Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum and Instruction
Business Education
Business Education Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools Business Department to prepare students for a rapidly changing world by expanding each student's knowledge and skills in Business, Business Law, Marketing, Careers, Money Management and Accounting. It is the goal of the Business Department to give each and every student the opportunity and support needed to develop the foundations for personal business-related responsibilities, college, and careers in the business world.
Spotswood High School offers a variety of courses in the Business Department that provide opportunities for students to achieve the Department mission. Students are required to complete ½ year (2.5 credits) of Financial Literacy to meet graduation requirements. This requirement can be satisfied by taking Money Management or Accounting I. Additionally, students are required to complete one course (5 credits) from the Business, Family and Consumer Science, Computer Education, or Digital and Industrial Technology Departments.
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools Business Department to prepare students for a rapidly changing world by expanding each student's knowledge and skills in Business, Business Law, Marketing, Careers, Money Management and Accounting. It is the goal of the Business Department to give each and every student the opportunity and support needed to develop the foundations for personal business-related responsibilities, college, and careers in the business world.
Spotswood High School offers a variety of courses in the Business Department that provide opportunities for students to achieve the Department mission. Students are required to complete ½ year (2.5 credits) of Financial Literacy to meet graduation requirements. This requirement can be satisfied by taking Money Management or Accounting I. Additionally, students are required to complete one course (5 credits) from the Business, Family and Consumer Science, Computer Education, or Digital and Industrial Technology Departments.
Business Education Course Offerings
| Course Title | Grade | Course Length | Credits Earned |
| Business Law and Ethics | 9, 10, 11, 12 | 1 semester | 2.5 |
| Business Organization and Management/Entrepreneurship | 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
| Marketing I | 9, 10 | 1 year | 5 |
| Marketing II | 10, 11 | 1 year | 5 |
| Honors Marketing III: Marketing Research and Technology | 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
| Hot Topics and Business Trends | 9, 10, 11, 12 | 1 semester | 2.5 |
| Honors Marketing IV | 12 | 1 year | 5 |
| Career Exploration | 9, 10, 11, 12 | 1 semester | 2.5 |
| Money Management | 9, 10, 11, 12 | 1 semester | 2.5 |
| Accounting I | 9, 10, 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
| Honors College Accounting | 10, 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
Business Education Best Practices
Business teachers at Spotswood High School consistently apply research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, use of manipulatives and tools, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.
Business teachers at Spotswood High School consistently apply research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, use of manipulatives and tools, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.
Computer Education
Computer Education Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools Computer Education Department to develop students' computational and critical thinking skills and show them not only how to use, but how to create new technologies. This knowledge will help prepare students for the 21st century, regardless of their ultimate field of study or occupation.
Spotswood High School offers a variety of courses in the Computer Education Department that provide opportunities for students to achieve the Department mission. Students are required to complete one course (5 credits) from the Business, Family and Consumer Science, Computer Education, or Digital and Industrial Technology Departments to meet graduation requirements.
NOTE: Students have the opportunity to earn college credit by taking Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science and receiving a qualifying score on the AP exam.
Computer Education Course Offerings
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools Computer Education Department to develop students' computational and critical thinking skills and show them not only how to use, but how to create new technologies. This knowledge will help prepare students for the 21st century, regardless of their ultimate field of study or occupation.
Spotswood High School offers a variety of courses in the Computer Education Department that provide opportunities for students to achieve the Department mission. Students are required to complete one course (5 credits) from the Business, Family and Consumer Science, Computer Education, or Digital and Industrial Technology Departments to meet graduation requirements.
NOTE: Students have the opportunity to earn college credit by taking Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science and receiving a qualifying score on the AP exam.
Computer Education Course Offerings
| Course Title | Grade | Course Length | Credits Earned |
| Computer Applications for Business | 9, 10, 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
| Web Design and Development | 10, 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
| Exploring Computer Science | 9, 10, 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
| Honors Computer Programming | 10, 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
| AP Computer Science | 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
| Honors Special Topics in Computer Science | 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
Computer Education Best Practices
Computer Education teachers at Spotswood High School consistently apply research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, use of manipulatives and tools, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.
