Alternative/Focus Programs

Arts and Humanities Focus Program

Let your imagination run free at the Arts and Humanities Focus Program. Arts and Humanities Focus Program is an exciting and rewarding experience for students in grades 9-12. Through a partnership between Lincoln Public Schools and the Lincoln community, studies in mathematics, English, visual arts, and social science are integrated into every class in every curriculum. The Arts and Humanities Focus Program places an emphasis on student-directed learning involving interdisciplinary investigation and self-discovery. Community resources such as visiting scholars, professional artists, the University of Nebraska, Nebraska Wesleyan University, public and private galleries, The Lied Center, Community Playhouse, state and local government, cultural centers and many other resources are utilized to provide opportunities for students to better understand the world around them and express their learning in unique and exciting ways.

Each quarter, the interdisciplinary learning is centered around a core theme. Students who have attended the Arts and Humanities Focus Program have commented that one of the most important elements of the program have been the quarterly themes. On their Focus Day studies during each quarter, students are involved in experiences with the art, people, media, and places of their community on a quest for greater insight into themselves and the world around them through the lens of the theme. Previous themes have included Truth, Place, Freedom, Identity, Responsibility, Venture, Balance, Rhythm, and Justice. In addition to the Focus Day activities, the Arts and Humanities Focus Program offers Studio. Studio is time for our student-artists to take what they’ve learned, mixed with their own perspective and experience and do individually focused work.

The program day for students will generally be from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This daily schedule allows students to take at least two classes at their home high school prior to the start of the program each day. The Arts and Humanities Program offers a schedule similar to a university schedule. It offers extended courses that are offered every other day. Alumni of the Arts and Humanities Focus Program have commented about this being a critical preparation for college. Announcements and information from home schools will be posted daily to keep students informed of various happenings at their home high schools. Students will maintain affiliation with their home high school and will graduate from their home high school. Focus Program students take part in a range of activities at their home high school, including drama, athletics, band, vocal music groups, orchestra, and debate, as well as many others. Students are eligible and encouraged to take part in their home school athletics and activities.

The Arts and Humanities Focus Program offers courses that meet the LPS graduation requirements, including differentiated, weighted, and AP courses. Student transcripts will reflect the same course titles as currently assigned by LPS high schools. Major course objectives within each area of instruction, as approved by the Lincoln Board of Education, will guide teacher instruction and student expectations.

To apply for the Arts and Humanities Focus Program, students may contact their counselor or counseling offices and obtain an application packet. Students may contact the Arts and Humanities Focus Program directly at 436-1785 for more information, to obtain an application packet, or schedule a visit. An online application is available at http://www.lps.org/about/highschools.html. Look for the Apply here link just below the Title Focus Programs.

Information Technology Focus Program (ITFP)

The information technology Focus Program (itFP) provides opportunities for students to develop advanced computer skills in a variety of areas. The hardware and software available at the ITFP will provide students grades 9-12 with a state-of-the-art computing environment.

The program day for students will be from 7:35 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. or from 1:30 p.m. - 3:10 p.m. Stu- dents will attend their home high school for the majority of the day. Students will maintain their affiliation with their home high school and will participate in athletics and other student activities at their home high school.
all itFP courses are 10 credit semester courses that meet the graduation requirements and elective courses that count toward graduation. Major course objectives, as approved by the Lincoln Board of Education, will guide teacher instruction and student expectations. Flexibility in the delivery of instruction will promote student mastery of learning objectives.

Courses are available in 3-D Animation, Digital Graphic Design, Digital Video and Media, Advanced Digital Video and Media, Advanced Programming Languages, Advanced Web Page Development, Computer and Network Management and Independent Computer Applications.

Partnerships between the Lincoln Public Schools and higher education and the business community have been formed. These partnerships will provide opportunities for students to make connections between their coursework and the “real world” by participating in an LPS internship or a business mentorship program.
to apply for the information technology Focus Program, students should contact the itFP pro- gram directly at 436-1776 or by e-mail at itfp@lps.org. Students may also contact their counselor. Complete program details and application materials are available on the web site at itfp.lps.org.

Science Focus Program, "Zoo School"

The Science Focus Program, located at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, offers an exciting educational opportunity in a unique learning environment. Open to 9th—12th grade students from all LPS high schools, the program offers courses in science, English, social sciences, and mathematics. Instructional emphasis is placed on authentic application of learning, interdisciplinary connections, research, and student initiated learning. Community resources are integrated into the program, creating expanded learning opportunities. A variety of teaching-learning approaches are used to build on student interests and talents while refining and extending academic skills and processes, especially independent study skills, critical thinking, active reading, and writing.

The Science Focus Program courses meet graduation requirements in science, math, social science, and English as well as providing a variety of elective courses not available at home high schools. Course objectives adopted by the Lincoln Board of Education guide instruction within each content area. Differentiated, Advanced Placement, and weighted-grade courses are offered. Student transcripts reflect the same course titles currently assigned by LPS high schools.

