10th Grade Humanities Embedded Honors FAQ*
Is SBHS cutting Honors American Studies?
Honors American Studies is not being cut. Instead, it is being redesigned within an Embedded Honors model, allowing more access for students to engage in honors-level work. The course will still include rigorous curriculum, high-level discussions, and the team-teaching model that has been a hallmark of the program.
Why wasn’t this change included in the budget discussions?
The move to Embedded Honors is an instructional shift designed to improve equity and access, ensuring more students have the opportunity to engage in advanced coursework. Since the course is not being eliminated, it was not categorized as a "cut" in budget presentations.
What is Embedded Honors, and how does it work?
Embedded Honors means that all students take the same core class, but those who seek an honors-level experience will engage in deeper analytical tasks, more advanced readings, and higher-level assessments. This approach ensures that students who want to challenge themselves can do so while keeping access open for more learners.
How will Embedded Honors maintain academic rigor?
Students opting for honors-level credit will complete more complex assignments and participate in deeper discussions. We pivoted to this model in our co-taught Holocaust Studies course, and it has proven to be an effective way to provide advanced learning opportunities while maintaining a high level of discourse.
Will the team-teaching model of Honors American Studies remain?
Yes, the team-teaching model will continue, preserving one of the key features that has made the course unique and impactful.
Why is SBHS making this change?
This decision was made after years of discussions among administrators, department leaders, and faculty. It aligns with ongoing efforts to expand access to rigorous coursework and follows a trend seen in other subject areas where de-tracking has created more equitable opportunities.
Will Embedded Honors expand to other grades?
The goal is to extend this approach to 9th grade, ensuring that students have the opportunity for honors-level rigor earlier in their high school experience.
Was this decision made with input from teachers?
The shift to embedded honors has been supported by the high school administrative team, school counseling office, curriculum area supervisors, and is happening through ongoing conversation and support with the English Language Arts and Social Studies departments.
How was this change communicated to families?
The shift to Embedded Honors has been shared through multiple channels, including: 8th-grade parent night, student course registration open house, and direct responses to families.
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