Course Handbook

To print a copy download the Course Handbook 2010-2011 (PDF).

 

Humanities Department

Language Arts 1

Language Arts, a required course for all freshmen at Orion Academy, introduces students to effective modes of communication through writing and speaking.  Students will learn about the process and mechanics of writing and will be given tools and strategies for pre-writing, organizing, composing, revising, and editing.  Students will have the opportunity to study and practice composing multiple genres of writing, including narrative, functional documents, and several types of academic essays.  In addition, this course emphasizes the development of pragmatic language skills, critical thinking, and reading comprehension, complementing other Orion Academy coursework by providing skills-based learning that students can apply in all of their classes.

Text Used: Writer’s INC, The Write Source

Literature 1 : Elements of Literature (UC Approved)

This freshman level Literature class will utilize all genres of literature to develop an appreciation of the art and craft of literature. Students who take this course will gain a stronger understanding of the tools an author uses to communicate their ideas. In addition, students will begin to understand how to utilize those tools to improve their oral and written communication. Students will identify literary elements such as character development and interactions, time and sequence, plot themes, figurative language, symbolism, etc. They will learn to analyze the literary works in depth to understand an author’s purpose and point of view, and in the process, develop their critical thinking skills through a series of class activities and essays based on each novel.

Students of this course will read and explore the following literary works and others-

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Hitchhicker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Additional Text:

Writer’s INC by Write Source

Literature 2 : The Struggles of Humankind       (UC Approved)

In this upper level course students will explore a common theme through varied types of literature and analyze the style, voice and form. Students will become familiar with the purposes and characteristics of the major genres of literature.  Students will contrast the major literary forms and characteristics of the major literary periods, relate literary works and authors to major themes and issues of their eras, and analyze the philosophical, political, ethical, and social influences that have shaped characters, plots, and themes.  Furthermore, students will develop writing and critical thinking skills through a series of analyses and assignments in the course. Most importantly, students will discover the many venues of storytelling that can lead to a lifetime love of literature

Students of this course might read and explore literary works like:

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt  

Night by Elie Wiesel

Additional Text:

Write for College by Write Source

Literature 3 : American Literature            (UC Approved)

This  upper level literature class will examine the relation between literature and American history.  By analyzing works that reflect American culture students will come will be exposed to some of the founding ideas that help America struggle and grow through the years. Utilizing and expanding on the skills mastered in sophomore year, students will understand the unbreakable tie of culture with social change. Students in this course will be asked to develop essays and other creative works that reflect an understanding of the literary elements, author intent, and cultural relevance.

Students of this course might read and explore literary works like:

The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Yellow Raft on Blue Water by Michael Dorris

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Additional Text:

Writer’s INC by Write Source

Literature 4 : The Philosophy of Literature       (UC Approved)

In this senior level literature course students will approach literature’s philosophical side.  Students taking this course will be expected to ask the big questions that have burned in our collective psyche through the ages: Why are we here? Do we have a purpose? What is good and evil? Can a person be truly an individual?  Because we can should we? And Is Utopia possible?  In addition students will be studying western philosophers answers to these timeless questions. In this class students will hone their analytical writing skills while also developing argumentation skills.

Students of this course might read and explore literary works like:

Siddhartha by Herman Hesse

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

Additional Text:

Write for College by Write Source

Journalism (elective) (UC Approved)

Students enrolled in this course will be responsible for the reporting of Orion and world news to the Orion community through the school’s magazine The Spectrum. In addition, students will learn to plan, design, and market the Orion yearbook. Students of this course will learn interview and information collection skills, journalistic style of writing, how design helps to convey information and the importance of deadlines. Projects and Concepts will include, but not limited to:

• Compiling and synthesizing relevant information to summarize main ideas
• Understanding and practicing business elements of compiling publications
• Designing and creating graphic and visual presentations
• Producing appropriate journalism formats (ie. Headlines, copy, captions)
• Writing fictional, autobiographical, and/or biographical narratives
• Writing responses to literature or reflective compositions
• Writing factual and opinion articles, considering ethics in journalism
• Using computer software and other resources to produce pamphlets, newsletters, and journals
• Writing, editing, and producing Orion newsletters