Students remain affiliated with their home high schools and typically attend the Science Focus Program from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This schedule allows students to take at least two classes at their home high schools and participate in extra-curricular activities such as drama, music, and sports. Flexible scheduling at the focus program allows students to maintain connections with their home high schools. Announcements and information from home high schools is posted daily at the Science Focus Program to keep students informed of various activities and opportunities at their home high schools. Students will graduate from their home high schools.

To apply for the Science Focus Program, students can pick up application materials in the high school counseling offices, call the Science Focus Program directly (436-1780), or go to the L.P.S. home page and access the Science Focus Program through the High School connection. Public information nights are offered each semester and program tours are available.

Entrepreneurship Focus Program

The Entrepreneurship Focus Program is an experiential opportunity for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The program is a partnership with the Lincoln business community, the Gallup Organization, Southeast Community College, and the University of Nebraska. The program will pursue and study entrepreneurship while integrating Business, English, Math, and Social Studies courses. Students will be immersed in a rich environment utilizing community businesses and connections, speakers’ series, business plan development, student competitions and student-directed learning.

The E-ship program is located in the Southeast Community College Entrepreneurship Center that houses multiple entrepreneurial resources for Lincoln and the surrounding area. This environment will provide students an opportunity to individually transform their traditional high school experience into real world preparation. Students will have the opportunity to work with local business and financial experts. Students will start from the basics of ”What is an entrepreneur?” as they use assessments to identify their own personal strengths. They will complete their year with an entrepreneurial portfolio that includes a collaborative project and/or a ready-to-start business plan.

The program day for the students will generally be from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. this schedule will allow students to take at least two classes at their home high school at the end of the focus program day. Students will maintain affiliation, participate in athletics and other student activities, and graduate at their home high school.

Students at the Entrepreneurship Focus Program will experience an interdisciplinary high school curriculum with a distinct emphasis on personal skill development and entrepreneurship. Student transcripts will reflect the same course titles as currently assigned by LPS high schools. Major course objectives within each area of instruction, as approved by the Lincoln Board of Education, will guide teacher instruction and student expectations. Differentiated, A.P., and weighted grades courses are offered. Some classes may be eligible for dual credit through Southeast Community College.

To apply for the Entrepreneurship Focus Program, students should visit the website athttp://eship.lps.org. Students may contact the Entrepreneurship Focus Program directly at 436-1715 for more information or to obtain application instructions. Additional details about the Entrepreneurship Focus Program can also be seen athttp://eship.lps.org.

International Baccalaureate Program (iB)

The international Baccalaureate Program (iB) is housed at Lincoln high School. Lincoln high will be the second high school in nebraska to offer this unique program. Students who earn their international Baccalaureate Diploma are eligible to be granted college credit, advanced standing, and admittance to universities of distinction around the world.

IB students take six core classes their junior and senior years including english, world language, social studies, math, science, and the arts. Students are also required to take a philosophy course entitled theory of Knowledge, complete a 4000-word research essay, and complete 150 hours of school involvement and community service. this program will prepare students to meet the challenges of college.

The international Baccalaureate assessments are very different from those of other college preparation programs. Students in their freshman and sophomore years need to take courses designed specifically for the philosophy, exams, and assessments they will face their junior and senior year in iB. For more details of courses and the program, contact John heineman at Lincoln high, 436-1301 or jheine@lps.org.

Bryan Community

The Bryan community is an alternative high school program which combines high expectations and innovative teaching to help students meet their requirements for a Lincoln Public Schools high school diploma. The Bryan Community is referred to as a “community” because it better reflects what is practiced during the school day. Staff work cooperatively with students toward the goal of earning a diploma.

Bryan Community is housed in a smaller building, allowing for more personal contact and classroom assistance between students and staff. No one is invisible. There are many opportunities for positive recognition of leadership by students. In its learning community there is the expectation of cooperation, rather than competition, and an ongoing respect expressed for all.

A lower student-teacher ratio exists. This allows staff to build on students’ strengths and develop programs which provide the support each individual needs to succeed. Because homework is not generally assigned, students must attend regularly to complete the classroom learnings. Attendance is essential for success at the Bryan Community.

The program day for students will be from 9:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m. Students will receive their diploma from their high school and can continue to participate in athletics and other student activities while enrolled at Bryan Community.

To attend Bryan Community, students must:

• currently have at least 50 credits
• be between the ages of 16 and 21
• be at least in 10th grade

To apply to the Bryan Community, students may call and have their names placed on its waiting list OR talk to an associate principal or counselor at their current high school about being recom- mended as a potential student. When Bryan Community has openings for students, a letter is sent to potential students in order to set up an interview appointment. Students may contact the Bryan Community directly at 436-1308 for more information.

Goals for Students

This statement is intended to explain the aims of our school system for students— what we believe students should know and be willing and able to do as a result of their education. The goals are to be used by educators for planning and evaluating school programs. They are adopted by the Lincoln Board of Education on behalf of the community, because the board is considered an expression of what people of Lincoln want for their children and youth.

Schools have a special responsibility for education, but they cannot do it alone.

