6TH GRADE CURRICULAR PROGRAM
Program Concepts: - All students will be heterogeneously grouped on three (3) interdisciplinary teams.
- The 6th grade will be housed on the third floor of the academic wing.
- The 6th grade design in both theory and practice will reflect an effective balance of best practices evident in the elementary school setting combined with the elements necessary to successfully transition each child with greater confidence to the seventh grade.
- All 6th grade students begin each day with one full period of Social Studies and end each day in a flexible advisory period with the same teacher.
- A daily advisory period will be scheduled at the conclusion of each day. Flexible advisory will offer teachers and students the opportunity to build stronger, more trusting relationships, extend core curricular subjects for enrichment or remediation, plan character education activities, celebrate holidays or birthdays, receive school-wide announcements and offer students the chance to improve organizational study skills.
- A Learning Resource Period will be implemented in place of the Advisory class and/or Encore classes if deemed appropriate as per individual student needs.
- The State of Illinois has required administration of the ISAT test to all 6th Grade students in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
Curriculum:
The entire curriculum will be fully aligned with the Illinois State Learning Standards and articulated with the 7th grade curriculum. All academic courses will be divided into Core and Encore designations. Core classes will meet daily over the entire thirty-six (36) week school year. Encore classes will also meet daily. Three related courses will rotate over a twelve (12) week cycle throughout the school year. Physical education will be offered to all students everyday. The following table illustrates the learning opportunities offered to each student at the sixth grade level:
GRADE 6 – CURRICULAR DESIGN | CORE
(Full Year) REQUIRED | ENCORE
(3 - 12 week classes)
- All Core Subjects and P.E. will be offered daily to all students
- Students placed in yearly Foreign Language will make a three-year commitment to that specific language, and be placed into one of the two Encore Rotations.
| | Mathematics | Physical Education (Full year required) | Practical Arts Rotation | Technical Arts
Rotation | Foreign Language (Qualification based) | Social Studies | UNITS Fitness Training Individual Activities Team Activities Recreational Games Dance Gymnastics Teambuilding | Art Methods | Computers Microsoft Office | French
(Full Year) | | Science | Music | Communication Arts – Speech | Spanish
(Full Year) | Language Arts (Double Block) | Health and First Aid | Synergistics | |
6th Grade ENCORE Program Descriptions:
6TH GRADE ART: Discovering Art Through History . The art of a culture reflects its values, beliefs and experiences. Sixth grade students will study the art of ancient cultures and create projects using similar styles and techniques. We will focus on expanding knowledge of art terminology and methodology by analyzing famous works of art and creating both two- and three-dimensional artworks.
6TH GRADE P.E.: Students will learn the importance of life-long fitness through the physical education curriculum. Cooperation, sportsmanship, responsibility, and respect will be developed through a variety of physical education activities. Units of study will include: fitness training, individual and team sports, recreational games, dance, gymnastics, and team building activities. 6TH GRADE HEALTH/FIRST AID: The sixth grade health class will introduce students to various health-related topics such as personal hygiene, disease prevention and control, growth and development, as well as safety and consumer health. Students will be involved in class discussions and projects designed to acquire a better understanding of the active role they play in making decisions about their health, now and in the future. 6TH GRADE MICROSOFT OFFICE: This class is designed to help students become proficient computer users by learning to operate a variety of publication mediums offered through Microsoft Office. Text, graphics, sound and animation will be used and manipulated using presentation, graphic design, and image editing applications. Developing strong key boarding skills, as well as an increased aptitude in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point will be emphasized. 6TH GRADE SYNERGISTICS: The integrated technology program is a multimedia module-based curriculum that integrates elements of math, technology, science, and language arts. Learning is student-directed, hands-on, and cooperative in nature. Examples of typical modules will include: Towers, Flight Technology, Engines, Light and Lasers, Robotics, and Weather. 