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SPECIAL REPORTS
A different path: A look at Metro High School's curriculum
The curriculum at Metro Early College High School -- a science, technology, engineering and math school in Columbus, Ohio -- is designed for students to finish the state's high school requirements in two years. The learning experience is divided into two distinct development phases: preparation and access to college. Here are some of the requirements, as listed in an executive summary provided by the school:
CORE PREP PHASE
During this phase, ninth- and 10th-grade students will focus on learning that promotes performance. To exit this phase, the students will demonstrate performances in math, science, social studies and language arts.
Successful passage of Ohio Graduation Tests
Performance attainment of core area coursework
Demonstration of disciplined inquiry, independent thinking, analysis, reasoning, creative problem solving and evaluation
Demonstration of compassion for others, responsibility, courage and honesty
Demonstration of efficient and effective collaboration
Completion of 15 hours of college coursework
COLLEGE ACCESS
Upon successful demonstration of mastery of the Core Prep phase, the 11th- and 12th-grade students will learn from a curriculum that is focused on learning outside the school's walls. The Metro staff has designed a curriculum as a series of learning laboratories located in settings within the central Ohio community.
These experiences are intended to go beyond a traditional internship and include demonstrations of problem-solving and critical thinking in partnership with the learning lab environment.
Demonstration of learning authentic audiences, cooperation and teamwork
Successful 12th-grade exhibition of knowledge and skill
Demonstration of successful completion of graduation standards
Demonstration of successful attainment of college coursework (45-60 quarter hours)
COURSEWORK
Each teacher is required to prepare a course syllabus that outlines the mastery benchmarks. This includes 12 master items students must complete during the term. Those include:
Five-paragraph essay describing student's choice of life system
Test
Lab report and summary for Labs 1-5
Midterm
Position paper, including analysis and research of two sides of biological issue
Columbus Zoo project
Homework and portfolio
Midterm
Lab report and summary for Labs 5-10
Test
Research paper
Oral assessment, laboratory presentation and portfolio assessment
GATEWAY TO COLLEGE
When students finish their high school requirements, they must give a formal presentation in front of a panel of their peers, parents and professionals to defend their readiness to move on.
