare lab reports and demonstrate their understanding with closed-book tests. The text and course are taught from a Christian perspective. The course requires a substantial amount of work to be done by the student at home. The student is expected to check and correct his/her own homework.
Parents are expected to oversee completion of assignments. The facilitator will present each module’s concepts, provide in-class lab time, grade tests and lab reports and provide quarterly progress reports. Required online component using Google Classroom:
This class is set up to be a fluid mix of in-person and/or remote to work for each student as needed.
There will be a weekly in-person class for lecture, lab and review.
There will be pre-recorded videos available covering the lecture material, which can be watched if a student misses class for any reason (illness, vacation, etc).
All work will be given out and turned in using the online portal Google Classroom.
Honors Option
There is an Honors option available for this course. Requirements will be explained on the first day of class.
Requirements include additional detail in lab reports, and extra work outside the text. Send an email inquiry for questions prior to the start.
Required Purchases:
Textbook: Discovering Design with Earth Science, ISBN-13: 9780996278430 PubDate 2021
Answer Key, ISBN-13: 9780996278447
[optional: MP3 Audio CD for auditory learners ISBN: 978-0-9962784-5-4]
Maximum: 16 Students
Spanish Immersion
Level 1
Class Time: 9:00 - 10:00 am
Instructor: Carmen Hartzell
Class Fee:
When registered & deposit received by May 30, $470.
After May 30, $500
Required text: Curriculum provided by the teacher: A Charlar - Spanish Level 1
Prerequisites: none
Course Description:
¡ ¡ Bienvenidos a la Clase de Español Nivel I !
Spanish I is a year-long introductory course intended for students with little or no knowledge of the language. Mrs. Hartzell has designed a personalized curriculum that ensures progress for her students’ language abilities. The aim is to develop listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills necessary for basic communication and understanding of the spoken language.
There will be an emphasis on developing native pronunciation, essential vocabulary, and grammatical concepts. In addition, cultural insights will be introduced to complement the language learning experience. From day one, the target is for students to confidently face situations using Spanish. The lessons will be taught in Spanish by a bilingual, native Spanish speaker. When necessary, the teacher will target instruction by communicating lessons in English/Spanish simultaneously in order to provide immediate feedback, facilitate student self-correction, and enhance student comprehension.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: apply knowledge of Spanish grammar such as syntax and verb conjugation, express basic conversational skills, and understand the cultural diversity of Spanish Speaking countries.
Spanish Immersion courses satisfy the foreign language requirement to graduate high school in NC.
Minimum students: 10
Spanish Immersion
Level 2
Class Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am
Instructor: Carmen Hartzell
Class Fee:
When registered & deposit received by May 30, $470
After May 30, $500
Required text: Curriculum provided by the teacher: A Charlar - Spanish Level II
Prerequisites: Spanish Level I
Course Description:
¡ Bienvenidos a la Clase de Español Nivel II !
Spanish II is a year-long course in the Spanish language and culture. This is the second course in the series of Spanish Immersion Classes, and is designed for students who have completed Spanish Immersion level 1. Mrs. Hartzell has created a personalized curriculum that ensures progress in her students’ language abilities.
The focus will be placed on the continued development of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills necessary to interpret and communicate effectively in Spanish. There will be an emphasis on developing native pronunciation, essential vocabulary, and grammatical concepts.
In addition, cultural insights will be introduced to complement the language learning experience. From day one the target is for students to face situations using Spanish with confidence. The lessons will be presented in Spanish by a bilingual, native Spanish-speaker. When necessary, the teacher will target instruction by communicating lessons in Spanish / English simultaneously in order to provide immediate feedback, facilitate student self-correction, and enhance student comprehension.
Upon completion of this course, students will have increased their proficiency in Spanish as well as their bilingual skills through receptive and expressive language practices.
Spanish Immersion courses satisfy the foreign language requirement to graduate high school in NC.
Minimum students: 10
Algebra 1
Class Time: 10:30 - 11:30 am
Instructor: Kevin Yaiko
Class Fee: $425
Course Information
This course is an introductory course to fundamental algebra skills and will build a solid foundation for subsequent high school math classes. Topics include:
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real number operations,
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solving equations and systems of equations,
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operations on and factoring of polynomials,
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operations on rational expressions,
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functions, especially linear and quadratic,
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inequalities, and
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rational and irrational numbers.
At-home content will be hosted through the Canvas Learning Management System, which includes video lectures for each topic, practice assignments, and assessments.
Curriculum
The course is largely structured off the textbook Algebra: Structure and Method - Book 1 published by McDougal Littell, with supplementary material included as necessary. No textbook purchase is required as all materials will be available through an online Learning Management System.
