Fall 18 Griffith Middle School Course Description Book 600 North Raymond Griffith, IN 46319
INDEX DEPARTMENT PAGE Art.............................................. 3 Business and Technology............................ 3 English.......................................... 4 FACS............................................ 6 Health & Wellness.................................. 6 Mathematics...................................... 7 Music............................................ 8 Physical Education................................. 9 Science........................................... 10 Social Studies...................................... 11 High School Credit Classes Offered in Middle School.... 12 Civil Rights Assurance of Equal Opportunity And Nondiscrimination Statement Griffith Public Schools is committed to equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, handicapping conditions, or national origin including limited English proficiency, in any employment opportunity. No person is excluded from participation in, denied benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination on such basis under any educational program or student activity. If you have experienced discrimination in such educational programs or activities, written inquiries about procedures that are available and for consideration of complaints alleging such discrimination should be directed to Dr. Peter Morikis, Superintendent, P.O. Box 749, 602 N. Raymond, Griffith, IN 46319, 219-924-4250. Any other information concerning the above policies may be obtained by contacting Dr. Peter Morikis, Superintendent, P.O. Box 749, 602 N. Raymond., Griffith, IN 46319, 219-924-4250. 2
ARTS VISUAL ART, Grades 7-8 Visual Art, Middle Level is based on the Indiana Standards for Visual Art. Students in the middle level program build on the sequential learning experiences of the elementary program that encompass art history, criticism, aesthetics, and production. Through self-reflection, including dialogue, reading, and writing students analyze each component of their arts education as well as their own personal growth. Throughout the program, students engage in various forms of communication, utilizing a rich vocabulary and a variety of technological resources. Students continue to utilize their art knowledge and skills to make connections across the curriculum, study career options and identify skills required for each career, and use arts community resources, identifying ways to utilize and support the arts communities. VISUAL ART ADVANCED, Grade 8 This class is primarily a studio class. It is varied in its forms of instruction and will be delivered in the following ways: lecture, lecture/demonstration, group discussion, studio production. Students will also be involved in research, art appreciation activities, presentations, and art critiques. An advanced level course in middle level visual arts. This class will have an emphasis on developing a greater depth of understanding of art and application of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design to their work in a variety of media. Studio experiences include drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, and printmaking projects. Each student will demonstrate progress over time by developing a body of work and organizing a portfolio to present at the end of the semester as a final project. Prerequisite: A 92% or better in 7 th Grade Visual Art and teacher recommendation. BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY COMPUTER SCIENCE 1, Grade 8 Using websites such as Code.org, CodeHS, and Scratch students are exposed to various computer languages such as JavaScript and Block programming. Students create programs with different kinds of loops, events, functions, and conditionals, and write algorithms for everyday tasks. Using the program AgentSheets, students are introduced to the basics of video game design. Students create video games like Frogger and Journey. The students will investigate different problem-solving techniques, discuss societal impacts of computing and the Internet, and learn about Internet methods. By the end of the curriculum, students create interactive stories and games they can share with anyone. COMPUTER SCIENCE 2, Grade 8 Using websites such as Code.org, CodeHS, and Scratch students are exposed to various computer languages such as JavaScript and Block programming. Students create programs with different kinds of loops, events, functions, and conditionals, and write algorithms for everyday tasks. Using the program AgentSheets, students continue their study of video game design. Students create video games such as Sokoban and Pacman. By the end of the curriculum, students create interactive stories and games they can share with anyone. Students research people who have made significant contributions to Computer Science and create Digital Artifacts. Pre-requisite: Students must successfully complete Computer Science 1. COMPUTER SCIENCE, Grade 7 Computer Science uses websites such as Code.org, CodeCombat, and Scratch students are 3
