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Pathway High School Classes for the upcoming
2024 - 2025
Academic Year
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 **
American History
Class Time: 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Instructor: Clay Broussard
Class Fee: $475
Course Description:
A survey of American, with a focus on the intellectual buildup in Europe leading to the founding. Detailed analysis of the founding documents, character studies of a selection of the founding fathers moving through a survey up the present time. The course will focus heavily on the 20th century and the consequences of ideas. The course will purpose to draw a sharp contrast between conservatism and progressivism as characterized in the present political situation.
II. PURPOSE STATEMENT (OR ROLE OF THE CLASS IN PROGRAM OF STUDY) The course will fulfill a full credit for a typical high school transcript.
III. OBJECTIVES
After completing the course, the student should be able to:
1. demonstrate their acquaintance with the written material in American History by the successful completion of assigned readings.
2. demonstrate how particular ideas about philosophy are brought to bear on particular systems of Government as the affected US citizen in American history.
3. Evaluate historical criticisms of the American purpose fairly and accurately. 4. develop an ability to intelligently discuss current events by using historical reflection
IV. REQUIRED RESOURCES FOR THE COURSE
1. Internet Access
2. Bibliography for the Course:
a. Western Heritage Reader-Hillsdale College Faculty
b. Constitution Reader-Hillsdale College Faculty
c. Paul Johnson-A History of the People of the United States
d. Numerous Articles & Essays from the Heritage Foundation
e. The Federalist Papers
f. Sections from key biographies in US History
V. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE
1. Readings & Class Participation
Each student will be required to do all assigned readings. These readings
include any required texts and all handouts. You will be required to sign a written statement stating your level of completeness as the end of the semester. In addition, class participation is also essential as we will develop and discuss ideas in open forum on a regular basis. 2. Paper
Each student will be required to write a research paper on a relevant topic which must be pre-approved by the instructor. This paper will be 6-8 pages in length with full citations. (More to come on this assignment)
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.
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
Current Events
Class Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Instructor: Clay Broussard
Class Fee: $475
Course Description:
This course is designed to study a specific number of modern-day topics that are at the forefront of the political, scientific, religious, and economic systems. We will begin the course studying individual vs. collective rights, to see the great effect each of these topics has on the rights of man. The purpose of this course is to make your student think; to understand that worldviews have a direct and great effect on each and every aspect of history. We will study at length a handful of topics, reading from "experts" from each, as well as discussing among the class. I intend for the students to leave this course with a greater understanding of some of the greatest threats to our (and the world's) nation's freedoms and how, we as citizens, have a direct and vital role in protecting the natural rights and liberties that have been bestowed upon us by our Creator. The course will begin with a primer on the Constitution and the Bill or Rights and as we evaluate current events we will bring the limits of government and the rights of the individual into full view.
II. 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.
III. 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 and are brought to bear in the contemporary setting:
3. Demonstrate historical knowledge by interacting with the course by performing on a midterm and final exam.
IV. REQUIRED RESOURCES FOR THE COURSE (these books can be bought cheaply or found for free)
1. Holy Bible
2. Access to the Internet.
3. Reading materials will be provided in Google Classroom corresponding to the lectures.
V. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE
1. Readings/Homework & Class Participation
Each student will be required to do all assigned readings and attend and participate in class. Homework will be assigned most every week unless it is a test/quiz week.
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 ~5-6 pages in length with full citations.
3. Tests
Each student will be required to successfully pass both a midterm and final exam.
