FRESHMEN SEMINAR

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FRESHMEN SEMINAR
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COURSE DESCRIPTION

• This course will insure that students have a
  successful transition into high school. They will
  learn the skills necessary to become responsible
  students and will be introduced to the tools
  needed to meet their full potential. This
  includes following oral and written directions,
  managing time, developing organizational skills,
  reading for meaning and understanding, honing
  inquiry skills,making logical deductions,
  analyzing information to improve comprehension,
  understanding study and test taking strategies,
  utilizing writing and research skills, as well as
  investigating career opportunities. Students will
  have direct contact with their teachers who will
  provide reinforcement of learning through
  reteaching, additional practice and tutoring.
• Course 1816 .5 college prep credit semester
  course

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RATIONALE

• Teachers in high school often assume by ninth
  grade that students know how to learn, but in
  many cases this is not true.
• Many students enter large, comprehensive high
  schools without the necessary social and academic
  skills or understanding of what will be expected
  of them as they move through the high school
  curriculum

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• Most students have never had direct instruction
  in the many skills required.
• In order to help our students meet with success
  we need to help them develop academic, social and
  self-management skills needed.

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RESEARCH BASED

• Reading scores improved for approximately 78 of
  students.
• Math scores improved for approximately 86 of
  students.
• Student behavior improved for approximately 70.
• 97 of teachers rated their direct instruction
  program (Student Success Skills) as helpful in
  meeting student academic and classroom management
  needs.

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FRESHMEN SEMINAR CURRICULUM

1. WEYMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS
2. PERSONALIZED PLAN FOR PROGRESS AND GOAL SETTING
3. WRITING SKILLS AND FUTURE RESEARCH NEEDS
4. STUDY SKILLS INSTRUCTION
5. CAREER EXPLORATION

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WEYMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

• The WHS student communicates effectively through
  reading, writing, and speaking.
• The WHS student analyzes history, uses
  mathematical knowledge, has an understanding of
  scientific concepts,applies concepts of personal
  fitness and health,participates in the creative
  arts and uses technology.

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PERSONALIZED PLAN FOR PROGRESS

• Students in Freshmen Seminar will begin to
  understand the importance of goal setting.
• Students will begin an electronic portfolio where
  they will keep goals and action plans, evidence
  of their work, and achievement.
• This will be modified and expanded as they
  progress through high school.

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WRITING AND RESEARCH

• Students will have the opportunity to improve
  their writing skills through reflective
  journaling.
• Students will have the opportunity to work on
  long range projects which may be
  interdisciplinary in nature.
• Students will be given direct instruction in the
  research process using MLA guidelines.
• Students will begin to construct a resume.

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STUDY SKILLS

• I. Learning Style and personality assessment
• II.Organization and time management all students
  will be instructed in how to use their agenda
  books which will be required.
• III. Note Taking Instruction Notes from lectures
  and texts
• IV. Test Taking skills including the tricks to
  taking objective tests as well as instruction in
  how to answer an open response question and how
  to write a good essay.
• V. Study strategies Memory strategies, making
  own study guides, study groups,using resources
  and self-advocacy skills
• VI. Assignment Completion additional
  reinforcement of skills, homework help, make-up
  work, extra credit opportunity.

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Career Exploration

• Career Cruising personal interest and skill
  inventories which will identify many career
  options.
• Guidance counselors will work with students on
  proper course selection, credit status and post
  secondary planning.

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ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIO

• Students will learn to create their own
  electronic portfolio.
• Students will maintain this portfolio throughout
  their high school experience.