Student Success in Middle School Advanced Pathway Courses 1

Middle School English and Mathematics Courses All middle school English and Mathematics core and advanced pathways courses are college and career ready preparatory classes. Common Core Standards are the focus of each English and Mathematics class –Rigorous standards for all students –Aligned to college and career readiness Students are expected to engage in class, to attend class regularly, to turn assignments in on time, to seek help when needed, and to complete independent reading and homework outside of school Students should recognize that effort is an important component of success, and they should strive to excel in their classes 2

Middle School Advanced Pathway Courses Advanced pathways courses in English and Mathematics: Provide a higher level of academic demand, an accelerated pace (with minimal practice), and greater depth and complexity, compared to core courses Expect that each student has made a commitment to meet the increased work and study expectations and to put in the extra time and work needed outside of school to keep up with the faster pace of the course and the amount of independent reading expected Expect that students perform at standard/above standard in class Once students are placed in advanced pathway courses, they will not be allowed to transfer out without a conference with the student, parents/guardians, the teacher, and the administrator. 3

Middle School English Sequence Grade 5 Reading and Writing Grade 6 English Grade 7 English Grade 8 English English 1 English 1 Honors Grade 6 English Honors Grade 7 English Honors English 1 English 2 English 2 Honors Middle School Grade 5 Grade 9 Advanced Pathway

Middle School Math Sequence Grade 5 Math Grade 6 CCSS Grade 7 CCSS Grade 8 CCSS Algebra I Compacted 6/7 Compacted 7/8 Compacted 8/Algebra 1 Geometry Compacted 6/7 Compacted 7/8 Compacted 8/Algebra 1 Geometry Algebra II Middle School Grade 5 Grade 9 Highly Capable Advanced Pathway

Academic Indicators for Success in English Advanced Pathway Courses Students successful in advanced pathways courses in English have demonstrated these academic indicators: Student academic performance demonstrates at or above grade level proficiency in English (elementary Reading and Writing) The student demonstrates well-developed reading, writing, and communication skills in prior performance in classes and on classroom-based assessments The student seeks opportunities to read independently and to analyze and respond to texts 6

Academic Indicators for Success in Math Advanced Pathways Courses Students successful in advanced pathways courses in Math have demonstrated these academic indicators: Student academic performance demonstrates at or above grade level proficiency in mathematics The student shows an interest in a mathematics pathway leading to Algebra 1, so they have the opportunity to take more advanced math and STEM-related courses in high school The student demonstrates positive learning attributes which include: productive persistence, embracing challenge, perseverance, responsibility for own learning and intellectual engagement Access to this pathway is not predicated on a student’s prior knowledge of mathematics that will be covered, as no content is skipped. 7

Indicators for Success: Motivation, Responsibility, and Perseverance Students successful in advanced pathways courses in English and Mathematics: Demonstrate a high level of interest and intellectual engagement in English and/or Mathematics Are highly self-motivated and have the desire to be challenged and to excel in their courses Take responsibility for their own learning, attend class regularly, complete assignments on time, and recognize that effort is an important component of success Successfully complete tasks that require time, thought, perseverance, and implementation of multiple steps, concepts, or techniques Examine and learn from errors, try different approaches when needed, revise their work throughout the learning process, and seek help and access resources when needed 8