exposed to various computer languages such as Python, JavaScript, and block based programming. Students create programs with loops, events, and conditionals and write algorithms for everyday tasks. They will translate numbers into binary, investigate different problem-solving techniques, and begin to develop computational thinking skills. By the end of the curriculum, students create interactive games or stories they can share. ROBOTICS 1, Grades 7-8 Using LEGO Robotics, students will design, build, and program different robots to complete specific tasks. This class is a project based class, and students will work in teams of 2 to complete all projects. They transform abstract STEM concepts into tangible learning experiences using the hands-on approach of LEGO Robotics. Students will experience science, technology, engineering and mathematics first-hand through innovative, engaging tools that place them in the center of the learning environment. ROBOTICS 2, Grades 7-8 Using LEGO Robotics, students will build on their knowledge of programming, designing, and building to create robots that must complete more complex tasks. This class is a project based class, and students will work in teams of 2 to complete all projects. Students transform abstract STEM concepts into tangible learning experiences using the hands-on approach of LEGO Robotics. Students will experience science, technology, engineering and mathematics first-hand through innovative, engaging tools that place them in the center of the learning environment. Pre-requisite: Students must successfully complete ROBOTICS 1. ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS ENGLISH 7, GRADE 7 Language Arts, Grade 7, a course based on Indiana s Academic Standards for English/Language Art and the integration of the Indiana Common Core Standards is integrated instruction emphasizing reading, writing, speaking and listening in interest- and age-appropriate content. Students develop advanced skills and strategies in reading. They understand comparisons, such as analogies and metaphors, and they begin to use their knowledge of roots and word parts to understand science, social studies, and mathematics vocabulary. They begin to read reviews, as well as critiques of both informational and literary writing. They read and respond to fiction selections, such as classic and contemporary literature, historical fiction, fantasy or science fiction, mystery or adventure, folklore or mythology, poetry, short stories, and dramas, and nonfiction selections, such as subject area books, biographies or autobiographies, magazines and newspapers, various reference or technical materials, and online information. Students self-select books of interest and read independently for enjoyment. Students develop advanced skills and strategies in language. Using oral discussion, reading, writing, art, music, movement, and drama, students respond to fiction, nonfiction, and informational selections or reality-based experiences, multimedia presentations, and classroom or group experiences. They write or deliver longer research reports that take a position on a topic, and they support their positions by citing a variety of sources. They use a variety of sentence structures and modifiers to express their thoughts. They deliver persuasive presentations that state a clear position in support of an arguments or proposal. Students also listen to literature read aloud to them and write independently. ENGLISH 7 HONORS, Grade 7 A more advanced study of literature, grammar, composition, vocabulary, and oral communication. Students are expected to work at a faster pace and demonstrate a deeper 4
understanding of material. Students must complete a formal application before being accepted to this class. Acceptance to this class will be based on previous grades in English, ISTEP scores, STAR scores, and teacher recommendation. Any student enrolled in this class must achieve a B 80% or better as a semester grade in order to remain in the Enriched/AP program. If a student must drop due to grades, he or she may reapply the following school year. ENGLISH 8, GRADE 8 Language Arts, Grade 8, a course based on Indiana s Academic Standards for English/Language Arts and the integration of the Indiana Common Core Standards is integrated instruction emphasizing reading, writing, speaking and listening in interest- and age-appropriate content. Students begin to study the history and development of English vocabulary. They begin to compare different types of writing as well as different perspectives on similar topics or themes. They evaluate the logic of informational texts and analyze how literature reflects the backgrounds, attitudes, and beliefs of the authors. They read and respond to fiction selections, such as classic and contemporary literature, historical fiction, fantasy or science fiction, mystery or adventure, folklore or mythology, poetry, short stories, and dramas, and nonfiction selections, such as subject area books, biographies or autobiographies, magazines and newspapers, various reference or technical materials, and online information. Students self-select books of interest and read independently for enjoyment. Students get ready for the language challenges of high school materials. Using oral discussion, reading, writing, art, music, movement, and drama, students respond to fiction, nonfiction, and informational selections or reality based experiences, multimedia presentations, and classroom or group experiences. They not only write or deliver research reports but also conduct their own research. They use subordination, coordination, noun phrases and other devices of English language conventions to indicate clearly the relationship between ideas. They deliver a variety of types of presentations and effectively respond to questions and concerns from the audience. Students also listen to literature read aloud to them and write independently. ENGLISH 8 HONORS, Grade 8 This is a more advanced study of literature, grammar, composition, vocabulary, and oral communication. Students are expected to work at a faster pace and demonstrate a deeper understanding of material. Students must complete a formal application before being accepted to this class. Acceptance to this class will be based on previous grades in English, ISTEP scores, STAR scores, and teacher recommendation. Any student enrolled in this class must achieve a B 80% or better as a semester grade in order to remain in the Enriched/AP program. If a student must drop due to grades, he or she may reapply the following school year. Summer reading and