High School Curriculum
Find a brief description of what to expect in each subject.
- English Language Arts
- Fine Arts
- Math
- Physical Education & Health
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Academies & Pathways
English Language Arts
Language Arts is about developing and refining the necessary skills for college and career in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
In Language Arts courses, students read, write, speak, and listen often for a variety of purposes (to argue, to narrate, to inform) and for a variety of audience types.
At a glance
9th Grade
English 9
Students continue to build on previous skills to develop grade level skills in critical reading and writing, speaking, and listening. Students read a variety of texts, which may include nonfiction, fiction, novels, poems, and plays. Students will write for a variety of purposes including narrative, argumentative, theme, analysis, and the impact of word choice.
Honors English 9
Honors English courses build on the same activities and skills as the core course, but may do so to provide more intensity, depth and enrichment.
Units of Study
Narrative writing
Literary analysis for character development
Thematic essay
Argumentative writing
Presentations
Word choice analysis (figurative & connotative language)
10th Grade
English 10
Students continue to build on previous skills to develop grade level skills in critical reading and writing, speaking, and listening. Students read a variety of texts, which may include nonfiction, fiction, novels, poems, and plays. Students will write for a variety of purposes including comparison and contrast of various artistic mediums, rhetorical analysis, research, cultural perspective, and argumentation.
Honors English 10
Honors English courses build on the same activities and skills as the core course, but may do so to provide more intensity, depth and enrichment.
Units of Study
Cultural perspective analysis
Comparison/contrast
Multimedia presentations
Rhetorical analysis
Argumentative writing
Academy pathway research project
11th Grade
English 11
Students continue to build on previous skills to develop grade level skills in critical reading and writing, speaking, and listening. Students read a variety of texts, which may include nonfiction, fiction, novels, poems, and plays. Students will write for a variety of purposes including purpose and point-of-view, comparison and contrast of author's rhetorical choices, the development of an argument by an author, and personal narratives.
Units of Study
Literary analysis
Comparing/contrasting stylistic choices
SAT-style argument analysis
Personal narratives
AP English Language and Composition
This writing-intensive course is designed for students seeking a deeper knowledge of language to become highly skilled readers and writers. Students in Advanced Placement courses will be prepared for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year college courses. Students will prepare for the AP exam in Language & Composition.
12th Grade
English 12
Students continue to build on previous skills to develop grade level skills in critical reading and writing, speaking, and listening. Students read a variety of texts, which may include nonfiction, fiction, novels, poems, and plays. Students will write for a variety of purposes and read a variety of texts.
Units of Study
Narrative writing
Expository writing
Self-selected research project
Multimedia presentations
Transitional English 12
Transitional English instruction builds on students’ knowledge to develop skills in reading, critical thinking and analysis, and writing that will enhance their success in college-level courses across majors and career pathways while aligning with the Illinois Learning Standards. Students who meet necessary requirements will not be required to take English Language Arts placement exams at Illinois colleges and universities.
Units of Study
Writing and revising narratives
Expository essays
Informative research essays
Research project
Presentations
AP English Literature and Composition
This course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of world literature. Through close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for readers, and, through reading, students will consider a work’s structure, style, and themes. Students in Advanced Placement courses will be prepared for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year college courses. Students will prepare for the AP exam in Literature and Composition.
At-home resources
- Encourage your student to read for enjoyment, allowing for a minimum of 20 minutes a day.
- Encourage your student to journal or write (without worrying about grammar or spelling) about different topics. Suggestions include writing a reflection about an experience, an ordinary day, or writing about imaginary scenarios.
- Ask your student to refer to specific information as evidence when trying to prove a point.
- Ask your student to summarize (in writing and out loud) information that they hear or read, identifying most important points of the information.
- Take your student to your local library to explore literacy enrichment opportunities and find books to meet their interests.
Contact the Curriculum Dean of Secondary English Language Arts
Carrie Mueller | carrie.mueller@rps205.com | 815-489-0540
Fine Arts
Fine Arts programs are about teaching students how to engage in the creative process to be life-long learners in the arts.
