The Academy for Learning, Teaching and Social Justice is a program designed to give scholars the skills and knowledge to become an educator in the future. At the classroom level, university, in the community or in non-profit industries, scholars will engage in experiences that focus on pedagogy and social justice. Scholars will learn presentation skills, organization skills, and instructional techniques and all that goes into leading in schools, families and communities. Scholars will participate in field trips, visits local organizations and engage in service-learning opportunities.
In addition to this, scholars will learn not just about teaching in general, but teaching in Grand Rapids specifically. Scholars will learn about the history of GR, how it relates to the education system, and the historic disparities that existed. This will promote scholar ownership within their community and build a strong community for all!
Course Selection Guide
| Requirements | 9th Grade | 10th Grade | 11th Grade | 12th Grade |
|---|
| Required Core Courses (All AME scholars) | - English 9
- US History
- Biology
- Algebra
| - English 10
- Geometry
- Chemistry/Physics
- World History
| - English 11 or AP English Language and Composition
- Algebra II
- Chemistry/Physics
- Economics/ Government
- Anatomy
| - English 12 or AP English Literature and Composition
- Financial Literacy or Pre-Calculus or Statistics or AP Statistics or another 12th grade math course
|
| Required Electives | - ATLSJ I
- P.E.
- JROTC
- Health
- Intro to Teaching
| | - College and Career Readiness
- ATLSJ III
- Physics
- Weight Lifting
- Art
- Spanish II/AP Spanish
- Creative Writing
| - Teaching Practicum
- Social Justice in Education
- MSU TE 101
- Dual Enrollment
|
Scheduling Recommendations and Information
- In 12th grade, all graduation requirements must be met before electives will be scheduled.
- Scholars are expected to take a full schedule—the equivalent of 6 courses each semester and take all of the requirements listed above.
- Strongly recommended for college bound scholars: minimum 2 years of the same world language, although some college/universities prefer 3 to 4 years of the same world language.
- Academic support classes are available as needed, including special education.
- Advancing through the course sequence is dependent upon successful completion of the prerequisite courses.