compositions are required. MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARBOOK, Grade 8 In the middle school yearbook class, students will gain skills in the following areas: page design, copy writing, editing, headline and caption writing, and photography, while producing a creative, innovative yearbook which records school memories and events. There is an emphasis on journalism skills in this class, and participants will gain useful, real world skills in time management, teamwork, and design principles. This class uses the Indiana Academic Student Publications standards. Students must achieve a C 70% or better in English 7 to be eligible. READ 180, Grade 7-8 Read 180 is a supplemental course that provides students with individualized instruction designed to support success in completing language art coursework aligned with Indiana s Academic Standards for English Language Arts in Grades 9-12. This course is for students who need additional support in vocabulary development and reading comprehension. This course is a two 5
period blocked class for the year. READING AND LITERATURE, Grade 7-8 1-2 Semester(s) A course based on Indiana s Academic Standards for English/Language Arts and the integration of the Indiana Common Core Standards, is integrated instruction emphasizing reading (Standards 1, 2, and 3), in content that is interest- and age-appropriate. Students begin to study the history and development of English vocabulary. They begin to compare different types of writing as well as different perspectives on similar topics or themes. Students evaluate the logic of informational texts and analyze how literature reflects the backgrounds, attitudes, and beliefs of the authors. They read and respond to fiction selections, such as classic and contemporary literature, historical fiction, fantasy or science fiction, mystery or adventure, folklore or mythology, poetry, short stories, and dramas, and nonfiction selections, such as subject area books, biographies or autobiographies, magazines and newspapers, various reference or technical materials, and online information. Student s are expected to self-select books of interest and read independently. FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES MS FACS, Grade 7 8 Middle School Family and Consumer Sciences prepare students to begin their journey toward becoming independent, productive citizens. The Middle School F&CS curriculum provides learning experiences in five domains: Career Planning and Continued Education, Financial Literacy, Nutrition and Wellness, Human Development and Relationships, Life Skills and Resource Management. FACS programs at the middle school are to be based on curriculum and instruction standards that incorporate: Student-centered curriculum with emphasis on hands-on involvement. Focus on practical problem solving skills in developmentally appropriate real-life applications. Activities that carry into family, work, and community settings. Activities that aid students in planning for school-to-work transitions. Increased efforts to maximize involvement in total school programs and in development of the school s basic educational goals for all learners. Learning environments, including project-based learning, designed to meet developmental needs of students. HEALTH AND WELLNESS HEALTH & WELLNESS, Grade 7 Middle school health education provides for the continued development of attitudes and behaviors related to becoming a health-literate individual. This course is part of a planned, sequential, comprehensive health education curriculum that uses the Academic Standards for Health and Wellness to support student development of essential health skills within the ten health content areas. Students focus on continued skill development and more opportunities for analyzing, modeling, and applying skills that will assist in building competencies for health literacy. These may include decision-making skills, stress management skills, communication skills, social skills, and assertiveness skills. Developmentally appropriate concepts of personal and community health; safety and injury prevention; nutrition and physical activity; mental health; alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; and family life and human sexuality are areas used for skill development. The adolescent student has instructional opportunities to investigate how health behaviors impact health, well-being, and disease prevention and to accept personal responsibility for health-related decisions. 6
HEALTH & WELLNESS, Grade 8 Middle school health education provides for the continued development of attitudes and behaviors related to becoming a health-literate individual. This course is part of a planned, sequential, comprehensive health education curriculum that uses the Academic Standards for Health and Wellness to support student development of essential health skills within the ten health content areas. Students focus on continued skill development and more opportunities for analyzing, modeling, and applying skills that will assist in building competencies for health literacy. These may include decision-making skills, stress management skills, communication skills, social skills, and assertiveness skills. Developmentally appropriate concepts of personal and community health; safety and injury prevention; nutrition and physical activity; mental health; alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; and family life and human sexuality are areas used for skill development. The adolescent student has instructional opportunities to investigate how health behaviors impact health, well-being, and disease prevention and to accept personal responsibility for health-related decisions. MATHEMATICS FOCUS MATH 7, Grade 7 The Focus Math 7 Course is designed to give students the necessary skills to succeed in