The programs are about giving students the tools, skills, and knowledge to help express themselves through the art. They are about giving students a safe space to learn through the art of making mistakes, analyzing those mistakes, and choosing strategies that will help them fix those mistakes.
At a glance
Visual, Graphic, and Media Arts
These courses are designed to develop, practice, and demonstrate proficiency in skills, techniques, knowledge, and application in the visual, graphic, or media arts. These courses are sequential in learning and development and build upon each other. Any high school student can take the foundations course to gain an overview. Then students who are interested in further developing their artistic skills can continue through the course sequences. As students progress through the course sequence the artistic process becomes more individualized as they prepare for creation of a portfolio of contrasting art pieces. Committing to following through the course sequence is the path toward artistic success.
Visual Art Sequence
Studio Art Foundations
2-D Studio Art 1 or 3-D Sculpture 1
2-D Studio Art 2 or 3-D Sculpture 2
2-D Studio Art 3 or AP Studio Art: Drawing or AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
Graphic Art Sequence
Graphic Design 1
Graphic Design 2
Graphic Design 3
Media Art Sequence
Graphic Design 1
Media Production 1
Media Production 2 or Graphic Design 1
3-D Modeling & Animation
Visual, Graphic & Media Arts students will:
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Explore traditional and experimental media.
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Study visual art work from a variety of cultures and time periods.
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Engage in the artistic processes through creation, presentation, responding, and connecting.
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Develop foundational art technique that are developed and enhanced as they progress through the courses.
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Learn, practice, and apply advanced technical skills, experimentation, creative expression, and personal interpretation level 3 and 4 courses only
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Engage in the artistic portfolio creation process level 4 courses only
Acting and Tech Theatre
These courses are designed to explore and master the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in a live production or run/participate on a live technical crew. These courses are sequential in learning and development and build upon each other. Any high school student can take the foundations course to gain an overview. Then students who are interested in further developing their theatrical skills can continue through the course sequences. Students in the top level courses will engage in the creation of an acting or tech portfolio. Theatre is a process that focuses on growth. Students will carry the skills of perseverance, work ethic, problem solving, and creativity into all aspects of life. Committing to follow through the course sequence is the path to theatrical success.
Acting Sequence
Acting 1
Acting 2
Acting 3: Acting & Directing
Acting 4: Theatre Seminar
Acting students will:
Level 1
Learn the spaces in a theatre; Learn and practice the basics: acting techniques, theatrical reading and storytelling, pantomime, improvisation, critique, basic and extended scene work, monologues, musical theatre, and sketch writing.
Level 2
Dive deeper into level 1 skills. Learn and practice: blocking, staging, character analysis, script analysis: American playwright and Shakespeare, facial stage makeup, and audition for a showcase.
Level 3
Continue to develop level 1 & 2 skills; work through scenes from the actors and directors perspective; mock direct scenes; learn and practice stage combat; participate in the directing process of the showcase.
Level 4
Compile a theatre portfolio; build a theatre resume; design and complete a digital demo reel; prepare materials for mock auditions in theatre: collegiate and professional; write, produce and perform short plays with themes on social change.
Technical theatre Sequence
Tech Theatre 1
Tech Theatre 2
Tech Theatre 3: Theatre Design
Tech Theatre 4: Theatre Production
Tech Theatre students will:
Level 1
Use basic power tools safely; understand and apply basic makeup and costuming skills; understand and apply basic lighting and sound skills; explore the different tech theatre jobs and set design.
Level 2
Use advanced power tools safely; practice drafting, scale drawings, painting techniques, and special effects makeup; Create scenic models; Work with live sound and lighting accessories; Understand and explore fabric and color theory in different time periods.
Level 3
Use specialty tools to create details in theatrical sets; understand and participate in a showcase technical crew; practice shifting sets between scenes, special effects lighting, live foley sound effects, time period specific costuming and old age makeup; and begin creating a portfolio.
Level 4
Design sets for alternate theatrical spaces; Create historical props, makeup, hair and costuming; work with makeup prosthetics; produce a showcase; rewire a light; create a moving soundscape; create a playbill; and complete a portfolio.
