Wyomissing AreaJunior Senior High School

Programs 

Programs for Identified Gifted Students

The Wyomissing Area School District’s K-12 Gifted Support Program provides individualized instruction and experiences in five core themes:  communication, research, critical thinking/problem solving, creative expression, and self-awareness.  This instruction is based on each student’s Gifted Individualized Education Plan.  To further the gifted program, identified students in grade 7 participate in the Gifted Writing Workshop course.  This course not only focuses on improving writing skills, but it also allows gifted learners to interact with their intellectual peers while exploring discussion and research-based topics.  Eighth grade students enrolled in the gifted program will compete a self-selected project to help prepare them for the academic rigor of high school by encouraging acceleration and differentiation.

Course: G500 Colloquium .25 Credits 1 Day/Cycle

The Gifted Colloquium program is available for all gifted identified students in grades 9-12.  Students work within an inquiry framework, including: curricular extension, differentiated enrichment, group discussion, in-class co-operative learning opportunities; in addition to the refinement of problem solving, critical thinking and communication skills.  Students will develop and deliver a presentation to a prescribed audience, based on the results of their work, as an annual culminating activity. In sum, students seek to make the most of their inherent and developed talents and provide the potential for personal success, self-fulfillment, social development and production within the school and local community.

Special Education Programs and Services  

Students with identified disabilities are provided a continuum of special education service options addressing their learning and social/emotional needs. Instruction for students is modified to address their unique strengths and needs, providing for the development of basic academic skills, and presenting content material in an adapted format.  Student programs are reviewed or revised annually by an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team and students are recommended for direct instruction in the special education program when their learning needs cannot be adequately accommodated within a general education program with supplementary aides and services.

The following programs are offered at Wyomissing Area Jr./Sr. High School to meet the special needs of our identified students and help them to make meaningful education gains: Life Skills Support, Autistic Support, Emotional Support, and Learning Support. 

The Life Skills Support program emphasizes individual, practical learning and incorporates “real-life” social, academic and vocational experiences into the curriculum. The goal is to prepare and support students for successful participation in school and in their post-secondary plans.

The Autistic Support program is designed for students who are identified with autism.  This program emphasizes individual, practical learning to meet academic and social needs to prepare and support students for successful participation in school and in their post-secondary plans.

The Emotional Support program is designed for students who are identified as exceptional and are experiencing emotional and/or behavioral difficulties.  The goal is to help students develop coping skills and replacement behaviors so that they may be successful in a general education setting and in their post-secondary plans.

The Learning Support program is designed for students who are identified as exceptional and are experiencing academic learning difficulties. The goal is to help students with their individual needs and to support their participation in the general education setting, curriculum, and in their post-secondary transition plans.

More information about Special Education programs and services may be obtained by contacting the Office of Special Education at 610-374-0739, Ext. 1112.

English Language Development (ELD) Instruction – The following courses (335-ELD Beginner 7-8, 345-ELD Beginner 9-12, 336-ELD Intermediate 7-8, 346-ELD Intermediate 9-12, 337-ELD Bridging 7-8, 347-ELD Bridging 9-12, 340-ELD Newcomer) offer standards-based instruction for English learners (ELs) in reading and language arts. The program is carefully designed for ELs to accelerate their growth in language and literacy. Students are put in either a beginner, middle, or advanced level of language study based on how well they can talk, listen, write, and read. Every student is evaluated annually using the WIDA Access 2.0, the English Language proficiency test, to determine ELD needs and can be reclassified after meeting the state mandated exit criteria.

Multi-Level Enrollment - Because of low enrollment, certain courses may be combined resulting in two levels meeting at the same time with one teacher e.g., Latin IV/Latin V, Accounting I/Accounting II, etc.

NCAA - The NCAA approves core courses for use in establishing the initial eligibility certification status of student-athletes. A list of NCAA approved core courses for initial eligibility is available in the counseling office. For more information regarding NCAA college-bound student athletes, contact the counseling office or go to www.eligibilitycenter.org.