Much of the responsibility is shared with others, especially students’ families—and students them- selves.

The Lincoln Public Schools intends to do its part by providing the highest quality educational program it can within available resources. A quality educational program is suited to the needs of individual students and helps them, in ways consistent with democratic values, to realize their potential as human beings.

These values require that each student has equitable opportunities for a basic education plus some opportunities to extend individual talents and interests. By “basic education” we mean the things students learn which enable them to achieve the goals listed below and to continue learning throughout life.

To the degree they are able, all students should:

• Demonstrate competence and fluency in the essential skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, in the English language, and mathematics.
• Think critically and creatively, using higher order thinking skills to make decisions, solve problems, and create new perspectives and possibilities.
• Understand the important ideas from the arts, humanities, sciences and mathematics, and understand the relationships among them.
  
• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for living in a democracy and becoming a contributing member of society.
• Understand and celebrate the diversity and interdependence of our pluralistic, multicultural community, nation and world.
• Respect and care for themselves and others.
• Respect and care for the natural environment.
• Work with others productively and cooperatively.
• Develop the skills and attitudes essential to enter the work force.
• Become lifelong learners.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential for achieving lifelong health.

Curriculum

Credit

The basic unit of credit in the Lincoln Public Schools is the “credit point.” In philosophy, the “credit point” is related to “an amount of learning” the student has accomplished. A class that meets for one period, five days per week, for one semester is usually worth 5.0 credit points. In the course descriptions, the amount of credit for each course is listed.

For some experiences, “variable credit” is listed. In these instances the credit is directly related to the amount of learning a student has accomplished, not the amount of time spent in class. In other classes, a range of credit is listed; for example 5.0-10.00. In this situation, students usually enroll in the class for one or two periods.

Credit is normally not awarded for repeating a class for which credit has already been earned. Check with your counselor for exceptions to this rule.
grading: Most classes are graded on an A-F basis. Some classes are graded on a satisfactory/unsat- isfactory (pass/fail) basis. If this special system is used, it is stated in the course description.

In addition, a student has the individual option to select up to ten credit points each semester to be graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis rather than the standard system. A student may, how- ever, use only 30 credit points of these satisfactory/unsatisfactory options toward the total number of hours required for graduation. (Classes offered only on the satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis do not count toward the 30 points.)

Class rank

Class rank will be determined by class rank points. Each course a student takes will be assigned class rank points. These points are determined by the grade that the student receives in the course and the number of credit hours earned. Weighted courses will receive more class rank points than unweighted courses. Class rank will be determined by the total of a student’s class rank points and will be placed in order from the highest total to the lowest total. Class rank is figured twice a year in February and June.

Weighted Grades

A limited number of classes in the curriculum provide for weighted grades. The weighting system used increases the grade point of an A from 4 to 5 points, a B from 3 to 4 points and a C from 2 to 3 points. Grades are not weighted below a C. Check with a counselor for a list of courses which carry weighted grades. Courses labeled with a (wt) are weighted.

Career Technical Education System

Some career technical education classes are offered for students from more than one Lincoln high school in order to improve the vocational education program within the district and to provide in-depth career technical opportunities for students in all of the high schools. In order to provide these experiences, Lincoln High School is paired with Lincoln Southeast High School, Lincoln Southwest High School and Lincoln East High School are paired with Lincoln Northeast High School and Lincoln North Star High School.

Adjusted and Differentiated/Advanced Placement Classes

Adjusted and differentiated/advanced placement classes are provided for many of the group requirement areas identified in the gradua- tion requirements and for some electives. Adjusted courses are designed to help students who may have difficulty learning in a specific subject area. Differentiated courses are designed for students who seek more challenging learning experiences than are provided in the general course. Advanced Placement classes allow students to take and pass a test to receive college credit.

Independent Study

Independent study opportunities are available to students who want to study an appropriate content area not included in the curriculum or to explore in more depth a content area offered in the curriculum. These opportunities may be available in each of the content areas. Refer to the general course description for Independent Study found in the Non-Departmental sec- tion of this handbook.

Interdisciplinary Classes

Staff members have created classes which combine two existing classes. Combining the disciplines of English and social studies is a favorite in many schools, but other combinations also have been created. These “block” classes offer different amounts of credit, and the class periods are longer each day than regular classes. Check with your counselor to see which, if any, interdisciplinary opportunities might be available.

NCAA, Division I and II Core-Curriculum Requirements for Student Athletes

College-bound student athletes who may be interested in participating in athletics at an NCAA, Division I school should check with a counselor to be sure that their course selections meet the requirements for participation in NCAA- governed sports. This includes the number of pass/fail courses that may meet the school requirements.

Post-Secondary Education

Most post-secondary education require that certain classes be taken and passed for admission. Students should check with a counselor for a list of classes required for admission to the post-secondary education of the student’s choice.

Prerequisites

Some of the classes listed in this guide require prerequisite(s) classes. Students should check with a counselor to find out if a class in which they are interested requires a prerequisite.

Equal Opportunity

All courses in the Lincoln Public Schools are offered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or handicap.