Sand Creek High School Academic Departments

Sand Creek Zone is building a zone-wide learning system with clear goals and well defined processes that are consistent throughout the zone. The learning system supports effective school innovation plans - plans designed to develop students with the attributes defined in the Sand Creek graduate profile. The zonewide learning system includes assessments designed to measure what is important and the progress of each school in achieving its goals and the goals of the innovation zone.

We're Building an Efficient and Effective Curriculum

The Sand Creek Zone possesses much curricular strength. However, in the present reality of shrinking revenue and State budget cuts, it is critical that our innovation zone identifies what it does best for students. It is also our goal to create a college-ready culture among our entire student body.

When developing a coherent focus for a K-12 innovation zone it is important to begin with the end in mind. In other words, what programs are currently producing student results at the high school level? Currently, Sand Creek High School has implemented a comprehensive fine arts and visual arts program. Current students have earned awards and recognition throughout the state in the fields of visual and performance art. Again, a golden opportunity exists in the Sand Creek Zone to fully develop a Business and Engineering pathway in which students can take multiple courses in Marketing, Business, Communications, Cyber Security, Graphic Design and Engineering.

Sand Creek High School is promoting instruction of the highest quality

Sand Creek High School will be comprised of Professional Learning Community schools. Our school will include collaborative teacher teams focused on student learning through the implementation of research-based instructional strategies, as well as committed to continuously improving student achievement results as measured by multiple assessments.

Rick DuFour believes the creation of effective Professional Learning Communities (PLC) is a high-yield strategy in ensuring continuous improvement in student achievement. DuFour asserts, “There is growing consensus that the most promising strategy for sustained, substantive school improvement is developing the capacity of school personnel to function as a professional learning community.” Schools fully engaged as PLC’s intensely focus their efforts on addressing the following questions through their everyday means of conducting business:

What knowledge, skills, and disposition must each student acquire as a result of this course, grade level, and/or unit of instruction?

What evidence will we gather to monitor student learning on a timely basis?

How will we provide students with additional time and support in a timely, directive, and systematic way when they experience difficulty in their learning?

How will we enrich the learning of students who are already proficient?

How can we use our SMART goals and evidence of student learning to inform and improve our practice?

Sand Creek High School is hiring and developing excellent teachers who fit the Sand Creek Zone teacher profile. Our teachers…

Support the mission and vision of the Sand Creek Zone through their professional practice.

Commit to developing successful and productive citizens through inquiry-based learning

Model AVID strategies through instructional practices

Know their content at a college level and to update that knowledge regularly

Believe and demonstrate that all students can learn to high standards

Effectively instruct, develop, and model 21st Century Skills in all students

Facilitate student learning and results

Use appropriate data to deliver high-quality instruction

Provide relevant, application-based learning opportunities for all students

Use technology to amplify the educational experience for all students

Create and maintain an environment conducive to learning

Deliver well-aligned curriculum, instruction, and assessment as defined by the zone and respective schools

Motivate and engage students for post-secondary pursuits

Develop and maintain excellent relationships with all students

Commit to closing the achievement gap through sound interventions

Use best instructional practices in an innovative fashion

SCHS Academic Resources

SCHS Course Guide

Sand Creek Zone Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements & Demonstration of Mastery

Under Colorado’s new graduation requirements, students will have to demonstrate competency in English and Math by scoring at or above the examination minimums set by the state from one of the following (in both content areas): ACT, SAT, Accuplacer, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, ASVAB, or ACT WorkKeys. Mastery may also be demonstrated by the completion of a Capstone Project, earned Industry Certification, or successful completion of 100 level Concurrent Enrollment courses.

Students must also demonstrate mastery in each content area and earn a minimum of 24.5 credit to receive a high school diploma. Your student’s individual Pathway Plan, also known as ICAP, must be updated each year and will drive the counseling and advising of courses and credits for your student’s high school plan. Students must review pathway plans of study to meet college requirements, military requirements, and/or career and workforce readiness. Students wishing to continue onto post-secondary education will need to research the entrance requirements for that specific institution. Both two-year and four-year colleges and universities have different requirements and minimum exam scores.

Class of 2021 and Beyond
English	4.0 Credits
Math	3.0 Credits
Science	3.0 Credits
Social Studies	3.5 Credits (Civics is required for all plans of study)
World Language Or Practical Arts	2.0 Credits (determined by Pathway Plan)
Technology	1.0 Credits
Fine Arts	1.0 Credits
Electives	5.5 Credits
TOTAL	24.5 Credits

Menu of Options for English and Math

Mastery in the area of English and Math must be demonstrated by meeting one of the benchmark minimum scores once in both content areas. The Menu of Options include:

English:

SAT 470 Accuplacer 62 on Reading Comprehension or 70 on Sentence Skills

ACT 18 Next Generation 241 on Reading or 236 on Writing

ASVAB 31 ACT WorkKeys Bronze

AP 2 IB 4

Math:

SAT 500 Accuplacer 61 on Elementary Algebra

ACT 19 Next Generation 255 on Arithmetic or 230 on QAS

ASVAB 31 ACT WorkKeys Bronze

AP 2 IB 4

Capstone Project, Industry Certification and Concurrent Enrollment: Students may also demonstrate mastery in English and Math by completing a Capstone Project, earning an Industry Certification recognized by business and industry, and/or successfully passing an English Concurrent Enrollment course and/or Math Concurrent course with a C or higher. Please see BOE Policy IKF-R.

