Smaller Learning Communities

The idea of a Smaller Learning Community is to create schools within a school and
organized by career interest. Each community has a career focus. Teachers will be
designing interdisciplinary studies around their designated career focus. Students
will see the relationship between what they are learning in class and what they will
need to know on the job. Research shows that integrated curriculum can provide a
more relevant, less fragmented, learning experience. We believe that a Learning
Community structure helps all students make informed decisions about their future.
Learning Communities serve the need of all students regardless oftheir plans
after graduation.

All incoming freshmen will take part in the Smaller Learning Community, Cornerstone.
This will prepare students with technology and critical thinking skills and will expose
themto career planning. Through this career exploration, students will then select one
of the four learning communities to complete their high school experience. Those
communities are:

Arts Related Technologies and Entertainment Careers (ARTEC)
Believers
Team C
Team D

After identification of a career cluster interest area, all students at DHHS will be
placed in one of four Learning Communities.

Am I still able to take electives?

Yes. Although a majority of students in a Learning Community share the same
math, english, science, and social studies teachers, there will be room to choose
electives for any open periods. Some electives are suggested classes that naturally
fit into the assigned Learning Community. However, students may "travel" outside
their community and "visit" other Learning Communities for their electives. The
course selection card identifies elective courses by Learning Communities.

Can I Change Learning Communities?

You may change the Learning Community at the end of each school year;
however, by your junior year, students should be focused on a career cluster
and should be settled into a Learning Community.

How will Learning Communities affect GOALS and
Exceptional Students Education (ESE)?

The GOALS and ESE students will participate in Learning Communities. They
will be pulled into self-contained classes where necessary but will participate in
Learning Communities through regular elective choices.