Pre- Algebra, Algebra I, and on the Grade 7 ISTEP Exam. This course strengthens their basic math skills while introducing a few new ones. This course follows the same curriculum as Math 7, but focuses on the most important Indiana Grade 7 Standards and Big Ideas. Teachers will implement non-traditional teaching strategies to promote student learning and success. In class, students will extend previous understanding of the number system and operations to perform operations using all rational numbers; apply properties of operations in the context of algebraic expressions and equations; draw, construct, describe, and analyze geometric figures and relationships between them; apply understandings of statistical variability and distributions by using random sampling, making inferences, and investigating chance processes and probability models. As in all mathematics courses, the Mathematical Process Standards apply throughout the course. MATH 7, Grade 7 Mathematics continues the trajectory towards a more formalized understanding of mathematics that occurs at the high school level that began in Grade 6. Students extend ratio reasoning to analyze proportional relationships and solve real-world and mathematical problems; extend previous understanding of the number system and operations to perform operations using all rational numbers; apply properties of operations in the context of algebraic expressions and equations; draw, construct, describe, and analyze geometrical figures and the relationships between them; apply understandings of statistical variability and distributions by using random sampling, making inferences, and investigating chance processes and probability models. As in all mathematics courses, the Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout each course and, together with the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations. PRE-ALGEBRA, Grade 8 The 8th Grade Pre-Algebra Course is designed to give students the necessary skills to succeed in Algebra I, while still strengthening their basic math skills and introducing a few new ones. The course content follows the Indiana Academic Standards for 8th grade. In this class, students will further develop their skills in writing and simplifying variable expressions and writing and 7
solving linear equations and inequalities while working with integers, decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, and percents. Students will study and graph linear and non-linear functions and other relations, write and compute in scientific notation, and apply all those skills in problem solving. Students will also learn some basic geometry, probability, and statistics. FOCUS PRE-ALGEBRA, Grade 8 The 8 th Grade Focus Pre-Algebra Course is designed to give students the necessary skills to succeed in Algebra I, while still strengthening their basic math skills and introducing a few new ones. This course content follows the Indiana Academic Standards for Grade 8. However, the curriculum focuses on the most important Indiana Grade 8 Standards and Big Ideas. Teachers will implement non-traditional teaching strategies to promote student learning and success. In class, students will further develop their skills in writing and simplifying variable expressions and writing and solving linear equations and inequalities while working with integers, decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, and percents. Students will study and graph linear and non-linear functions and other relations, write and compute in scientific notation, and apply all those skills in problem solving. Students will also learn some basic geometry, probability, and statistics. PRE-ALGEBRA HONORS, Grade 7 The honors Pre-Algebra course is designed to give students the necessary skills to succeed in Algebra I, while still strengthening their basic math skills. The course content follows the Indiana Academic Standards for 7 th grade and part of the standards for 8 th grade. In this class, students will further develop their skills in writing and simplifying variable expressions and writing and solving linear equations while working with integers, decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, and percents. Students will learn to solve inequalities, graph functions, and apply all of the named skills in problem solving. Students will also learn some basic geometry, probability, and statistics. Completing this course in 7 th grade with an A or B will best prepare students for the next math course, Algebra I. PREREQUISITES: Students must meet the requirements for testing and have a recommendation from their 6 th grade teacher. ALGEBRA HONORS, Grades 7-8 Please see page 12 for high school credit classes offered to middle school students. MUSIC BEGINNING CONCERT BAND, Grades 7-12 Students taking this course are taught the basics of music reading, playing a band instrument, and general music knowledge. This is achieved through a variety of instruction, which includes written and performance assessment. Students will have the opportunity to perform during each semester either as a class or along with another band. Time outside of the school day may be needed, therefore required as part of the grading process. Current middle and high school band students may take this class on a secondary instrument in addition to their participation in concert band. PREREQUISITE: See teacher concerning acquiring an instrument. CONCERT BAND, Grades 7-10 Students taking this course are taught the basics of music reading, playing a band instrument, and general music knowledge. Students taking this course are middle school students that have had at least one year of band or private lessons on their 8