Computer Education teachers at Spotswood High School consistently apply research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, use of manipulatives and tools, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.
Digital and Industrial Technology
Digital and Industrial Technology Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools Digital and Industrial Technology Department to prepare students to understand digital and technological concepts, processes, applications, and techniques through project-based exploration related to industrial, print and television production environments, and to provide students opportunities to develop essential skills for college and career opportunities related to digital and industrial technology.
Spotswood High School offers a variety of courses in the Digital and Industrial Technology Department that provide opportunities for students to achieve the Department mission. Students are required to complete one course (5 credits) from the Business, Family and Consumer Science, Computer Education, or Digital and Industrial Technology Departments to meet graduation requirements.
Digital and Industrial Technology Course Offerings
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools Digital and Industrial Technology Department to prepare students to understand digital and technological concepts, processes, applications, and techniques through project-based exploration related to industrial, print and television production environments, and to provide students opportunities to develop essential skills for college and career opportunities related to digital and industrial technology.
Spotswood High School offers a variety of courses in the Digital and Industrial Technology Department that provide opportunities for students to achieve the Department mission. Students are required to complete one course (5 credits) from the Business, Family and Consumer Science, Computer Education, or Digital and Industrial Technology Departments to meet graduation requirements.
Digital and Industrial Technology Course Offerings
| Course Title | Grade | Course Length | Credits Earned |
| TV Production I | 9, 10, 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
| TV Production II | 10, 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
| TV Production III | 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
| Technology I | 9, 10, 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
| Construction I | 9, 10, 11, 12 | 1 semester | 2.5 |
| Construction II | 9, 10, 11, 12 | 1 semester | 2.5 |
| Construction Technology III | 10, 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
| Computer Graphics & Design I | 9, 10, 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
| Computer Graphics II | 10, 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
| Honors Computer Graphics III | 11, 12 | 1 year | 5 |
Digital and Industrial Technology Best Practices
Digital and Industrial Technology teachers at Spotswood High School consistently apply research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, use of manipulatives and tools, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.
Digital and Industrial Technology teachers at Spotswood High School consistently apply research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, use of manipulatives and tools, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.
English Language Arts
English Language Arts Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools English Language Arts Department to provide a comprehensive curriculum that is based upon research and best practice, ensuring that students become critical thinkers, proficient readers, writers, and communicators in a global and technological society.
It is the goal of the English Department to provide students with quality, rigorous instruction that encourages them to become critical and creative thinkers through experiences that help them meet the particular challenges of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language. Spotswood High School offers a variety of sequences that provide students opportunities to achieve this goal. All students must take four years of English Language Arts to meet graduation requirements. All courses are aligned to the Common Core State Standards with PARCC assessments being administered in grades 9, 10, and 11. Students have the opportunity to earn college credit by taking Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, Honors English 12, and College Composition. Please note: Sequencing need not be constant; students may move between "levels" as long as prerequisite courses are taken.
English Language Arts Department Course Flow Chart
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools English Language Arts Department to provide a comprehensive curriculum that is based upon research and best practice, ensuring that students become critical thinkers, proficient readers, writers, and communicators in a global and technological society.
It is the goal of the English Department to provide students with quality, rigorous instruction that encourages them to become critical and creative thinkers through experiences that help them meet the particular challenges of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language. Spotswood High School offers a variety of sequences that provide students opportunities to achieve this goal. All students must take four years of English Language Arts to meet graduation requirements. All courses are aligned to the Common Core State Standards with PARCC assessments being administered in grades 9, 10, and 11. Students have the opportunity to earn college credit by taking Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, Honors English 12, and College Composition. Please note: Sequencing need not be constant; students may move between "levels" as long as prerequisite courses are taken.
