2026-2027 Curriculum Guide - PDF Copy Available on Other Related Information Tab.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS CREDITS
English Language Arts 4
Mathematics 4
Social Studies 4
Science 3
World Language 2
CAREER PATHWAYS 
Academic coursework beyond the above-mentioned requirements: Advisory, Internships, and Jobs For Delaware Graduates 3
SUPPORTING COURSEWORK 
Physical Education 1
Health ½
Financial Literacy ½
GENERAL DEGREE REQUIREMENT 
Academic coursework beyond the above-mentioned requirements: Autobiography 2
TOTAL UNITS OF CREDIT 24

POCS Beliefs

● Education is the key to productive and responsible living in our society.
● All children can learn, but the rate at which they learn and how they learn differ.
● All instruction focuses on one student at a time.
● Education builds an understanding and respect for all cultures and ethnic groups in a global society.
● Effective education requires support and accountability at all levels.
● High quality, highly motivated and creative staff is essential for student success.
● Effective education can be measured.
● School success requires a partnership of community and school resources.
● Learning in a nurturing and academically challenging environment builds character, enhances self-esteem, and leads to success.
● Education and learning begin in the home with the family and require their ongoing involvement throughout the school years.

Table of Contents
English Language Arts 3
Mathematics 6
Social Studies 8
Science 11
World Language 12
Jobs for Delaware Graduates 13
Big Picture Learning - Advisory 15

English Language Arts

Curriculum Tool CommonLit 360
Develops effective reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking habits. The CommonLit 360 curriculum emphasizes a student-focused, student-led exploration of thought-provoking texts and topics across a wide range of units. By engaging students in effective habits of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking, the curriculum cultivates self-reliance and independent learning. Throughout the curriculum, students engage in significant collaboration and reflection, developing the skills necessary to analyze complex ideas and communicate their understanding effectively. Integrating these skills further enhances students' understanding, as success in one domain often leads to success in others. The curriculum's structure and content are designed to foster lifelong learning habits that students can carry beyond the classroom.

Grade 7
Seventh graders examine what it means to belong—to families, communities, and the digital world. Students study the changes that accompany adolescence and how a person’s life is shaped by their community and choices. They also explore speeches and rhetoric, while developing their own ability to persuade through writing and speech.
Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3
Community and Belonging
Thematic Adolescence
Thematic Brown Girl Dreaming
Novel
Unit 4 Unit 5 Unit 6
Social Media: Risks and Rewards
Research Influential Voices

Thematic School Electives: Which One Matters Most
Argument
Grade 8
Eighth grade invites students into exciting and moving stories. Students analyze how writers build suspense and how individuals show bravery and affect the administration of justice. They also research risks in contact sports, explore the impact of “othering,” and debate ideal school start times, using evidence to understand complex social issues.9
Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3
The Art of Suspense
Thematic Conveying Courage
Thematic Twelve Angry Men
Drama
Unit 4 Unit 5 Unit 6
Contact Sports: Worth the Risk?
Research Not That Different

Thematic The Debate Over School Start Time
Argument

Grade 9

Ninth graders engaging with the year-long theme Civic Responsibility ponder their rights and duties in our society. Students consider questions like: What is my role in society? Who is responsible for the way society functions and develops? The texts students analyze span fiction, poetry, drama, and journalism to provide complex viewpoints on government and society while building critical academic skills.
Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3
Following the Crowd
Thematic Animal Farm
Novel Speak Up, Speak Out: Speech and Rhetoric
Thematic
Unit 4 Unit 5 Unit 6
Journalism and Society
Research Antigone
Drama Graffiti -- Art or Argument
Argument
Grade 10

Tenth graders engage with the year-long theme Finding Your Voice through characters who face moral dilemmas and reveal that, while courage can be hard to find, regret can be incredibly painful. Students read about individuals who become stronger and braver through their struggles. The units feature a variety of text genres and rigorous writing tasks, preparing students for the rigors of eleventh and twelfth grade.
Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3
Coming of Age
Thematic Fahrenheit 451
Novel A Raisin in the Sun
Drama
Unit 4 Unit 5 Unit 6
Voting Rights: Then
and Now
Research Things Fall Apart
Novel School, Free Speech,
and Social Media
Argument
Grade 11

