High School Overview:
Pocomoke High, Snow Hill High, and Stephen Decatur High Schools are Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. Stephen Decatur High and Snow Hill High Schools are Professional Development Schools (PDS). The number of Advanced Placement (AP) tests taken has increase by 58% since 2004, and over half of the 2006 AP test takers performed at a mastery level (a score of 3 or higher). Pocomoke High and Snow Hill High Schools were named 2006 MCJROTC Naval Honor Schools. Three teams earned the title of 2006 1A State Champions: Snow Hill High's Baseball and Pocomoke High's Field Hockey and Boys Soccer teams. Stephen Decatur High School was the 2006 Intel Schools of Distinction in Mathematics winner and the 2006 Character Education School of the Year. 2006 graduates were offered over $12 million in merit-based scholarships. Our schools have one of the highest graduation rates in the state and the second lowest drop-out rate in the state.
There are 3 high schools and 1 Career and Technology Center that serve 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 Career & Technology Center 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 various certificate programs will be outlined later in this booklet, but two noteworthy programs deserve attention now. They are college level studies and career and technology studies.
Career & Technology Studies
Experienced instructors and comprehensive facilities at the Worcester Career & Technology Center 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 10-12 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 agriculture science, protective services, nursing assistance, manufacturing, computer repair technology, culinary, auto technology, carpentry, masonry, electronics, residential electrical wiring, cosmetology, HVACR, and graphic communications. Accounting, administrative assistant, and marketing programs are offered in the three high schools. College credit is available through articulation agreements with Wor-WicCommunity College and Del Tech in many areas of study.
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 increase by 58% since 2004, and over half of the 2006 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