6TH GRADE MUSIC: The sixth grade music course will continue to enhance the skills and experiences of the elementary school music programs. This class will offer students the opportunity to develop their musical knowledge of rhythm, form, melody, timbre, texture, and harmony. These experiences will be accomplished through the use of Orff instruments, recorders, and various rhythm instruments. Students will also learn proper vocal skills and have the opportunity to sing. 6TH GRADE SPEECH: This is a beginning course in speech communication. Students will learn communication basics such as improving listening skills and audience etiquette, while concentrating on the elements of writing and delivering short speeches. Implementing effective writing strategies, as well as using research and technology will be emphasized. 6TH GRADE FOREIGN LANGUAGE: The full-year course for French and Spanish will focus on the development of listening and speaking skills, grammar, and cultural awareness. Students who qualify for a Foreign Language in 6th grade will be committed to the same language all three years at OLHMS. - Qualification expectations for admittance into the three year Foreign Language Program require students to perform at or above the 75th percentile academically in fifth grade by using the following criteria:
- Cumulative G.P.A. of 3.25 or better, or
- ITBS National Percentage Ranking (NPR) of 75% or better in Reading/Math, or
- ISAT Exceeding the Standard Level in Reading/Math, or
- CogAT Score of 110 or better
- Students admitted into the Foreign Language Program will forfeit one Encore rotation each school year. In 6th and 7th Grade students will be placed into alternating Encore Rotations, and in 8th Grade have the option to choose either the Practical Arts Rotation or the Technical Arts Rotation.
- Students not admitted into the Foreign Language program as sixth graders will have the opportunity to take both Encore Rotations each year at OLHMS.
6th Grade CORE Program Descriptions: MATHEMATICS: Students will gain knowledge in the areas of numbers and operations, measurement, data analysis and probability, algebra, and geometry. The course will emphasize problem-solving strategies and incorporate applications to real-world situations.
Middle School Math: Course 2 , 2004, McDougal Littell
www.classzone.com
LANGUAGE ARTS: Students will study different thematic units and be able to analyze literary elements, identify the meaning of words through context, interpret the selection, and establish a connection between literature and the world around them. Students will further develop their grammatical usage, sentence structure, and writing skills while utilizing different strategies and techniques. It is our goal that all students will be able to communicate in writing for a variety of purposes. Elements of Literature, 2007, Holt, Introductory Course
www.my.hrw.com
SCIENCE: Students will be exposed to life, physical, and earth science. Sixth grade areas of scientific study will include ecology, the earth’s surface, space science, matter and energy, as well as waves, sound, and light. Students will utilize an interactive notebook to record observations and thoughts throughout the school year. Students will engage in age appropriate studies that allow for the development of scientific concepts through strategic reading and writing, laboratory activities, and higher order questioning. Integrated Science Course 1, McDougal Littell
www.classzone.com
SOCIAL STUDIES: This course is designed to focus on the geography of the earth with a historical, cultural, governmental, and economic emphasis. Students will learn the five themes of geography, how to read and use different types of maps, as well as identify significant places that relate to their lives.
Exploring Our World, Glencoe – McGraw Hill
7TH GRADE CURRICULAR PROGRAM
Program Concepts: - All students will be heterogeneously grouped on two (2) interdisciplinary teams.
- The 7th grade will be housed on the second floor of the academic wing.
- A daily advisory period will be scheduled before lunch each day. Flexible advisory will offer teachers and students the opportunity to build stronger, more trusting relationships, extend core curricular subjects for enrichment or remediation, plan character education activities, receive school-wide announcements and offer students the chance to improve organizational study skills.
- A Learning Resource Period will be implemented in place of the Connections class if deemed appropriate as per individual student needs.
- The State of Illinois has required administration of ISAT testing to all 7th Grade students in Reading, Mathematics, and Science.