Text: Journalism Today, Ferguson et al., McGraw-Hill

 

Great Films of the 20th Century (elective) (submitted for UC Approval)

This class examines important films of the last century, including several foreign films. In addition to watching the movies, students will pre-research and study about the themes and topics of the films. In addition, students will examine the respective careers of directors and actors involved in the movies.  The list of films to be studied and screened will be assembled from several sources.  Students who take this course will understand how the cinema of today was influenced by the great movies of the past, and how the movies portrayed and responded to cultural changes and shifts. Students in this class will be expected to write critical analysis essays that demonstrate how elements of film help convey ideas similar to literature.

Films: Modern Times, Citizen Kane, Jaws, Chinatown, Vertigo, Wag the Dog, and Others

Art      (UC Approved)

This course will provide students with a theoretical and practical introduction to several principles of design that are the basis of meaning in the visual arts.  These principles will include: figure/ground relationships, color theory, scale, rhythm and visual balance.

Students will explore representational and non-representational, 2- and 3-dimenensional art through lectures on, demonstrations of and practice with collage, drawing, painting, book arts, stamp art, and mail art.  In addition, students will develop points of reference and a vocabulary with which to discuss the formal aspects of the visual arts.

Collaterally, students will have the opportunity to develop creative problem solving skills, project and time management skills, communication skills and proper regard for tools and materials.

Art 2  (UC Approved)

This Advanced art class will focus on 2 dimensional art in the form of drawing and painting.  Each student will create a digital portfolio that will meet the following criteria:  black and white drawing, 2 point perspective drawing, landscape, self portrait, still life.  Each piece will correspond with an art history lesson, research assignment or writing assignment.  In addition to the 6 art assignments a journal will be required where students will express their successes, failures, feelings and interpretations of art through drawing, writing and collage.  The intention of this advanced art class is to travel to a world-renowned art museum to personally experience the art history studied throughout the year.  The Art II class will also host two gallery exhibitions throughout the year.

Digital Art (elective)

This course features the use of different software to create multi-media projects in the digital media. These projects will provide survey of the many uses of digital media including: event and personal identification (business cars, flyers, brochures), photography and photo editing, audio/visual creation and editing (movies and music), and basic e-mail and web utilization. Using a constantly updated portfolio folder, students will create many digital compositions to explore and refine traditional art techniques executed on computer software.  Students will self-analyze and critique their work as well as other student’s creations. Students will learn to critique different software in order to determine the best products for their own needs. In addition this class features presentations from local user multi-media user groups, computer store experts, and industry professionals.

Drama (elective) (UC Approved)

Drama introduces our students to the multifaceted world of the theater. Students will learn the basics of the stagecraft, stage direction, movement, and voice. In addition, students will survey theatre through history. Students will perform three separate performances through the year.

 

Classics and History Department

World History (UC Approved)

In this course students will study the major turning points that have shaped the modern world, from the late eighteenth century through the present, including the cause and course of the two world wars. They will trace the rise of democratic ideas and develop an understanding of the historical roots of current world issues, especially as they pertain to international relations. Students will develop an understanding of current world issues and relate them to their historical, geographic, political, economic, and cultural contexts. Students will consider multiple accounts of events in order to understand international relations from a variety of perspectives.

Text: World History: Patterns of Interaction, McDougal Littell

American History (UC Approved)

In this course, students will examine the major turning points in American History.  The year will begin with two review units – the Nations Beginnings and the testing of the new nation through the Civil War. During the year, major themes will be emphasized: the expanding role of the federal government and federal courts; the continuing tension between the individual and the state and between minority rights and majority power; the impact of technology on American society; the movement toward equal rights for racial minorities and women; and the role of the US as a world power. The course will include discussion, lecture and activities that provide learning opportunities that challenge a student’s growing abstract thinking capabilities.