Band, Choir, Orchestra, Piano & Guitar
The ensemble courses are designed to develop, practice, and demonstrate proficiency in skills, techniques, knowledge, and application in music. These courses are sequential in learning and development and build upon each other. Long term investment in the chosen course will provide the best success to your student. The independent courses are designed to develop, practice, and demonstrate proficiency in the specific instrumental technique and theory. They give students the opportunity to establish a foundation in those instruments and learn the skills necessary to continue on their own after. The pacing and instruction is very individualized. Students must be able to set goals and practice independently to achieve them while the instructor works with students one on one.
Band and Orchestra is open to any student who has successfully completed one year of the equivalent middle school ensemble course. If your child has never played an instrument before and wants to be in band or orchestra the following are a must:
- Special instructor approval to ensure success is possible.
- Independent self-driven work skills. The instructor will not be able to give your child the one on one attention they deserve to learn a new instrument while in an ensemble class.
- Your child should engage in private lessons through a music store or the instructor, if available, and daily practice at home to close the gap.
All students enrolled in Band are also in marching band and pep band. It is a part of the course's scope and sequence. The marching band performs at the home football games. The pep band performs at home volleyball and basketball games.
music ensemble course Sequences
Band
Band 1
Band 2
Band 3
Jazz Ensemble any 10-12 grade student enrolled in Band 2 or Band 3 can enroll in this course too
Choir
Choir 1
Choir 2
Treble Choir OR Chamber Singers
Orchestra
Orchestra 1
Orchestra 2: Concert Orchestra
Orchestra 3: Chamber Orchestra
independent music study course Sequence
Beginning Piano Keyboard
Advanced Piano Keyboard
Acoustic Guitar
Students will:
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Engage in performance, creation, responding, and connecting as an individual and ensemble.
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Review foundational skills and knowledge in instrument technique, music literacy, and ensemble skills.
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Learn, practice, and apply advanced skills and knowledge in instrument technical, music literacy, and ensemble skills.
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Learn, practice, and perform various music compositions for a variety of purposes. There will be performances outside the school day.
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Review, practice, and apply life skills like perseverance, grit, teamwork, growth mindset, goal setting, responsibility, kindness, passion, creativity and acceptance.
At-home resources
Music
Musictheory.net
musictheory.net is a website built for learning and practicing music literacy and music elements.
Exercises
Educators love the exercises linked below because they are a quick way for students to develop speed with note identification (music literacy). Students love these exercises because it is fun, it provides competition against themselves and others, and it gives instant feedback and challenges like a video game.
Contact the Curriculum Dean of Fine Arts
Laura Schulz | laura.schulz@rps205.com | 815-490-4150
Math
Integrated Math is a switch from the traditional ‘silo’ approach of Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2 to a more integrated and connected approach to learning mathematics.
Each course combines numbers sense, algebra, function, probability & statistics and geometry while increasing in rigor and complexity. Students benefit from a coherent mathematical program that uncovers topics and establishes connections among them. This wide range of approaches and resources are far more likely to raise achievement than a disjointed set of units addressing different domains as a checklist.
At a glance
9th Grade
Integrated Math 1
The purpose of Integrated Math 1 is to formalize and extend the mathematics that students learned in middle school. Overarching themes are centered around deepening and extending linear relationships, exploring exponential relationships, the concept of a function, summarizing, representing, and interpreting statistical data, and algebraic connections in the area of coordinate geometry. The Common Core Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout this course and, together with the content standards, will allow students to experience mathematics as a coherent, useful and logical subject that helps make sense of problem situations.
Integrated Math 2 Accelerated
The content of Integrated Math 2 will serve as the foundation for Integrated Math 2 Accelerated, but additional topics will be studied. The Common Core Standards of Mathematical Practice will apply throughout this course, and students will be expected to demonstrate these practices at a more independent level.