Eleventh grade invites students to analyze the evolution of the American Dream, including its ideals and contradictions. Students analyze both classic and contemporary literature, study the social contract and how citizens respond when it is broken, examine justice in literature and nonfiction, and engage with Indigenous perspectives. They end the year by articulating their own visions of the American Dream.
Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3
The Great Gatsby and the American Dream
Novel Their Eyes Were Watching God
Novel The Social Contract
Thematic
Unit 4 Unit 5 Unit 6

Ceremony
Novel The Crucible or Just
Mercy
Choice Novel The American Dream

Research and Argument
Grade 12

Twelfth graders engage with the year-long theme of Independence and Belonging, exploring the need for connection, cultural conflict, self-determination, and the balance between community and solitude. Students begin the year with introspection, crafting memoirs and application essays, then analyze both classic and contemporary works that examine ambition, trust, identity, and existential questions. By year’s end, students synthesize these complex ideas in a polished, college-ready essay or presentation.
Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3
Memoirs and College Essays
Narrative Writing Frankenstein: British Lit
Novel Shakespeare’s Othello
Drama
Unit 4 Unit 5 Unit 6
The Namesake
Novel The Stranger
Novel Balancing Connection and Solitude
Research and Argument

Mathematics

Curriculum Tool HMH Into Math and Into Algebra l, Geometry, and Algebra ll
HMH Into Math is a comprehensive mathematics curriculum highly aligned to the Delaware State Standards and designed to help students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts while building confidence as problem-solvers. Through hands-on activities, real-world applications, collaborative discussions, and purposeful practice, students learn not only how to solve problems but also why mathematical strategies work. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and communication, while providing differentiated support to meet the needs of all learners.

HMH Into AGA (Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2)
HMH Into AGA is a rigorous high school mathematics curriculum, highly aligned to the Delaware State Standards, that prepares students for college, careers, and future STEM opportunities. Organized around the Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2 learning progression, the program helps students build conceptual understanding alongside procedural fluency. Students engage in problem-solving, mathematical modeling, and real-world applications that encourage critical thinking and perseverance. The curriculum also provides opportunities for collaboration, technology integration, and differentiated instruction to support diverse learners while ensuring mastery of essential mathematical skills.

Grade 7 Mathematics
Seventh-grade mathematics builds on students' understanding of proportional relationships and extends their work with rational numbers. Students learn to solve multi-step problems involving positive and negative numbers, expressions and equations, percentages, probability, statistics, and geometry. Throughout the year, students develop mathematical reasoning by explaining their thinking, modeling real-world situations, and applying multiple strategies to solve increasingly complex problems.
Grade 8 Mathematics
Eighth-grade mathematics prepares students for high school algebra by strengthening their understanding of linear relationships and functions. Students explore solving linear equations and systems of equations, analyze functions, investigate geometric transformations and the Pythagorean Theorem, and work with data and scatter plots. The curriculum emphasizes abstract reasoning, problem-solving, and making connections between mathematical concepts and real-world applications.
Grade 9 – Algebra I
Algebra I introduces students to the language and structure of algebra. Students learn to represent relationships using equations, inequalities, functions, and graphs while developing skills in solving linear, quadratic, and exponential equations. They analyze data, interpret mathematical models, and apply algebraic reasoning to solve authentic problems, laying the foundation for future mathematics courses.
Grade 10 – Geometry
Geometry focuses on understanding shapes, space, and mathematical proof. Students investigate geometric relationships involving congruence, similarity, circles, triangles, and three-dimensional figures. They use logical reasoning to construct proofs, explore coordinate

geometry, and apply geometric concepts to measurement and modeling. The course strengthens students' ability to reason mathematically and communicate precise mathematical arguments. .
Grade 11 – Algebra II
Algebra II expands students' understanding of advanced algebraic concepts and prepares them for higher-level mathematics, college, and career pathways. Students study polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions while extending their skills in modeling
real-world situations. The course emphasizes multiple representations of functions, mathematical modeling, data analysis, and problem-solving, helping students develop the analytical thinking needed for advanced STEM coursework and everyday decision-making.
Grade 12 - Statistics
Introduction to Statistics helps students learn how to make sense of data and use evidence to answer real-world questions. Students investigate topics such as data analysis, probability, sampling, experimental design, regression, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. Throughout the course, they develop critical thinking and data literacy skills by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information to make informed decisions. Students actively explore statistical concepts before formalizing procedures, building a strong conceptual understanding that prepares them for college, careers, and everyday problem-solving.

