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     Academic Center Principal


Philip Bertolino

 

Academic Center
Principal

 


bertolinop@lcti.org 


610-799-1364

 

 
               

WELCOME TO THE LEHIGH CAREER 
& TECHNICAL INSTITUTE (LCTI)
ACADEMIC CENTER

 

I would like to personally welcome everyone to the Academic Center. The purpose of the Academic Center is to provide the students with a satisfying and productive experience.  The Academic Center’s philosophy is to provide the students with the necessary skills for careers, college, and life-long learning.  Writing, reading, speaking, and mathematics skills will be developed and emphasized throughout the school year.  State-of-the-art science labs and a fitness center are part of the curriculum offered to the students.  In addition, soft skills (getting along well with others, working as a team, being flexible, time-management, effectively communicating with others, developing a work ethic) will be addressed throughout the school year.  The students will become independent thinkers and learners with the ability to ask questions in regards to difficult concepts, be able to solve problems, and be able to use their critical and analytical thinking skills. 

           

            The professional staff is committed to being innovative and using a variety of teaching methods, strategies, and assessments to increase student achievement.  They will actively engage the students throughout their lessons in a safe learning environment unified by common goals.  Active learning will occur through varied, student-centered lessons.  Lesson plans are related to, and integrated into, the technical programs which are offered at LCTI.  The professional staff believes in being active, caring listeners who respect all of our students.  They believe in helping each other through professional collaboration and encouraging parental involvement through continual contact.  The use of technology will be incorporated into the instructional lesson plans to accentuate learning.     

 

            An inviting classroom environment is emphasized, communicating high, positive expectations.  The Academic Center staff is committed to creating an environment for all students to succeed.  A priority is to meet the needs of each student and present an environment which is conducive to learning. 

 

            We, at LCTI, are continually striving towards improving the quality of education and assist the people who really count - our students - in fulfilling their goals, dreams and potential. 

 

 

            Sincerely,

  

            PHILIP C. BERTOLINO

            ACADEMIC CENTER PRINCIPAL

 

                    

 

Learn More About the Academic Center


 

In September 2006, students from the nine participating school districts in Lehigh County were able to attend the new academic center at Lehigh Career and Technical Institute (LCTI).  Tenth through twelfth grade students from the nine participating districts have the opportunity to take both their academic and technical classes at LCTI.  The Academic Center is housed in 33 brand new classrooms and offers state-of-the-art science labs. Parents and students are encouraged to speak with their high school guidance counselors to determine the options available at the Academic Center and at LCTI.

 

An approved joint district graduation requirements has been established.  When requirements are met, students will graduate and receive their diplomas from the participating districts.  Students can participate in all activities such as sports, clubs, assemblies, dances, and other school events at the sending districts’ high school.  All courses are aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic State Standards.  These standards are also be addressed in the technical programs.

 

Students in the Academic Center can enroll in the Technical Academic track and will take courses that will prepare them for post-secondary education in two-year institutions.  Our students who wish to enroll in four-year universities are encouraged to take the traditional academic course track.  Both directions will prepare students with the academic rigor needed to be successful in post-secondary education.  The students will “major” in their career & technical program rather than having it be regarded as an “elective” since half of the educational day is spent in the technical program.

 

Students may have an opportunity to take advanced coursework at Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) in dual enrollment courses and in middle college courses.  These courses may be used to meet graduation requirements and will begin the students’ college careers at the same time.  Students will be required to take the college placement exam to determine whether college courses in high school are a viable choice.  Tuition is offered at a reduced rate and is the responsibility of the student.  Distance Learning opportunities will also be made available to offer advanced courses and world languages.

 

ACADEMIC CENTER COURSE OFFERINGS AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FOR THE 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR:

 

 

ENGLISH:

 

INTEGRATED AMERICAN HISTORY & LITERATURE

 

This is a survey course in classical and contemporary literature.  The course is designed to help the students improve communication skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, increase comprehension through reading apprenticeship strategies, evaluate historical and social influences that impact American literature, develop test taking strategies, create, compose, and revise/finalize technical writing, and prepare a research paper according to MLA/APA guidelines.

 

This course is integrated to provide 11th grade with both their English and historical concepts.  It is co-taught by an English and Social Studies teacher. This course will cover early to modern American literature and history. The students will gain a broad understanding of the events and thinking that shaped American literature and history.

 

INTEGRATED BRITISH/WORLD HISTORY & LITERATURE

 

The senior year focuses on the study and interpretation of British and World Literature (the influence of history upon literature is also considered), research-based oral and written presentations, communication skills refinement, expository and creative writing, and vocabulary study.  Oral and written presentations are related to practical communication skills needed in the working world.

