Course Catalog
The Worcester Public Schools Course Catalog exists as a program of studies; formulated to assist students in the course selection process.
Secondary students are strongly urged to read this information and discuss its contents with parents, guardians, teachers and counselors before constructing a final schedule for each school year. It is important to plan your academic program to move you toward the future you want for yourself. Worcester Public Schools is committed to your high school success and transition to a meaningful post-secondary choice for future study and employment.
2D Design
Course Numbers: 6062 (0.50)(H) | 6063 (0.50)(C)
Type: HS
Area: Art & Music
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2D Design: In this course, students will use the Elements and Principles of Design to explore works on a Two Dimensional plane. Students will examine the difference between expression and communication as well as engage in inquiry and problem-solving. Students will use traditional and digital media to understand the creative process by conceiving and completing a project that demonstrates experimentation, invention, and technical mastery. As an honors level course, the content will be covered at an accelerated pace. Students will study topics at a deeper level and will be expected to complete more independent coursework and assignments.
2D Design Magnet
Course Numbers: 6142 (1.00)(H)
Type: HS
Area: Art & Music
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2D Design Magnet: In this course, students will refine their use of the Elements and Principles of Design to create a portfolio of work focusing on the two dimensional plane utilizing inquiry and problem-solving skills. With materials chosen from the 2D Design course (traditional or digital) students will complete an investigation, with evidence of complex ideas, that demonstrate intention, originality, innovation, and technical mastery. As an honors level course, the content will be covered at an accelerated pace. Students will study topics at a deeper level and will be expected to complete more independent coursework and assignments.
3D Design
Course Numbers: 6082 (0.50)(H) | 6083 (0.50)(C)
Type: HS
Area: Art & Music
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3D Design: In this course, students will build on key understandings and skills and will use the Elements and Principles of Design to visualize, design, and build works in a three-dimensional plane, whether physical or virtual. Students will complete assignments and critiques in which they think through 3 Dimensional works in an additive and/or subtractive method and engage in reflection and critique of current sculptural practices. As an honors level course, the content will be covered at an accelerated pace. Students will study topics at a deeper level and will be expected to complete more independent coursework and assignments.
3D Design Magnet
Course Numbers: 6152 (1.00)(H)
Type: HS
Area: Art & Music
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3D Design Magnet: In this course, students will refine their use of the Elements and Principles of Design to visualize, design, and build works in a three-dimensional plane, whether physical or virtual. Students will focus their fabrication techniques through the strategic use of materials and will address issues of understanding and envisioning space, objects, and scale and the built environment. Students will complete assignments and critiques that demonstrate their ability to analyze 3 Dimensional works in an additive/subtractive manner. As an honors level course, the content will be covered at an accelerated pace. Students will study topics at a deeper level and will be expected to complete more independent coursework and assignments.
Acad Lang Acq Lab A
Course Numbers: 10313 (1.00)(C)
Type: HS
Area: English
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Academic Language Acquisition Laboratory A: In this course, students will learn metacognitive and metalinguistic skills to support their English proficiency for a variety of academic purposes. Students will practice oral fluency skills and academic language that is necessary for oral presentations and public speaking. This course is designed for English Language Learners with weak oral fluency skills in Developing (EPL 3); Expanding (EPL 4); and Bridging (EPL 5) levels of English language proficiency.
Acad Lang Acq Lab A Pt 1
Course Numbers: 10323 (0.50)(C)
Type: HS
Area: English
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Academic Language Acquisition Laboratory A Pt 1: In this course, students will learn metacognitive and metalinguistic skills to support their overall English proficiency for a variety of academic purposes. Students will receive targeted instruction to support their Listening and Speaking skills. Students actively work on practicing oral fluency skills and academic language that is required in oral presentations and a variety of public speaking exercises. This course is targeted to English language learners within the developing (EPL 3), expanding (EPL 4) and bridging (EPL 5) language proficiency levels with weaker oral fluency skills.
Acad Lang Acq Lab C
Course Numbers: 10353 (1.00)(C)
Type: HS
Area: English
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Academic Language Acquisition Laboratory C: In this course, students will continue to learn metacognitive and metalinguistic skills to support their English proficiency for a variety of academic purposes. Students will continue to practice their reading comprehension and integrated writing skills to support their overall literacy competence.
Acad Lang Acq Lab C Pt 1
Course Numbers: 10363 (0.50)(C)
Type: HS
Area: English
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Academic Language Acquisition Laboratory C Pt 1:
Acad Lang Acq Lab D
Course Numbers: 10373 (1.00)(C)
Type: HS
Area: English
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Academic Language Acquisition Laboratory D:
Acad Lang Acq Lab D Pt 1
Course Numbers: 10383 (0.50)(C)
Type: HS
Area: English
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Academic Language Acquisition Laboratory D Pt 1:
Acad Lit Acq Lab A
Course Numbers: 10483 (1.00)(C)
Type: HS
Area: English
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Academic Literacy Acquisition Laboratory A: In this course, students will learn metacognitive and metalinguistic skills to support their overall English proficiency for a variety of academic purposes. Students will receive targeted instruction to support academic discourse in Reading and Writing. Students actively work on practicing fluency skills and a range of academic language/vocabulary that is required to make meaning for reading and writing. This course is targeted to English language learners within the developing (EPL 3), expanding (EPL 4) and bridging(EPL 5) language proficiency levels with weaker oral fluency skills.
Acad Lit Acq Lab B
Course Numbers: 10493 (1.00)(C)
Type: HS
Area: English
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Academic Literacy Acquisition Laboratory B: In this course, students will continue to develop metacognitive and metalinguistic skills to support their overall English proficiency for a variety of academic purposes. Students will receive targeted instruction to support academic discourse in Reading and Writing. Students actively work on practicing fluency skills and a range of academic language/vocabulary that is required to make meaning for reading and writing. This course is targeted to English language learners within the developing (EPL 3), expanding (EPL 4) and bridging(EPL 5) language proficiency levels with weaker oral fluency skills.
Academic Lit I
Course Numbers: 10122 (1.00)(H) | 10129 (1.00)(H) | 10123 (1.00)(C) | 10124 (1.00)(C) | 10125 (1.00)(C) | 10126 (1.00)(C) | 10127 (1.00)(C) | 10128 (1.00)(C) | 10120 (1.00)(C)
Type: HS
Area: English
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Academic Literacy I: In this course, students will learn to appreciate the varied reasons for reading; discuss texts as a community of readers; and apply comprehension strategies to academic texts. Students will engage in activities that increase or improve reading comprehension, reading technique, vocabulary acquisition, and general literacy skills.