Social Studies

Curriculum Tool(s) Delaware Model Lessons, Facing History, New Visions for Public Education, Project Citizen, Big History Project
Grades 7 and 8: Delaware Model Lessons: The civics and economics standards prioritized for 7th grade and 8th Grade US History in these lessons align with the statewide social studies through-year assessment system for grades 4 - 8, and 11. "Model lessons" are instructional resources endorsed by the Department of Education, the Social Studies Coalition of Delaware, and affiliate members of the Coalition as exemplars for how to teach a standard at a given grade level.

Facing History and Ourselves: Facing History & Ourselves’ curriculum aligns with leading national standards in social studies and English Language Arts, including frameworks from the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS), the Common Core, and the National Council of Teachers of English.

New Visions for Public Schools: Standards-aligned, high-quality instructional materials for all learners that helps students think and work like historians. Rather than memorizing names and dates, students investigate compelling historical questions by analyzing primary and secondary sources, evaluating multiple perspectives, and constructing evidence-based arguments. Lessons encourage students to make connections between historical events and current issues while strengthening reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking skills.

Project Citizen: A nationally recognized, project-based civics curriculum that empowers students to become informed, engaged citizens by addressing real issues within their schools or communities. Rather than simply learning about government, students experience democracy in action by identifying a public policy problem, researching its causes, evaluating possible solutions, developing a public policy proposal, and presenting their recommendations to authentic audiences such as school leaders, elected officials, or community members.

Big History Project: An engaging, inquiry-based world history course that explores the development of our interconnected world from 1200 CE to the present. Rather than focusing on memorizing historical facts and dates, students investigate compelling historical questions, analyze evidence from primary and secondary sources, and develop evidence-based arguments. The course helps students understand how global interactions have shaped societies, economies, governments, and cultures over the past 800 years.

Grade 7 Social Studies: Civics and Economics
Seventh-grade Social Studies helps students understand how government and the economy shape their everyday lives. Students explore the foundations of American government by examining the Constitution, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, the role of local, state, and federal governments, and the importance of civic participation. Through debates, simulations, case studies, and project-based learning, students investigate how laws are created, why protecting individual rights matters, and how informed citizens can make a positive impact in their communities.
Students also study economics to better understand how individuals, businesses, and governments make financial decisions. Topics include supply and demand, markets, banking, inflation, employment, economic systems, personal finance, and international trade. Students analyze real-world economic issues, interpret graphs and data, and explore how economic

choices influence communities, nations, and the global economy. Throughout the course, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills while making meaningful connections between classroom learning and the world around them.
Grade 8 U.S. History (1783-1877)
Students are expected to develop an understanding of the history of the pre-industrial United States and its connections to Delaware history. Students will engage in inquiry to develop historical thinking skills such as crafting and examining the questions that drive research and interpretations, analyzing and corroborating evidence, weighing evidence, and explaining competing interpretations. Students learn to investigate historical questions employing reading strategies such as sourcing, contextualizing, corroborating, and close reading. Instead of memorizing historical facts, students simulate the practices of historians as they evaluate the trustworthiness of multiple perspectives on issues and make historical claims backed by documentary evidence.

A student should understand chronology well enough to situate people, laws, and events within appropriate timeframes, while also explaining causal relationships and change over time.

The course is organized around three time periods, 1783-1820, 1821-1860, and 1861-1877. In each time period, students will examine the themes of Expansion and Contradiction of Freedom found in American Constitutional Principles and Documents, Westward Expansion and Settlement, and Economic and Demographic Change.
Grade 9: World Geography & Civics
World Geography is the study of the world’s peoples, places, and environments, with a focus on world regions. Particular emphasis is placed on students’ understanding of and ability to apply geographic concepts and skills in their daily lives. In addition, students will gain an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States by studying the general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and by analyzing specific examples. Students will learn to analyze and interpret basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics and will write to perfect their essay-writing and critical-thinking skills.
Grade 10 – Economics/Financial Literacy
The economics course is designed for the student who will benefit from a broad, conceptual understanding of the relationship between government action and economic realities. The emphasis is on developing social science skills and applying them to new experiences. This course provides an opportunity for experiential learning for college-bound students who may not pursue careers in the social sciences.