Early Admission to College - Students who have achieved exceptional academic excellence in a strong academic program may apply for early college admission during their junior year.  This process must be recommended by the school counselor and approved by the building principal.  These students must have fulfilled all course and credit requirements that are required of a Wyomissing Area High School junior to be eligible to gain early admission to college for his/her senior year.  Upon completion of a successful college freshman year and receipt of an official college transcript, the student will be awarded a Wyomissing Area High School diploma.

School Counseling Services - The school counseling program of the Wyomissing Area School District provides a variety of services dealing with the comprehensive development of students. School counselors work in cooperation with parents and staff to assist students in long-term educational planning and problem solving. Among the services available to students, parents, staff, and graduates are the following:

1. Arrange conferences with individual students, with parents, and/or with staff as needed concerning students’ personal, social, educational, and career development.

2. Distribute course selection information to students and parents and assist in scheduling the best program available for each child.

3. Provide information dealing with post high school planning, including education, financial aid, military opportunities, careers, the job market, and transition.

4. Disseminate information dealing with the Board-approved testing program, standardized testing programs required for post high school institutions, employers, and the military, etc. as well as resources available for academic enrichment and improvement.

5. Coordinate volunteer, career activities and credit recovery programs.

6. Counsel regarding summer school information and enrollment.

7. Advocate for individual students referred to MTSS, SAP, and community agencies.

8. Act as a liaison for students between the home and school.

9. Initiate referrals and coordinate supportive services, such as social work, Special Education, MTSS, and alternative education.

Student Assistance Program (SAP) - A student who is having academic, behavioral, attendance, emotional difficulties or exhibiting any at-risk behaviors may be referred to the SAP Team which can recommend actions to remediate the issue.  A referral can be made by a student, staff member or parent.

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) – MTSS is a comprehensive, instructional framework that includes universal screening of all students, multiple tiers of instruction and support services, and an integrated data collection and assessment system to enable early identification and interventions for students academically at risk.  MTSS also takes into consideration the social, emotional, and behavioral development of students. Students are given benchmark and diagnostic assessments (i.e. SRIs, IXL, CDTs, Cars and Stars) throughout the year to determine needs and eligibility, and core teachers of students at all levels utilize data to design strategic interventions and appropriate instruction.  Assessments also aid in determining placement in specialized reading and/or math courses to support their identified academic needs.

Library Services -  The school library exists to enrich and support the educational program of the school. The goal of the library is to provide a collection of print and electronic resources that supports the curriculum, stimulates research, and motivates independent reading. The library offers a variety of classroom and collaborative areas. Students will become skillful and discriminate users of information. 

COURSE 7000: 7TH ADVISORY 1 Credit 6 Periods/Cycle/All Year

As students transition to the Junior/Senior High School, the Seventh Grade Advisory promotes meaningful relationships between staff and students, while providing academic supports.  A personalized learning environment will afford students with a structure and set of practices for examining and encouraging academic progress.  Advisory is an extension of our 4 main classes (English, math, science, and social studies). It is taught by our 7th Grade Team teachers together.

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Berks Career and Technology Center (BCTC)

BCTC is a premier career & technical education center with state-of-the-art learning labs.  Teachers are experienced professionals with practical experience.  Programs are reviewed and updated annually by local business and industry advisors. 

OUR MISSION is to prepare all students for successful careers and higher education through a highly acclaimed, integrated academic and technical education experience

• Two or four-year college
• Technical or trade school
• Co-op, Internship, and Job-shadow
• Military service
• Direct entry into the workforce

BCTC also offers students the opportunity to be involved in career and technical student organizations including SkillsUSA, HOSA, National Technical Honor Society, PBA, and FFA.  Such organizations provide personal growth, leadership and networking opportunities.

Berks Career & Technology Center consists of two campuses:

--East Campus | 3307 Friedensburg Road | Oley, PA 19547 | 610-374-4073

--West Campus| 1057 County Road | Leesport, PA 19533 | 610-374-4073

Visit us online at www.berkscareer.com

Seven Career Pathways

Nearly 40 Career and Technical Education Programs

5 Dual Enrollment Academies with Reading Area Community College:

4 Technical Academies and 1 Teacher Academy

3 Dual Enrollment programs with Penn College Dual Enrollment

Business & Information Technology

*Business Management & Entrepreneurship (W)

*Computer Systems Networking & Security (E)

*IT Programming (W)