English Language Arts Department Course Flow Chart
| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
| Sequence I | |||
| English 9 | English 10 | English 11 |
English 12: Contemporary Literature College Composition |
| Sequence II | |||
| College Prep English 9 | College Prep English 10 | College Prep English 11 |
College Prep English 12: World Literature College Composition |
| Sequence III | |||
| Honors English 9 | Honors English 10 |
AP English Language and Composition |
College Composition |
Elective Offerings:
| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
|
Creative Writing Debate |
Creative Writing Debate |
Creative Writing Debate |
Creative Writing Debate |
English Language Arts Best Practices
English Language Arts teachers at Spotswood High School consistently apply research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.
English Language Arts teachers at Spotswood High School consistently apply research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.
Health & Physical Education
Health and Physical Education Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools Health and Physical Education Department to provide all students with the opportunity to engage in positive health-enhancing experiences. In both the health classroom and the physical education arena, staff desire to promote a lifestyle choice of physical activity and emotional well-being by educating students in wellness, integrated skills, drugs and medicines, human relationships and sexuality, motor skill development, and fitness.
Physical Education courses in grades 9-12 are designed to provide all students with the opportunity to engage in positive, health-enhancing experiences. In promoting wellness, integrated skills, motor skill development, and fitness, the department attempts to guide students to physical activities and life skills they will enjoy and continue to participate in after high school in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Organizing the curriculum into an "arena" schedule, students are presented with choices grouped as team, individual, and fitness activities. Each marking period, students will be given selective choice in each of these three identified areas to decide activities in which to participate. By engaging in and focusing on each grouped area every marking period, the department believes students will be better prepared to fulfill the department mission and goals. To this end, the following activities are offered:
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools Health and Physical Education Department to provide all students with the opportunity to engage in positive health-enhancing experiences. In both the health classroom and the physical education arena, staff desire to promote a lifestyle choice of physical activity and emotional well-being by educating students in wellness, integrated skills, drugs and medicines, human relationships and sexuality, motor skill development, and fitness.
Physical Education courses in grades 9-12 are designed to provide all students with the opportunity to engage in positive, health-enhancing experiences. In promoting wellness, integrated skills, motor skill development, and fitness, the department attempts to guide students to physical activities and life skills they will enjoy and continue to participate in after high school in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Organizing the curriculum into an "arena" schedule, students are presented with choices grouped as team, individual, and fitness activities. Each marking period, students will be given selective choice in each of these three identified areas to decide activities in which to participate. By engaging in and focusing on each grouped area every marking period, the department believes students will be better prepared to fulfill the department mission and goals. To this end, the following activities are offered:
| Team Activities |
| Basketball, Beach Games, Challenge I & II, Elementary Games, Flag Football, Floor Hockey, Frisbee Games, Horseshoes, Lacrosse, Netball, Newcomb, Soccer, Softball, Speedball, Team Handball, Volleyball, Wiffleball |
| Mastery Objectives |
| Activities offered within the team activities section of the arena will involve students working as a large group to accomplish a specified goal. Students will develop the use of strategy and exploratory tactics. Students will also use cooperative and leadership skills in the group atmosphere with the occasional added motivation of competition. Skill development of kicking, passing, catching, throwing, and striking will be emphasized, practiced, and mastered. |
| Individual Activities |
| Archery, Badminton, Bocce, Bowling, Croquet, Golf, Lifetime Leisure Activities, Line Dance, Partner Dance, Pickleball, Square Dance, Tennis, Modified Track & Field Events |
| Mastery Objectives |
| Activities offered within the individual activities section of the arena will provide students opportunities to learn a number of activities they can do on their own or with a small amount of people or equipment. Student focus will be on developing and learning activities that foster an active lifestyle without the intensity of team sports and without the focus of "exercise." Students will master the concepts of hand-eye coordination, manipulative skills, and rhythmic skills. |
| Fitness Activities |
| Aerobics, Aerobic Kickboxing, Circuit Training, Core Training, Endurance Training, Interval Training, Jogging, Non-contact Martial Arts, Pilates, Power Walking, Resistance Band Routines, Step Aerobics, Strength Training, Weight Training, Yoga |
