COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS

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 *   CA Dept. Education Smarter Balance Assessment Info:  http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/

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 *   Practice Tests, Training Tests, and Sample Items:  http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/

Curriculum
Over 40 AP and Honors level courses are offered in Art, Computer Science, English, Foreign Language, Math, Science and Social Science.

PCHS offers a full range of special education services for students who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act.
 

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Small Learning Communities
9th grade "pods" offer small and personalized learning communities tailored to meet students' individual needs and interests. In 2014-2015, students could choose from one of six pods:  2 Art Pods, Green Science, Drama, Digital Media and Music.

Goals and Commitments
PCHS is committed to raising the bar of expectation for all students. The school’s goal is to prepare students to succeed at higher levels of rigor and performance, including honors and Advanced Placement courses. As part of a four-year academic plan, all pupils have access to a program of studies that will qualify them for entry into an institution of higher learning or post-secondary career opportunities.

PCHS is committed to:
a. The Professional Learning Community (PLC) model as the foundation of its educational program
b. An innovative college-preparatory curriculum that emphasizes literacy, numeracy, and understanding and communication of core knowledge at all levels of Bloom’s taxonomy
c. A comprehensive progressive pyramid of intervention to ensure pupils’ achievement and socio-emotional well-being
d. A climate of high expectations and rigorous academic culture
e. A focus on personalization and differentiation of instruction
f. Expanded access to the school’s most rigorous courses, including honors and Advanced Placement classes
g. A variety of educational options for students, including computer-aided learning, distance learning, community college and college/university course options, service learning, and courses that lead to post-secondary career opportunities only in accordance with applicable law; PCHS uses these options to serve students on extended absences
h. A wide range of quality co-curricular programs
i. A commitment to community service
j. The support of teachers and staff in their professional development and the improvement of their professional practice.

Expected Schoolwide Learning Results

• Core Learning - Students will meet or exceed State Content Standards in all disciplines.
• Critical Thinking - Students will develop critical thinking skills, which enable them to evaluate, analyze and synthesize information to make decisions and solve problems.
• Communication - Students will communicate effectively by using various formats including listening, visual, oral, written, and technological skills.
• Community - Students will interact respectively and work effectively in diverse group settings both within school and greater community.