Text:   The Americans: Reconstruction to the 21^st Century, Rand McNally

Advanced Topics in American History   (UC Approved)

Advanced Topics in American History is a challenging course in which emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, interpretation of original documents, essay writing, and historiography.  Students will master a broad body of historical knowledge, demonstrate an understanding of historical chronology, use historical data to support an argument or position, interpret and apply data from original documents, including cartoons, maps, letters, songs, and art.  Discussion questions, which are meant to direct students to the major themes of the units of study, will be used for each unit. Students will prepare a thesis statement and write a thesis essay based on the discussion questions and notes from lecture, text, and other documents. Students will also read many excerpts which link American literature and American History. The time period covered will be Colonial History through the Sixties, Seventies and Vietnam.

Text:   The American Pageant, Houghton Mifflin Co.

Words of Ages-Witnessing U.S. History through Literature, Close Up Foundation

Economics      UC Approved)

In this course students will develop analytical skills to assess economic issues.  We will focus on scarcity, choices and economic efficiency as the basic economic problems facing all individuals, groups and nations.  Students learn about alternatives to the market system, such as traditional and command economics, and learn how decisions in these economics rely on mechanisms other than the choices of the members of these economies.

Texts: Economics, Holt

Government (UC Approved)

In this unit, students will pursue a deeper understanding of the institutions of American government.  Students will analyze ideas and historical documents and events that shaped the U.S. Constitution, discuss the history and purpose of government, describe the structural features of the Constitution and explain how the U.S. system of government is a federal one. Students analyze selections from the Federalist Papers, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and landmark U. S. Supreme Court . Students also analyze the roles and responsibilities of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the government as well as issues regarding campaigns for national, state, and local elections.

Text:   United States, Government Democracy in Action, Glencoe

Psychology   (UC Approved)

Through the study of psychology, students will gain an understanding of the complexities of human thought and behavior, as well as the factors related to the differences between people. Students also gain a basic understanding of the scientific methods that are at the core of the discipline. Students are able to directly apply knowledge gained from a psychology class to their daily lives. Readings will include the works of Sigmund Freud, Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers and B.F. Skinner.

Text:    Understanding Psychology, Glencoe

Latin 1 (UC Approved)

Introduction to the vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of Classical Latin. Throughout the course we will consider language in general, the relationship of Latin to English (and other languages), how Latin roots built the vocabulary in English Language. Grammar study will examine the similarities and differences between Latin and English, with a focus on how grammar is used to convey meaning. We will cultivate both the skills to translate Latin into fluent, idiomatic English as well as the ability to read and comprehend Latin in Latin. Writing skills will be applied in translating. The language will also be studied in the context of the history and culture of Ancient Rome. Students will participate actively in class study activities and (partially as homework) to learn vocabulary, syntax and grammar.

Text:   Latin for Americans Level 1, McGraw Hill

 

Latin 2 (UC Approved)

This course is a continuation of Latin 1. The goal of Latin 2 course is to complete the study of the fundamentals of Latin, as well as to read a variety of texts by Roman and later authors. The class will start with a thorough review of first-year topics. We will continue cultivating both the skills to translate Latin into fluent idiomatic English as well as the ability to read and translating from English to Latin. Unknown Latin passages from Roman authors will be introduced so that students will be used to translating freely Latin.

Text:   Latin for Americans Level 1, McGraw Hill

Latin for Americans Level 2, McGraw Hill

 

Mathematics and Science Department

Algebra 1(UC Approved)

At Orion, we believe all students can learn Algebra.  Some students may take more time and effort than others.  Class and homework assignments reflect that reality.  Here are the key concepts which will be taught:

• Distributive Property
• Factoring
• Equations with absolute value and squares
• Polynomials
• Quadratic Equations
• Linear Functions, Scattered Data, and Probability
• Rational Expressions and Equations
• Radical Expressions and Equations
• Inequalities