| Mastery Objectives |
| Activities offered within the fitness activities section of the arena will allow students to participate in any activity that is directly related to improving flexibility, body composition, muscular endurance, muscular strength, and/or cardiovascular endurance. All students will apply health related and skill related fitness concepts and skills to develop and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Students will also understand key components of training in regards to overload and specificity. They will also work to improve balance, agility, power, and speed. Students will be able to measure heart rate, body composition, and body mass index. Students will also develop the skills to be able to assess personal level of fitness, design a plan that addresses goals and interests, and have the tools to monitor and evaluate the plan. |
Students in grades 9-12 are required to complete a Health course each year in accordance with New Jersey State Standards. Health courses at Spotswood High School are organized by grade and include the following units of study:
9th Grade Health Education Program
Unit 1: Nutrition
Unit 2: Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco
Unit 3: Family Life
10th Grade Health Education Program
Unit 1: Graduated Driver's License
Unit 2: Risk Management
Unit 3: Signs, Signals, & Roadway Markings
Unit 4: Alcohol Awareness
11th Grade Health Education Program
Unit 1: Mental and Emotional Health
Unit 2: CPR/First Aid
12th Grade Health Education Program
Unit 1: Disease Prevention
Unit 2: Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco
Unit 3: Body Systems
9th Grade Health Education Program
Unit 1: Nutrition
Unit 2: Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco
Unit 3: Family Life
10th Grade Health Education Program
Unit 1: Graduated Driver's License
Unit 2: Risk Management
Unit 3: Signs, Signals, & Roadway Markings
Unit 4: Alcohol Awareness
11th Grade Health Education Program
Unit 1: Mental and Emotional Health
Unit 2: CPR/First Aid
12th Grade Health Education Program
Unit 1: Disease Prevention
Unit 2: Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco
Unit 3: Body Systems
Mathematics
Mathematics Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools Mathematics Department to inspire students to understand the fundamental concepts of mathematics, think analytically, communicate mathematically, become resourceful problem solvers, and develop an appreciation for the usefulness of mathematics.
Spotswood High School offers a variety of sequences that provide students opportunities to achieve this mission. Our goal is to ensure all students are ready for success after high school and are prepared for today's entry-level careers, freshman-level college courses, and workforce training programs. All students must take Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Although only three math courses are required for high school graduation, students are strongly encouraged to enroll in a mathematics course in each year of their high school experience. Depending on pre-high school and high school course selections, students may complete their mathematics study with Pre-calculus, Calculus, Probability & Statistics, Algebraic Systems, Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry, Advanced Placement Calculus or Advanced Placement Statistics. All courses are aligned to the Common Core State Standards with PARCC assessments being administered for Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Because of the sequential nature of mathematics course offerings, many courses have prerequisites.
Mathematics Department Course Flow Chart
This chart illustrates possible course sequencing in the Mathematics Department. Courses have been grouped according to level of academic rigor. The rigor of a student's academic schedule and the grades received are key aspects considered by college admission officers. Please note: Sequencing need not be constant; students may move between "levels" as long as prerequisite courses are taken.
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools Mathematics Department to inspire students to understand the fundamental concepts of mathematics, think analytically, communicate mathematically, become resourceful problem solvers, and develop an appreciation for the usefulness of mathematics.
Spotswood High School offers a variety of sequences that provide students opportunities to achieve this mission. Our goal is to ensure all students are ready for success after high school and are prepared for today's entry-level careers, freshman-level college courses, and workforce training programs. All students must take Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Although only three math courses are required for high school graduation, students are strongly encouraged to enroll in a mathematics course in each year of their high school experience. Depending on pre-high school and high school course selections, students may complete their mathematics study with Pre-calculus, Calculus, Probability & Statistics, Algebraic Systems, Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry, Advanced Placement Calculus or Advanced Placement Statistics. All courses are aligned to the Common Core State Standards with PARCC assessments being administered for Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Because of the sequential nature of mathematics course offerings, many courses have prerequisites.
