Northwestern Education Center (NEC)’s curriculum and instruction reflect the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Learning Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics. Our highly experienced teachers will then design and develop a comprehensive and individualized lesson plan, based on the IL state standards and goals and catering to each student’s unique needs and strengths. The teachers will also monitor each student’s progress by using curriculum-based measurements (CBM) for an accurate snapshot of the student’s academic achievement.

We employ research-proven, effective instructional strategies and use high quality learning materials, carefully chosen to follow the state’s learning standards and for the potential to engage and motivate our students. We strive to engage each student in meaningful learning experiences that will help him or her master the state standards and achieve his or her personal goals.

English Language Arts

Mathematics

SAT and ACT Preparation Courses

English Language Arts

Reading

1. Apply word analysis and vocabulary skills to comprehend selections
2. Apply reading strategies to improve understanding and fluency
3. Comprehend a broad range of reading materials
4. Read and interpret a variety of literary works
5. Understand how literary elements and techniques are used to convey meaning

Writing

1. Use correct English grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization and structure
2. Communicate ideas in writing to accomplish a variety of purposes
3. Compose well-organized and coherent writing for specific purposes and audiences
4. Produce narrative, informative and persuasive writings for specified purposes and audiences
5. Demonstrate focus, organization, elaboration and integration in written compositions

Listening and Speaking

1. Listen attentively and demonstrate understanding of the listening process by summarizing and paraphrasing spoken messages orally and in written form
2. Demonstrate the ability to identify and manage barriers to listening
3. Demonstrate understanding of relationship between verbal and nonverbal messages within a context
4. Present oral reports and/or presentations, using language and vocabulary appropriate to the message and audience
5. Use speaking skills and procedures to participate in group-discussions about a common topic

English Literature

1. Create solutions to problems using thinking techniques (metaphors, analogies, models, drawings, brainstorming and role-playing)
2. Recognize different purposes and methods of writing; identifies a writer’s point of view, mood and tone
3. Analyze logical relationships in arguments; detects fallacies
4. Apply knowledge of literary terms to works of literature
5. Write and speak critically about literature

Research /Technology Competency

1. Locate, organize and use information from various sources to answer questions, solve problems and communicate ideas
2. Analyze and evaluate information acquired from various sources
3. Apply acquired information, concepts and ideas to communicate in a variety of formats
4. Write letters, reports and stories based on acquired information
5. Prepare or give oral presentations based on inquiry or research

Mathematics

Number Sense

1. Demonstrate knowledge and use of numbers and their representations in a broad range of theoretical and practical settings
2. olve problems using operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and order of operations
3. Solve problems using ratios, proportions and percents
4. Compute and estimate using mental mathematics, paper-and-pencil methods, calculators and computers

Estimation and Measurement

1. Measure and compare quantities using appropriate units, instruments and methods
   
2. Apply formulas in a variety of practical and theoretical applications
3. Estimate measurements and determine acceptable levels of accuracy
4. Evaluate and compare various possible methods of solving a problem
5. Select and use appropriate technology, instruments, and formulas to solve problems; interpret results and communicate findings

Algebra

1. Describe numerical relationships using variables and patterns
2. Interpret and describe numerical relationships using tables, graphs and symbols
3. Solve problems using systems of numbers and their properties
4. Use algebraic concepts and procedures to represent and solve problems
5. Apply properties of numbers and their operations across a variety of functions

Geometry

1. Solve problems using trigonometric and circular functions
2. Solve problems constructing mathematical proofs
3. Demonstrate and apply geometric concepts involving points, lines, planes and space
4. Identify, describe, classify and compare relationships using points, lines, planes and solids
5. Analyze and solve problems using geometric figures

Data Analysis and Probability

1. Organize, describe and make predictions from existing data
2. Formulate questions and design data collection methods
3. Gather and analyze data and findings
4. Display data using various pictures, tallies, tables, charts or graphs
5. Discuss practical and theoretical meaning of data

SAT and ACT Preparation Courses

English

1. Review and practice punctuation, grammar and usage, sentence structure, and vocabulary
2. Review perfect writing strategy, organization, and style; practice essay writing
3. Enhance reading comprehension skills

Mathematics

1. Pre-Algebra: Learn and review basic algebraic terms (e.g., prime numbers, radicals and composites, exponents, rational and irrational numbers, repeating and non-repeating decimals) in preparation for algebra
2. Algebra 1 & 2: Learn and review all concepts of algebra (e.g., factoring polynomials, linear equations, complex numbers, quadratic equations, inequalities, absolute value, circles and parabolas, ellipse and hyperbola, composition of function, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, systems of equations and linear inequalities, geometric sequences and series, permutations and combinations, and probability)
3. Coordinate and Plane Geometry: Learn and review all concepts of geometry, related to the coordinate system and/or dealing with a plane (e.g., plotting ordered pairs and graphing points, lines, line segments, rays and angles, as well as other geometric shapes)
4. Trigonometry (ACT only): Learn and review concepts of trigonometry relevant to the college entrance exams (study how sides and angles of a triangle are related to each other through measurement of triangles, circles, sine and cosine, frequency and amplitude, tangents and other trigonometric concepts)