Tuesday, July 14, 2009

SAT/ACT COLLEGE PREPARATION PROGRAM

1. The Navy JROTC has initiated a $250k program designed to increase cadets' opportunities for higher education...Subject program is an internet based Online SAT and ACT preparation course at no cost to participating cadets (targeted audience ~ 10th-12th graders)...The course will better prepare students to take the SAT or ACT and attain a competitive score...Cadets will learn test-taking strategies in order to improve scores on the SAT/ACT and on other standardized tests, including those mandated by the "No Child Left Behind" Act.

2. This course is being offered free of charge and without obligation to motivated cadets AND students seeking a college Navy ROTC scholarship who demonstrate a resolve to complete the course of instruction and improve their standardized test results...Results from previous years demonstrate that parental involvement and instructor monitoring of progress were prime factors in successful completion.

3. Internet access is required to participate...Cadets/students must have written approval from their parents/guardians using the attached letter...I must maintain the letter on file for participation...Cadets/students will access the course as follows: http://jrotccollegeprep.com/. Cadets/students can register for the SAT or ACT prep course, but not both.

4. To ensure completion and maximum benefit of the program, I have access to the accounts to monitor participation & progress.

NJROTC PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The NJROTC program is conducted at accredited secondary schools throughout the nation, by instructors who are retired Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard officers and enlisted personnel. The NJROTC curriculum emphasizes citizenship and leadership development, as well as our maritime heritage, the significance of sea power, and naval topics such as the fundamentals of naval operations, seamanship, navigation and meteorology. Classroom instruction is augmented throughout the year by community service activities, drill competition, field meets, flights, visits to naval activities, marksmanship training, and other military training. Uniforms, textbooks, training aids, travel allowance, and a substantial portion of instructors' salaries are provided by the Navy.

WHAT DOES THE NJROTC PROGRAM DO?

  • PROMOTES PATRIOTISM
  • DEVELOPS INFORMED AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS
  • DEVELOPS RESPECT FOR CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY
  • DEVELOPS A HIGH DEGREE OF PERSONAL HONOR, SELF-RELIANCE, INDIVIDUAL DISCIPLINE AND LEADERSHIP
  • PROMOTES AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE BASIC ELEMENTS AND NEED FOR NATIONAL SECURITY
  • PROVIDES INFORMATION ON THE MILITARY SERVICES AS A POSSIBLE CAREER
  • PROMOTES COMMUNITY SERVICE
  • DEVELOPS LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL
  • PROVIDES AN ALTERNATIVE TO GANGS
  • PROMOTES HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION
  • PROVIDES INCENTIVE TO LIVE HEALTHY AND DRUG FREE

WHAT ABOUT THE CURRICULUM?

The Naval Service Training Command prescribes the courses for naval science for NJROTC units that comprise the 3 or 4-year curriculum.

The naval science program is constructed to include three academic classroom sessions and two activity periods per week. The curriculum is based on 40-minute sessions of instruction for 36 weeks, with 180 teaching days. This equates to 7200 minutes of contact instruction (72 hours of classroom instruction and 48 hours of activities including military drill and athletics). Adjustments for class length other than 40-minute periods, as well as staggered, rotating or modular schedules, are made at the local school level. This program of 7200 minutes of instruction equates to one Carnegie unit or one credit per year toward graduation as an elective or other subject credit approved by school authorities. It is desired that all topics provided in the curriculum be covered, but the depth of coverage must be determined by each instructor according to the needs of his/her students. Major curriculum content changes are not to be made without the prior approval of the Naval Service Training Command. Naval Science Instructors follow the established procedures of individual schools regarding examination requirements.

WHAT SUBJECTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE CURRICULUM?
The Naval Service Training Command routinely updates the curriculum to include new texts, instructional materials and lesson plans. The curriculum is developed and revised by civilian educators and NJROTC instructors. The wide variety of subjects includes the following:

  • CITIZENSHIP -- Instill values and responsibilities of good citizenship.
  • NAVAL ORIENTATION -- A basic introduction to the Navy -- its customs, traditions, and way of life.
  • NAVAL OPERATIONS/ORGANIZATION -- Familiarizes the student with national strategy and naval forces, daily military operations, training, exercises, drills, and shipboard organization.
  • NAVAL HISTORY -- History of the United States Navy from the colonial period to the present.
  • NAVIGATION -- An introduction to piloting and celestial navigation.
  • SEAMANSHIP -- An introduction to the general subjects of seamanship that include anchoring and mooring, ship handling, small boats, weather, ship construction, and steering and propulsion systems.
  • LEADERSHIP -- An ongoing study of the principles and practical application of leadership with emphasis on providing opportunities for students to exercise and develop their own leadership abilities.
  • NAUTICAL ASTRONOMY -- A study of astronomy and its application to celestial navigation.
  • ELECTRONICS -- An introduction to electronics as the basis for shipboard radar, sonar, communications, and guidance systems.
  • OCEANOGRAPHY -- Provides information on the collection and dissemination of hydrographic and navigational data of the world's ocean systems.
  • DRILLS, COMMANDS, AND CEREMONIES -- Includes individual, squad, platoon, and company close order drill; rotation of command; physical fitness; personnel inspections; and parade in company review.