VI. GRADING
Grade Percentages:
Readings/Homework & Participation: 25%
Paper: 25%
Tests/Quizzes: 50%
VII. COURSE OUTLINE
Much unlike other courses, this course will focus on a handful of topics throughout the semester. We will be diving into each topic in great detail, reading and watching a few
"expert" opinions on each that oppose one another. Students will prepare answers to a set of questions on each topic. Throughout the class, we will discuss the studied viewpoints of our "experts," as well as the prepared study questions. I intend to explain my personal biases on the first day of the course. However, a variety of viewpoints will be presented and discussed at length for each topic. The topics we will cover throughout the course are as follows :
I. Civics primer (Constitution and Bill of Rights)
II. Climate Change
III. The 2024 Elections (Presidential Primaries/General/Congress/State Houses)
IV. Impacts of the Elections
V. Immigration
VI. Censorship
VII. Gender Ideology
VIII. Election Integrity
IX. Federal Bureaucracy and the encroaching totalitarianism
X. Foreign Policy
XI. Debts and Economic Policy
XII. Doctrinal Integrity in the Church
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 Times: 9:00 - 10:30 AM, 10:30 - 12:00 PM, 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Instructor: Sara Rhew
Class Fee: $475
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. Lively, engaging in-class discussions and small group projects will be an integral component, as well as weekly vocabulary and grammar review.
Writing assignments will feature responses to literature, a variety of essays, creative pieces such as a faith-based reflection, professional writing for the workplace, 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 and poetry, as well as novels and novel excerpts. Literary study will be infused with historical applications for a better understanding of the social and historical context of the readings.
We’ll search for similarities and differences that exist across time periods and geographical regions with books like Anthem and Cry the Beloved Country. In addition, we’ll experience extraordinary literary selections such as 1001 Arabian Nights, The Alchemist, and Don Quixote. We’ll also enjoy structurally diverse texts from compelling authors like Dante, Tolstoy, and others through this year’s World literature focused survey process. We’ll explore what makes these masterpieces stand the test of time and still challenge us today.
The class includes an Honors option, as well as the opportunity for accommodations.
Building a foundation for high school and beyond, this course will give students confidence to approach sources from a variety of backgrounds.
Please note the course is offered three times throughout the day in order to maximize student scheduling flexibility.
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: 11:30 - 1:00 PM
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: 10:00 - 11:30 AM
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 Level 1
Class Time: 11:00 - 12:30 PM
Instructor: Maria Rivera
Class Fee: $550
Course Description:
This course is intended for the beginning Spanish language student. Spanish I is designed to give students a balanced exposure to all four language skills. The course objectives emphasize accurate pronunciation, structure knowledge with primary focus on the present tense and language acquisition of basic vocabulary. The course provides students with opportunities to: respond to and give oral directions and commands and to make routine requests in the classroom and in public places; understand and use appropriate forms of address in courtesy expressions and be able to talk about daily routines and events; ask and answer simple questions and participate in brief guided conversations related to their needs and interests. Students will begin to speak and write in the target language. Cultural similarities as well as differences between Spanish-speaking countries and the United States are studied. Proficiency exam will be given at the end of the course.
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Class Participation (verbal communication, guided practice and class participation)
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Classwork (Includes all daily class work, homework assignments and participation)
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Tests & Projects (written and listening, grammar, vocabulary and basic skills and written and oral presentation projects)
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Quizzes (grammar, vocabulary and basic skills)
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Homework (independent practice, may include small projects)
Make-up Work for Absent Student
It is the student’s responsibility to coordinate arrangements with the teacher(s) and complete make-up work and tests within 2 school days upon the student’s return to school. Make-up work may not be completed during class time on Fridays.
Minimum Students: 12
Max Students: 25
Prerequisites: none
Spanish Level 2
Class Time: 9:00 - 10:30 AM
Instructor: Maria Rivera
Class Fee: $550
Course Description:
Spanish II is a continuation of Spanish I with a substantial amount of new grammatical structures. The course increases emphasis on all four language skills. Students will begin to understand spoken Spanish and interaction will be enhanced. The students will become familiar with different aspects of the culture, including the visual arts, architecture, literature, and music. Cultural and historical aspects of Hispanic countries are also studied. The course enables students to participate in classroom and extracurricular activities related to the target language as well as to participate in conversations concerning daily activities and personal interests. Proficiency exam will be given at the end of the course.