Mathematics Department Course Flow Chart
This chart illustrates possible course sequencing in the Mathematics Department. Courses have been grouped according to level of academic rigor. The rigor of a student's academic schedule and the grades received are key aspects considered by college admission officers. Please note: Sequencing need not be constant; students may move between "levels" as long as prerequisite courses are taken.
| Sequence I | |||
| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
| Honors Geometry | Honors Algebra II | Honors Pre-Calculus | |
| Sequence II | |||
| College Prep Geometry | College Prep Algebra II | ||
| Sequence III | |||
| College Prep Algebra I | College Prep Geometry | College Prep Algebra II | |
| Sequence IV | |||
| Algebra I | Geometry | Algebra II | |
Mathematics Best Practices
Mathematics teachers at Spotswood High School consistently apply research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, use of manipulatives and tools, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.
Mathematics teachers at Spotswood High School consistently apply research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, use of manipulatives and tools, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.
Performing Arts
Performing Arts Department Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools Performing Arts Department to:
- Create a performing arts community that is rich with cultural, social, and intellectual diversity.
- Foster self-discipline and focus in solving problems creatively.
- Empower students to make informed aesthetic choices.
- Provide all students with the opportunity to succeed as individuals and within a group setting.
- Provide a productive and safe space for students to express themselves.
- Develop social skills that enable each student to engage with his or her peers in a responsible and respectful manner.
- Prepare students for active participation in creating the culture of the present and future.
- Provide students with meaningful experiences to publicly perform and raise esteem of the performing arts in the local community
Students at Spotswood High School are presented with a myriad of courses that provide the opportunity for the performance and study of the theories, history, and practices of all music, as well as development of theatre performance. Each course enables students to investigate their own perspectives on music and theatre. Empowering students to shape their philosophies on music and theatre's role in humanity is the cornerstone of a Spotswood performing arts education.
The following chart indicates the performing arts course options for students in each grade level:
| Course | 9th Grade | 10th Grade | 11th Grade | 12th Grade |
| Band Lessons | x | x | x | x |
| Concert Band | x | x | x | x |
| Honors Music Theory | x | x | x | x |
| Honors Wind Ensemble | x | x | x | |
| Advanced Placement Music Theory | x | x | x | |
| Drama I/II: Acting | x | x | x | x |
| Drama III: Play Production | x | x | x |
Performing Arts Best Practices
The performing arts faculty at Spotswood High School applies research-based best practices for effective instruction that includes, but is not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.
The performing arts faculty at Spotswood High School applies research-based best practices for effective instruction that includes, but is not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.
Science
Science Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools Science Department to provide safe, equitable, student-focused scientific experiences that encourage the development of intellectual curiosity and scientific literacy along with respect and appreciation for the world we all share.
The Spotswood High School Science Department offers students the opportunity to explore the physical and living world. Science courses are designed to meet individual career goals. In today's job market, it is important for students to have as many career opportunities as possible. State graduation requirements mandate 15 credits (three years) in science, including Lab Biology, Lab Chemistry and/or Physics and/or Environmental Science, plus a third laboratory/inquiry-based science. Courses designated as lab sciences may meet for either five periods or six periods a week, as long as there is a significant laboratory based component within the course. All students, and especially college bound students, are strongly encouraged to take four years of science, and those considering future careers related to science are strongly encouraged to take advanced level coursework, including Chemistry, Physics, and Honors Biology II, or an Advanced Placement Science class.
Science Department Course Flow Chart
This below chart illustrates possible course sequencing in the Science Department and each progression listed in the chart meets State graduation requirements. Courses have been grouped according to level of academic rigor. The rigor of a student's academic schedule and the grades received are key aspects considered by college admission officers. Please note: Sequencing need not be constant; students may move between "levels" as long as prerequisite courses are taken and State graduation requirements are met.
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools Science Department to provide safe, equitable, student-focused scientific experiences that encourage the development of intellectual curiosity and scientific literacy along with respect and appreciation for the world we all share.
