rising 7 th & 8 th grade scheduling information. lcps middle school program of studies both the...
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LCPSMiddle School Program of Studies
Both the Middle and High School Program of Studies are Located on the Main Page of the LCPS Website.
http://www.lcps.org The program of studies link is at the
bottom of the page under permanent links.
• English 7• History 7• Life Science 7• Language Arts Elective (World Language or
Communications)• Math• Health & PE• Resource / Fine Arts Elective (Music or Art)• Tech Ed / Family Consumer Sciences 7 –
Semester Classes
7th Grade Required Courses
7th Grade Electives
Pick 1 Language Arts Elective World Languages – Latin, German, Spanish,
French Communications
Pick 1 Fine Arts Elective Continue with Band Continue with Strings Continue with Chorus Guitar Level 1 Art
8th Grade Required Courses
English 8 Civics 8 Physical Science 8 Health & PE Resource Math 2 Electives
8th Grade Electives – Pick 2World languages – level I or level II
Music – band, chorus, strings, guitar
Manufacturing, Teen Living, Art
Choose based on your interest, not your friends – you may make changes until June 16th by submitting a note or e-mail to your student’s counselor.
High School Classes & Things to Think About
Middle school is a great place to start taking a World Language. You are more likely to be successful taking a language that you are interested in, not because you have a sibling taking that language!
Beginning a World Language in 7th grade, things to think about.
Keep in mind how much time you spend doing after school activities (sports, dance, etc.) and it is important to have a balance between your interests and your academics.
Some math courses and all World Language courses are High School Credit. They count towards your G.P.A. and go on your HS Transcript.
Communications Elective
Learn radio, television, newspaper, advertisement, and movie history and trivia.
Participate in the following throughout the year: Impromptu Theater demonstration speeches, interviews, Readers Theater (including storytelling and voiceovers), Radio plays, commercials, debates, and movie making.
Work in groups to create original project-based shows. Develop a background in journalism and broadcasting in preparation to
audition as a morning announcer, newswriter, photographer, or comic artist for 8th grade.
Create original storyboards and special effects while studying camera shots and angles.
Participate in all aspects of movie making, including writing, directing, acting, editing, props/costume coordination, and electronic set design.
Typical Middle School Math Progression
Math 6 -> Math 7 -> Math 8
or Math 6 -> Math 7 -> Algebra 1
Accel Math 6/7-> Math 8 ->Algebra 1
or Accel Math 6/7 -> Algebra 1 -> Geometry
MathMath Recommendation ProcessThe recommendation process is going on now and these are elements that teachers consider:
Current grade in course
Completion of work and meeting deadlines
Organization and effort
Following directions and participation
Demonstration of understanding
Doesn’t need frequent re-takes on assessments
These recommendations may change based on 2nd semester performance and SOL results.
SOL Results and Placement Decisions (Mr. Phillips spoke based on his experience)
425 & below – most likely does not have the mastery of the content and will probably struggle at the next level
425-450 - may need support in some areas to be successful at the next level
450 & above – has a good foundation in the course and will most likely be able to complete the course with little support
SOL failures will equal increased levels of direct support and interventions will be put in place
Math ProgressionOur principal has come to our community from being a FCPS principal. ERMS has a significantly higher percentage of students taking Algebra in 7th grade vs. 8th grade. Students taking Algebra in 7th grade are two years ahead of the natural math progression and student taking Algebra in 8th grade are still a year ahead. We want to ensure they are ready .Please note that some colleges/universities will not recognize AP Calculus as a college credit.There are many paths to higher math for those students who are ready, and that we want students to progress with confidence and a deep understanding at each step.
Extra Support in Reading and Math for Identified StudentsFor our students who have repeatedly failed the end of year SOL test in either math or reading, and who have been identified by their teacher we have courses that meet daily to remediate these skills. This does ultimately result in a loss of resource/elective in the student’s schedule. These students will be identified by the school, and we will contact parents.We have two Math Resource teachers who work with our students struggling in Math 6-8 and Algebra. We also have a peer tutoring program where peers are able to seek out help in any subject area in which they are struggling.
What happens next? Teacher recommendations will be coming home prior to
scheduling. Students will be picking their classes on Family Connections
the week of February 2-13. Friday, February 6, 2015 a letter explaining how to log onto
to Family Connections will be e-mailed to all parents. Family Connections will be live for you to make changes
until Friday, February 27, 2015. After that deadline, you can make changes up until the last
day of school, June 16, 2015. You will just need to notify your child’s counselor.
One to the World
ERMS will be a Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) pilot school beginning Monday, February 2, 2015.
What will this mean for your student?What types of technology are acceptable?Device and student safety.