INSTRUCTION

• 9th Grade Teaming
  • 3 teams currently exist consisting of the core curriculum area teachers (Social Studies, English, Math and Science) with additional support teachers and teacher assistants. The focus of these teams relates to community building, study skills building through the use of cooperative learning groups and inclusion of Special Education students and all "regular education" programs wherever possible. Teaming is a priority for all 9th grade students ease the transition from Middle School and minimize the many issues faced by this age group.

• Integration of Reading, Writing, Thinking and Study Skills
  • This is a staff development priority for all students through integration in all curricular areas. This is especially emphasized at the 9th grade level.

• Study and Support Groups for 9th Graders
  • A non-academic period is designated for students to connect with one of their Team teachers with the purpose of providing additional support in the areas of academics, attendance, behavior, social and others as needed. This period also allows for the opportunity to conduct team activities in both large and small groups. This serves as each teacher's 5th "teaching" assignment.

• Living Textbook Project
  • This relates to a second staff development and program priority as we attempt to move towards total staff and student technological literacy. Many staff and students have already begun and continue to make use of our existing technology and experimentation with the information super highway.

• Computer Lab and Lab Coordinator
  • These both have been in existence for the past 8 years and remain integral components of our priority to increase technological literacy.

• AM/PM Tutoring
  • Additional academic support is available through morning and afternoon tutoring conducted by current Fowler teachers each day in most academic areas. This is available outside of the normal school day.

• Alternative Education Programs
  • Occupational Learning Center
  • G.E.D. Program for 16 and 17 year olds
  • Extended Learning Day Program (Afternoon School)
  • Alternative Preparation Program for 16 year olds

• Science and Technology Entry Program
  • This is a partnership program with Syracuse University designed to encourage and support minority student interest in the areas of science and technology. This program also focuses on math as well.

• Syracuse University Challenge
  • See brochure

• Liberty Partnership Program with Onondaga Community College
  • This is a partnership program that provides academic and social support for at risk students through tutoring and mentoring during and after the school day.
  • See brochure

• Inclusive Education Program Grades 9-12 (Special Education Students)
  • See diagram and description

• Project Invest
  • This is a partnership program with the local Syracuse Independent Insurance Agents. The design is a simulated insurance office in a classroom. The program involves support in the classroom and the community by the Independent Insurance Agents' local committee. The student \s are involved in direct classroom instruction by the Agents, mock and real job interviews and shadowing and employment opportunities.

• Retail Institute/Falcon's Nest (School Store and More)
  • This is partnership program with several local retail businesses and partly funded with state grant money. The intent of the program is to give students "real life" exposure to the retail business world. The students are trained in and run all components of the store operations including buying, marketing, accounting, sales and advertising.

  • See article

• Flex Scheduling/Creative Scheduling
  • To better meet the needs of all our students, we have researched and experimented with various alternative scheduling models (such as block scheduling). We continue to research and prepare for implementation of more effective uses of time.

  • See sample 9th grade schedule blank

• English as a Second Language Programming (E.S.L.)
  • To more effectively meet the needs of an increasingly diverse community ad at the request of both Latino and Asian parents in our attendance area, E.S.L. programming was introduced in 1993. We currently serve approximately 10% of our student population through this program. The 1994 New York State Teacher of English as a Second Language Teacher of the Year is a member of our staff.

• Interdisciplinary Curriculum Planning
  • Teachers on 9th grade teams have worked collaboratively to plan interdisciplinary Units.