Curriculum:
The entire curriculum will be fully aligned with the Illinois State Learning Standards and articulated with the 6th and 8th grade curricula. All academic courses will be divided into Core and Encore designations. Core classes will meet daily over the entire thirty-six (36) week school year. A “Connections” class will be added to the core curriculum at the 7th and 8th grade levels. This course will be designed to challenge students to utilize content related knowledge in making “connections” to practical, real world applications. Encore classes will meet daily; however rotate over a twelve (12) week cycle throughout the school year. Physical education will be offered to all students everyday. All students will be placed in the two (2) required Encore rotations. Students enrolled in a 6th grade Foreign Language class will continue studying the same language in 7th grade. Students placed in the Foreign Language program will have the opportunity of taking the alternate Encore Rotation from 6th grade. The following table illustrates the learning opportunities offered to each student at the seventh grade level:
GRADE 7 – CURRICULUM DESIGN | CORE
(Full Year) REQUIRED | ENCORE
(3 - 12 week classes)
- PE and Foreign Language will be offered for one full year
- Students placed in yearly Foreign Language will continue their commitment to that specific language.
| | Mathematics | Physical Education Rotation (Required - one year) | Practical Arts Rotation | Technical Arts
Rotation | Foreign Language (3 year commitment) | Language Arts
(Double Block) | UNITS Fitness Training
Individual Activities
Team Activities
Recreational Games
Dance
Gymnastics
Teambuilding | Art Visual Culture | Synergistics | French
| | Science | Music | Communication Arts – Speech | Spanish
| | Social Studies | Health and First Aid | Microsoft Office | | Connections |
7th Grade ENCORE Course Descriptions:
7TH GRADE ART : We live in a visual culture. Seventh grade students will focus on contemporary visual arts, from fine art to advertising and everywhere in between. Emphasis will be placed on drawing through observation and the use of design elements and principles to create visually striking works of art. Students will create a variety of different projects using different media and gaining inspiration from the visual culture of which we are a part.
7TH GRADE P.E. : Students will learn the importance of life-long fitness through the physical education curriculum. Cooperation, sportsmanship, responsibility, and respect will be developed through a variety of physical education activities such as Fitness Training, Individual and Team Sports, Recreational Games, Dance, Gymnastics, and Teambuilding.
7TH GRADE HEALTH/FIRST AID : The seventh grade health class will expand upon the content that was presented in the sixth grade curriculum. Students will continue to experience a learning situation that will help them make healthy life choices, receiving instruction in the areas of human physical development and abstinence education.
7TH GRADE MICROSOFT OFFICE : Students will continue to apply and refine background knowledge of Microsoft Office publications, such as Word, Excel, and Power Point. Technology skills will further develop through the use of graphics and Ezedia, as students design new formats, tri-fold pamphlets, newsletters, presentations, and advanced database applications.
7TH GRADE MUSIC : This course is designed around a deeper appreciation of a wide range of composers and their music. Students will examine the connections between classical and popular music, as well as various composers and how their music has evolved through the ages. Students will be engaged in listening strategies and group research to better understand music as a whole, through the origin musical notation, form, modalities, texture, timbres, melody and harmony.
7TH GRADE SYNERGISTICS : The integrated technology program is a multimedia module-based curriculum that integrates elements of math, technology, science, and language arts. Learning is student-directed, hands-on, and cooperative in nature. Examples of typical modules will include: Towers, Flight Technology, Engines, Light and Lasers, Robotics, and Weather.
7TH GRADE DEBATE : This is a more advanced course in speech communication, which will focus on the fundamentals of debate. Students will further develop the basics of public speaking and argumentation. This course will include analysis of current controversial issues, methods and materials of research, evidence, applied logic and reasoning, construction of debate cases, audience analysis, and the use of strategy in debate.
7TH GRADE FOREIGN LANGUAGE : The full-year course for French and Spanish will focus on the development of listening and speaking skills, grammar, and cultural awareness. Students who qualify for a Foreign Language in 6th grade will be committed to the same language in seventh and eighth grade.
7th Grade CORE Program Descriptions
MATHEMATICS: Students will gain knowledge in the areas of number sense, geometry, probability, data analysis, and data organization. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of algebra, learning to represent and analyze mathematical situations using algebraic symbols in preparation for high school level mathematics. Students will become critical thinkers as use mathematical knowledge to solve real world situations.