10th Grade
Integrated Math 2
This course builds upon the foundation established in Integrated Math 1. Overarching themes are centered on deepening and extending linear and exponential relationships, exploring quadratic relationships, geometric similarity, right triangle trigonometry, and conditional probability. The Common Core Standards of Mathematical Practice apply throughout this course and, together with the content standards, will allow students to experience mathematics as a coherent, useful and logical subject that helps make sense of problem situations.
Integrated Math 3 Accelerated
The content of Integrated Math 3 will serve as the foundation for Integrated Math 3 Accelerated, but some topics will be covered at a deeper level and additional topics will be studied. The Common Core Standards of Mathematical Practice will apply throughout this course, and students will be expected to demonstrate these practices at a more independent level.
11th Grade
Integrated Math 3
This course builds upon the foundation established in Integrated Math 2. Overarching themes are centered on exploring polynomials, rational, and radical relationships, trigonometry, modeling of inverse, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, geometric modeling, connections between algebra and geometry, and statistical inferences and conclusions from data. The Common Core Standards of Mathematical Practice apply throughout this course and, together with the content standards, will allow students to continue to experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that helps make sense of problem situations.
Students can take additional math classes after the Integrated Math 1, 2, 3 sequence.
Courses Offered
Introduction to Statistics
AP Statistics
Algebra 3/Trigonometry
Precalculus
AP Calculus
12th Grade
Students can take additional math classes after the Integrated Math 1, 2, 3 sequence.
Courses Offered
Introduction to Statistics
AP Statistics
Algebra 3/Trigonometry
Precalculus
AP Calculus
Math Literacy
After completing math graduation requirements, students can take Math Literacy. This is a full year course for seniors integrating numeracy, proportional reasoning, algebraic reasoning, and functions. Students will develop conceptual and procedural tools that support the use of key mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts. Throughout this course, college success content will be integrated with mathematical topics. This course uses online homework. Upon successful completion of this course, students may enroll in General Education Math (MTH 115) or Elements of Statistics (MTH 220) at Rock Valley College.
At-home resources
Physical Education & Health
Physical Education
Physical Education is about equipping students with the knowledge and skills to problem solve, engage in physical activity safely, and to develop lifelong understanding and good habits for overall health and fitness.
Health
Health is about equipping students with the skills and knowledge to maintain lifelong health and wellness, prevent disease, problem solve, communicate and make healthy decisions.
At a glance
9th Grade
Freshmen Physical Education | yearlong
Students will engage in activities including, but not limited to: team sports, strength and conditioning, aquatics, and personal fitness. Students will learn proper movement patterns, determine heart rate and fitness outcomes relative to each activity, and explore the benefits of teamwork and competition. Students will also complete the FitnessGram battery of assessments with scores reported to the state.
10th Grade
Health | one semester
Students will learn about, practice, and apply communication, decision-making skills, and goal setting to promote healthy living. Students will engage in learning about disease prevention, physical, mental, emotional, and social health.
Sex Education Curriculum Mandates
Fitness & Wellness/Intro to Swimming | one semester
Students will be introduced to health related fitness components and basic swimming concepts. The fitness and wellness unit includes a variety of workouts, learning and applying the rules of nutrition, and setting and attaining fitness goals. The intro to swimming unit is designed to develop the skills of the individual swimmer, including comfortability in the water, development of various swimming strokes, and introductory fitness concepts.
11th Grade
Aquatics 1
Students will improve stroke development, refinement, and endurance. Students could engage in activities like water sports, fitness concepts, diving, and basic water safety skills.
Personal Fitness 1
Students will further their knowledge of health related and skill related fitness components. This includes a variety of workouts, learning and applying the rules of nutrition, and setting and attaining fitness goals. Students will create a basic personalized fitness plan that includes fitness concepts and nutrition.
Lifetime and Team Sports
Students will increase sports knowledge through the use of competitive team sports games and lifetime sports. This could include: basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, flag football, broomball, speedball, ultimate frisbee, handball, badminton, kickball games, tennis, and/or additional sports/recreational games.
