High School Overview:
Pocomoke High, Snow Hill High, and Stephen Decatur High Schools are Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. Stephen Decatur and Snow Hill High Schools are Professional Development Schools (PDS), and Snow Hill High School is also a 2010 Naval Honor School. In 2010, Snow Hill High School was designated by U.S. News and World Report as a Silver School for the second consecutive year for preparing college-ready students. Based on Advanced Placement (AP) exams administered in 2010, close to 50 percent of our test takers achieved a mastery score of 3 or better. The Class of 2010 was offered $12.4 million in college scholarships, grants, and merit-based awards, and 81 percent of the graduates planned to attend college or a special training school. Our high schools consistently have one of the highest graduation rates in the state and one of the lowest dropout rates in the state. During the 2009-2010 school year, the Pocomoke Field Hockey team earned the 1A State Championship, while Stephen Decatur High School had the 3A male and female State Champions in the Pole Vault. All three high schools are Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS) schools and Snow Hill and Stephen Decatur High Schools are Professional Development Schools, working with institutions of higher education to prepare future teachers. Pocomoke and Snow Hill High Schools earned Superior Ratings for school maintenance and cleanliness in 2010.
Worcester Technical High School serves all three high schools by providing enrolled students with 21 different programs from which to choose, including the newly accredited Culinary Arts and Pre-Engineering programs. A Professional Development School, Worcester Tech is home to Skills USA state champions and medalists at the national level. Worcester Technical High Schools also earned a Superior Rating for school maintenance and cleanliness in 2010.
There are 3 high schools and 1 career and technology center that serves all 3 schools in the county. The secondary schools in Worcester are:
All of these schools are accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
The purpose of the high school is to help students gain the skills, knowledge, and concepts needed to follow the academic pursuits of a higher education, and to prepare students for careers in the world of work.
The high schools in Worcester County have consistently been accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, as being both comprehensive and competent. Each high school's instructional programs and co-curricular offerings provide activities and opportunities for each and every student. The high schools continuously assess their performance and implement those instructional strategies and curricula that will meet the student's present and future needs.
The Instructional Program
Worcester County high schools have instructional programs designed to meet the needs of each student. A student brings to the high school specific talents and interests. One goal of the instructional program is to provide courses of study that will assist the student in his or her academic growth. In addition, the teachers and educators believe in involving students in a variety of learning experiences which introduce the young adult to many disciplines of learning.
These learning experiences have been developed and expanded throughout the elementary and middle school years. Now, in the high school, these disciplines are designed around the individual student's need, and/or interests. The Worcester County high school graduate will be a competent citizen of both the State and County. He or she will possess the necessary skills to enter the work force, and/or be competent to pursue additional educational programs.
At the high school level, each student is given the opportunity to select the program of instruction best meeting his or her needs. Beginning in the ninth grade, the student and his/her parents select the courses that will eventually lead to the completion of the program of instruction and graduation from high school. During the initial and subsequent selection of courses, the student and parents have access to various guidance services. Each school provides written communications describing the instructional programs. They also conduct orientation and career awareness opportunities.
High schools offer a variety of instructional programs. They have been carefully developed to ensure that each Worcester County high school student will meet and exceed the Maryland State Department of Education's requirements for graduation. The awarding of the high school diploma signifies the student has complied with the academic, social, and attendance regulations of the school and has successfully completed courses that are commensurate with his/her ability.
The school day for high school students consists of 4 periods of instruction each day. During these instructional periods the student is under the direct supervision of a certified teacher trained specifically for that subject area. Each day the student receives the most relevant information in the area of study presented in the most efficient manner.
Because the high school curriculum is designed to meet both the student's needs and interests, as well as to ensure the student meets both State and County graduation requirements, student schedules will vary. However, all students study English, social studies, science, and mathematics. The daily schedule may also include courses designed to enrich and expand the student's knowledge and skill base. The student's schedule may include additional and/or advanced courses in science, math, or foreign language. The high school curriculum has additional opportunities for the student in computer science, music, business administration, physical education, art, home economics and industrial arts. A student may elect to attend the Worcester Technical High School in order to prepare for immediate employment following graduation, attend a postsecondary school or both.