Communications

***Advertising Art & Design Tech. (W)

Video & Media Content Production (W)

Construction

Building Construction Occupations (E)

Cabinetry & Wood Technology (E)

***Carpentry (E)

Electrical Occupations (W)

Heavy Equipment Operations (E)

***Horticulture (E)

HVAC / Refrigeration (E)

Masonry (E)

Painting & Decorating (E)

Plumbing & Heating (E)

Engineering & Manufacturing Technology

Drafting Design Technology (W)

Precision/Computerized Machining Technology (W)

Welding Technology (W)

*Mechatronics Engineering Technology (W)

Healthcare

Dental Occupations (E)

Health Occupations (W)

****Medical Health Professions (W)

Sports Medicine & Rehabilitative Therapy (E)

Services

Cosmetology (B)

Culinary Arts (B)

*****Early Childhood Education (B)

Protective Services – Homeland Security (E)

Protective Services – Law Enforcement (E)

Service Occupations (E)

Transportation

Automotive Collision Repair Technology (B)

Automotive Technology (B)

Diesel Technology (E)

Heavy Equipment Technology (E)

Recreational & Power Equipment Technology (W)

Note:
(B) Offered at both campuses
(E) East Campus only                        
(W) West Campus only

*Technical Academy Associates Degree Program with Reading Area Community College; RACC articulation with Bloomsburg University BAS degree in Technical Leadership offered on RACC’s campus.

***Penn College Dual Enrollment Articulation Agreement with Penn College of Technology.

****Senior-Only Program, Based at Penn State Berks & Reading Hospital.

*****Teacher Academy Associates Degree Program with Reading Area Community College; RACC articulation with Kutztown University BSED (PreK-4 Certification) program offered on RACC’s campus.

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Dual Enrollment

RACC (at JSHS)

CHE 150 and CHE 155 - Chemistry I and II
MAT 210 - Statistics
PHY 240 - Physics I
ENG 125 - Introduction to Literature
HIS 145 - World History since 1450 
DSC 180 - Introduction to Computer Programming
EDU 299 - Education Seminar
PSY 130 - General Psychology
POS 130 – American Government
COM 151 – Fundamentals of Speech
MAT 220 – Honors Calculus I

Alvernia University (at JSHS)

ED 110 - Introduction to the Teaching Profession

• Is there a cost for me to take a Dual Enrollment course?
  • Yes; however, the cost is significantly reduced from regular tuition fees. 
    • For RACC courses held at JSHS, students can expect to pay approximately $99 per credit with no additional fees. Tuition is payable to RACC.
    • For Alvernia course (held at JSHS), the tuition rate is $80/credit. 
    • For Albright course and lab, the tuition rate is $625/semester.
  • Financial assistance is available for qualified students.  

• Will my Dual Enrollment credits transfer to my college of choice?
  • RACC credit has transferred to over 1200 colleges, universities and technical schools; however, each college is different. Please check with your chosen college for more information to see if they have a transfer agreement or will accept RACC credit for your course.

• Helpful Tips:
  • Confirm with the colleges you plan to apply to that they will accept Dual Enrollment transfer credits from the Dual Enrollment programs you choose.  
  • Always refer to the dual enrollment courses using the college course titles and numbers when talking to target colleges for transfer credits.  
  • Ask if the school accepts dual enrollment courses taught by high school teachers. 
  • Ask what these credits will do for you (e.g. count towards general education requirements or electives, satisfy English, science, etc. requirements, enable you to take more advanced courses earlier, etc.) if you decide to attend their college.
  • Ask for the name and contact information of the person you are speaking to.  Document your conversations.  You may want to do this via email so you have a record of the conversation. 
  • Check out www.patrac.org to learn more about transferring credits in Pennsylvania.
    

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What is the difference between AP and Dual Enrollment courses?

Both dual enrollment and AP courses are rigorous, college-level classes taught by certified Wyomissing Area teachers, and offer students an opportunity to earn college credit while in high school. 