Text:   Algebra 1: Application, Equations and Graphs, McDougal Little

Algebra 1A and 1B

In the Orion Academy Algebra1A and 1B courses, the students will be introduced to the Making Math Real program, created by Educational Therapist, David Berg, in conjunction with the Algebra 1 Rescue curriculum.  These programs follow the process of concept development, practice and application of problem-solving skills. The Algebra 1 Rescue curriculum is a nationally researched program, and both programs are designed to focus on the explicit instruction of specific skills using a variety of activities until mastery of concepts is achieved. This program is effective at Orion because the cognitive demands of algebra require strong and comprehensive developmental foundation acquired during elementary school years.  Those who have yet to develop these abilities may find algebra an overwhelming challenge.  It is not a questions of intelligence or potential, but a possible lack of essential tools necessary to effectively process and generalize the highly abstract and detailed patterns that comprise algebraic problem solving   In addition, the accelerated pace of instruction common in most classrooms can further exacerbate the problem for those who struggle.

Texts:  Algebra 1 Rescue 1, Sopris West Educational Services

Making Math Real, David Berg

Algebra I Expressions, Equations and Applications, Foerster, Addison Wesley

 

Geometry (UC Approved)

At Orion, we see Geometry as a way for students to see how Algebra and Geometry are related.  Students who understand Algebra already know much about Geometry.  In addition to using the textbook (Discovering Geometry, An Inductive Approach), the computer program, Geometer’s Sketchpad may be used. Key concepts include:

 

• Inductive Reasoning
• Tools of Geometry
• Line and Angle Properties
• Triangle Properties
• Polygon Properties
• Circles
• Transformations and Tessellations
• Area
• Pythagorean Theorem
• Volume
• Similarity
• Trigonometry
• Deductive Reasoning
• Geometric Proof

Texts: Geometry, Integration, Application and Connections, Glencoe

Algebra 2 (UC Approved)

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Algebra 1 and clearly understand basic algebraic concepts.  This course will include:

• Matrices
• Polynomials
• Radicals
• Logarithmic Functions
• Complex Numbers
• Permutations, Combinations, Probability
• Sequences/Series
• Conic Sections
• Trigonometry

Text: Algebra with Trigonometry, Nichols, et al, Holt, Rinehart & Winston

Pre-Calculus (UC Approved)

Pre-Calculus revisits and strengthens topics surveyed in Algebra 2 in preparation for better success in college level Calculus courses.  The CA Standards of Trigonometry, as well as the CA Standards of Math Analysis and certain topics of the CA Standards of Linear Algebra will be the focus of the Pre-Calculus course at Orion Academy. Example Topics:

• Graphing in two dimensions
• Fundamental theorems of Algebra
• Graphing in three dimensions
• Trigonometric functions and exponential functions as well as their respective inverses and reciprocals
• Binomial theorem & De Moivre’s Theorem
• Spherical coordinates and the graphs of polar equations
• Finding limits of sequences, infinite sums, and the limits of rational functions
• Approaching characteristic asymptotes

 

Geology

Geology is designed to help students understand the relationship of man and the physical environment. Students will investigate geologic phenomena and acquire laboratory skills involving mineral and rock identification, geophysics, geomorphology, geologic history, mapping, plate tectonics, astronomy, oceanography and meteorology.

Text:  Earth Science

Forensic Science

This class is designed to provide a basic knowledge of the history of criminal investigation and forensic science, the characteristics and importance of physical evidence, and methods of analysis. Students will engage in a number of activities designed to simulate collection and analysis of evidence. Case studies will provide practice in problem solving and deductive reasoning using knowledge of information presented. This is a very hand-on class that provides the students an opportunity to do crime labs and investigative work.

