Summary of Humanities Center Program

All Humanities Center courses are parallel to the mainstream high school curricula that are credit bearing. Students are expected and encouraged to meet the New York City Board of Education standards to obtain a high school diploma. Humanities Center students are required to adhere to the Chancellor's academic and behavior standards in all learning environments throughout the school.

The focal point of the Humanities Center is to maintain the comprehensive individual instructional plans for each student. These plans will develop skills and strategies that will address the individual students identified deficits. A special feature of Humanities Center is the initiative that integrates General and Special Education students. The primary goal of the integrated program is to mainstream students in order to increase opportunities along with students who are non-disabled. In addition, the Humanities Center tries to promote recertification to less restrictive environments and/or decertification from Special Education. The success rate is worth noting that more than 50% of Humanities Center students are mainstreamed for one or more courses, excluding gym. A high percentage of the students pass their mainstream classes. The Transition Linkage Coordinator works with both students and parents throughout their high school years to create a process that will help to ensure a smooth transition to one of the various post-secondary educational, vocational, employment, adult education, and service agencies.

During the first two years at Humanities Center, programming follows a structured and flexible module that permits block-programming that is coupled with team-teaching, and an interdisciplinary methodology. To further support their academic success and adaptation to high school, students' programs include tutorials, teacher mentoring, and intensive guidance. Teachers design lessons to develop values and personal character. Additionally, students participate in community service and work-study programs such as T.O.P. (Training Opportunity Program) where their values and personal character can be further more enhanced and reinforced. During the eleventh and twelfth grades, Humanities Center students continue their community services as well their academic agenda. Selected students become eligible for work internships through our Executive Internship Program. Emphases on these last two years are placed on leadership training, career planning, and life skills.

Humanities Center pedagogical faculty are composed of teachers who are state and city licensed in Special Education in a specific academic discipline, paraprofessionals, and School Based Support Team Professionals. An integral part of all Humanities Center programming and activities include related services such as counseling and speech. School guidance staff also provides additional support and counseling.

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