instruments. Students may be allowed to participate with the marching and pep bands after school with the director s permission. PREREQUISITE: Instrument rental or purchase. EXPLORING MUSIC, Grades 7-8 Exploring Music is a Secondary General Music Class in which students will interact with music by performing instruments, singing, listening to, analyzing, and responding to various genres of music from different time periods and cultures around the world including: American Pop Music, Orchestral Music, and Multi-Cultural Musical Styles. MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR, Grades 7-8 GMS Choir is the non-auditioned choir that focuses on the establishment of vocal/choral technique and music literacy (reading music). All students who wish to move up to GHS Choirs (if schedule permits) during their middle school years must begin at the level for a minimum of one semester. Students are required to perform in one concert per semester, which accounts for a majority of their grade. SYMPHONIC BAND, Grades 9-12 Students taking this course are provided with a balanced comprehensive study of music through the concert band. Knowledge and skills are learned through a variety of instruction including written and performance assessment. Experiences include, but are not limited to, music vocabulary, sight-reading, performance skills, conducting, and effective rehearsal etiquette. Time outside of the school day is often needed and required and is part of the grading process. Public performances serve as the culmination of daily rehearsals and musical goals. Students are required to participate in performance opportunities outside of the school day that support and extend learning in the classroom. Marching band and later, pep band is a part of the curriculum first semester. Pep band will continue to be part of the curriculum for part of the second semester. The marching band performs at home football games, the Griffith Fourth of July Parade, and other outside performances, which vary from year to year. This will also include some summer rehearsals before the parade, as well as a band camp prior to the start of school. Pep band performs at boys and girls basketball games. PREREQUISITES: Advanced middle school students accepted at director s discretion. PHYSICAL EDUCATION PHYSICAL EDUCATION 7, Grade 7 Physical Education in Grade 7 is based on the Indiana Standards for Physical Education. Students in Grade 7 physical education continue to refine complex combinations of movement in selected sports and activities. They apply more advanced strategies in physical activities and try new sports and lifetime physical activities. The focus is on lifelong fitness goals of physical, social, and emotional well being. Students learn about different cultures and how they relate to the physical activities and dances of those countries. They continue to expand their knowledge of rules and strategies, sportsmanship, and cooperative skills as well as fitness concepts and the benefits of health-related fitness. Ongoing assessment includes both written and performancebased skill evaluations. PHYSICAL EDUCATION 8, Grade 8 Physical Education in Grade 8 is based on the Indiana Standards for Physical Education Students in Grade 8 physical education further refine complex motor skills and competencies in selected 9
individual and dual lifetime physical activities, team sports, aquatics, adventure, and rhythmic activities. Students work toward achieving competence in increasingly complex physical activity contexts. They learn to apply interdisciplinary knowledge (e.g., anatomy, physics) to activity settings and focus on working as a team to solve problems. Students develop plans to enhance their own health-related physical fitness and participate in vigorous activities linked to their skills and levels of fitness. Physical activity is used as a venue for self-expression and for developing positive relationships. Ongoing assessment includes both written and performance-based skill evaluations. SCIENCE SCIENCE 7, Grade 7 Students understand that science is a process that involves observation, doing controlled experiments, drawing inferences and conclusions, and analyzing data. Students in seventh grade understand that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but only changed from one form into another or transferred from place to place. They understand forces as they apply to nature, motion, and energy. They describe how earth processes have shaped the earth s surfaces and have made it possible to measure geological time. They understand the cellular structure of living organisms, from single celled to multicellular. Students understand the basic nature of matter and that atoms are the building blocks for all substances. Students also learn that substances are identified by their physical and chemical properties. SCIENCE 7 HONORS, Grade 7 Students understand that science is a process that involves observation, doing controlled experiments, drawing inferences and conclusions, and analyzing data. Students in seventh grade understand that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but only changed from one form into another or transferred from place to place. They understand forces as they apply to nature, motion, and energy. They describe how earth processes have shaped the earth s surfaces and have made it possible to measure geological time. They understand the cellular structure of living organisms, from single celled to multicellular. Students understand the basic nature of matter and that atoms are the building blocks for all substances. Students also learn that substances are identified by their physical and chemical properties. This will be an advanced course delving deeper into the depth of knowledge of content covered this academic year. Students must maintain a B 80% or better to remain in course. PREREQUISTES: Assessment data, Math & Science grade of B 80% or better and teacher recommendation. SCIENCE 