The Franklin High School Program of Studies for 2015-2016 introduces new courses and modifications aimed at enhancing educational opportunities, including extension classes, wellness courses for special needs students, and a new pathway for English language learners. Highlights include advanced courses in television production, desktop publishing, nutrition, and forensic science, along with revisions in course level recommendations to ensure equitable access. The program emphasizes 21st-century learning experiences by integrating real-world projects and supporting diverse learning needs.

1. Franklin High School
Program of Studies
2015-2016

2. Summary of Changes
Seeking to continually provide rich, engaging 21st century
learning experiences for all students…
● Addition of extension classes to promote further study within content areas
● Development of wellness courses for our special needs students
● Revision to course level recommendations to promote equitable access
● Development of +1 model to support incoming English Language Learners
Link to Program of Studies: http://bit.ly/1CMPAJO

3. Art, Theatre and Design
New Course
Television Production II (10-12)
Description: Television Production II is a semester course, which follows Television Production I. Students undertake advanced
projects, including a monthly magazine-style show, and other real-world assignments related to the broadcasting needs of Franklin
High School. Students should expect to be on air at some point in the class and for their work to be broadcast over the school and
town.

4. Business
New Course
Desktop Publishing II (9-12)
Description: Desktop Publishing II is an expansion of coursework done in Desktop Publishing I. Students will learn advanced
design and layout concepts and skills related to print software applications. Projects will include brochures, newsletters,
pamphlets and culminate in the layout and design of complex multi-page documents.
Modified Course
Removing Marketing I and Marketing II as well as DECA
Marketing (11-12)
Description: Marketing focuses on the application of business/marketing skills learned in the first year of the program.
Students will demonstrate these skills in the operation of the school store, through the research and the creation of a marketing
plan, and through the presentation of the marketing plan. Topics discussed include the components of advertising and its function
within the total marketing function, buyer behavior, channels of distribution, promotion, pricing and social issues in marketing.

5. English
New Course
Stranger than Fiction (12)
Description: This course explores how historical events, movements, and figures have been represented through various texts
and mediums. Throughout the course, students are guided by three essential questions:
● Whose stories are told and whose are not?
● What does this reveal about society, culture, and issues of power?
● How can examining reinterpretations of historical events influence the way we see current events?
The course focuses on reading comprehension, textual analysis, inference, research, narrative, and deconstruction through critical
lenses.

6. Health and PE
New Courses
Exercise Physiology (11-12)
Description: Exercise physiology is a branch of physiology that deals with the functioning of the human body during exercise.
Emphasis on bioenergetics as well as the circulatory, respiratory, and neuromuscular responses to the physical stress of exercise
will be explored. The objective of this course is for students to gain an understanding and working knowledge of how the body
responds to exercise so that they may apply this knowledge in their chosen field.
Everyday Nutrition II (10-12)
Description: Everyday Nutrition II is designed to be an extension of the learning from Everyday Nutrition 1. Students will take a
more in-depth look at diets, dieting, hydration, nutrition for athletes, nutrition through the life cycle, and consumer issues. In the
test kitchen and lab, students will prepare foods and participate in experiments that connect content knowledge to authentic
applications.
Yoga and Fitness II (9-12)
Description: Students will expand upon their foundational yoga practice learned in Yoga and Fitness 1 and participate in regular
yoga flows to strengthen their yoga practice. Students will study yoga postures in more depth and learn advanced postures as
they continue their practice. Students will continue to practice meditation, breathing, and fitness techniques that promote overall
personal health and wellness.