The Spotswood High School Science Department offers students the opportunity to explore the physical and living world. Science courses are designed to meet individual career goals. In today's job market, it is important for students to have as many career opportunities as possible. State graduation requirements mandate 15 credits (three years) in science, including Lab Biology, Lab Chemistry and/or Physics and/or Environmental Science, plus a third laboratory/inquiry-based science. Courses designated as lab sciences may meet for either five periods or six periods a week, as long as there is a significant laboratory based component within the course. All students, and especially college bound students, are strongly encouraged to take four years of science, and those considering future careers related to science are strongly encouraged to take advanced level coursework, including Chemistry, Physics, and Honors Biology II, or an Advanced Placement Science class.
Science Department Course Flow Chart
This below chart illustrates possible course sequencing in the Science Department and each progression listed in the chart meets State graduation requirements. Courses have been grouped according to level of academic rigor. The rigor of a student's academic schedule and the grades received are key aspects considered by college admission officers. Please note: Sequencing need not be constant; students may move between "levels" as long as prerequisite courses are taken and State graduation requirements are met.
| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
| Sequence I | |||
| Honors Biology I | Honors Chemistry I | AP Chemistry, AP Biology, Honors Physics, AP Environmental Science, Forensic Science, Meteorology & Astronomy | |
| Sequence II | |||
| College Prep Biology I | College Prep Chemistry | ||
| Sequence III | |||
| Biology I | Integrated Science | ||
Science Best Practices
Science teachers at Spotswood High School consistently apply research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, use of manipulatives and tools, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, laboratory experiences, problem-based learning, and technology.
Science teachers at Spotswood High School consistently apply research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, use of manipulatives and tools, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, laboratory experiences, problem-based learning, and technology.
Social Studies
Social Studies Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools Social Studies Department to investigate active citizenship in the 21st Century, World History/Global Studies as well as United States History with a concentration on civics, government, human rights, geography, the environment, economics, innovation, technology, history and culture from a variety of perspectives through the lens of document analysis skills and validating and documenting research. These skills are vertically aligned throughout the district courses to engage students in analytical thinking, critical analysis, adept decision making and effective communication.
Spotswood High School offers a variety of classes that provide students opportunities to achieve this mission. All students must take Modern World History, US History I and US History II. Although only three social studies courses are required for high school graduation, students are strongly encouraged to enroll in a social studies course in each year of their high school experience. The Social Studies Department offers a variety of both year-long and semester courses to fulfill both scheduling and academic needs. All courses are aligned with the New Jersey Core Curricular Standards and incorporate the essential elements of the Common Core Standards. Because of the vertical alignment of skills assessments in each course offering, many courses have prerequisites.
Social Studies Department Course Flow Chart
This chart illustrates possible course sequencing in the Social Studies Department. Courses have been grouped according to level of academic rigor. The rigor of the student's academic schedule and student performance are key aspects considered by college admission offices.
Please Note: Sequencing need not be constant; students may move between "levels" as long as prerequisite courses are taken.
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools Social Studies Department to investigate active citizenship in the 21st Century, World History/Global Studies as well as United States History with a concentration on civics, government, human rights, geography, the environment, economics, innovation, technology, history and culture from a variety of perspectives through the lens of document analysis skills and validating and documenting research. These skills are vertically aligned throughout the district courses to engage students in analytical thinking, critical analysis, adept decision making and effective communication.
Spotswood High School offers a variety of classes that provide students opportunities to achieve this mission. All students must take Modern World History, US History I and US History II. Although only three social studies courses are required for high school graduation, students are strongly encouraged to enroll in a social studies course in each year of their high school experience. The Social Studies Department offers a variety of both year-long and semester courses to fulfill both scheduling and academic needs. All courses are aligned with the New Jersey Core Curricular Standards and incorporate the essential elements of the Common Core Standards. Because of the vertical alignment of skills assessments in each course offering, many courses have prerequisites.
Social Studies Department Course Flow Chart
This chart illustrates possible course sequencing in the Social Studies Department. Courses have been grouped according to level of academic rigor. The rigor of the student's academic schedule and student performance are key aspects considered by college admission offices.