Worcester County high school students are given opportunities to expand their academic backgrounds beyond the minimum requirements of graduation. The certificate programs are college level studies and career and technology studies.
Career & Technology Studies
Experienced instructors and comprehensive facilities at the Worcester Technical High School provide the specialized knowledge and skills necessary for a wide variety of occupations and further training for technical school, college, or university studies after graduation. Many of the programs of study are affiliated with national and state certifications and licensing regulations. Successful completion of these programs provides portable credentials that advance student readiness for immediate employment at higher than entry-level positions.
High school students in grades 9-12 may select a half day or full day of specialized instruction that will prepare them for a career or post-secondary training immediately following high school graduation. Students successfully completing the course requirements will receive a Certificate of Program Completion. Certificates are awarded in early childhood education, agriculture science, protective services, nursing assistant, manufacturing, computer repair technology, culinary arts, automotive technology, carpentry, masonry, electrical wiring, electronics, cosmetology, HVACR, graphic communications, and emergency services. Accounting, administrative assistanting, and marketing programs are offered. College credit is available through articulation agreements with Wor-Wic Community College and Del Tech in many areas of study. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Academy offers a four-year pre-engineering program and a four-year bio-medical science program for accelerated students.
Advanced Placement
Academically talented high school seniors may enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) courses in a variety of subject areas. Successful completion of these courses may earn college credit. With this college credit, the Worcester County graduate may enter college with advanced standing. The number of Advanced Placement (AP) tests taken has increased by 58% since 2004, and close to half of the 2010 AP test takers performed at a mastery level (a score of 3 or higher).
Band Program
A band program is offered for all interested students. Parents purchase or rent instruments. Band instruction is given during the regularly scheduled school day. Students who miss scheduled classes for band instruction are required to complete all missed assignments.
Special Education
The high schools of Worcester County have developed programs of instruction for those students who learn best through an individualized educational program. The program goals, developed cooperatively by parents and teachers, provide for instruction at the student's level. As the student moves through the program, careful monitoring of progress is maintained so that the goals may be constantly reviewed and updated. Worcester County Public Schools is inclusive, and Special Education General Education teachers use the collaborative teaching model in the classroom.
Alternative School Program
An Alternative School Program is available to Worcester County students that experience academic or behavior problems in a regular classroom. The purpose of the program is to help students resolve their academic and/or behavioral problems. The program goal is for each student to return to the regular classroom and exhibit acceptable academic and social behavior. Academically, students will follow a program of studies established by their school counselor, PST, or ICM committee. This academic program will be managed by the instructor, after considering the ability of the student and the requirements of the course.
Maryland High School Assessment*
High school students participate in the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) Program to evaluate student achievement in reading and math. All students enrolled in the English II course will take the English II test. This assessment will count as the English HSA and as the reading MSA. All students enrolled in the Algebra I course will take the Algebra, Data Analysis test. Parents will receive a copy of their child’s performance report.
High school assessments are a series of end-of-course tests covering the areas of English, mathematics, science, and social studies. The assessments are an extension of the Maryland School Assessment Program. In order to graduate with a Maryland diploma, students enrolled in the courses evaluated must take the assessments. Required assessments are administered to all students in Algebra I, Biology, Government, and English II. Students entering high school in September 2006 must achieve, as a graduation requirement, one of the following: (1) the passing score on each test, (2) a minimum score for each test and a combined overall score, (3) a specific score on an MSDE-approved comparable assessment(s), or (4) a passing score on the four High School Assessments by a combination of (1) and (3). Charts illustrating graduation requirements for current high school students, as well as the new requirements for students graduating in 2009 and thereafter are found under the Graduation Requirements section.
To prepare Worcester high school students for the high school assessments, end of course exams have been developed for each course of study. The results of a student’s performance on the end of course exam will be calculated into the final grade.
High School Academies provide expanded educational opportunities for students in Snow Hill, Pocomoke and Stephen Decatur High Schools to participate in academic intervention and enrichment activities. The Academies provide expanded learning programs beyond the regular school day and during the summer months. The goal of the High School Academies is to raise academic achievement, specifically as measured by the Maryland High School Assessments.
