(a) The curriculum shall be designed to:

1. (1) Focus on topics and issues relevant to current events and future developments in academics;
2. (2) Provoke curiosity and inquiry from the students;
3. (3) Engage students in critical thinking and analysis;
4. (4) Develop communication and civil discourse skills; and
5. (5) Fulfill the intent of the program as described in 6 CAR § 7-103.

(c) Curriculum and its delivery shall be free of prohibited indoctrination as defined by:

1. (1) Arkansas Code § 6-16-156; and
2. (2) Any related Division of Elementary and Secondary Education rules.

(e)

1. (1) The curriculum shall:

   1. (A) Be divided into three (3) areas of study; and
   2. (B) Maintain continuity through concerted efforts of all staff persons.

2. (2) All areas shall:

   1. (A) Employ Socratic teaching; and
   2. (B) Engage students in interactive higher-order thinking experiences.

3. (3)

   1. (A) Area I – Academic Development shall focus on the following academic disciplines:

(i) English language arts;

1. (ii) Mathematics;

   1. (iii) Natural sciences;

      1. (iv) Social sciences;
      2. (v) Choral music;
      3. (vi) Drama;
      4. (vii) Instrumental music; and
      5. (viii) Visual arts.
   2. (B) The division may require an additional academic discipline not included above.
   3. (C) Additional academic disciplines may be included in an individual institution’s proposal.
   4. (D) An innovative integrated curriculum maintaining fidelity to the academic disciplines outlined in subdivision (e)(3)(A) of this section may be included in an individual institution’s proposal.

2. (4) Area II – General Conceptual Development shall focus on:

   1. (A) How individuals process thinking;
   2. (B) The assumptions that underlie thinking;
   3. (C) Thinking that takes place within the various disciplines;
   4. (D) Developments that influence thinking about truth and knowledge;
   5. (E) Logic; and
   6. (F) Means of thinking effectively.

3. (5) Area III – Personal Development shall foster personal skills that help people:

   1. (A) Get along with others;
   2. (B) Communicate in an effective and civil manner; and
   3. (C) Make positive contributions in their own lives and communities.

(f) Materials and content shall expand the AGS experience by:

1. (1) Providing exposure to multiple perspectives;
2. (2) Acquainting students with the latest advances in each field of study; and
3. (3) Supporting the unique needs of gifted high school students.

(h) Investigation and inquiry of topics shall be accomplished through readings, lectures, individual studies, small group discussions, concerts, dramatic productions, exhibits, forums, films, and events in the school community.

1. (i) No credit or grades shall be given and any work at AGS shall supplement, not supplant, the general high school curriculum.