8, Grade 8 Students in eighth grade understand how atomic structure determines chemical properties and how atoms and molecules interact. They explain how the water cycle and air movement are caused by differential heating of air, land, and water and how these affect weather and climate. They understand that natural and human events change the environmental conditions on the earth. They understand the predictability of characteristics being passed from parent to offspring and how a particular environment selects for traits that increase survival and reproduction by individuals bearing those traits. SCIENCE 8 HONORS, Grade 8 Students in eighth grade understand how atomic structure determines chemical properties and how atoms and molecules interact. They explain how the water cycle and air movement are caused by differential heating of air, land, and water and how these affect weather and climate. 10
They understand that natural and human events change the environmental conditions on the earth. They understand the predictability of characteristics being passed from parent to offspring and how a particular environment selects for traits that increase survival and reproduction by individuals bearing those traits. This will be an advanced course delving deeper into the depth of knowledge of content covered this academic year. Students must maintain a B 80% or better to remain in course. PREREQUISITES: Science 7 grade of B 80% or better and Science teacher recommendation, or B 80% or better in Honors Science 7, and must Pass English & Math ISTEP. SOCIAL STUDIES GEOGRAPHY, Grade 7 Students in seventh grade compare the history, geography, government, economic systems, current issues, and cultures of the Western World with an emphasis on: (1) Asia, (2) Africa, (3) the Commonwealth of Independent States, (4) the Middle East, (5) the Pacific Islands, (6) Australia, and (7) New Zealand. Learning experiences for seventh grade students should help them to make the transition from concrete examples to abstract ideas, concepts, and generalizations. In-depth studies provide greater understanding of environmental influences on economic, cultural, and political institutions. Opportunities to develop thinking and research skills include reading and interpreting maps, graphs, and charts. Decision-making and problem-solving activities should include the following: (1) identifying problems, issues and questions; (2) information gathering; (3) hypothesizing; and (4) evaluating alternative solutions and actions. US HISTORY, Grade 8 Eighth grade United States History emphasizes the interaction of historical events and geographic, social, and economic influences on national development prior to the twentieth century. Special attention is given to (1) Native American cultures and the pre-columbian period; (2) colonial, revolutionary, and constitutional issues; (3) early national formation; (4) sectional divisions leading to the Civil War; (5) Reconstruction; (6) industrialization; (7) urbanization; and (8) immigration. In this course, students examine major themes, issues, events, movements, and figures in United States history prior to 1900 and explore relationship to modern issues and current events, for example: (1) antiwar movements in different periods in United States history, (2) the influence of inventions and economic innovations, and (3) Indiana s concurrent growth and development. Eighth grade students need to experience a variety of teaching and learning strategies. Students are provided practice in thinking and research skills by learning to use the media center, primary documents, and community resources to identify, evaluate and use appropriate data and reference information. This course also helps student to develop an appreciation of historical preservation. Finally, students should demonstrate, through their studies, a commitment to the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society. US HISTORY ADVANCED, Grade 8 Advanced US History for 8th grade is designed for students who have excelled in 7 th Grade Geography, 7th grade English, and are interested in challenging themselves to the best of their ability. Students will cover the same content as the regular 8 th Grade US History course, but at a faster rate, and there will be more emphasis placed on themes such as (1) analysis of historical events; (2) contextualization of historical events; (3) understanding time-periods in history; (4) forming written arguments; (5) structures of governments; (6) leaders and leadership; and (7) social movements. Students will master historical, geographical, political, and economic content from the Pre-Columbian era to the Reconstruction Era by analyzing historical documents, videos, 11
political cartoons, and other sources of information. Students will also learn how to debate and discuss important topics by utilizing factual evidence to support their viewpoints. Finally, students will demonstrate, through their studies, a commitment to the rights and responsibilities of citizenshipin a democratic society. PREREQUISITES: English 7 grade of B 80% or better and Geography teacher recommendation. High School Credit Course Description Guide for Middle School Students Business & Technology PREPARING FOR COLLEGE & CAREERS, Grade 8 Preparing for College and Careers addresses the knowledge, skills, and behaviors all students need to be prepared for success in college, career, and life. The focus of the course is the impact of today s choices on tomorrow s possibilities. Topics to be addressed include twenty-first century life and career skills; higher order thinking, communication, leadership, and management processes; exploration of personal aptitudes, interests, values, and goals; examining multiple life roles and responsibilities as individuals and family members; planning