Alternative/Focus Programs

Arts and Humanities Focus Program

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

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

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

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

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

Science Focus Program, "Zoo School"

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

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

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

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

International Baccalaureate Program (iB)

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

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

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

Bryan Community

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

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

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

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

To attend Bryan Community, students must:

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

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

Goals for Students

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

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

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

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

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

To the degree they are able, all students should:

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

Curriculum

Credit

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

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

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

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

Graduation Honors

Effective for the class of 2021, the Laude Latin model will be used to recognize academic excellence at the conclusion of a student’s high school career. Students will work to compete against the criterion for academic honors – rather than other students. A student’s final cumulative GPA will be used to determine the level of honor on a student’s high school transcript, diploma, and for academic recognition at commencement exercises. The following three levels of academic honors will be used:

SUMMA CUM LAUDE “with highest distinction”
Students with cumulative GPA of 4.250 and above on a 4.00 weighted scale.
MAGNA CUM LAUDE “with great distinction”
Students with cumulative GPA of 4.000 to 4.249 on a 4.00 weighted scale.
CUM LAUDE “with distinction”
Students with cumulative GPA of 3.750 to 3.999 on a 4.000 weighted scale.

Graduation honors will be determined following the second to last semester of high school, and the student is required to graduate by the end of the next semester.

Weighted Grades

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

Career Technical Education System

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

Adjusted and Differentiated/Advanced Placement Classes

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

Independent Study

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

Interdisciplinary Classes

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

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

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

Post-Secondary Education

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

Prerequisites

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

Equal Opportunity

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

Course Guide Descriptions

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