CLASS EVALUATION CRITERIA
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Class Participation (verbal communication, guided practice and class participation)
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Classwork (Includes all daily class work, homework assignments and participation)
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Tests & Projects (written and listening, grammar, vocabulary and basic skills and written and oral presentation projects)
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Quizzes (grammar, vocabulary and basic skills)
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Homework (independent practice, may include small projects)
Make-up Work for Absent Student
It is the student’s responsibility to coordinate arrangements with the teacher(s) and complete make-up work and tests within 2 school days upon the student’s return to school. Make-up work may not be completed during class time on Fridays.
Minimum Students: 12
Max Students: 25
Prerequisites: Spanish Level I
Algebra 1
Class Time: 9:00 - 10:30 AM
Instructor: Kevin Yaiko
Class Fees: There are two different options for this class. Please read below for details. There is now an additional online class time component Monday - Thursday for an affordable add-on
Class Description:
This course is an introductory algebra course to fundamental algebra skills and will build a solid foundation for subsequent high school math classes. The class will be self-paced, but with recommended pacing for the student to finish the content by the end of Pathway.
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).
Base Class Fee: $450 ($15 per week)
As part of the base class, students will
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have access to the full curriculum on the Canvas Learning Management System
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textbook reading for each lesson
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video(s) to supplement the reading - most are instructor created for Pathway
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practice exercises with solutions
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have the opportunity to attend in person Friday classes
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class review from previous weeks
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ask questions on confusing material
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assessments over content they learned during the week
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opportunity to work together with classmates
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be able to ask questions during the week on a forum monitored by the instructor
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have opportunity to sign up for virtual live sessions with the instructor during the week (availability limited)
Base Class Plus Daily Lessons: $690 ($15 per week + $2 per hour of live supplemental instruction)
This includes everything in the base class plus live instruction Monday through Thursday via Google Meet from 8:45 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. During these sessions the instructor will
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provide additional instruction about the lesson
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provide additional practice beyond what is assigned
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answer student questions.
Lessons will be recorded and available by the next school day for review. Students will get the most out of this option if they want to follow the recommended due dates (i.e., not self-paced) as the lessons will follow that pacing.
Curriculum:
The course is structured off the textbook Algebra: Structure and Method - Book 1 published by McDougal Littell. No textbook purchase is required as all readings are made available on Canvas. Students can also rent a physical textbook for the year for a $10 rental fee.
Grading:
Standards-based grading using a decaying average.
Minimum students: 10
Geometry
Class Time: 10:30 - 12:00 PM
Instructor: Kevin Yaiko
Class Fees: There are two different options for this class. Please read below for details. There is now an additional online class time component Monday - Thursday for an affordable add-on
Course Information:
This is a high-school level introduction to geometry course that formalizes students' geometric knowledge and starts to move them to more abstract reasoning and proof. This course is recommended to be taken after Algebra 1 and before Algebra 2. The class will be self-paced, but with recommended pacing for the student to finish the content by the end of Pathway.
Base Class Fee: $450 ($15 per week)
As part of the base class, students will
-
have access to the full curriculum on the Canvas Learning Management System
-
textbook reading for each lesson
-
practice exercises with solutions
-
-
have the opportunity to attend in person Friday classes
-
class review from previous weeks
-
ask questions on confusing material
-
assessments over content they learned during the week
-
opportunity to work together with classmates
-
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be able to ask questions during the week on a forum monitored by the instructor
-
have opportunity to sign up for virtual live sessions with the instructor during the week (availability limited)
Base Class Plus Daily Lessons: $690 ($15 per week + $2 per hour of live supplemental instruction)
This includes everything in the base class plus live instruction Monday through Thursday via Google Meet from 9:25 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. During these sessions the instructor will
-
provide additional instruction about the lesson.
-
provide additional practice beyond what is assigned.
-
answer student questions.
Lessons will be recorded and available by the next school day for review. Students will get the most out of this option if they want to follow the recommended due dates (i.e., not self-paced) as the lessons will follow that pacing.