Team Strength and Conditioning
Students will engage in rigorous workout activities designed to improve strength, speed, power, and conditioning levels. Students will engage in weightlifting, strength training, plyometric, speed, agility, and conditioning. This course includes a heavy emphasis on performance enhancement and injury prevention through proper training.
12th Grade
Aquatics 2
Students will build upon the skills they practiced in Aquatics I. Activities could include water sports, fitness concepts, diving, and lifeguarding/water safety instructor skills. Throughout this class a lifeguard certification could be earned depending on the school and the instructor.
Personal Fitness 2
Students will further their knowledge of health related and skill related fitness components. Students will continue to develop a variety of workouts, learning and applying the rules of nutrition, and setting and attaining fitness goals.
Lifetime and Team Sports
Students will increase sports knowledge through the use of competitive team sports games and lifetime sports. This could include: basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, flag football, broomball, speedball, ultimate frisbee, handball, badminton, kickball games, tennis, and/or additional sports/recreational games.
Team Strength and Conditioning
Students will engage in rigorous workout activities designed to improve strength, speed, power, and conditioning levels. Students will engage in weightlifting, strength training, plyometric, speed, agility, and conditioning. This course includes a heavy emphasis on performance enhancement and injury prevention through proper training.
Contact the Curriculum Dean of Physical Education, Health and World Languages
Kim Jensen | kimberly.jensen@rps205.com
Science
In RPS 205 we want our students to figure out science, not just learn about science.
In all grade levels, students are encouraged to ask questions about engaging phenomena. Students plan and conduct experiments so they can make sense of their own questions. Students will then use this evidence to present conclusions and demonstrate their understanding of the material.
At a glance
9th Grade
Biology & Honors Biology
Students will explore topics such as interactions between organisms and their environment, evolution & natural selection, what organisms are made of & how they work, and heredity & inheritance. While both classes cover the same standards, Honors Biology may cover some standards more in-depth or may spend more time on topics that aren't directly covered by any other courses.
10th Grade
Chemistry, Honors Chemistry & Integrated Science 1
Each of these courses cover the same standards, but with different perspectives. Chemistry and Honors Chemistry cover the material from a traditional chemistry perspective, but with earth science mixed in. Integrated Science 1 is more like an earth and space science course with chemistry mixed in. In any case, students will explore topics such as environmental sustainability, properties of atoms & elements, energy and chemical reactions.
11th Grade
Physics, AP Physics 1 and Integrated Science 2
Each of these courses cover the same standards, but with different perspectives. Physics and AP Physics 1 are traditional physics courses with earth and space science mixed in. Integrated Science 2 is more like a course that focuses on the physics of earth and space. In any case, students will explore topics such as forces & motion, types of interactions like gravity & magnetism, and waves & their applications for transferring information.
Electives
Elective courses are optional. Students may take electives to deepen their exposure to and experience in different science areas. They may include:
Anatomy and Physiology
Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Physics.
Environmental Science
Horticulture
Zoology
At-home resources
Science isn't just something that happens in a laboratory performed by people wearing lab coats. Your family can help foster a lifelong interest in science and engineering by supporting students as they wonder about the world around them.
The following are tips adapted from the National Science Teaching Association to help encourage your student's curiosity while developing the habits of looking at the world like a scientist:
- Acknowledge and encourage your children’s interests and natural abilities in science, and help them further develop their interests and abilities over time.
- Encourage your children to observe, ask questions, experiment, tinker, and seek their own understandings of natural and human-made phenomena.
- Foster children’s creative and critical thinking, problem solving, and resourcefulness by finding science connections through authentic tasks such as cooking (chemistry), gardening (biology), repairing a bike (physics and engineering) and other everyday activities.
Contact the Curriculum Dean of Science
Josh Rappuhn | joshua.rappuhn@rps205.com | 815-489-7291
Social Sciences
Social Sciences is all about students using an inquiry approach to develop understandings of geography, history, civics, and economics and financial literacy.
An inquiry approach can be boiled down into three major areas: questioning, sourcing and evidence, and conclusions and informed action. More about these three areas can be found in the at-home resources section below.
