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Academics

Custer High School offers a standards-based curriculum including upper-level courses in Calculus, Biology and Psychology, as well as PAT courses (Program for the Academically Talented, college preparatory program) at all grade levels in English, Math, Science and Social Studies.

Elective courses in Spanish, Music, Speech, Art, Health Sciences, College Skills, First Aid and CPR are available.

An Applied Technology Program is also available in Construction Technology (includes Carpentry, Heating, Air Conditioning and Ventilation (HVAC), Architectural Design and Electricity), Robotics, CAD (Computer Aided Design) and in Manufacturing (Welding).

Reading

English/Language Arts
Mathematics

Science

Social Studies

Art

Physical Education

Health

Reading

The Custer staff stresses the importance of advanced vocabulary, reinforced communication and comprehension skills. Students are taught to analyze literature and informational text, grasping concepts and understanding the author’s purpose in writing. A Learning Team and Literacy Coach work with teachers and students to incorporate the following skills into classroom lessons:

• Making inferences
• Summarizing
• Drawing conclusions
• Identifying and evaluating the author’s purpose
• Making connections to text
• Making predictions
• Distinguishing between facts and opinions and between important and unimportant facts
• Evaluating the credibility of information
  

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English/Language Arts

By focusing on critical writing and speaking skills, Custer students learn to develop longer compositions on their own. Revision strategies, grammar rules and different writing techniques mold students into well-educated, confident writers. Students examine the use of tone and style in writing to convey their message. They also use computers to research and to communicate their findings. Eventually, students work on media projects that combine elements of communication and presentation.

Tests, essays, research papers, major projects and homework assignments give students the experience needed to succeed after high school. By showing and discussing models of proficient writing and having students analyze it, teachers provide students with positive examples to follow.

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Mathematics

When students first begin their educational journey at Custer, they establish a foundation in numerical thinking by learning several algebraic models that relate to specialized applications in mathematics. They use computers and calculators, including graphic calculators, as tools to solve problems. As students progress, they focus on geometry, learning and applying formulas for analyzing geometric shapes and using insight to solve problems. Eventually, students are able to interpret data using graphs, formulas and other applications while continuing development in algebraic thinking. When students reach an advanced level of mathematics, they may choose to study Statistics and Probability or Pre-calculus and Calculus.

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Science

While students have a variety of science courses to choose to take during high school, all areas cover the nature of science, inquiry, application and science in social and personal perspectives. Students may study the following topics:

• Earth and Space Science: Students study energy in the Earth system, geochemical cycles and the origin and evolution of the universe and Earth system. This science focuses on the earth’s surface, the transfer of energy, chemical elements and how air and ocean currents affect climates. It also covers research theories about the universe and earth’s geological history.


• Life and Environmental Science: Students study structures and functions of the cell, the molecular basis of heredity, biological evolution, interdependence of organisms, behavior or organisms and matter, energy and organization in living systems.


• Physical Science: Students study the structure of atoms and matter, chemical reactions, motion and force, conservation of energy and the interactions of matter and energy.

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Social Studies

Students at Custer may study a variety of topics within the Social Studies curriculum. These include:

• Geography – Students understand geographical tools, concepts, process skills and themes. They also use and construct maps, analyze migration patterns and determine the role of geography in explaining the processes of environmental and human change.


• History – Students study societal change throughout history and develop historical perspectives. They also demonstrate the ability to perceive past events in chronological order and explain events with understanding. United States History focuses on significant periods and events in U.S. history and allows students to interpret important global events, social movements, political process and major historical figures that have shaped the nation. World History classes teach students to recognize major historical figures and significant periods and events that have influenced social, religious and political movements throughout the world.


• Political Science and Citizenship – Students study civic responsibilities and the structure and functions of government. This includes power, authority, governance, types of governments and the U.S. political system and its origins.


• Behavioral Sciences – Students focus on sociology, psychology and anthropology. They also recognize social problems, social inequalities and cultural influences.

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Art

Custer students study art education in an effort to learn about visual presentations, historical trends in art and famous artists. Through Art instruction, students learn design elements, design principles and artistic techniques. They are also taught to embrace new technology in expressing ideas and emotions by using computer graphics programs, video recorders and digital cameras.

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Physical Education

Physical Education may include team sports or individual fitness activities. The goal of Physical Education is to help students develop exercise habits that will become part of their lifelong daily routine. Custer students set personal physical activity goals, study the role the media plays in affecting lifestyle choices, demonstrate increasing skills in cooperative learning activities and participate in discussions regarding the future and maintaining health, wellness and fitness beyond high school.

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Health

Taught as part of Physical Education classes, health education focuses on personal wellness, including making good choices, avoiding unhealthy social behavior and using community health resources. Students learn how mental and emotional health affect physical health, practice first aid procedures and discuss reliable sources of information on health-related issues.

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