Curriculum:
The course uses Geometry by Harold R. Jacobs by Master Books to drive the curriculum. No textbook purchase is required as all readings are made available on Canvas, however, a textbook can be purchased from the publisher. Students should also purchase a compass and protractor.
Grading:
Standards-based grading using a decaying average.
Minimum students: 10
Algebra 2
Class Time: 12:30 - 2:00 PM
Instructor: Kevin Yaiko
Class Fees: There are two different options for this class. Please read below for details. There is now an additional online class time component Monday - Thursday for an affordable add-on
Class Description:
Algebra 2 is an intermediate level class that expands upon the topics covered in Algebra 1 and introduces new algebraic concepts.
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).
Base Class Fee: $450 ($15 per week)
As part of the base class, students will
-
have access to the full curriculum on the Canvas Learning Management System
-
textbook reading for each lesson
-
video(s) for the lesson, many made by the instructor
-
practice exercises with solutions
-
-
have the opportunity to attend in person Friday classes
-
class review from previous weeks
-
ask questions on confusing material
-
assessments over content they learned during the week
-
opportunity to work together with classmates
-
-
be able to ask questions during the week on a forum monitored by the instructor
-
have opportunity to sign up for virtual live sessions with the instructor during the week (availability limited)
Base Class Plus Daily Lessons: $690 ($15 per week + $2 per hour of live supplemental instruction)
This includes everything in the base class plus live instruction Monday through Thursday via Google Meet from 10:05 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. During these sessions the instructor will
-
provide additional instruction about the lesson.
-
provide additional practice beyond what is assigned.
-
answer student questions.
Lessons will be recorded and available by the next school day for review. Students will get the most out of this option if they want to follow the recommended due dates (i.e., not self-paced) as the lessons will follow that pacing.
Curriculum:
The course is structured off the textbook Algebra 2 (2011) by Holt McDougal Littell. No textbook purchase is required as all readings are made available on Canvas. Students can also rent a physical textbook for the year for a $10 rental fee.
Grading:
Standards-based grading using a decaying average.
Prerequisites: Algebra 1
Minimum students: 10
ASL 1 (American Sign Language)
Class Time: 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Instructor: Erik Kiefer
Class Fee: $500
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, there will also be a major emphasis put on cultural awareness – Understanding the meaning behind signs and cultural norms in the Deaf community. Additionally, 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.
Min/Max Students: 10/18
Additional Fees: None
Required Materials: Students will need to create a free account on Microsoft Teams. All other course materials will be provided by the instructor
ASL 2 (American Sign Language)
Class Time: 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Instructor: Erik Kiefer
Class Fee: $500
Course Description:
In ASL 2, we will 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, dive into new intricate topics/concepts, learn how to use general signs in different ways to add clarity to their conversations, learn how to use proper grammar, and enhance expressive/receptive skills through class discussions, 1:1 exchanges, and dialogue simulations. The focus that was put on Deaf culture in ASL 1 will continue 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. The instructor will lead a large part of this course in American Sign Language. Students will also be asked to sign in a majority of exchanges with the instructor and their classmates in order to progress further.
Min/Max Students: 6/10
Additional Fees: None
Required Materials: Students will need to create a free account on Microsoft Teams if they do not have one already. All other course materials will be provided by the instructor
Pathway Gavel Club
Class Time: 2:30 - 3:30 PM
Instructor: Kellie Alison and Cindy Tognarina
Class Fee: $200
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 Time: 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Instructor: Stephen Clark
Class Fee: $350
Credit: This class will fulfill the North Carolina graduation requirements for Personal Finance
Course Description:
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, Investing & Retirement, Insurance, Money and Relationships, Careers & Taxes, and Giving.
Class time will consist of watching videos (15 - 20 mins.) related to personal finance management. We will 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.
Homework will consist of studying class notes, reading any additional articles assigned, taking chapter tests,
Required Text:
TBD