Middle School Course Catalog

CORE LANGUAGE ARTS 7 - ENG703/ENG704

Students will continue to reflect on their reading skills and adjust their comprehension and vocabulary strategies. Students will refine their understanding of the author’s craft. Students will use oral and written responses to analyze and/or synthesize information from multiple sources to deepen understanding of a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction texts. Students will read for pleasure and choose books based on personal preference, topic, genre, theme or author. Students will use the writing process to develop coherent and interesting writing in forms and styles appropriate for their purpose and audience while refining their understanding of conventions and usage. Students will develop their ability to speak effectively in front of a group. They will work collaboratively as well as individually to set and accomplish goals while evaluating their own progress.

CORE LANGUAGE ARTS 8 - ENG803/ENG804

Students will integrate a variety of comprehension and vocabulary strategies. They will adapt their reading to different types of text. Students will refine their understanding of the author’s craft, commenting on and critically evaluating text as they thoughtfully analyze universal themes in literature and the effect of mass media. Students will use oral and written responses to analyze and/or synthesize information from multiple sources to deepen understanding of a wide variety of texts. Students will continue to read for pleasure, sharing and reflecting on their experiences. Students will continue to refine their writing process to develop coherent and interesting writing. Students will refine their ability to speak effectively in front of a group. Students will participate productively in groups, use constructive feedback to improve their work, evaluate their progress, and set future goals.

HUMANITIES 7 - ELA709/ELA710

Seventh-grade  Humanities encompasses a comprehensive, rigorous curriuclum. The Common Core State Standards directs and supports the content for English-Language Arts, U.S. History from inception through reconstruction and Washington State History. Washington State History is a required course for graduation. The Humanitities' focus lends itself to authentic, deep learning and critical thinking skills via historical, scholarly research, reading, debate, historical fiction, enduring understanding and asking and explorting deep questions.

HUMANITIES 8 - ELA809/ELA810

Eighth grade Humanities covers both Language Arts and World Studies content, while integrating technology and information skills. Expectations for students are high; students will be consistentlyy challenged. Common Core State Standards and ELA skills and concepts are connnected to and enhanced by combining writing, reading, speaking, listening, art, video clips, and primary sources. An emphasis will be placed on the following skills: research, effective communication (both writitten and oral), problem solving and cirtical thinking through project-based learning. The eighth grade year-long curriculum covers Ancient Civilizations. This includes pre-history (the time period before written records) & early humans, life on the Fertile Crescent, ancient Equpty, Rome, Greece, China and the European Middle Ages. Our overarching, yearlong essential questions are: How does understanding the past help us to understand the present?

LANGUAGE ARTS I - ELL001

Repeat:  This course is repeatable for an additional semester.

Description:

This course is designed to develop language acquisition skills in producing and expanding simple, compound and complex sentences, participating in conversations, discussions, and written exchanges around familiar topics and texts, and determining the meaning of general academic and content-specific words, phrases and frequently occurring expressions. Emphasis is on building knowledge through content-rich nonfiction, writing to sources by using evidence from text, both literary and informational, and regular practice with complex text and its academic language.

Course content is aligned with grade-level English Language Proficiency standards, English Language Arts CCSS and follows district ELA instructional framework.

This course may be combined with Language Development I course to form a two-hour block.

LANGUAGE ARTS II - ELL002

 Description: 

This course is designed to develop language acquisition skills in producing and expanding simple, compound and complex sentences, participating in conversations, discussions, and written exchanges around familiar topics and texts, and determining the meaning of general academic and content-specific words, phrases and frequently occurring expressions. Emphasis is on building knowledge through content-rich nonfiction, writing to sources by using evidence from text, both literary and informational, and regular practice with complex text and its academic language.

Course content is aligned with grade-level English Language Proficiency standards, English Language Arts CCSS and follows district ELA instructional framework.

This course may be combined with Language Development II course to form a two-hour block.

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT I - ELL013

Description: 

This course is designed to develop language acquisition skills in understanding and generating simple and compound sentences, determining the meaning of frequently occurring words, phrases, and expressions, and beginning to use academic and content specific vocabulary in conversations and discussions. Emphasis is on building knowledge through content-rich nonfiction, writing to sources by using evidence from text, both literary and informational, and regular practice with complex text and its academic language.

Course content is aligned with grade-level English Language Proficiency standards, English Language Arts CCSS and follows district ELA instructional framework.

This course may be combined with Language Arts I course to form a two-hour block.

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT II - ELL014

Description:

This course is designed to develop language acquisition skills in producing and expanding simple, compound and complex sentences, participating in conversations, discussions, and written exchanges around familiar topics and texts, and determining the meaning of general academic and content-specific words, phrases and frequently occurring expressions. Emphasis is on building knowledge through content-rich nonfiction, writing to sources by using evidence from text, both literary and informational, and regular practice with complex text and its academic language.

Course content is aligned with grade-level English Language Proficiency standards, English Language Arts CCSS and follows district ELA instructional framework.