 

This course is integrated to provide 12th grade with both their English and historical concepts.  It is co-taught by an English and Social Studies teacher. This course will cover early to modern British and World literature and history. The students will gain a broad understanding of the events and thinking that shaped British and World literature and history.

 

ENGLISH II

 

This is an integrated course in general literature, composition, and oral communication in which students master Pennsylvania’s eligible content. Throughout the school year, students will continue their in-depth study of a variety of literature. Students will also continue to develop their vocabulary and writing skill. Literature study will cover a wide variety of genres to improve comprehension and appreciation through a range of reading assignments. Students will continue to develop their composition skills by using the writing process. Teachers will review the conventions of writing. Instruction will also be delivered in the domains of focus, content, organization, and style.

 

  

 

MATHEMATICS:

 

Algebra II

This course is a continuation of the study of algebra concepts and is designed to include real world applications.  Concepts include: Analyzing, solving and graphing linear relations, functions, and inequalities; Solving systems of linear equations and inequalities; Using matrices; Exploring polynomials, radical expressions, quadratic functions and inequalities, rational expressions, and exponential functions. 

 

ALGEBRA III/TRIGONOMETRY

 

Algebra 3 and Trigonometry is the study of functions and their relationships.  Linear, Polynomial, Rational, Exponential, Logarithmic, and Trigonometric Functions will be explored.  Also included is the study of Trigonometric Identities and Equations.  Modeling, technology, and real-world applications will be incorporated in every unit.

 

 Geometry

Geometry is the study of mathematics of the physical world.  This course emphasizes the connection between theory and the practical/technical application with the inclusion of some formal proofs and the use of algebra in problem-solving.  Many hands on activities are included to discover and apply the concepts.  The topics covered include Basics of Geometry; Line Segments; Angles; Perpendicular and Parallel Lines; Basics of Triangles; Special Triangles; Congruent Triangles; Quadrilaterals; Similarity; Polygons; Area; Surface Area and Volume; and Circles, as time permits. 
 

CALCULUS

Calculus is the study of derivatives and integrals.  The course is broken into 5 units of study: functions & graphs, limits & continuity, derivatives, derivative applications, the definite integral, and differential equations & mathematical modeling.  Before a student may enroll in calculus, they must successfully complete algebra III/Trigonometry or a pre-calculus course. 

 

SCIENCE:

 

BIOLOGY

 

The biology course has been developed to meet the Pennsylvania State Standards for Science & Technology and Ecology & Environmental Science.  Biology is a lab-based course designed for the college-bound student.  Students will perform various hands-on applications of course concepts and experiments.  Students will then be required to display mastery of these concepts in formal assessments, lab reports, group activities, and various classroom activities. 

 

CHEMISTRY

 

The chemistry course has been developed to meet the Pennsylvania State Standards for Science & Technology.  Chemistry is a lab-based course designed to incorporate the discussion of measurements, periodic table, equations, stoichiometry, phases of matter, and other important concepts.  Students will perform various hands-on applications of course concepts and experiments.  Students will then be required to display mastery of these concepts in formal assessments, lab reports, group activities, and various classroom activities. 

 

Students should have successfully completed or be able to demonstrate a command of the mathematical concepts covered in Algebra I.

 

 EARTH & SPACE SCIENCE

 

This curriculum is designed to provide exposure to real world connections through hands-on labs and investigations, as well as help students experience Earth science as vital, engaging, and relevant to the processes that affect it.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

This course presents an introduction to environmental studies and the inter-relationships between humans and the natural world. It provides a study of the scientific fundamentals of local and global ecology. An examination of the effects of human activity on local and global environments as measured scientifically. Economic and political policies and their effects on the environment will also be explored.

 

Data from a range of science disciplines will be used to gain an understanding of the cycles that are vital to sustaining the earth’s ecosystems. The course also provides students with an understanding of causes, effects, and controls of a selection of environmental problems. Specific environmental problems are examined in order to illustrate the scientific approach to such problems. The course provides students with basic techniques and terminology to examine scientific issues with respect to the environment.

 

Topics include ecosystems, population dynamics, pollution, energy and the use of water, air and land.
 

INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS

 

Introduction to Physics is a preparatory course for the standard Physics 1 course.  The class topics include measurements, significant figures, metric prefixes, unit conversions, scientific notation, problem solving, lab safety, and basic algebra and trigonometry.  Traditional Physics topics, such as motion, force, momentum, energy, electricity, and magnetism are presented conceptually rather than mathematically.  Additional topics, such as mechanical advantage, compound machines, and origin of the Universe, are covered to meet Pennsylvania Science Standards.  Introduction to Physics is designed for students who do not yet have the mathematical skills required for the more rigorous Physics 1.  Students who are enrolled in (or completed) Algebra II or beyond should take the standard Physics 1 course.