At a glance
9th Grade
Global Studies
This course is the district's general education social science offering for freshmen. It makes use of the Geography Disciplinary Concepts in the Illinois Learning Standards for Social Sciences. The course is built around six units, each connected to a geographic region of the world. Each unit is designed around an inquiry approach to teaching and learning. This approach connects the practices of geographers (the Disciplinary Concepts and Inquiry/Focus Skills) to the regions being studied.
AP Human Geography
This course is an Advanced Placement option for students who want to potentially earn college credit while in high school, depending upon their score on the assessment and the college or university they attend. The organizational structure of the course is largely governed by the College Board and their individual teacher, whose syllabus is approved by the College Board.
10th Grade
Elective Courses
Sophomores are not required to take a social science course. However elective courses are available to students.
Elective Courses Available to 10th, 11th and 12th graders
African American History
Latin American History
Psychology
Sociology
AP Comparative Government
AP European History
AP Psychology
AP World History: Modern
Questioning
In social sciences, along with other academic subjects, and life in general, questioning is important because it is the first step toward figuring out or finding out something. The resources below help to provide some context for the importance of beginning learning and critical thinking with questions.
11th Grade
US History
This course is the district's general education social science offering for juniors. It makes use of the History Disciplinary Concepts in the Illinois Learning Standards for Social Sciences. The course is built around 11 units, each connected to a period in the history of the United States. Each unit is designed around an inquiry approach to teaching and learning. This approach connects the practices of historians (the Disciplinary Concepts and Inquiry/Focus Skills) to the regions being studied.
AP US History
This course is an Advanced Placement option for students who want to potentially earn college credit while in high school, depending upon their score on the assessment and the college or university they attend. The organizational structure of the course is largely governed by the College Board and their individual teacher, whose syllabus is approved by the College Board.
12th Grade
Civics and Government
This course is one half of the district's general education social science offering for seniors. It makes use of the Civics Disciplinary Concepts in the Illinois Learning Standards for Social Sciences. The course is built around three units, each connected to one of three aspects of our government and civic life. Each unit is designed around an inquiry approach to teaching and learning. This approach connects the practices of political scientists and citizens (the Disciplinary Concepts and Inquiry/Focus Skills) to the regions being studied.
Economics and Financial Literacy
This course is one half of the district's general education social science offering for seniors. It makes use of the Economics and Financial Literacy Disciplinary Concepts in the Illinois Learning Standards for Social Sciences. The course is built around four units, each connected to a aspect of economics. Each unit is designed around an inquiry approach to teaching and learning. This approach connects the practices of economists and financially literate citizens (the Disciplinary Concepts and Inquiry/Focus Skills) to the regions being studied.
AP Government and Politics
This course is an Advanced Placement option for students who want to potentially earn college credit while in high school, depending upon their score on the assessment and the college or university they attend. The organizational structure of the course is largely governed by the College Board and their individual teacher, whose syllabus is approved by the College Board.
AP Microeconomics
This course is an Advanced Placement option for students who want to potentially earn college credit while in high school, depending upon their score on the assessment and the college or university they attend. The organizational structure of the course is largely governed by the College Board and their individual teacher, whose syllabus is approved by the College Board.
AP Macroeconomics
This course is an Advanced Placement option for students who want to potentially earn college credit while in high school, depending upon their score on the assessment and the college or university they attend. The organizational structure of the course is largely governed by the College Board and their individual teacher, whose syllabus is approved by the College Board.
At-home resources
How to Ask Simple Open Ended Questions Kids Really Want to Answer
Seven Tips
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Keep Things Simple
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Don't Force It
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Eye Contact is Optional
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Ask the Right Questions
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Watch Your Response
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Be Genuinely Curious
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Actually Listen
How Should We Change the Way We Ask Questions?
Three Big Asks
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Engage Openly
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Ask Open Questions
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Use Open Questions to Open Conversations
Why Questions are More Important than Answers
Learning to ask important questions is the best evidence of understanding there is, far surpassing the temporary endorphins of a correct ‘answer.’
