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SHS Course Guide

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Schenectady
High School

Curriculum Areas

School of Math, Science and Technology
370-8161
Principal: Jerry Rosen

MATH, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY
Often times in education we hear this said by many students: “What am I ever going to use this for?” In the MST House this question will be addressed. In today’s complex world, not only is it important to understand each individual component of the MST House, English, math, science, social studies, and technology, it is important to see the relationship that exists between these components. With an inter-disciplinary approach, we hope to have each student gain this knowledge and understanding. Research shows that students of all ability levels benefit from this type of approach. However, each component of the MST House will still strive to meet the goals set forth by their respective departments.
The Mission of the Math, Science, Technology House at Schenectady High School, an innovative hands-on learning environment integrating modern technology with a supportive staff, is to facilitate, challenge and inspire creative thinking to prepare our students for success characterized by:

• Exciting courses that provide excellent instruction to all student ability levels to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s careers.

• Highly qualified, innovative accessible staff dedicated to life-long learning.

• Creative, social, energetic students.

• Community partnerships with high tech corporations, community organizations, and families.

Additionally, the MST house promotes diverse learning activities that will provide each student with the opportunity to investigate interdisciplinary concepts in math, science, communications, and problem solving. We emphasize and encourage growth in personal responsibility in order to prepare for a productive and rewarding life in our technically challenging society.

What is the Math, Science, Technology House at Schenectady High School?

The School of Math, Science, Technology commonly called MST, is a smaller learning community within Schenectady High School. It has a dedicated teaching staff, an administrator, dean of students, guidance counselors and a support staff working together to build a strong educational program for the students. An interdisciplinary approach will be used with an emphasis on the relationships that exist between each component of the house. All courses are designed to be rigorous, meet New York Standards and help the students understand the importance of the other components.

Will my child be able to take electives in other houses?

Yes. All electives including the MST electives are open to all SHS students.

Do students with disabilities have an opportunity to be in the MST House?

Yes. They will be given any support they need at SHS. Each component will have classes available to meet the needs of students with disabilities, as will technology classes.

Can students in the MST House be in the IB Program?]

Yes. Any student who wishes can be a pre-IB/IB student. Classes within the house will prepare students for the IB Program. We offer the following pre-IB classes: English and Social Studies Honors/IB, Connections, Enriched Biology, Enriched Chemistry, Accelerated Math, DDP and Design Technology.

Do students need to be advanced in math or science to be in the MST House?

No. Classes for all ability levels are available in the MST House. If students need extra help and support for math and science courses, the MST House is a wise choice.

What unique opportunities will be available to students in the MST House?

• Extra help with reading in math, science and technology classes.

• Extended day and summer help may be available

• Internship possibilities with local technology companies in senior year.

• Visitations by local experts in the technology field.

• Field trips to area science and technology companies.

• Interdisciplinary project.

Visions for the MST House

• IB Model

• Writing-Intensive, Portfolios, Internal Assessments, Oral Presentations

• Teaming Model

• Interdisciplinary approach for English, Social Studies, Math, Science and Technology

• A Student Government which then becomes part of entire school’s Student Government.

• Internships in 12th grade.

• MST Help Desk

• Mentor Club, match older student with younger ones.

• Career Counseling, College Planning, College Placement
  Advisory Board

• PTO

• Summer Curriculum work and Professional Development for teachers.

• Summer Camp Mentoring Positions available

• On site weather station

• Robotics Club

• Summer Camp for women and minorities

Guide for Scheduling Students for MST

• English and Social Studies 9AR, R or Honors/IB.

• Algebra is preferred, but if a student needs extra help in math he/she will take Applied Algebra I.

• Living Environment is preferred because of our high passing rate on the Regents exam. If a student needs extra help in science he/she will take IRS. Pre-IB students should take Pre-IB Bio. Online Physics is for ACC math students only.

• Students do not need to take any technology courses, but if they would like to they will take MST Professions and Basic Electricity (2nd semester). Any student interested in trying CISCO should take MST Professions and Fundamentals of Web Design. If students are pre-IB or following the Technical Strand, they will take DDP.

• Most students will take DDP in 10th grade. It meets the NYS Art/Music requirement.

• Students who are in MST and not in Technology, need a art/music requirement.

• Special Education students are encouraged to enroll in the MST smaller learning community. There are a variety of math, science and technology courses available.

• Any student that needs extra help in math or science is encouraged to enroll in MST. Our resources make MST a great choice for all students.

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Technology Education is a program if instruction in the resources and systems of technology and of technology’s impact on the individual and society. Technology education programs are designed to assist students of all academic levels to discover their technical interests and capabilities and to provide systems based approaches to solving technological problems. “Hands-on, real world” instructional activities, which incorporate concepts of science, mathematics, social science and language arts, guide students in the design and construction of technological systems, devices and products such as electronics, computer imaging, computer aided design, manufacturing and robotics. Students electing a Technology Education Program will complete a 3-unit sequence that may be extended into a sequence of five units by completion of additional Technology Education courses of Technical courses. Information can be acquired about articulation agreements that exist between Schenectady High School and Schenectady Community College. These arrangements allow for a smooth transition between high school and a one or two year college program. All courses are ½ unit or one semester unless noted.

THE TECHNICAL PROGRAM
The Technical Program is designed primarily for the above average, college bound student planning a career not only in engineering or scientific professions but also in the humanities or social sciences. This long-standing program began at Mont Pleasant High School in 1931 and has a reputation of rigorous scholastic standing. Students must have passed Math A Part 1 in 8th or 9th grade in order to be eligible for the 10th grade Technical Path. Technical Program students will enroll in Regents Math Course II and III, with Pre-calculus and Calculus recommended and three Regents level science courses including Physics. Laboratory facilities and experiences in Technical courses add to the enrichment of these math and science courses. A study of the technologies provides the focal point for the integration of mathematics, computer science and science and communication skills. Information is available about articulation agreements between this program and Schenectady County Community college, Union College, and Clarkson University.

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