and building employability skills; transferring school skills to life and work; and managing personal resources. This course includes reviewing the 16 national career clusters and Indiana's College and Career Pathways, indepth investigation of one or more pathways, reviewing graduation plans, developing career plans, and developing personal and career portfolios. A project based approach, including computer and technology applications, cooperative ventures between school and community, simulations, and real life experiences, is recommended. NOTE: The Department of Workforce Development requires students to submit their social security number for this course. English ENGLISH 9 HONORS, Grade 9 This is a more advanced study of literature, grammar, composition, vocabulary, and oral communication. Students are expected to work at a faster pace and demonstrate a deeper understanding of material. Students must complete a formal application before being accepted to this class. Any student enrolled in this class must achieve an 80% B or better as a semester grade in order to remain in the Enriched/AP program. If a student must drop due to grades, he or she may reapply the following school year. Prerequisite: Students must have earned an A in English 7 Honors, have earned a PASS+ on ELA ISTEP exam, and get signature of approval from English teacher & English Department Head. Foreign Language FRENCH I, Grades 9-12 Students will learn to recognize the basic sounds of the language and to produce them with reasonable accuracy, to be able to write using basic structures and to acquire an active, conversational vocabulary. Subjects include: school, sports, hobbies, food, family, shopping, clothes and vacations. The student is also exposed to the culture and diversity of the Francophone world. 12
Prerequisite: Students must earn a B in English 7, a passing score on the ELA ISTEP exam, and English teacher signature of approval SPANISH I, Grades 9-12 Students will learn to recognize the basic sounds of the language and to produce them with reasonable accuracy. They will be able to write basic structures and to acquire a conversational vocabulary. Topics for conversation include: hobbies, sports, family, food, school, and entertainment. Students are introduced to the cultures of the Hispanic world. Prerequisite: Students must earn a B in English 7, a passing score on the ELA ISTEP exam, and English teacher signature of approval Math ALGEBRA, Grades 7-8 The Honors Algebra I Course is designed to extend the mathematics learned in prealgebra and provide a foundation for all future mathematics courses. This course follows the Indiana Academic Standards (2014) for Algebra I (for all students in the class), 7th grade standards (for 7th graders in the class) and 8th grade standards (for 8th graders in the class). In this course, students will further explore previously learned skills on simplifying expressions and solving and graphing linear equations, inequalities and systems of equations. Students will develop an understanding of functions and learn to factor and simplify quadratic expressions, perform operations on polynomials, solve and graph quadratic equations, write and graph exponential equations, solve and graph absolute value equations, and apply all these skills in problem solving. In addition to the Algebra I topics, students will learn and practice their grade-level requirements in the areas of number sense, computation, geometry, and statistics and probability. A semester grade of 70% or higher must be maintained to stay in the class. Prerequisites: 7 th grade students must meet the requirements for testing, have a recommendation from their 6 th grade math teacher, have taken the honors 6 th grade math course and/or summer enrichment course, and show mastery in essential pre-algebra skills. 8 th grade students who have taken Pre-Algebra Honors in 7 th grade must have demonstrated proficiency in their Pre-Algebra Honors course by earning an 80% B or above. GEOMETRY HONORS, Grades 9-12 The course is designed for the student that has a full grasp of Algebra I. The logic study is applicable to many everyday life situations. Area dimensional figures are included. This class will cover more topics than the regular class since it will move at a faster pace. There is little need for much Algebra I review for these students. The class will focus on geometric concepts. A semester grade of 70% or higher must be maintained to stay in the class. Prerequisites: The student entering Honors Geometry must have a grade of A or B in the Algebra Honors math course or teacher recommendation is required. Social Studies Indiana History, Grade 9 Indiana Studies is an integrated course that compares and contrasts state and national developments in the areas of politics, economics, history, and culture. The course uses Indiana history as a basis for understanding current policies, practices, and state legislative procedures. It also includes the study of state and national constitutions from a historical perspective and as a current foundation of government. Examination of individual leaders and their roles in a democratic society will be included and student will examine the participation of citizens in the political process. Prerequisite: Student must earn a B or better in 7 th grade Geography with signature of Geography teacher approval 13
World Geography, Grade 9 Geography and History of the World is designed to enable students to use geographical tools, skills and historical concepts to deepen their understanding of major global themes including the origin and spread of world religions; exploration; conquest, and imperialism; urbanization; and innovations and revolutions. Prerequisite: Student must earn a B or better in 7 th grade Geography with signature of Geography teacher approval 14