Sourcing and Evidence
Sources are anything that offer up information. Social Sciences deal with two types of sources, primary and secondary.
In social sciences sources are used to obtain information that is directly observable or identifiable in the source. This information is then interpreted or analyzed in order to draw conclusions or to prompt action. When information from a source is interpreted or analyzed that is when it becomes evidence. In essence, it is the why that prompts the conclusion or action.
Primary sources are the most preferable as they are most directly related to the event, person, or idea. However, secondary sources are helpful in corroborating events and solidifying understandings, interpretations, and analysis.
Primary Source
A primary source is a first-hand or contemporary account of an event or topic. They are the most direct evidence of a time or event because they were created by people or things that were there at the time or event. These sources have not been modified by interpretation and offer original thought or new information. Primary sources are original materials, regardless of format.
Secondary Source
Secondary sources usually use primary sources and offer interpretation, analysis, or commentary. These resources often present primary source information with the addition of hindsight or historical perspective. Common examples include criticisms, histories, and magazine, journal, or newspaper articles written after the fact. Some secondary sources may also be considered primary or tertiary sources – the definition of this term is not set in stone.
Conclusions and Informed Action
Conclusions and Informed Action can be seen as the payoff for the inquiry journey begun with questioning and extended through sourcing and evidence collection.
While sourcing provides the information necessary for identifying and collecting evidence, that evidence is of little importance if it is not used to draw conclusions or answers to the questions, or possibly to even prompt action one believes appropriate or best based upon that evidence.
The important aspect is that the conclusion or the action be informed. That is to say it be based on the information and evidence curated from sources in response to the questions that were asked.
Sometimes, informed action can seem daunting. On its surface it may suggest to some that time consuming projects or events be generated. This is a possibility, but it is not the only way to take informed action. Informed action can be as simple as having a conversation about the question and what was learned from the sources explored. It can be identifying an action one believes should be taken based upon the information and evidence they have available.
How can families use questioning, sourcing and evidence, and conclusions and informed action at home?
One simple way is to take everyday actions like watching television or movies, playing video or board games, or books and having students or adults pose questions about them. A next step would be to identify information from the source – the show or game – that can be used to answer that question. At that point a discussion about how that information helps to answer the question transforms the information into evidence, and serves as a conclusion!
If you're interested in some questions that can be posed about various forms of media, check out commonsenesemedia.org. They have a large library of media that includes information about its general age appropriateness and some questions for families to consider about the media.
Contact the Curriculum Dean of Social Science
Cory Nilsen | cory.nilsen@rps205.com | 815-967-5138
Academies & Pathways
College & Career Academies of Rockford
All RPS 205 high school students benefit from small learning communities called Academies. Within the Academies, students choose from career pathways that allow them to further explore career areas of interest. Each pathway is a three course sequence beginning in a student's sophomore year that provides real-world experiences with local businesses and professionals, linking school work and the workplace. Students learn math, science, English, and social science, but apply their academic learning to their chosen career pathway. Many of our career pathways offer students opportunities like dual credit, articulated credit, or industry certifications. Students will leverage their Freshman Seminar class (known as College & Career Readiness) and experiences like the Academy Expo to help them choose an Academy and Pathway.
For more information on specific courses, click the High School Planning Guide button below.
Business Academy
This Academy may be the right fit for you if you're interested in:
business models; new ideas; creating; computers; the arts; cyber security.
Pathways
Business & Entrepreneurship
Graphic Design
Information Technology
Media Production
Studio Art
Health Academy
This Academy may be the right fit for you if you're interested in:
medicine; science; sports; human body; medical terminology; anatomy; health care.
Pathways
BioMedical/Lab Sciences
Health & Wellness
Nursing/Pre-Med
Production Academy
This Academy may be the right fit for you if you're interested in:
building things; transportation; designing; structures; working with tools; how things work.
Pathways
Construction
Engineering
Industrial Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation Tech
Service Academy
This Academy may be the right fit for you if you're interested in:
helping others; cooking; education; justice; leadership; civil service.
Pathways
Hospitality
JROTC
Public Safety
Education/Teaching