The primary difference between both is that AP courses prepare students to take the national AP exam in that subject, which is administered by the College Board. Colleges award credit based on exam scores (3 minimum but more selective colleges require 4 or 5 to award credit). Students can review score requirements for a particular school at: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/getting-credit-placement/search-policies

Dual-enrollment courses are college-level courses taught by approved Wyomissing Area faculty for both high school and RACC college credit. Students must pass the course with a C or better to earn Dual Enrollment credit, which then can be transferred to their college of choice. Both AP and dual-enrollment courses are more rigorous than traditional high school courses and offer students an opportunity to have a heavier weight applied to their overall GPA. 

Must I enroll at the university for Dual Enrollment credit?

Paperwork that must be completed once you decide to enroll in a Dual Enrollment course. The paperwork is due early in the school year.

 Reading Area Community College Early Admissions Option

Highly motivated high school juniors and seniors who would like to get a jump on their post-secondary education and start earning college credits can choose from multiple programs at the Reading Area Community College.

How does it work?

Early Admissions students pay tuition and fees. Early Admission courses include RACC's online and campus-based courses. The program is for high school students who are academically ready for college and want to take college courses on campus or online.High school students interested in enriching their curriculum with college course work during their junior and senior year may request consideration for the Early Admission Program. Second-semester seniors with a minimum of a 2.8 GPA may also be considered for this opportunity.

RACC's Enrollment Services staff, in consultation with your student’s guidance counselor, evaluates each request on an individual basis. Students considering the Early Admission Program must exhibit maturity and demonstrate above average academic achievement (A/B average) to benefit from college-level courses. Early admission students are permitted to enroll in two (2) courses each semester and must meet the prerequisites for the courses they intend to take. Students are advised based on their academic record, intended future plans / major.

Admissions: Early Admission for High School Students | RACC

Course Catalog - RACC Self-service

• Early Admission (EA) WASD credit values:RACC course = 1 elective credit
• EA credits may count towards WASD elective credit requirements only. 
• All EA credits will be unweightedWASD elective credits.
• EA credits can only be accumulated during the academic school year
  • Any course taken over the summer will count as college credit only.
• Students can accumulate a maximum 8 credits per academic year. 8 credits includes WASD courses + college courses.
• Students must complete paperwork to designate which course(s) they are counting as EA vs. college credit upon registration. 
• RACC and WASD are collaborating to reduce the cost of these credits for WASD students.  Students/parents will be responsible to pay $300 for a 3-credit course.  Additional support may be available for studentswith financial need, please contact your guidance counselor for additional information.

Albright College Science Research Institute Early Admission

Highly motivated high school juniors and seniors may apply to earn college credit at Albright College, while still enrolled in high school. Courses count towards an Albright bachelor’s degree or can be transferred to other colleges or universities.

How does it work?

Albright College offers Early Admission courses – covering a variety of topics – each fall, spring and summer session. Enrolled students spend part of each week day morning taking part in classes on Albright’s college campus, and earning college credit.Each Early Admission course costs $500 and offers one unit per semester (the equivalent of 3.5 credits at most institutions). Students completing five courses (5 units/17.5 credits) over their junior and senior years of high school will have the equivalent of a full semester complete before beginning college.

 SRI Early Admission Program

Focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship, this innovative research program offers opportunities for high school juniors and seniors to immediately, and concretely, apply Early Admission collegiate studies and earn even more college credit, by pairing a course of their choice with a concurrent Science Research Institute course (SPI 101).

SRI Early Admission credits:

One Early Admission course (1 unit)
SPI 101 – introductory research course (.25 unit)

= 1.25 total units per semester (the equivalent of 5 credits at most institutions)

• Early Admission (EA) WASD credit values:
  • Albright course 1 elective credit
  • Albright course + SRI = 1.25 elective credits
• EA credits may count towards WASD elective credit requirements only. 
• All EA credits will be unweighted WASD elective credits.
• EA credits can only be accumulated during the academic school year
  • Any course taken over the summer will count as college credit only.
• Students can accumulate a maximum 8 credits per academic year. 8 credits includes WASD courses + college courses.
• Students must complete paperwork to designate which course(s) they are counting as EA vs. college credit upon registration. 
• Albright College and WASD are collaborating to reduce the cost of these credits for WASD students (with or without additional research option).  Students/parents will be responsible to pay $300 (with or without research option). Additional support may be available for students with financial need, please contact your guidance counselor for additional information.