7. Adaptive Wellness
New Courses
Providing wellness education to our special needs students through peer modeling
Adaptive Wellness I (9-12)
Description: This course is designed to teach students developmentally appropriate content about health issues and hygiene. In
addition, we will focus on increasing physical fitness and gross motor skills through movement. The class will provide
opportunities to learn about and play some popular sports. Students with disabilities will work with general education peers in the
classroom and gymnasium in a modified Wellness class. Note: Students with disabilities will take this course for a full-year (5.00
credits); general education students (grades 11-12) can take it one or two semesters depending on schedule.
Adaptive Wellness II (up to age 22)
Description: This course is designed to teach students developmentally appropriate content about health issues and hygiene. In
addition, we will focus on increasing physical fitness and gross motor skills through movement. The class will provide
opportunities to learn about and play some popular sports. Students with disabilities will work with general education peers in the
classroom and gymnasium in a modified Wellness class. Note: Students with disabilities will take this course for a full-year (5.00
credits); general education students (grades 11-12) can take it one or two semesters depending on schedule.

8. Mathematics
New Course
Discrete Mathematics (11-12)
Description: Discrete Mathematics is a college-level course which introduces students to the elements of logic, set theory,
number theory, combinatorics, graph theory and other discrete topics. Discrete mathematics has applications in higher level
mathematics, computer science, and engineering. Success in this course requires strong and sound foundation in Algebra II
concepts, in addition to persistent, effective effort. A graphing calculator is required.

9. Science
New Course
Forensic Science - Full Year (10-12)
Description: Forensic Science (full year) will focus on the analysis of evidence collection, crime scenes, skeletal remains,
ballistics, toxicology, and document validity. Case studies and crime scenarios will be used to help students understand the
implications and issues which emerge as the science of forensics continues to develop. Emphasis on biology, chemistry and
physics concepts will be utilized with laboratory investigations in order to illustrate the concepts and principles under an inquiry-based
instructional model.

10. Course Level Recommendations
Previous Wording
FHS Grade Requirements to Maintain Course Level
● A final grade of “C” must be earned in an honors
course to remain in an honors course to remain in
an honors course.
● A final grade of “B+” must be earned to advance
from a College Prep course to an honors course
● A final grade of “B+” must be earned to advance
from an Honors course to an Advanced
Placement course. The current teacher’s
recommendation is also required.
Revised Wording
FHS Recommendations for Course Levels
● Suggested final grade of “C” from previous
Honors level course and/or teacher
recommendation to remain in Honors
● Suggested final grade of “B” to move from a
College Prep course to an Honors course and/or
teacher recommendation
● Suggested final grade of “B” (College Prep) or “C”
(Honors) to enroll in an Advanced Placement
course and/or teacher recommendation.*
*In addition, data from PSATs may also be used in the
recommendation for enrollment into an Advanced
Placement course

11. FHS English Language Learner Pathway
Over the course of the last two academic years, our ELL population at FHS has
increased exponentially. Many of these students speak little to no English and
as a result, the degree to which they are able to successfully complete content
coursework is limited.
Additionally, according to Federal and State law, the following laws are
applicable:
● English Language Development instructional time G.L c. 71A
● ELL Instructional Grouping Title VI; EEOA; G.L. c.71A § 4
● Instructional Age Restrictions 603 CMR 28.06 (6)

12. ELL Plus One Pathway
Overview:
● Year 1
○ Develop English language academic vocabulary
● Year 2 - Year 5
○ Continue to develop English language academic vocabulary
○ Access traditional high school curriculum (with support)

13. Student Profile
Year 1 Pathway
● ACCESS Levels 1 and 2
○ Little to no English language
Year 2 - Year 5
● ACCESS Levels 3+
○ Developing to Advanced English language

14. Year 1 Courses
ACCESS
Level
Course (click course title for full description) Level Periods/ Cycle Credits
1 or 2 English Language Development I CP 12 10.00
1 or 2 ELD in Life Sciences CP 6 5.00
1 or 2 ELD Concepts in Math CP 6 5.00
1 or 2 ELD Survey of US Government CP 6 5.00

15. Year 2 - Year 5
ACCESS
Level
Course (click course title for full description) Level Periods/ Cycle Credits
3+ English Language Development II CP 6 5.00
● Students will enroll in traditional high school content courses supported by a certified SEI
(Sheltered English Immersion) content instructor
● Students will participate in MCAS