This course may be combined with Language Arts II course to form a two-hour block.

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT III - ELL012

This course is designed to provide Language acquisition support. Course work will cover the essential areas of reading (vocabulary development, literary genre, literary comprehension, and nonfiction comprehension) and writing (writing process, word choice, organization and structure, clear and effective writing, and conventions) to prepare students to be successful in core classes and state tests.

Course content is aligned with grade-level English Language Proficiency standards, English Language Arts CCSS and follows district ELA instructional framework.

LANGUAGE FOUNDATIONS - ELL015

This course is designed for Newcomers only to support English Language development. Emphasis is on building academic language through content-rich nonfiction, writing to sources by using evidence from text,both literary and informational and regular practice with complex text.

Inside the USA Summative Assessment: End-of-Level Test can be used as a pretest for additional placement criteria; upon passing this test, students will be moved immediately from this course.

This course may be combined with Language Arts I and Language Development I courses.

ALGEBRA I-II - MAT201/MAT202

Course Description:  Students will study content and processes as described by the Washington State K-12 Mathematics Standards for Algebra 1.  They will learn to solve many problems involving functions:  linear, quadratic, and exponential.  They will use functions, variable expressions, and equations to analyze relationships, represent and model problems, and answer questions.  Students will work with the real number system:  integer exponents, scientific notation, and radicals.  They will also analyze data to determine the relationship between two variables and make and defend appropriate predictions, conjectures, and generalizations. Students who successfully complete this course will earn up to 1.0 high school credits.

CORE MATH 7 - MAT707/MAT708

Students will study content and processes as described by the Washington State K-12 Mathematics Standards for Grade 7. In Core Math 7, students will focus on four critical content areas: 1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships, 2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations, 3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volum; and 4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples.

CORE MATH 8 - MAT811/MAT812

Students will study content and processes as described by the Washington State K-12 Mathematics Standards for Grade 8. in Core Math 8 students will focus on three critical content areas: 1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an associaton in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations, 2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships, 3) analyzing two and three dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity and congruence and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

GEOMETRY I-II - MAT203/MAT204

Course Description:  Students will study content and processes as described by the Washington State K-12 Mathematics Standards for Geometry.  They will formalize reasoning skills and solidify their understanding of what it means to prove a geometric statement mathematically.  Students will use inductive reasoning to test conjectures about geometric relationships and use deductive reasoning to prove or disprove their conclusions about characteristics and relationships of lines, angles, 2- and 3-dimensional figures, geometry in the coordinate plane, and geometric transformations. Students who successfully complete this course will earn 1.0 high school credit.

PRE-ALGEBRA I-II - MAT130/MAT131

In preparation for algebra and higher level mathematics, students will solve problems that involve proportional and linear relationships.  They will model applied problems with mathematical functions represented by graphs and other algebraic techniques.  They will solve a variety of linear equalities and inequalities.  They will study squares and square roots, measures of central tendency and statistical principles, scientific notation and exponents, and lines and angles.  Students will use current technology, manipulatives, and models to analyze data and communicate relationships.

ANNUAL - NDE801/NDE802

This is a course offering participation in gathering, preparing and publishing the records of the personality and the history of one school year. Skills in editing, journalism, photography, printing layout, business management, surveying, data analysis, and business management will be developed.

COMPUTER ESSENTIALS - BUS002

This course is designed to provide students with technology skills required for graduation. It is a comprehensive course where students apply computer skills to business and personal applications. It emphasizes learning to type by touch and other data input technologies. Presentation skills, databases, spreadsheets, charting and word processing skills will be introduced. 

LEADERSHIP - NDL800/NDL801

Students will develop communication and organizational skills through hands-on leadership opportunities.  They will develop peer lessons, run assemblies, and implement service projects to create an improved school climate.

MENTORSHIP - NDM004/NDM005

This course focuses oncreating a safe environment for varied life experiences, student voices, and cultures to be heard and supported. This course embraces uniqueness, affirmations, student advocacy, and utilizes an array of specific tools and strategies for empowering and inspiring youth to discover their full potential, including overcoming roadblocks, fears, and trauma encountered in one’s life, and opening new paths to student success.  Students develop the skills to lead open discussion with their peers, to develop their personal interpretation and understanding of their individual life experiences allowing for a common understanding. P/F Grading

STUDENT TEACHER ASSISTANTS - NDS801

Students assist the classroom teacher for one period per day.

HEALTH & FITNESS 7 I-II - HFIT17/HFIT27

Students in this integrated class will acquire the skills and knowledge to lead an active and healthy lifestyle, to analyze and evaluate the impact of real-life influences on health and to develop a fitness plan based on life goals.

