SPERRENG MIDDLE SCHOOL

CURRICULUM NIGHT

Thursday, January 24, 20137th Grade

Goals

Understand the components of the 7th grade schedule

Highlight features of the middle school program

Discuss specific course offerings with department representatives

CoreChallenge ExploratoryElectiveSpecialized

Understanding 7th Grade Courses

Core Classes

Mandatory courses in which all students must participate to meet state standards English Language Arts (ELA) Mathematics Science Social Studies Health and Fitness

Challenge Classes

Core courses offering advanced learners* an opportunity to explore greater depths of content knowledge and critical thinking skills English Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Studies

Challenge Appeal Form*Challenge criteria-Advanced MAP score, reading on grade level or higher, demonstrate high achievement in content area, successful completion of math pre-requisite course

Exploratory Classes

Semester-long alternating day courses offering opportunity to discover and explore specialized interests, aptitudes, and abilities in the fine and practical arts Art Digital Literacy Drama General Music Keyboarding Family and Consumer Sciences Technology Education

Elective Classes

Year-long daily or alternating day student-selected courses offering opportunity to pursue special activities and interests Modern Languages-French, German, Spanish

Pre-requisite for 8th grade ML for high school credit Must maintain a grade of “C-” or better to continue in

program Suggested for students who may wish to participate

in AP/IB programs and 2 years of ML is required by most college programs

Band Choir Orchestra

7th Grade Modern Language

French, German, & Spanish

(Choose one of the three languages)

Academic Elective ClassEvery other day for a yearEarn High School Credit*

*upon successful completion of the program

Students will concentrate on oral and written communication, through the use of dialogues and practical

drills. They will learn to apply basic grammar through reading, writing, and speaking. Students will be assessed with high school level materials. Students need to be self-

motivated in order to be successful in this class.

Specialized Classes

Intervention Classes-course offerings designed to provide supplemental small group instruction for students who may have gaps in understanding of essential reading or mathematic skills

IEP/Resource Classes-course offerings designed to meet student learning needs as indicated in the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)

LEAP-course offering designed for gifted students providing enrichment, extension, and curriculum explorations

7th Grade Schedule Considerations 7 period day = 5 core + 2

explo/elective All 7th grade students participate in 5

core courses Students have 2 periods in which to

participate in exploratory, elective, and intervention courses

Exploratory, elective, and intervention courses vary from semester-long to year-long and daily to alternating day

The 7th Grade Schedule

SEMESTER 11. English Language

Arts2. Mathematics3. Science4. Social Studies5. Health and Fitness6. A Day Explo/Elective

B Day Explo/Elective

7. A Day Explo/Elective B Day Explo/Elective

SEMESTER 21. English Language

Arts2. Mathematics3. Science4. Social Studies5. Health and Fitness6. A Day Explo/Elective

B Day Explo/Elective

7. A Day Explo/Elective B Day Explo/Elective

Sample 7th Grade Schedules

1. English Language Arts

2. Mathematics

3. Science

4. Social Studies

5. Health and Fitness

6. Band

7. A-French/B-FACS (Semester 1)

A-French/B-Art (Semester 2)

Band and Modern Language Explo and Intervention

1. English Language Arts

2. Mathematics

3. Science

4. Social Studies

5. Health and Fitness

6. A-Reading/B-Tech Ed. (Semester 1)

A-Reading/B-Drama (Semester 2)

7. A-Dig. Lit./B-Art (Semester 1)

A-Keyboard/B-Music (Semester 2)

Teachers-

Complete course recommendations for each student based upon multiple data sources

Counselors-

Present course offerings to students in team meetings

Students & Parents-

Visit with teachers and make elective course selections, and return recommendation form to school to Social Studies teacher by January 31, 2013

Next Steps

Did your child recently get a new device?

Did you know you can download BOOKS for FREE from our elibrary?

No late fees, huge selection, 24 hour access, works with any device.

The Library Media Specialist, Ms. Sears, will be available in the little gym to show you how.

Please feel free to visit department representatives in the small gym for answers to curriculum questions.

Questions?