Course Descriptions GRADE 7
WORLD LANGUAGE COURSE Exploring World Languages and Cultures
[ elective, every other day ] Major outcomes:
• Understand and use basic phrases [ emphasis on French, German, and Spanish ]
• Develop an appreciation of other cultures
• Gain experience that will guide students’ selection of future language study
Instructional focus: Students will engage in activities using the languages to promote skills in speaking, reading, listening, and writing. Connections will be made between language and culture using music, food, readings, videos, and / or games.
JACKSON MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVE
Science Fiction
[ JMS only ] [ elective, every other day ] Intended audience: Students interested in improving reading / writing, and / or scientific inquiry Major outcomes:
• Examine the genre of science fiction alongside the non-fiction science that creates worlds and situations that can’ t happen yet, and might never happen, but deal with the world we live in today
• Increase knowledge of history and nature of science through scientific inquiry
• Create print and non-print texts for different audiences and purposes
• Write effectively using the writing process( prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, publishing)
Projects, activities, etc.: Students will examine versions of science fiction in print and nonprint. Projects include inventing an item to be used in the future, designing a future society, researching a current problem in our world and proposing a solution in a presentation. Students will create their own science fiction writing piece. Discussions and presentations will be used to analyze science fiction. This course is designed for those who are already science fiction fans, as well as those who want to improve reading and writing skills. There will be opportunities for creative and analytical work. Through reading, writing, and viewing science fiction, students will be prepared to tackle tomorrow’ s problems. Instructional focus: Students will improve reading and writing skills in connection with scientific inquiry. Science fiction writes about tomorrow, but talks about today and this course will equip students with knowledge to better understand our world; develop skills in listening, speaking, media literacy, and pursuasive presentations. Projects, activities, etc.: Book clubs, persuasive writing assignments, research to support reading and writing, persuasive presentations, and independent reading. Instructional focus: Teachers will create daily reading, writing, and discussion activities as students explore thematic units. Language work will be embedded within authentic reading, writing, and speaking experiences. Teachers will offer multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning.
ASSISTANCE FOR STUDENTS ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT( ELD) SERVICES
Qualifying Multilingual Learners will be placed in an ELD course in place of a gradelevel English Language Arts( ELA) course; or an English Language Development( ELD) course in place of a grade-level elective course. This placement is based on state and district test scores and teacher recommendations. For more information about the ELD services, please see the Assistance for Students section on page 28 of this guide or contact your child’ s school.
MATH FOUNDATIONS AND / OR READING STRATEGIES
[ full year ]
Qualifying students will be placed in a math or reading intervention course in addition to their grade-level English and Math course. Students are recommended for these intervention courses based on state and district test scores, as well as teacher recommendations. For more information, please contact your school counselor.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Students with disabilities will be placed in support services courses as determined by their special education needs relating to their disability as outlined in their Individual Education Plan [ IEP ]. For more information about the Special Education program in general, please see the Assistance for Students section on page 28 of this guide. For individual student service questions, please contact your child’ s case manager.
18 Middle School Registration Guide