 

PHYSICS

 

The real-world applications of matter and energy will be introduced to students in this course.  The class topics include mechanics, including rotation and torque, waves, sound, light, and electrostatics.  These topics are studied qualitatively and quantitatively through lab applications.  Experiments with calculations are integral parts of this course.  Applications of algebra are used through Physics class. 

 

Prerequisite:  Recommended grade of “C” or better in Algebra I with concurrent enrollment in Algebra II.
 
    PHYSICS II

 

SOCIAL STUDIES:

 

 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT/CIVICS & ECONOMICS

 

Government Segment Description:  American Government is a survey course that will give the student a basic understanding of the functions and the services of our democratic system.  To facilitate such understanding, we will engage in a topical study of our government.  First, we will examine how our democratic system developed.  Second, we will explain the election process and the party system.  Third, we will investigate the specific rights guaranteed to each citizen by our Constitution.  The fourth, fifth, and sixth areas involve the three branches of the Federal Government, their functions in the democratic system, and their responsibilities in the country.  Finally, if time permits, we will examine state and local governments and the services these governments provide to their citizens.

 

Economics Segment Description:  The study of the allocation of scarce resources and the implication of choices involved.  The capacity of society to produce goods and markets used for distribution of goods will be examined.  National issues such as GDP, unemployment, and inflation will be studied.  The appropriate level of government involvement in the economy as well as taxes and spending will be analyzed. Financial markets, capital formation, and international trade will wrap-up the course.

 

WELLNESS/FITNESS 11 & 12:

 
 
WELLNESS/FITNESS 11
This course is designed for students to acquire and apply the knowledge and skills necessary to promote wellness in their lives.  This course will convey information focusing on prevention rather than treatment of disease.  The fitness portion of the course is designed for students to become familiar with the fitness center and successfully prepare them for the full year 12th grade wellness/fitness course.
 
 

WELLNESS/FITNESS 12

 

This course is designed to acquaint students with the benefits of physical activity and to pursue a healthy lifestyle. Students will rotate in and out of the fitness center and the classroom exploring fitness components such as cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, body composition, and nutrition.  The knowledge learned in the classroom can be applied by students in the fitness center to increase their personal fitness levels. During the first and second marking periods, students will also work towards their certification in CPR, First Aid, and AED through the American Red Cross.

  

The fitness components of these courses are designed to acquaint students with the benefits of physical activity in their lives. These courses will include fitness components such as cardio respiratory endurance, strength and conditioning, weight training, flexibility, body composition, and various technology based exercises.

 

The wellness portion of these courses will be based on the components of health: Mental, social, and emotional health, relationships, violence, nutrition, anatomy, first aid, community health, human sexuality, disease, tobacco and alcohol, and legal/ illegal drugs.

 

 

ENRICHMENT COURSES:

 

LITERACY ADVANTAGE

 

Literacy Advantage is designed to enable students to become engaged, fluent, and competent readers of the variety of texts that they will have to understand in their personal, academic and professional lives.  Students will be learning strategies to improve their understanding of a variety of texts within three thematic units through the use of extensive reading, writings, and discussions.

 

MATH APPRENTICESHIP

 

Students enrolled in Math Apprenticeship will examine and apply the four heuristic steps to problem solving with an emphasis on reading strategies for understanding word problems and the following problem solving strategies:  work backwards, data table, guess and check, reduction/expansion, use of manipulative or dramatization, draw a picture/diagram, logical reasoning, organized list, algebraic modeling, look for a pattern, estimation, dimensional analysis, and using formulas.  Students will be given the opportunity to apply the above mentioned problem solving strategies to solve problems from their career and technical classes.

 

PSSA MATH SEMINAR

 

PSSA Math Seminar is designed to help students prepare for the 11th grade Mathematics PSSA.  Aligned to the Math Assessment Anchors, the content includes review of mathematical concepts and practice with problems written in the same format as the Mathematics PSSA.  Technologies incorporated into the course include the use of scientific calculators and Study Island® (an online program). Additional resources include: PSSA Coach book, PSSA Coach Jumpstart book, Skills Coach Mathematics Problem Solving book, and Skills Coach books for both Algebra and Geometry. 
 

PSSA SCIENCE SEMINAR

 

This course has been developed to help students build their science skills by reviewing learning standards and skills common to science curricula and standards in Pennsylvania.

Diagnostic testing is used to help identify students’ strengths and weaknesses.  This allows the professional staff to provide the appropriate instruction for each student to develop the skills needed to demonstrate proficiency on standardized tests. Each class provides application and problem-solving opportunities.  PSSA Science Seminar is designed to help students prepare for the 11th grade Science PSSA.