McDougal Littell, Middle School Math Course 3, 2004
www.classzone.com
LANGUAGE ARTS : Students will use reading strategies to examine and analyze fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and folklore. Students will analyze the selections for literary elements, identify the meaning of words through context and interpret the selection through written responses and discussion. They will develop their skills as writers using various strategies and techniques. Our goal is for students to be good communicators in both writing and speaking.
Elements of Literature , 2007, Holt, 1st Course
www.my.hrw.com
SCIENCE : Students will be exposed to life, physical, and earth/space science. Students will engage in age appropriate studies that allow for the development of scientific concepts through strategic reading, writing, and higher order questioning. Hands-on learning activities will reinforce key concepts and allow students to develop their inquiry and process skills. Units of study are designed to consistently connect new learning to prior knowledge. The Science units of study in 7th grade are Earth's Atmosphere, Motion and Forces, Diversity of Life, and Electricity & Magnetism.
Integrated Science Course 2, McDougal Littell
www.classzone.com
SOCIAL STUDIES: This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive look at the formation of the United States, past and present. The goal of the course is to help students learn and use significant facts of American history and gain insights into relationships among people, ideas, and events related to the history of the United States.
America Is , 1995, Glencoe
Declaration of Independence
CONNECTIONS: Connections is a CORE course of study offered at the seventh and eighth grade levels designed to challenge students to utilize content knowledge across all subjects in making connections to practical, real world units of study. This class will expand learning opportunities between academic subjects, practical problem solving skills, and higher order thinking. Students will be engaged in a variety of differentiated interdisciplinary units and enrichment activities that will challenge individual intellect and drive students to succeed. Units of study will include Teamwork, Hot off the Press, House Design, Skateboard Park, and Caravans.
8TH GRADE CURRICULAR PROGRAM
Program Concepts: - All students will remain on the same heterogeneously grouped interdisciplinary teams as in 7th grade.
- The 8th grade will be housed on the first floor of the academic wing.
- A daily advisory period will be scheduled before lunch each day. Flexible advisory will offer teachers and students the opportunity to build stronger, more trusting relationships, extend core curricular subjects for enrichment or remediation, plan character education activities, receive school-wide announcements and offer students the chance to improve organizational study skills.
- A Learning Resource Period will be implemented in place of the Connections class if deemed appropriate as per individual student needs.
- The State of Illinois will require administration of the ISAT test to all 8th Grade students in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
Curriculum:
The entire curriculum will be fully aligned with the Illinois State Learning Standards and articulated with the 7th grade curricula. All academic courses will be divided into Core and Encore designations. Core classes will meet daily over the entire thirty-six (36) week school year. A “Connections” class will be added to the core curriculum at the 7th and 8th grade levels. This course will be designed to challenge students to utilize content related knowledge in making “connections” to practical, real world applications. Encore classes will meet daily; however rotate over a twelve (12) week cycle throughout the school year. Physical education will be offered to all students everyday. All students will be placed in the two (2) required Encore rotations. Students enrolled in a 7th grade Foreign Language class will continue studying the same language in 8th grade. Students placed in the Foreign Language program will have the opportunity of choosing an alternate Encore Rotation. The following table illustrates the learning opportunities offered to each student at the eighth grade level:
GRADE 8 – CURRICULAR DESIGN | CORE
(Full Year) REQUIRED | ENCORE
(3 - 12 week classes)
- P.E.and Foreign Language will be offered for one full year.
- Students placed in Foreign Language will choose the Practical Arts or Technical Arts encore rotations.
| | Algebra | Physical Education Rotation (Full year required) | Practical Arts Rotation | Technical Arts
Rotation | Foreign Language (3 year commitment) | Science | The 8th grade PE curriculum will involve the following units: Fitness Training
Individual Activities
Team Activities
Recreational Games
Dance
Gymnastics
Teambuilding | Graphic Art | Microsoft Office | French
(Full Year) | | Social Studies | Media Production | Computer Applications | Spanish
(Full Year) | | Language Arts (Double Block) | Journalism | Synergistics | | Connections |
8th Grade ENCORE Program Descriptions:
8TH GRADE P.E. : Students will learn the importance of life-long fitness through an interactive physical education curriculum. Cooperation, sportsmanship, responsibility, and respect will be developed through all physical activities.
