Curriculum

University Prep Value High School’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the rigors of college level work. Students are required to select from a list of courses that are UC approved and pass each “a-g’ class with a “C” or better. These courses align with national Common Core Standards. To better support students, University Prep Value offers a wide array of educational enhancement supports.

"To and Through"

At University Prep Value High School, we believe students deserve every opportunity to make smart, well-informed choices that prepare them for college and beyond. The proven success of our “UP Process” provides students with opportunities to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and career interests.

As part of freshman matriculation, incoming 9th graders work with the College Counseling Team to complete a personalized, four-year educational plan and career interest profile. As a core part of the “UP Process,” every student commits to developing a plan for college and/or career.  No one is left behind. All students will take rigorous UC approved courses that develop students’ critical thinking skills, collaborative working skills, study skills, and communication skills necessary for success in college and in life.

Common Core

The state-led effort to develop the Common Core State Standards was launched in 2009 by state leaders, including governors and state commissioners of education from 48 states, two territories and the District of Columbia, through their membership in the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). State school chiefs and governors recognized the value of consistent, real-world learning goals and launched this effort to ensure all students, regardless of where they live, are graduating high school prepared for college, career, and life.

The standards are informed by:

• The best state standards already in existence
• The experience of teachers, content experts, states, and leading thinkers
• Feedback from the public

Language Arts Standards

The Common Core asks students to read stories and literature, as well as more complex texts that provide facts and background knowledge in areas such as science and social studies. Students will be challenged and asked questions that push them to refer back to what they’ve read. This stresses critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are required for success in college, career, and life.

Mathematics Standards

The Common Core concentrates on a clear set of math skills and concepts. Students will learn concepts in a more organized way both during the school year and across grades. The standards encourage students to solve real-world problems.

The full list of criteria used to develop the standards is available here.

One Size Does Not Fit All

The Value Schools model is not a "one-size-fits-all" approach. What directs the instructional process is student needs, not the dictates of a particular curriculum or methodology. Good teachers always analyze student needs regardless of who selects the methods and materials. The Value Schools model focuses the teachers’ attention first on the needs of the student, and gives responsibility for choosing the most effective means to the teacher in collaboration with the principal and other on-site learning professionals. If the methods and materials are not successful, there is no blame assigned to the curriculum planners for poor decisions; responsibility is immediate and local.

Value Schools is not organized around a particular pedagogical style; rather it is organized around the twin centers of the five core values and the student needs. Educators know a variety of sound pedagogical methods. Using their professional judgment, they determine the learning strengths and needs of each student and the most efficient way for each student to acquire the knowledge or skill set by the curriculum.

Do you have questions about the English Language Development (ELD) Standards? The California Department of Education (CDE) has published resources for understanding the ELD Standards and their alignment to English Language Arts Standards. Read more about it out here.