Financial Literacy equips students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives. Students learn how to set financial goals, create budgets, manage income and expenses, build and maintain good credit, evaluate borrowing options, save and invest for the future, and protect themselves from financial risk. Through real-world scenarios and
hands-on activities, students explore topics such as career planning, taxes, banking, insurance, consumer protection, and the role of government in the financial system.
The course emphasizes critical thinking and responsible decision-making, helping students evaluate the long-term impact of financial choices while preparing them for life after high school. By developing strong

financial habits and understanding how money influences everyday decisions, students gain the confidence to navigate college, careers, and adulthood with greater financial independence and security.
Grade 11 – US History

This course surveys the period of American History from 1877 to the present. Students investigate major topics including Reconstruction, industrialization, immigration, the Progressive Era, America's emergence as a global power, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly interconnected world. Throughout the course, students consider how political, economic, social, and cultural forces have influenced the nation's development and continue to affect society today.
Grade 12 - World History

Students examine major historical developments through three recurring lenses—communities, networks, and production & distribution—to understand how people, ideas, goods, and technologies have connected the world over time. Topics include expanding trade networks, the Columbian Exchange, global empires, revolutions, industrialization, imperialism, world wars, decolonization, globalization, and contemporary global challenges. Throughout the course, students strengthen critical thinking, historical inquiry, research, reading, writing, and communication skills while making meaningful connections between historical events and today's world.

Science

Curriculum Tool Open SciEd and Delaware Science Coalition Kits
OpenSciEd is a phenomenon-based science curriculum designed to help students learn science by investigating real-world questions and solving authentic problems. Instead of beginning with vocabulary or formulas, students explore engaging phenomena, ask questions, gather evidence through investigations, analyze data, and develop scientific explanations. Throughout the course, students think and work like scientists by building models, collaborating with classmates, constructing evidence-based arguments, and applying scientific ideas to explain the world around them. OpenSciEd is fully aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and integrates science and engineering practices, core scientific concepts, and crosscutting themes throughout instruction. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for college, careers, and STEM opportunities while fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills

Grade 7 Life Science

Grade 7 Science explores the interactions between matter, energy, and living systems through hands-on investigations and collaborative problem-solving. Students study how chemical reactions transform matter and transfer energy, how living organisms obtain and use energy through metabolic processes, and how matter cycles through ecosystems. As they investigate photosynthesis, food webs, and ecosystem dynamics, students develop a deeper understanding of the connections between organisms and their environment. Throughout the course, students use scientific evidence, conduct investigations, analyze data, and communicate their findings, building the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills needed to understand the natural world.
Grade 8 Earth/Physical Science

Grade 8 Science focuses on the forces and systems that shape our physical world and influence life on Earth. Students investigate how contact and non-contact forces affect motion, explore the properties and behavior of sound waves, and examine Earth's place within the solar system.
They also study genetics to understand how traits are inherited and how genetic variation contributes to the diversity of life. Through hands-on investigations, engineering design challenges, and evidence-based discussions, students strengthen their scientific reasoning and make connections among physical science, Earth and space science, and life science concepts.
Grade 9 – Integrated Science

This is a physical science course covering three science disciplines: Living Through Chemistry (introduction to chemistry concepts); Energy Across the Systems (an in-depth look at energy in physics, chemistry, and Earth science applications); and Earth Systems (origin of the solar system, earthquakes, volcanoes, and plate tectonics)
.
Grade 10 – Biology
This course explores how living systems function, interact, and change over time. Students investigate real-world biological phenomena to understand ecosystems, the flow of matter and

energy, cellular processes, genetics, evolution, and biodiversity. Through laboratory investigations, modeling, data analysis, and scientific discussions, students develop explanations for how organisms survive, reproduce, adapt, and interact with their environments. Rather than learning biology as isolated topics, students build an interconnected understanding of life across multiple levels—from cells to ecosystems—while developing the skills scientists use to answer complex biological questions.
Grade 11 – Chemistry
In this course, students explain everyday and global phenomena by exploring how matter and energy interact. Students investigate the structure and properties of matter, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, solutions, acids and bases, and energy transformations through hands-on investigations and real-world case studies. Throughout the course, students use evidence to develop models, explain chemical processes, and design solutions to challenges such as climate change, ocean acidification, and sustainable energy. By emphasizing scientific inquiry and problem-solving, the course helps students understand chemistry as a tool for making sense of the natural world and addressing issues that affect their communities and the planet.