8TH GRADE FOREIGN LANGUAGE : Students who were placed into the full-year French or Spanish course in sixth and seventh grade will continue their commitment in eighth grade by building upon and developing the previously learned skills of listening and speaking, grammar, and cultural awareness.
8TH GRADE COMPUTER GRAPHICS : This course will introduce students to computer graphics. Students will examine copyright ethics, digital artist, as well as the creating, importing and exporting of computer graphics. Students will use Adobe Photoshop Elements and Free Hand to manipulate graphics and create computer art.
8TH GRADE COMPUTER MICROSOFT OFFICE : This integrated technology class is designed to challenge individual knowledge and application of computer related skills. Students will use prior knowledge, problem solving strategies, and higher level thinking skills to complete projects and activities that involve the use of various modes of computer generated technology within the framework of Microsoft Office.
8TH GRADE COMPUTER APPLICATIONS: This course is designed for students to combine all the previously learned computer applications and utilize them in preparation for future academic and practical functions. Students will be engaged in a variety of project-based activities implementing more advanced technology skills from Microsoft Office, web-design and Imovie software, as well as computer graphic-related applications.
8TH GRADE SYNERGISTICS : The integrated technology program is a multimedia module-based curriculum that integrates elements of math, technology, science, and language arts. Learning is student-directed, hands-on, and cooperative in nature.
8TH GRADE MEDIA PRODUCTION : This course will introduce students to a variety of multimedia related topics as they pertain to the development of producing film. Students will learn how to use various multimedia technologies while exploring the pre-production, production, and post-production aspects of filmmaking. Students will also become familiar with types of scripts and screen writing techniques through their analysis of media production.
8TH GRADE JOURNALISM : This class is designed to engage students in all areas of journalism including print, broadcast, and photojournalism. In addition to analyzing print and television media, students will report, edit, and publish their own news articles based on current school and community events.
8th Grade CORE Program Descriptions:
ALGEBRA: Students will gain knowledge around families of functions, with special emphasis on linear and quadratic functions. Functions will be presented and interpreted using multiple representations such as, verbal descriptions, equations, tables, and graphs. Real-world situations will be modeled using functions in order to solve extended response problems and further develop higher-order thinking skills. In addition to algebra content, students will be exposed to lessons related to probability, statistics, data analysis, and geometry. The use of instructional technology will be interwoven into the framework of this course throughout the school year.
Algebra I, 2008, McDougal Littell
www.classzone.com
LANGUAGE ARTS: Students will study fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama, by analyzing literary elements, identifying word meaning through context, and interpreting selections through written response. Through their examination of these works, students will establish a connection between literature and the world around them. They will develop skills as writers using various strategies and techniques. It is our goal that each student will be able to communicate in writing for a variety of purposes.
Elements of Literature, 2007, Holt, 2nd Course
www.my.hrw.com
SCIENCE: Eighth grade students will be using the methods of scientific thinking and inquiry to explore various aspects of the world around them in an integrated science curriculum. The Changing Earth unit focuses on the movement of tectonic plates and earthquakes, concluding with how society depends on natural resources for energy and materials. The second unit, Earth’s Waters, describes how water moves through the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and land in a cycle. Chemical Interactions is the third unit of study and emphasizes the structure of an atom, chemical bonds, and chemical reactions. The final unit, Cells and Heredity, focuses on cell structure, function, and division, in relation to genetics.
McDougal Littell, Integrated Science Course 3
www.classzone.com
SOCIAL STUDIES: This course begins with World War I and proceeds to the present. The goal of eighth grade social studies is to help students learn and use significant facts of American history to gain insights into relationships among people, ideas, and events. Skill development, such as, map and graph reading, citizenship, and critical thinking will accompany this course of study.