Biology (lab science) (UC approved)

In this upper level science class students will study variations among living things, heredity, evolution, and ecology. Active lab studies will reinforce the knowledge learned through lecture and reading. In addition, technology is used to enhance the lessons with correlated web sites and computer-based laboratory exercises.  The course is comprised of the following:

• Principles of Cell Biology
• Genetics/DNA
• Evolution and Diversity
• Ecology

Text:   Biology-Exploring Life, Campbell,Williamson,Hayden

Botany (elective)

This upper division course in Botany includes lecture presentation, projects and lab work. Students will be required to design and complete a research project. In addition, The Botany class at Orion will be responsible for the Orion Organic Garden. This hands-on garden laboratory provides an opportunity to see the connection between plants and the environment and how the choices we make have an effect on our world. The course is comprised of the following major topics:

• Plant Cell Biology
• Angiosperm Structure & Development
• Plant Physiology
• Diversity

Text:   Introductory Plant Biology, 9^th Edition, Stern, McGraw-Hill

 

Anatomy and Physiology (elective, UC Approved)

Human Anatomy & Physiology covers the structure and functioning of the human body. The course begins with an introduction to the human body and the key chemistry concepts needed to understand its processes. Each of the nine systems of the body is covered in detail. Laboratory experiences and text-based activities provide student learning in the following topics: the major body systems; how the body systems work together to provide homeostasis and body functions in the healthy and diseased states.

Text:   Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology, 4th Edition, Benjamin/Cummings

Anatomy and Physiology Coloring Workbook, Marieb, 7^th Edition, Pearson Education

 

Physics (elective, lab science, submitted for UC approval)

This is an introductory course in the foundations of Physics.  Emphasis will be on the development of an intuitive understanding of Physics principles, as well as problem solving with the use of mathematics.  The laboratory work would help students develop reasoning power and the ability to apply Physics principles, as well as acquaint students with sound laboratory techniques.

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2

Social Skills and Other Departments

Social Skills Group

The goals of the Social Skills Curriculum are threefold:

• To provide a safe and confidential environment in which to receive guidance in social skills and problem solving.
• To address issues of social skills and normal adolescent development.
• To use activities in group that will not only relate to social interactions, but also other activities, such as job interviews, social problem solving, personal projects, etc.

The first five weeks of this course will be more structured than the remainder of the course with an additional group to address any issues requiring more than one week.  These beginning groups will be used to help students become accustomed to the group structure and assimilate into the group process.

Because our students are adolescents, they are likely to bring up issues of their own.  The group design will include the ability to be flexible to accommodate these issues.  Some groups may be very independent in bringing issues to the group; others may need more structure.  More likely, some weeks the students will have issues and others they will not.  The group structure will accommodate this.  In addition, as issues arise in the school in general, teacher and administrator feedback will also be important in guiding the group skill building.

Many of the topics, if not most, will arise several times throughout the year and will need to be readdressed many times before students are comfortable practicing them.  Therefore, the curriculum provided is a tentative outline. Changes may occur as the group progresses, and each group is likely to progress differently.

Additional Topics:

• How to address problems with each other
• Presenting favorite interests and learning about the interests of others
• Family support and dealing with learning issues in the family
• What are NLD and Asperger’s
• Dating
• Drugs and alcohol

Study Skills Class

The Study Skills class is designed to work with individual students who have been referred by the School Director to receive additional skill development in the following areas.  The class may alter the priority of the following areas, dependent on the needs of the students assigned to the Study Skills Class: Written Expression, Reading Comprehension, Goal Setting, Test-Taking and Study Skills, and SAT Preparation.

Dog Class I and II

Unique to the Orion program is the Dog Training Program. An interdisciplinary approach introduces dogs, using them as a metaphor for much of human life. Dog social life and communication provide important insights into human versions of the same topics.

Freshmen learn about the long relationship between dogs and people, exploring the evolution of dogs, their physical characteristics and social behavior, and then examine dog breeds. They also look at the work dogs do with and for people (herding, carting, tracking, hunting, guarding, search and rescue, assistance to the blind and other service jobs) plus the many sports people now enjoy with dogs. Along the way, students learn much about dog communication, both with other dogs and with people.