HEALTH & FITNESS 8 I-II - HFIT18

Students in this integrated class will acquire the skills and knowledge to lead an active and healthy lifestyle, to analyze and evaluate the impact of real-life influences on health and to develop a fitness plan based on life goals. 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 9 - PHY901

Students will understand the concepts of developing a healthy lifestyle through development of physical skills, personal fitness, knowledge, and appreciation of physical activity. Students will be assessed through demonstrations, writing, and speaking to make physical activity a part of healthful living. Students will participate in loco-motor, rhythmic, and manipulative acitivities, promoting sportsmanship, healthy habits, and positive attitudes. Students who successfully complete this course will earn a .5 high school PE credit. 

SCIENCE 7 I-II - SCI701/SCI702

This is a laboratory course that explores elements of life and earth science.  Through experiments, explorations, presentations, and projects, students will learn essential concepts from cells to organisms, variation and adaptation, cycles in earth systems, and evidence of change. As a result of this class, students will be able to apply critical thinking skills to everyday science concepts, explain and demonstrate their thinking, and gain increased responsibility for their learning.

SCIENCE 8 I-II - SCI803/SCI804

This is a laboratory course that explores physical science.  Through experiments, explorations, presentations and projects, students will learn essential concepts of force and motion, properties and changes of matter, and energy transfer, transformation and conservation. As a result of this class, students will be able to apply critical thinking skills to everyday science concepts, explain and demonstrate their thinking, and gain increased responsibility for their learning.

HUMANITIES/WA ST - SOC707/SOC708

Seventh-grade  Humanities encompasses a comprehensive, rigorous curriuclum. The Common Core State Standards directs and supports the content for English-Language Arts, U.S. History from inception through reconstruction and Washington State History. Washington State History is a required course for graduation. The Humanitities' focus lends itself to authentic, deep learning and critical thinking skills via historical, scholarly research, reading, debate, historical fiction, enduring understanding and asking and explorting deep questions.

HUMANTITIES 8 - SOC827/SOC828

Eight grade Humanities covers both Language Arts and World Studies content, while integrating technology and information skills. Expectations for students are high; students will be consistentlyy challenged. Common Core State Standards and ELA skills and concepts are connnected to and enhanced by combining writing, reading, speaking, listening, art, video clips, and primary sources. An emphasis will be placed on the following skills: research, effective communication (both writitten and oral), problem solving and cirtical thinking through project-based learning. The eighth grade year-long curriculum covers Ancient Civilizations. This includes pre-history (the time period before written records) & early humans, life on the Fertile Crescent, ancient Equpty, Rome, Greece, China and the European Middle Ages. Our overarching, yearlong essential questions are: How does understanding the past help us to understand the present?

SOCIAL STUDIES 7: EARLY AMERICAN STUDIES/WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY - SOC701/SOC702

Note:  Washington State History requirement is met by taking this course.

This course will explore diversity of cultures, components of government, historical patterns of changing relationships, and historical conflicts.  Social Studies 7 will focus on the diverse heritage of United States history from the establishment of the new nation through the turn of the 20th Century.  Washington State History will focus on patterns and change from statehood through the contemporary period.

SOCIAL STUDIES 8: WORLD STUDIES ANCIENT TO 1400'S - SOC821/SOC822

This course will use Social Studies concepts in world history from the emergence of civilizations through the development of patterns in human activity.  Students will examine ancient cultures, classical institutions, social organization, and significant conflicts.  Links will be drawn between historical ideas and the modern world.

ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION - ACPE80/ACPE81

Registration: Registration for this course is completed through consultation with special education teachers.
Course Description: This course is designed to develop student’s large and small motor skills, agility, strength, and general physical fitness. Appropriate development of leisure skills may be included. This course is for students who cannot be successful in general Physical Education even with supports, modifications and/or accommodations.

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS - ACSK80/ACSK81

Registration: Registration for this course is completed through consultation with special education teachers.
Course Description: Instruction will focus on specially designed instruction in a variety of adaptive skills such as time management, organization, note-taking, identification of main ideas, vocabulary skills, use of textbooks and other course resources, outlining, self-presentation, test-taking, effective speaking and  listening.  The program is individualized according to students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

LANGUAGE ARTS - ACLA85/ACLA86

Registration: Registration for this course is completed through consultation with special education teachers.

 Course Description: This course provides specially designed instruction in writing skills, reading fluency, and/or reading comprehension. Different grade levels/courses may be offered within a classroom at the same time.  The content of this course is developed based on students' Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

MATH - ACMA81/ACMA82

Registration: Registration for this course is completed through consultation with special education teachers.
Course Description: This course provides specially designed instruction in identified math skills. Application of learned skills to functional daily living skills and the world of work is included.  Different grade level standards and curricular resources may be offered within a classroom at the same time. The program is individualized according to students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

PRE-VOCATIONAL SKILLS - ACVS91/ACVS92

Registration: Registration for this course is completed through consultation with special education teachers.
Course Description: This course provides students with an introduction to basic skills needed for the world of work including types of jobs available within different fields, job expectations, real work experiences, and independent living survival skills. Different grade levels may be included within a classroom at the same time. The program is individualized according to students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and is for students who cannot effectively access this instruction in a general education elective.