World Language

Spanish l
Spanish I introduces students to the Spanish language through meaningful communication and cultural exploration. Using a proficiency-based approach, students develop the skills to understand, speak, read, and write about familiar topics while building confidence in everyday communication. Instruction emphasizes real-world conversations, high-frequency vocabulary, storytelling, and cultural connections that help students use Spanish in authentic situations rather than simply memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules. Throughout the course, students explore the cultures, traditions, and perspectives of Spanish-speaking countries while making connections to their own experiences and communities.
Students learn to communicate about topics such as introductions, family, school, hobbies, weather, shopping, travel, and daily life while developing an understanding of how language and culture are connected. The course also highlights the value of bilingualism in today's global workforce and encourages students to recognize the many opportunities that speaking Spanish can provide in college, careers, and everyday life.
Spanish ll

Spanish II builds upon the communication skills developed in Spanish I by expanding students' ability to interact confidently in a variety of real-world situations. Students strengthen their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while learning more advanced vocabulary and language structures. Through engaging stories, conversations, cultural investigations, and authentic texts, students deepen their understanding of the diverse cultures of the
Spanish-speaking world while continuing to develop proficiency in everyday communication.
Students communicate about personal experiences, school, relationships, travel, shopping, family life, and global cultures while exploring how language reflects the traditions, values, and perspectives of Spanish-speaking communities. The course encourages students to compare cultures, think critically about global issues, and use Spanish to communicate with increasing independence. By the end of the course, students are better prepared to engage in meaningful conversations, understand authentic materials, and continue their language learning in
higher-level courses or real-world settings.

Jobs for Delaware Graduates

Curriculum Tool JDG State Curriculum
Jobs for Delaware Graduates (JDG) is a career readiness and leadership program that helps students develop the academic, personal, and workplace skills needed for success after high school. As a Delaware Department of Education-approved Career Pathway, JDG combines classroom instruction with career exploration, leadership development, community service, and real-world work experiences. The program is designed to prepare students for college, technical training, military service, apprenticeships, and careers by helping them build confidence, set goals, and develop the skills employers value most.

Grade 7

Jobs for Delaware Graduates 7 introduces students to leadership, self-awareness, and career exploration while helping them build the habits needed for success in middle school and beyond. Students develop communication, teamwork, goal-setting, and problem-solving skills while exploring careers that match their interests and strengths. Through leadership activities, community engagement, and hands-on projects, students begin creating a personal vision for their future and prepare for a successful transition to high school.
Grade 8

Jobs for Delaware Graduates 8 builds on the leadership and career readiness skills introduced in Grade 7. Students continue exploring career pathways while strengthening employability skills such as collaboration, communication, professionalism, and responsible decision-making. The course emphasizes leadership development, service learning, financial responsibility, and planning for high school coursework that aligns with students' college and career goals.
Grade 9

Jobs for Delaware Graduates 9 helps students successfully transition into high school while building the foundation for college and career success. Students develop study skills, goal setting, decision-making, workplace communication, professionalism, leadership, and career awareness. They begin exploring career pathways, workplace expectations, entrepreneurship, and personal success skills while creating an individualized plan for their future.
Grade 10

Jobs for Delaware Graduates 10 expands students' workplace readiness by focusing on teamwork, leadership, financial responsibility, customer service, workplace diversity, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving. Students strengthen employability skills while exploring career interests, practicing workplace mathematics, managing personal finances, and learning how collaboration and professionalism contribute to career success. .
Grade 11
Jobs for Delaware Graduates 11 prepares students for employment and postsecondary opportunities by emphasizing interview skills, resume development, business communication,

digital citizenship, workplace ethics, financial planning, investing, and business planning. Students deepen their understanding of career pathways while developing leadership, presentation, and networking skills that prepare them for internships, college, military service, apprenticeships, or employment.
Grade 12

Jobs for Delaware Graduates 12 serves as the capstone of the JDG pathway by connecting classroom learning with authentic workplace experiences. Students complete career portfolios, practice interviewing, explore employee rights and benefits, develop financial plans, and refine the professional skills needed for life after graduation. Many students participate in job shadowing, internships, cooperative work experiences, or the JDG C.O.R.E. Internship Program, providing valuable hands-on experience before entering college, technical training, military service, or the workforce.