Grading
Standards-based grading using a decaying average.
Kevin does have a Readiness Exam available if any parents would like their student to take it to determine their preparedness for this class. Please email leadership if you wish to do this (pathwayhighschool@gmail.com).
Minimum students: 10
Geometry
Class Time: 11:30 - 12:30 pm
Instructor: Kevin Yaiko
Class Fee: $425
Course Information
This is a high-school level geometry course that formalizes students' geometric knowledge and starts to move them to more abstract reasoning and proof. Currently, the instructor is evaluating different curriculum options including:
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Eureka Math (starts on page 24) and Khan Academy aligned
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Geometry by Ray C. Jurgensen
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Introduction to Geometry by Art of Problem Solving
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Geometry by McDougal Littell
This course is recommended to be taken after Algebra 1 and before Algebra 2. At-home content will be hosted through the Canvas Learning Management System, which includes video lectures for each topic, practice assignments, and assessments.
Curriculum
Depending on the curriculum choice, some purchases may be necessary, such as a textbook, practice book, compass, and protractor.
Grading
Standards-based grading using a decaying average.
Kevin does not currently have a readiness exam available for this class, as it is a beginner level class. However, if any parents have questions regarding their student's preparedness for this class, please email leadership and we will direct you to Kevin. (pathwayhighschool@gmail.com).
Minimum students: 10
Algebra 2
Class Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Instructor: Kevin Yaiko
Class Fee: $425
Algebra 2 is an intermediate level class that expands upon the topics covered in Algebra 1 and introduces new algebraic concepts, such as:
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compound inequalities and absolute value functions
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systems of linear inequalities
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complex numbers
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various forms of quadratic functions
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polynomial and the fundamental theorem of algebra
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analytic geometry
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exponential and logarithmic functions
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sequences and series
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triangle trigonometry
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matrices
At-home content will be hosted through the Canvas Learning Management System, which includes video lectures for each topic, practice assignments, and assessments.
Prerequisites: Algebra 1
Curriculum
The course is largely structured off the textbook Algebra and Trigonometry: Structure and Method - Book 2 published by McDougal Littell, with supplementary material included as necessary. No textbook purchase is required as all materials will be available through an online Learning Management System.
Grading
Standards-based grading using a decaying average.
Kevin does have a Readiness Exam available if any parents would like their student to take it to determine their preparedness for this class. Please email leadership if you wish to do this (pathwayhighschool@gmail.com).
Minimum students: 10
American Sign Language 1
Instructor: Erik Kiefer
Class Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Class Fee:
$475
Required Text: Curriculum and all associated materials provided by the Instructor
Course Description:
This year-long, interactive, personalized course aims to educate those who have minimal knowledge of Sign Language, moving to advance each student into a wide range of communication skills. While teaching thousands of signs throughout the course, Mr. Kiefer will also put an emphasis on cultural awareness – Understanding the meaning behind signs and cultural norms in the Deaf community.
In addition to this, students will learn the best ways to retain sign material, develop important receptive skills, learn to use facial expressions which correspond to a wide variety of signs and topics, practice building basic introductory sentences, and understand how to approach interactions through a visual perspective. From the start, this fun and engaging course ensures the rapid growth of each student's signing knowledge & abilities, always surpassing expectations. The underlying goal is to minimize and ultimately eliminate barriers to communication in exchanges with Deaf & hard of hearing individuals. Building a greater understanding of all aspects of this amazing language and culture.
In addition to in-person lessons on Friday, students can meet with Mr. Kiefer live and virtually through video conferencing software throughout the week to receive additional instruction, practice, and review previous lessons. It is expected that outside of class, students attend these virtual review sessions and schedule some time each day to practice what they have been learning. ASL is a completely visual language that requires practice and dedication. This will help in the retention of the material.
Minimum Students: 8
Max Students: 16
American Sign Language 2
Instructor: Erik Kiefer
Class Times: 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Class Fee:
$475
Required Text: Curriculum and all associated materials provided by the Instructor
In ASL 2, we'll be taking a major step. This course is intended to build upon everything learned and established in ASL 1 in order to do one thing - Hold fluent, grammatically accurate conversations.
Students will expand on their sign vocabulary knowledge, understand how to use proper grammar, enhance expressive and receptive skills through class discussions, pair/group exchanges, and dialogue simulations. There will be a greater emphasis on Deaf culture as well. Students will gain a greater understanding of how Deaf individuals perceive certain actions, facial expressions, and simple gestures during conversations.
