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Parents will be able to see a pilot curriculum next spring. Parker says that the OPRF earned honors curriculum will also be unified across class sections, but the specifics of the plan are still being worked out.
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In their sophomore English seminar, which is also detracked, students may submit an honors portfolio to receive credit. The approach ETHS took to earned honors is slightly different.Įach year, ETHS freshmen can opt in to six major assignments - three first semester, three second semester. To keep consistent, all teachers grade using same “non-negotiable” rubric. The curriculum, says Peter Bavis, ETHS associate superintendent, is highly structured.
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The freshmen English and history departments have a cohesive curriculum, featuring “key texts,” like Romeo and Juliet. These curricular updates are similar to those at Evanston Township High School (ETHS), who implemented a freshmen earned honors program nine years ago. In English and history, there will be more standardization - a few of the students’ readings will be selected by the department, though teachers will have agency. The support track will also continue to exist. Math classes will not be detracked due to preexisting initiatives towards integrated sequencing, per director of counseling Lynda Parker. This system is already integrated into the Models of Science classes and several English electives. By completing this optional assessment, students will earn honors designation on their transcript, per approval of the teacher. The new curriculum will offer freshmen the opportunity to earn their honors designation. This change will be implemented in 2022 school year - assuming the approval of the board of education, who will later vote to approve the plan. Freshmen class offerings, with the exception of math, will no longer offer an honors options.
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In late August, the district released plans to restructure the freshmen curriculum.
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