Sophomores learn how to “read” and train dogs, reinforcing theory with hands-on work with the school dogs. Students start by studying operant and classical conditioning, learn how clickers work, and look into different training techniques: luring, shaping, capturing, and sequencing. Basics mastered, they expand their skills to teach dogs new behaviors, and prepare a demonstration for the end-of-the-year Dog Party. Students also study dog body language, learning from videos, readings, and personal observation.

 

ALERT

This course is designed to provide students with a basic knowledge of arousal states or levels of alertness and provide them with various techniques for altering those levels.  It will meet twice a week for six weeks.  The purpose is to demonstrate the role that our senses have in changing the way we feel.

The program has as a goal to provide students with the ability to self-monitor and self-regulate their level of alertness, so that they may change them as necessary in order to enhance their ability to learn, socialize and engage in activities within their environment in an effective and efficient manner

 

Careers and College

The careers and college course is designed to help students assess and improve their level of preparation for independence and life “post-Orion”.    Our goal is to get students out of the passenger and into the driver’s seat of their own lives.   Our curriculum is based on seven years experience and extensive research into the factors that are predictive of success for students with NLD/AS as young adults.   We focus on four key areas :

• Preparation for the demands of everyday life (social skills and support, legal rights and responsibilities as a young adult,  reinforcing money  and time management skills, assessing readiness for independent living,  working on self advocacy, taking over health and psychological care and issues of when it is appropriate to disclose a disability, when to ask for help, and other issues related to living as independent life with realistic expectations of the bumps in the road that are inevitable.
• Disability awareness:  The shift from 504 and special education “rights” to an understanding of their rights, responsibilities and obligations under the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) as this relates to job training, services through the Department of Rehabilitation where appropriate, typical (and atypical but necessary) college accommodations for AS/NLD students, working with the Disabled Students Programs (DSP) at colleges, coming to terms with the need for and process of how to access services.
• Employment readiness:  This includes learning how to search for jobs, apply for them, prepare a resume, participate in mock interviews, and determine what areas of their preparation need further skills development.  We will work with the social skills curriculum to facilitate taped mock interviews for students as a learning tool.
• Post secondary school preparation:  This includes learning about types of colleges and training programs,  doing online searches based on student interests and type of support needed, types of financial aid, taking tours of local colleges, etc.  It will also include reading about the experiences of young adults with AS/NLD in college, as well as feature several student speakers.

A key outcome of the year long course is the development of a portfolio which will include a working resume, results of individual assessments over the year (learning style, independence readiness, Holland inventory type, etc),  a model “letter to my instructor and employer” requesting specific accommodations to support the student in education and work,  an electronic calendar for the coming year with all known dates filled in, a sample job application tailored to their interests/needs, and a statement of personal goals for the following year, and supplementary materials related to the student’s own specific situation that we have developed over the year.

Health and Transitions

This required junior level course explores the connection between personal choices and good health. Topics include: decision making and establishing goals, physical hygiene, the importance of physical activity and nutrition, the complex issues surrounding adolescence and sex, drug and alcohol awareness, diseases, first aid, and environmental health. In addition, this course begins to explore the important skills and responsibilities that are inherent to life after high school. These include time management and study skills, SAT/standardized test preparation, college planning, career exploration, and independent living skills such as budgeting, cooking, and household maintenance.

Text:          Health & Wellness, Glencoe McGraw Hill

Physical Education

Physical Education at Orion Academy consists of two required courses: PE 9, PE 10. All courses are taught for two hours per week and consist of organized activities that include aerobic activities, team building and skill development exercises in various sports.

PE 9 focuses on increasing the student’s physical activity range and exposing students to different sports and activities (yoga, volleyball, bowling, swimming).

PE 10 involves more walking and more team activities, requiring social skills and communication

 

Homebridging

Homebridging is a contract for the required 3 hours weekly of physical activity each student must complete for full credits toward graduation.  All 9^th and 10^th graders are required to complete 18 hours of physical activity outside of school each 6-week session.