Approved Mastery Demonstrations:

English

Examinations	Capstones	College-Level Course Work	Workforce Certification
Accuplacer Reading Comprehension 62	Approved Capstone Project	Completion of English (100 level or higher) course work with passing grade of C or higher	Approved Workforce Certificate
ACT English 18
AP Exams 2 or higher
ACT WorkKeys English Bronze or higher
SAT 470
Next Gen 241 Reading or 236 Writing
ASVAB English 31

Math

Examinations	Capstones	College-Level Course Work	Workforce Certification
Accuplacer Elementary Algebra 61	Approved Capstone Project	Completion of Mathematics (100 level or higher) course with passing grade of C or higher	Approved Workforce Certificate
ACT Math 19
AP Exams 2 or higher
ACT WorkKeys Math Bronze or higher
SAT Math 500
Next Gen 255 on Arithmetic or 230 on QAS
ASVAB Math 31

District 49 Board of Education Policy IKF

District 49 Board of Education Policy IKF-R

Menu of Options for Other Content Areas

Students demonstrate mastery and earn credits through the successful final course exam outcomes or by demonstrating success on other designated examinations (listed below), successful completion of college-level course work or by earning an approved workforce certification. Students may also earn credits by demonstrating mastery of standards through completion of an approved Capstone project. The following tables establish the baseline expectations for demonstrations of mastery toward high school graduation.

Approved Mastery Demonstrations:

Science

Examinations	Capstones	College-Level Course Work	Workforce Certification
ACT Science 20	Approved Capstone Project	Completion of Science (100 level or higher) course work with passing grade of C or higher	Approved Workforce Certificate
SAT 1030
AP Exams 2 or higher
IB Exams 4 or higher
CMAS Science Score (Meets or Exceeds)
End of course exams/ final grades of C or higher

Social Studies

Examinations	Capstones	College-Level Course Work	Workforce Certification
Successful Completion of National Citizenship Exam (Civics)	Approved Capstone Project	Completion of Social / Behavioral Sciences, History, or Political Science (100 level or higher) course work with passing grade of C or higher	Approved Workforce Certificate
AP Exams 2 or higher
IB Exams 4 or higher
End of course exams/ final grades of C or higher

World Language / Practical Arts

Examinations	Capstones	College-Level Course Work	Workforce Certification
AP Examines 2 or higher	Approved Capstone Project	Completion of Foreign Language course work (100 level or higher) with passing grade of C or higher	Approved Workforce Certificate
IB Exams 4 or higher
End of course exams / final grade of C or higher

Fine Arts

Examinations	Capstones	College-Level Course Work	Workforce Certification
AP Exams 2 or higher	Approved Capstone Project	Completion of Arts (100 level or higher) course work with passing grade of C or higher	Approved Workforce Certificate
IB Exams 4 or higher
Solo / Ensemble Competition 1
End of course exam / performance assessment/ final grade of C or higher

Health

Examinations	Capstones	College-Level Course Work	Workforce Certification
End of course exam/ final grade of C or higher	Approved Capstone Project	Completion of Health (100 level or higher) with passing grade of C or higher	Approved Workforce Certificate

Physical Education

Examinations	Capstones	College-Level Course Work	Workforce Certification
Successful completion of an athletic season	Approved Capstone Project	Completion of Physical Education (100 level or higher) course work with passing grade of C or higher	Approved Workforce Certificate
Participation in a school sponsored / approved activity (i.e. JROTC Drill, Civil Air Patrol, Marching Band, etc.)
End of course exam / performance assessment/ final grade of C or higher

Mastery Demonstration by Course Exam

According to policy IKF-E, D49 students must successfully complete 24.5 credits and demonstrate mastery in all content areas to earn a high school diploma. Demonstration of mastery for English and math are determined by the state of Colorado. For all other content areas, mastery may be demonstrated by completion of college-level course work, earning a workforce certificate, successful completion of a school-approved capstone project, or by meeting approved course exam benchmarks.

Approved exams include:

Final Grade or Cumulative Exam Score of a C or higher
AP National Exam Score of a 2 or higher
IB Exam Score of a 4 or higher

Note: A successful AP or IB exam score is equivalent to one demonstration of mastery in that content area.

Please click the link to view District 49 BOE Policy IKF-E. This policy provides examples and guidance in for mastery by exam in each content area.

Sand Creek High School Credit Check Sheet

Section I: Instruction

ICA School Year/School Calendar/Instruction Time

Prior to the end of the school year, preferably by the February regular meeting, the Board of Education shall adopt a calendar for the following school year. The calendar shall specify the days during which district schools shall be in session, the days on which the district will close in observation of federal holidays, and the dates of major breaks.

