Critical Skills Across the Curriculum: In English,
mathematics and study techniques
Academic Programs for Ages 14-18
Learning is a cumulative process. Throughout
our lives we build on existing skills to master progressively
more complex knowledge, ideas and tasks. For this reason,
the Critical Skills Across the Curriculum program is based
on the belief that the process of learning is as important
as the content learned. Learning how to learn may be one
of the most important skills you can acquire as a successful
human being. Cushing Academy gives you the tools you need
to participate more fully and enthusiastically in the academic
studies appropriate for your college preparatory curriculum.
The Critical Skills Across the Curriculum program encompasses
3 key components: study techniques, English development and
mathematics skills. At the start of the
program, we assess your academic skills. We then help you
understand and appreciate your particular learning style
and set personal goals that are reasonable and attainable.
This approach helps you to capitalize on your strengths
and recognize your weaknesses. Study techniques are preeminent
and are an aspect of all coursework.
Our schedule is flexible enough to allow you some latitude
in selecting areas of concentration.
Reading & Writing
Mathematics
Reading & Writing
This course is designed to help you strengthen your reading
and writing skills. You learn a variety of reading strategies
in order to build your reading efficiency. You acquire
techniques that help you improve comprehension and enjoy
reading. Using short fiction and novels as the basis
for your reading and writing assignments, you learn the
critical vocabulary necessary to analyze literature in
more depth and to communicate that understanding more
successfully.
In your writing for the course, you learn how to write
concisely and clearly for various audiences and purposes.
Through writing assignments based on your reading, you
become familiar with the writing process, including prewriting,
outlining, drafting, editing, and revising.
Finally, you learn how to communicate effectively in classroom
discussions, learning to support your ideas with evidence
from the texts. You are given an opportunity to interpret
literature, while expanding
your critical reasoning skills. You emerge from this course
as a better, more critical reader and as a writer capable
of organizing, articulating and adequately supporting a
coherent reading of a text.
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Mathematics
This two hour class focuses on filling in gaps to help
you progress satisfactorily during the academic year.
For example, if you have mastered algebraic concepts
and are able to solve equations, but you are concerned
because you do not have automatic underlying arithmetic
skills and would like to learn better how to manipulate
fractions, this class is for you. It serves to enhance
your learning and helps you develop mathematical knowledge
while reviewing or prereviewing content areas in Pre-Algebra,
Algebra I or II, Geometry or Pre-Calculus.
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