Welcome to Junior/Senior MCAS Biology.  This course will focus on the strands of Biology which you will be assessed on during MCAS.  You already have a solid foundation; we will simply build up from there.  We will be utilizing an Interactive Notebook throughout the year which reflects the 5-E learning cycle.  You will learn to apply your knowledge of Biology through Engaging, Exploring, Explaining, Elaborating, and Evaluating the information in a multi-sensory approach.

Why a multi-sensory approach?  People remember:

10% of what they read only

26% of what they hear only

30% of what they see only

50% of what they See and Hear

70% of what they say only

90% of what they Say, Hear, Read and Write

Freshman Biology follows the state curriculum frameworks for both Biology/Life Science as well as for Literacy.  This course is the first half of a 2 year curriculum which directly prepares students to take the Biology MCAS in June of their sophomore year.  Students will attend class during their academic cycle only, but will also be expected to complete independent work over their shop cycle.

Power Reading is a year long course which employs a balanced approach to literacy through the Wilson Reading system, Whole Language reading and writing methodologies, and embedded study skill instruction.  Additionally, individualized assistive technology needs are integrated to foster independence.   Student progress is monitored regularly and pacing through the program is dependent on both mastery and fluency of the phonics based concepts presented throughout the sequenced curriculum.  Students practice phonemic awareness, phonics rules as they apply to decoding and encoding, vocabulary development, reading fluency, and both reading and listening comprehension.

Cape Cod Regional Technical High School
Francesca Cusack