|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Curriculum
Competency-Based Education
- Successful completion of courses at AUL is based on students exhibiting competence in the subject areas through a demonstration of skills, knowledge and completed projects.
Academic Program
- The
Graduation Requirements
- Students must meet the school’s competencies that are aligned with state and local standards. Each student will work to complete portfolio projects according to their ILP’s that address certain skills and competencies necessary for high school completion. AUL curriculum uses a “work shop model” that focuses on reading and writing skills, mathematics skills and life skills necessary to becom self-sufficient and successful in the future. Students also obtain internships in the community in which they work to meet ILP competencies by getting real life work experience in a field of their interest. Finally, students must meet a post-secondary educational option (PSEO) graduation requirement in which they have the opportunity to take a community college course, a vocational course or a PSEO alternative developed with their advisors.
Senior Seminar Class
- Once a student has begun work on their ILP’s and is ready to devise a working plan for their life after high school, they will take the Senior Seminar class. This class will focus on post-secondary options, including community college or vocational school courses. The class will also address issues of financial aid, support groups on campus, tours of CCD and other college campuses, preparation for the ACCUPLACER, ACT and/or SAT and guest speakers from the community.
Duration of Program
- You decide how quickly you would like to complete the requirements for graduation. It could take from 1 year to 4 years. Overall, the educational program at AUL is focused on student development with respect to individual growth and progress. Students are never passed on a project unless proficiency in the required competencies and skills is demonstrated. A student’s length of study at AUL is based upon the time it takes each individual student to develop and acquire those skills.
Support from AUL
- AUL is committed to providing an individualized education for each and every student. Each student will have an advisor who will know their strengths and interests well and will co-develop their learning plan each quarter. Caring and knowledgeable teachers in classes of 15-20 students will teach core subject areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies. A full time social worker works with students to support their non-academic needs by helping them obtain wrap-around services through
The AUL Difference
- AUL is a small high school focused on challenging each student to reach their goals while getting the personalized attention and support they need. The caring teachers and staff at the AUL are determined to see each student succeed. The school has created their own list of graduation requirements that must be met in order to graduate. These requirements will focus on the student showing what they have learned and not on “seat time” or specific grades. Classes will be taught in an interactive way in which students can use their talents and interest to meet the graduation requirements.
Work while Attending AUL
- Students whom are currently employed, may continue working while attending school at AUL. The staff works with students to communicate with their employers on creating a flexible schedule that will work with their school schedule. The school counselor assists students with finding open jobs in the area, and maintains a job book that is kept at the school for all students to access at anytime. Moreover, students working can earn internship hours and school credit through employment during the school year.
Not Focused on Grades
- Grades are not the focus at AUL. Each student works closely with their teachers to meet the requirements for graduation through one-on-one feedback meetings. “Failing” a course is not possible at this school. Caring teachers will work hard to guide each student in learning what they need to know to earn their diploma. Although tests may be part of the learning, number and letter grades will not be given to the student. Each student will complete assignments throughout the trimester and keep a portfolio of their work. At the end of each trimester, students will have the chance to do a creative project to show what they have learned. The project, along with their ongoing assignments will be put in his/her portfolio and presented at the end of each trimester.
College or Career Search after Graduation
- One of the main goals of AUL is to help students achieve their dreams after graduation. Each student will work with an advisor to talk about future goals and ways to reach them. The advisor will help the student find out what he/she wants to do in the future and take the steps to make their dreams real. Each student will have the opportunity to take community college courses or vocational classes, and the senior seminar specialist (a teacher) will support them in finding the right classes and getting enrolled. Advising and life skills courses will also guide students in creating resumes, finding internships and jobs, completing college applications and exploring different career options.