Please Note: Sequencing need not be constant; students may move between "levels" as long as prerequisite courses are taken.
| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 |
| Sequence I | ||
| Honors Modern World History | Honors US History I | Honors US History II |
| Sequence II | ||
| Modern World History (CP) | US History I (CP) | US History II (CP) |
| Sequence III | ||
| Modern World History | US History I | US History II |
| Optional Elective Offerings for 11th and 12th Grade Students | |
|
Full-Year Courses AP US History |
Semester Courses American Law |
Social Studies Best Practices
Social Studies teachers at Spotswood High School consistently applies document-based and research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, use of manipulatives, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.
Social Studies teachers at Spotswood High School consistently applies document-based and research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, use of manipulatives, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.
Visual Arts
Visual Arts Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools Visual Arts Department to provide students with art experiences that develop and refine their art making techniques, problem solving skills, and cultural and historical artistic awareness.
Spotswood High School provides students with a wide variety of stimulating, challenging, and enjoyable art courses. These courses are designed to help students meet graduation requirements as well as provide an excellent opportunity to develop creative, expressive artistic skills.
Visual Arts Department Course Flow Chart
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools Visual Arts Department to provide students with art experiences that develop and refine their art making techniques, problem solving skills, and cultural and historical artistic awareness.
Spotswood High School provides students with a wide variety of stimulating, challenging, and enjoyable art courses. These courses are designed to help students meet graduation requirements as well as provide an excellent opportunity to develop creative, expressive artistic skills.
Visual Arts Department Course Flow Chart
| Sequence I | |||
| Drawing/Painting & Ceramics/Sculptures I(semester courses) | Fine Arts I | Honors Fine Arts II | |
| Sequence II | |||
| Ceramic/Sculptures I (semester course) | Ceramics/Sculptures II | Fine Arts I | Honors Fine Arts II |
| Sequence III | |||
| *Drawing/Painting & *Ceramics/Sculptures(semester courses) | |||
| Sequence IV | |||
| *Multi-Cultural Arts |
|
||
*Course can be taken at any time in grades 9-12.
Visual Arts Best Practices
Art teachers at Spotswood High School consistently apply research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.
Visual Arts Best Practices
Art teachers at Spotswood High School consistently apply research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.
World Languages
World Languages Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools World Languages Department to provide a comprehensive curriculum where students learn to speak, read, and write in more than one language and develop an awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures, providing them with a tremendous advantage in school and the workplace.
Spotswood High School students are required to complete two full years of study in World Languages for graduation, as the great majority of four-year colleges require two years of World Languages for admission. Spotswood offers four-year programs in Spanish and German. Additionally, we offer an Honors track in Spanish for those students who wish to be enrolled in a program with increased academic rigor that leads to further study. Course offerings and suggested sequencing is shown in the chart below:
It is the mission of the Spotswood Public Schools World Languages Department to provide a comprehensive curriculum where students learn to speak, read, and write in more than one language and develop an awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures, providing them with a tremendous advantage in school and the workplace.
Spotswood High School students are required to complete two full years of study in World Languages for graduation, as the great majority of four-year colleges require two years of World Languages for admission. Spotswood offers four-year programs in Spanish and German. Additionally, we offer an Honors track in Spanish for those students who wish to be enrolled in a program with increased academic rigor that leads to further study. Course offerings and suggested sequencing is shown in the chart below:
| Sequence I | |||
| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
| Spanish I | Spanish II | Spanish III | Honors Spanish IV |
| Sequence II | |||
| German I | German II | German III | Honors German IV |
| Sequence III | |||
| Honors Spanish I | Honors Spanish II | Honors Spanish III | |
NOTE: Students who completed all components of Honors Spanish I in Grade 8 Spanish and earned an average for the course have the option to begin their sequence with Honors Spanish II provided teacher recommendation and teacher approval is granted.
World Languages Best Practices
World Languages teachers at Spotswood High School consistently apply research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.
World Languages Best Practices
World Languages teachers at Spotswood High School consistently apply research-based best practices for effective instruction including, but not limited to, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, discovery learning, cooperative learning, scaffolding, differentiated instruction, real-world applications, and technology.