Big Picture Learning - Advisory

Curriculum Tool Big Picture Learning
Positive Outcomes Charter School (POCS) has incorporated the Big Picture Learning philosophy as a key part of its educational program. The school's goal is to help students discover their strengths, develop confidence, and connect learning to meaningful career and life experiences. Through personalized learning plans, internships, community partnerships, and strong adult relationships, students are encouraged to take ownership of their education and prepare for successful futures.

Grade 7

The 7th grade year delves deeply into who students are as individuals, as learners, as group members, and as members of their community, etc. Students explore what interests them and what makes them tick. Students learn how they learn. They also learn the initial steps of project design, engage in group community service experiences, organize their materials, and develop the personal qualities and behaviors needed to operate in different settings. Students learn how to speak in public, give feedback, and respond to questions and suggestions from peers and adults. Students complete Who Am I Projects including writing assignments as a source of reflection of their past, present and future. Students begin examining their strengths and challenges as learners.
Grade 8

The 8th grade year is about expanding students’ horizons. Often, people are unaware of what they do not know. This year focuses on providing students with opportunities to experience things they might not have considered as interests, expanding their learning opportunities. Students learn how to design personal interest projects and manage their work and utilize their independent work time more effectively, how to develop essential questions of interest to them, how to research topics of interest, how to interview people as resources, and contribute over time to community service organizations. Students learn how to reflect on their experiences, what they learn and how they interact with others and are able to share these insights with their peers and adults both informally and through formal exhibitions. Students begin to identify how others can help them be successful as learners and as people.
Grade 9
The 9th grade year is focused on developing skills and having experiences that enable students to begin using their community to support their learning and interest exploration. Students design individual interest projects and learn how to enroll outside adults in supporting their learning. Students connect their interests to their academic course work and complete research papers connected to their interests. Students learn how to monitor their behavior and set goals for academic and personal development that they track with data over time. Students are able to describe what it means to be an independent learner and develop skills to support their independent inquiry and learning process. They can identify how they have grown as an independent learner and what they need to do to improve as an independent learner. Students also learn how to analyze their own leadership abilities and select specific skills for further development. Students explore possible futures and design summer learning experiences to

grow their confidence, competence and interests. Students develop a clear understanding of the curriculum pathways and expectations for high school and post-secondary learning and create high school plans based on their interests and possible goals for the future
Grade 10

The 10th grade Advisory focuses on supporting students in operating in the world beyond school through extended learning internships in the real world. Students learn how to connect their interests to the community around them and to individual adults willing to help them learn.
Through internship experiences, students learn to assess the expectations of different environments and how to navigate in the world of work. Students explore the connections between their interests and post-secondary learning opportunities and begin to develop alternative pathways for their future. Students learn how to do community mapping and identify assets and resources in their communities and begin seeing the community as a viable resource for their learning and as a place for their contributions. Students engage in Socratic seminars to engage in exploring community issues and challenges. Students analyze their leadership styles and challenge themselves to expand their leadership capabilities in school, in their internships and in their community. Students develop summer plans that tap into their new understanding of their community and include accessing college based experiences.
Grade 11
The 11th grade Advisory focuses on supporting students in conducting in depth research on a topic of strong personal interest that students would like to influence. Students create a Senior Thesis Project Proposal that defines their interest, the need that exists, how the work will connect with their academic program and how they intend to make an impact. Drawing on community resources, students marshal a team of adults and students to support them in carrying out a semester-long project of significance. Students actively engage in post-secondary planning exploration and preparation through college visits, SAT preparation, and the development of alternative post high school scenarios (including the selection of at least three post-secondary learning institutions). Students initiate an in depth reflective writing process that will become the foundation of an autobiography. Students develop summer learning plans to support their graduating on time prepared for the post high school options they want to pursue.
Grade 12

The 12th grade Advisory focuses on helping students leave their mark, and make their mark on their future. Students are supported in implementing an in depth authentic Senior Thesis Project designed to have real impact in the community and that also helps students develop specialized knowledge, and the skills and capacities needed for managing a significant effort over a long period of time. Students learn how to use project management tools, how to make requests and secure commitments, how to monitor personal deadlines and address emerging issues and draw upon the resources of other students and adults. Students also make final preparations for their post-secondary transition including completing applications to at least three post-secondary institutions, developing financial plans for the options they have chosen, and applying for at least three scholarships. Students hone their writing skills by completing an autobiography where they reflect on their past, what they have learned, who they have become, and who they hope to be in the future.

The document will be posted as soon as completed and approved by the POCS Board of Directors.