Teaching
and Learning

Unique Programs at CHS

Although Camas High School is most often recognized for its strong “basic skills” program, other offerings help define the unique “Camas experience” found there. Here are just of few of these specific offerings:

Rigor, Relevance and Relationships in a Unique Facility: With the opening of the new Camas High School in 2003, students were provided with a facility that offers the very best in learning, design, technology support, and architectural innovation. The instructional program, developed with citizen and educator input, creates a sense of personal learning communities for students. The highest emphasis is placed on teacher quality and building relationships with every student.

Interdisciplinary Learning Blocks: English and social studies courses at Camas High School are frequently taught in an interdisciplinary “block” or in back-to-back periods. For example, tenth grade students can participate in Journeys—a unique class that weaves together family health, English and social studies themes. Students study interpersonal communication, family systems, the human condition and relationships via writing, literature and projects. In a similar fashion, an “American Studies” orientation ties American literature and US History at the junior level while Humanities is the focus for seniors.

Exciting Extracurricular Programs: Selective colleges tell us that a student’s extracurricular experiences are often as important as his or her academic performance when applications are reviewed. Camas High School has a long and proud tradition of student involvement in the performing arts. Athletic and club participation is varied and student participation is very high.

Senior Project: All seniors at Camas High School must complete a “senior project.” This project allows students to intensively research an interest area both inside and outside the school day. The project includes a major research paper, 30 hours of outside exploration and production with a mentor, and oral/visual presentation of project results to a community panel for review.

Opportunities for Advanced Course Work: Students who meet placement criteria, may take honors level and advanced placement course work in both language arts and social studies at the ninth, tenth, eleventh and twefth grade. Both the pace and content of these courses are more demanding than in other classes. Students may also complete more advanced course work in foreign language. Enrollment in all advanced course work has increased significantly in the past few years. Running Start programs allow juniors and seniors to complete some of their course work off campus at a local community college for dual high school/college credit.

Academic Philosophy of Camas High School

A blend of innovative ideas tempered with common sense has built a long tradition of solid performance in the Camas School District. Measures of student achievement in the core subject areas are consistently strong when compared with performance of students in the state and region. Seven priorities guide our high school curriculum development:

• Tight articulation relative to state and district standards
• Adoption of programs with a proven track record
• Broad-based teacher involvement in program development
• A focus on teacher training and hiring as the best way to improve student achievement
• Expectations for rigorous projects and meaningful assignments in all coursework
• The incorporation of high-quality technology for research and production purposes
• Content that appeals to both student interest and future competencies