Getting to the point where each student is comfortably carrying conversations becomes extremely difficult to reach without doing one thing - Relying less on vocal communication and more on visual. This course will be conducted entirely in American Sign Language. Students will be asked to sign in a majority of exchanges with the instructor and their classmates in order to progress even further.
Each student’s comprehension and expressive skills, as well as their performance in holding conversations in sign, will be evaluated regularly. It is each student's responsibility to practice and review material consistently outside of class.
Minimum Students: 6
Max Students: 10
Pathway Gavel Club
Class Fee: $125
Instructor: Kellie Alison
Class Times: 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Credit: This class will serve as a Public Speaking elective.
Pathway Gavel Club is an affiliate club of Toastmasters International. The mission of Toastmasters is to provide a supportive and positive learning environment in which members have the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which foster self-confidence and personal growth. Gavel Club is the 18 and under version of Toastmasters, and runs similarly.
Gavel Club members will:
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Deliver speeches throughout the year based on the goals outlined in the Competent Communicator Booklet.
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Overcome nervousness when speaking in front of their class in a safe, encouraging environment.
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Organize and present ideas logically and convincingly.
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Listen carefully to others’ ideas.
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Participate in and lead various jobs each week during Club Time.
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Offer advice to help others improve their speaking and leadership skills.
All these skills are necessary for earning a living in today’s competitive job market, but are also essential for maintaining healthy personal relationships and achieving academic goals in high school as well as college. Gavel Club offers an environment for students to gain confidence and get comfortable speaking in front of others while having fun in a supportive, encouraging environment.
Gavel Club is a student run class in which each student participates in every session. There are several jobs that are required to run Gavel Club, and each student will be given a different job each week. Students are required to come to class prepared and ready to perform their job on Friday. Students will complete speeches throughout the year. Gavel Club is formatted where students will deliver 5 speeches each year, so they will need two years of Gavel Club if they wish to achieve their Competent Communicator Award. Upon successful completion of 10 qualifying speeches, the student will receive the “Competent Communicator” award from Toastmasters International. This achievement is looked upon favorably on college and job applications.
Each week, there will be an award for best speaker, best evaluator and best table topic.
Our goal is for each student to grow individually in their overall communication abilities throughout the year.
Weekly homework will usually take less than 30 minutes, unless you are a speaker that week. It is recommended that speakers write and practice presenting their speech 2-3 weeks prior to their Speech Day.
The hour of gavel club each Friday is used for the students to deliver their speeches and complete their jobs, therefore, it is essential for the parents to be involved at home in assisting their student to read the Competent Communicator Book, know what their objectives and goals are for each job and help them complete these tasks Monday through Thursday and come to class prepared and ready to participate.
All materials required for class will be provided by the instructor. Students are responsible for providing all material that is needed for their speeches: note-cards, handouts, display boards, visual aids, etc.
We look forward to a fun, productive year!
Principles of Personal Finance
Class Fee:
$300 if registered and deposit paid before May 1
$350 after May 1
Instructor: Stephen Clark
Class Times: 3:30 - 4:30pm
Credit: This class will fulfill the North Carolina graduation requirements for Personal Finance
This course teaches students how to handle and think about money in a Godly way. The information learned is invaluable to becoming a successful steward over all that God has blessed us with. “Stewardship is managing God’s blessings, God’s ways for God’s glory. See, the Bible tells us in Psalm 24:1 that He owns it all: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” (KJV).” – Dave Ramsey
Topics Include:
Saving, Budgeting, Debt, Life After High School, Consumer Awareness, Bargain Shopping, Investing & Retirement, Insurance, Money and Relationships, Careers & Taxes, and Giving.
Class time will consist of students watching the videos (20-30 mins.), while following along and note taking using the student text. We will then have class discussion and complete activities together. Students will have the opportunity to work with other students to discuss and present case studies and other activities in class. In addition, we will have two class presentations and two guest speakers from the finance community during the year.
Homework will consist of reading the course material, studying vocabulary terms, completing study questions/worksheets, reading any additional articles assigned, taking chapter tests, and utilizing the Foundations learning website: foundationsU.com.
Required Text:
Foundations in Personal Finance: High School Edition for Homeschool, 2014 Edition (Student Text $25-30)
– By Dave Ramsey:
Reviews of Dave Ramsey’s Foundations in Personal Finance - from: www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com:
“I don’t think any American high school student should graduate without completing this course.”
“The videos are recorded sessions of Dave Ramsey teaching at what appears to be a college. The audience is mostly students, but there are a lot of parents in attendance, as well. Dave is engaging, funny, and just plain entertaining as he takes often complex concepts and makes them easily understandable.”