Courses/Classes

Classes are aligned to prioritized state and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that are posted, along with daily goals in the classroom.  Classes are aligned using prioritized standards designated in a “Year At A Glance” (YAGS) document detailing which and when standards should be addressed during the school year.   These YAGS are regularly reviewed and updated as needed. 

Students are enrolled in Writing, Reading, and Math classes based on their ability, not grade level.  Novel selections will vary in Lexile Score and difficulty level.  Novice readers can begin with Julius Caesar and work towards the more advanced level plays: Hamlet and Othello. 

Semester Long Courses last for three consecutive sessions (1-3 or 4-6).  Some meet daily while others only meet a few days a week.  Other courses meet for several class periods at a time.  It is important for students to conference with the Family Teacher and Counselor to apply for Semester Long Courses and build a schedule around them.  Only students in good academic standing are eligible for these courses.  Students in these courses do not receive grades/credits until the end of each semester.  

Examples of in-district options:  AP Calculus, Cosmetology, SAGE (Sustainable Agriculture Green Energy), Digital Audio Production, Culinary Arts (located at EHS)

Examples of out-of-district options: Automotive (located at Sheridan HS), Co-Enrollment Courses (located at Finest or ACC)

Availability of options are dependent on course offerings and student interest. 

Some courses are sequential over multiple sessions.  For example, it isn't absolutely necessary to have read a particular novel before beginning the next, but scaffolding math and science concepts is often necessary for student mastery.  While each six week class in the Algebra sequence receives and individual grade, the curriculum itself is divided into six 6-week sessions (Algebra A1- A6).  

As part of our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (more explained below), students who struggle with a concept due to attendance or mastery may repeat a section in the following session.  The structure also allows students who more easily master the material to move to a more challenging section of the material.   Similarly, writing classes are divided into 4 units, based on student scores on the district writing test.

While there are required credit groups to meet graduation requirements, students do have some choice in the topics of the classes they take.  To increase student interest in classes they choose, teachers are encouraged to “brand” their classes with interest generating names. Because most classes are not taught sequentially, the classes can cover topics out of chronological order and combine subject areas and genres.  

Following are examples of recent classes taught at Finest.  Samples represent optional classes available. Not all classes are offered each session.  For example, Art classes may only offer three options per sessions, repeated for different class periods. 

Our classes are designed to meet student needs at multiple levels.  We intentionally keep our math and writing class sizes small and manageable, staff use proven teaching techniques such as the Instructional Model and AVID strategies, and students are regularly tested for growth and knowledge using interim assessments. 

Most of our classes are based on ability level rather than being based on Grade Levels.  Because our classes are six-week based, it provides us an opportunity to evaluate student progress and make adjustments accordingly. 

Each student is also assigned a Family Teacher who regularly conferences with the student, tracks their academic progress, and offers other support.

Additionally, we meet with students at the end of each session who have not made academic progress in their classes  in a process called Appeals.  This allows a team to create an academic success plan with the student for the following session. 

Mini-session is usually the last three days of the school year.  Teachers either design themselves, or work with colleagues, to create engaging educational experiences that they aren't always able to get to during the rest of the school year.   Students register for one mini-session class to attend over the three days and receive high school credit in a predetermined credit area. Here are some examples of recent Mini Session options and new ones are introduced each year.