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ICA-R School Year/School Calendar/Instruction Time

The following criteria apply to the District 49 School Family Calendar and should be used when calculating instructional time:

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IE Organization of Instruction

The Board of Education shall provide elementary and secondary education extending from kindergarten through grade 12.

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IG Curriculum Development

The Board of Education is required by state law to determine the educational programs delivered in the schools of the district. Curriculum shall be aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards to ensure that each student is provided the educational experiences needed to achieve or exceed grade-level standards or complete the requirements and goals as listed on a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

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IHACA Law-Related Education

The Board of Education recognizes the importance of a law-related education program to enhance student awareness about the law, the legal system, and the fundamental principles and values upon which our constitutional democracy is based.

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IHAK Character Education

The Board of Education believes that while parents are the primary and most important moral educators of their children, the school and community should reinforce parental efforts.

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IHAL Religion in the Curriculum

Informed by the Establishment Clause of the 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution, which specifies that congress will make no law respecting the establishment of religion, public entities should neither promote nor disparage any religion.

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IHAM Health and Family Life/Sex Education

The Board believes a comprehensive health education program is an integral part of each student's education. The health education program should emphasize the functioning and proper care of the human body and encourage the development of lifelong, positive health habits. In addition, it should inform students about potential physical and mental health hazards they are likely to encounter in various life situations and help them make sound, intelligent decisions when they are confronted with choices that could affect their health or that of others.

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IHAM-R Health and Family Life/Sex Education (Exemption Procedure)

Exemption will be granted from a specific portion of the health education curriculum on the grounds that the material taught is contrary to the religious beliefs and teachings or closely held personal beliefs of the student or of the student’s parent/guardian. If the request for the exemption is from a specific portion of the health education curriculum that concerns human sexuality, no reason must be given by the parent/guardian when requesting the exemption.

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IHAMA Teaching about Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco

In accordance with state and federal law, the district shall provide age-appropriate, developmentally appropriate drug and alcohol education and prevention programs from early childhood (preschool) through grade twelve (12).

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IHBA Special Education Programs for Students with Disabilities

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IHBB Gifted Education

The Board of Education is dedicated to providing comprehensive programming for the identification and education of gifted students. Gifted students are those students between the ages of four (4) and twenty-one (21) whose abilities, talents and potential for accomplishment are so exceptional or developmentally advanced that they require special provisions to meet their educational programming needs. The Board believes that a quality instructional program that differentiates curriculum and instruction is essential so all students can learn and grow to their level of potential.

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IHBD Equivalence of Services (Title I)

Pursuant to federal law, school districts receiving Title I funds to provide educational services to students must do so in accordance with Title I of the Every Student Succeeds Act.

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IHBEA English Language Learner

In keeping with the intention of the state of Colorado to offer educational opportunities to those children whose dominant language is other than English, the district shall provide suitable research-based language instructional programs for all identified English language learners in grades kindergarten through 12 in accordance with the requirements of state and federal statutes, Colorado State Board of Education rules and the Colorado Department of Education guidance.

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IHBF Homebound Instruction

The purpose of homebound instruction is to maintain continuity in the educational process for those students who, because of a temporary extended illness or condition, cannot attend school.

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IHBG Home Schooling

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IHBIB Primary/Preprimary Education

The District shall establish and maintain a kindergarten program or programs.

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IHBIB-R Primary/Preprimary Education

The following criteria have been established for the admission of students to the District's preschools:

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IHBK Preparation for Postsecondary and Workforce Success

The Board believes that to decrease student dropout rates, increase graduation rates and encourage all students to reach their learning potential, it is important to support students in planning for postsecondary and workforce opportunities throughout their education. To promote students’ postsecondary and workforce success and in accordance with state law, the district shall provide the following opportunities and information.

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IHBK-R Preparation for Postsecondary and Workforce Success

Implementation Plan for Student Individual Career and Academic Plans

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IHCDA Concurrent Enrollment

The Board believes that students who wish to pursue postsecondary level work while in high school should be permitted to do so in accordance with this policy and accompanying graduation requirements for successful completion of approved postsecondary courses offered by institutions of higher education.

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IHCDA-R-1 Concurrent Enrollment

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IHCDA-R-2 ASCENT (Accelerating Students Through Concurrent Enrollment)

ASCENT is Concurrent Enrollment that extends the opportunity for postsecondary enrollment one year beyond the 12th grade year for qualified applicants.

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IIB Class Size

The Board is aware that class size has bearing upon effective teaching. It therefore directs the Chief Education Officer to work with principals in establishing a reasonable and equitable class enrollment for each teacher.

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IJ Instructional Resources and Materials

As the governing body of the school district, the Board is legally responsible for the selection of instructional materials. Since the Board is a policymaking body, it delegates to the District’s professional personnel the authority for the selection of instructional and library materials in accordance with this policy.

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Sand Creek High School Academic Departments

We're Building an Efficient and Effective Curriculum

SCHS Academic Resources

SCHS Course Guide

Sand Creek Zone Graduation Requirements

Section I: Instruction