History Alive , Teachers’ Curriculum Institute, 2002
CONNECTIONS: Connections is a CORE course of study offered at the seventh and eighth grade levels designed to challenge students to utilize content knowledge across all subjects in making connections to practical, real world units of study. This class will expand learning opportunities between academic subjects, practical problem solving skills, and higher order thinking. Students will be engaged in a variety of differentiated interdisciplinary units and enrichment activities that will challenge individual intellect and drive students to succeed.
GENERAL ACADEMIC TOPICS
Textbooks
Teachers on each team will issue textbooks to each student on their team. Students are responsible for these books and their condition for the entire year. As soon as you receive your books, cover the text and record your name inside the book cover. Each student will be responsible for the condition of their textbooks and must return them at the end of the year. Fines will be charged when textbooks are lost or damaged.
In-School Work Habits
* Students must report to class on time with all textbooks and supplies
* Students are to have completed all homework before class begins
* Students arriving with a late pass are to enter the classroom quietly in order not to disturb class activities
Homework
Each student will be asked to purchase an assignment organizer at registration in which he/she must record daily assignments. Students are expected to complete all work by its due date. (Lost organizers must be replaced at a cost of $6.00). Students may expect from 30-90 minutes of nightly homework. In addition, students should establish a nightly "reading time" to encourage reading habits and skills are practiced.
At Home Study Guidelines
School responsibilities and learning do not stop at the dismissal bell. To offer you an idea of how to successfully manage your at-home study time, try following these guidelines:
* Study in a quiet, well-lit room
* Pick a time to study when you are most alert. For some, it is best to study right after school; for others the best study time is just after dinner in the evening. Find the right time for you and use it every day. Use your VCR or DVR to tape your favorite TV shows! Don't allow TV-watching to overrule your routine!
*Have all materials (books, pens, paper, etc.) ready before you begin to study
*Study in short blocks of time (20-30 minutes) with five-minute breaks between study blocks
*Complete study tasks and then review or proofread your work
*Check your assignment book to make sure that you have completed all of your homework and study requirements
*When you have completed your homework, place it in a folder or notebook where it will not be misplaced
*Be sure to submit all of your homework on time to receive full credit for your efforts
GRADES, GRADE POINT AVERAGES (G.P.A.), HONOR ROLL AND PROMOTION
Grades: Grades are earned and reported six times each year. At the mid-point of each trimester, a progress report is given to each student indicating current progress. At the conclusion of each trimester a report card, listing all courses taken, will be issued to all students. Student achievement will be evaluated according to the Oak Lawn Hometown School District 123 grading scale. For the purpose of computing Grade Point Averages (G.P.A.) each grade is assigned the following points values:
| A+ | 100 | 4.33 | | A | 94-99 | 4.00 | | A- | 93 | 3.67 | | B+ | 92 | 3.33 | | B | 86-91 | 3.00 | | B- | 85 | 2.67 | | C+ | 84 | 2.33 | | C | 76-83 | 2.00 | | C- | 75 | 1.67 | | D+ | 74 | 1.33 | | D | 71-73 | 1.00 | | D- | 70 | 0.67 | | F | 0-69 | 0.00 |
Honor Roll: Grades from all subjects are computed according to their numerical values to determine honor roll status. Students may qualify for one of two honor rolls by fulfilling the following criteria:
- Honors: achieving a GPA of 3.00-3.59 and receiving no grade lower than a “C” in every subject. An “A” grade must be earned to equalize any “C” grade in one of the four major subjects.
- High Honors: achieving a GPA of 3.60 or greater and receiving an “A” or “B” in every subject, with at least two major subjects receiving an “A” grade.
Promotion: Students must satisfy two of the following three criteria in order to be promoted to the next grade:
- A final cumulative GPA of at least 1.60.
- No more than one final grade of “F” in any major subject.
- A final cumulative GPA of at least 1.00 in all major subjects.
Parents/guardians will be notified at the end of the first two (2) trimesters if their child is not meeting promotion requirements.
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