English Language Arts, Math and Science Advanced Pathways Beaver Lake Middle School

Issaquah School District also offers advanced and accelerated options in English Language Arts, Math, and Science for students in middle school whose personal goals, interests, and abilities would benefit from these options.

What to consider when selecting Advanced Pathways Students choosing advanced/accelerated courses should: have excellent study habits and organizational skills. have communication and reading skills for engaging with rigorous material. demonstrate motivation, perseverance and endurance. be active participants in all aspects of the classroom, including discussions, group or individual projects, and labs. consider the increased time commitment to studies outside of the school day. Please consider all responsibilities, including sports, music and club affiliations. consider the possibility that grades could be lower than if students took the typical course sequence(s). Complete ungraded assignments to support their learning

Selecting an Advanced Course In Language Arts, this decision will be made yearly. However, for math and science, once a student starts a path above grade level it is not possible to change course without repeating content at some point in time.

Options for Language Arts Welcome! Our goal today is to give you an overview of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics and our new middle school math options that will begin next year. Issaquah School District

Is my child ready for Advanced Language Arts

The differences between LA+ and LA

Issaquah School District Options for MS Math Welcome! Our goal today is to give you an overview of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics and our new middle school math options that will begin next year. Issaquah School District

Middle School Common Core Math Courses This chart shows how the course sequence extends through middle school. (EXPLAIN CHART.)   WHAT’S THE SAME? Families can still self-select the most appropriate math pacing for their child. All students will have the opportunity to study linear functions in middle school. Much of the content central to typical Algebra 1 courses—namely linear equations, inequalities, and functions—is found in CC 8. NOTE: Three years of math in high school (in grades 9-12) are required for graduation. Smarter Balanced Assessments will be given in grades 6, 7, 8, and 11. Meeting standard on the 11th grade Smarter Balanced test will be a graduation requirement.

Math Placement Selection Form In your registration materials, you will receive a letter with all of the details we’re explaining tonight. There is also a Math Placement Selection Form which must be completed and returned to your child’s fifth grade teacher by April 18th. Most students will select CC 6 as they begin middle school. The next decision will be at the end of 6th grade, when you’ll choose which pacing best suits your child. At that point you’ll have the benefit of a year of middle school math under your belt and your child’s middle school math teacher can provide some input as well. Some students can demonstrate sufficient mastery of CC 6 skills and concepts to skip this course and begin middle school in CC 7/8. Let’s talk a bit about that option. Students should demonstrate work habits that would lead to success in an advanced And compacted curriculum.

Is my child ready for CC 7/8? The only decision to be made in the spring of 5th grade is considering whether your child can demonstrate sufficient mastery of new 6th grade Common Core math to indicate readiness to skip CC 6 and begin middle school in CC 7/8. Selecting this option means that your child will both SKIP 6th grade math and choose COMPACTED PACING through middle school.

Is my child ready for CC 7/8?

Is my child ready for CC 7/8?

Issaquah School District Options for Science Welcome! Our goal today is to give you an overview of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics and our new middle school math options that will begin next year. Issaquah School District

Middle School Science Options Grade Level MS Science Path I MS Science Path II 6th Life Science Earth and Space Science 7th Physical Science 8th High School Biology Science Path I students will take Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Physical Science. They will then take Biology in 9th grade. Science Path II students will skip Life Science and begin middle school in Earth and Space Science. They will take Physical Science in 7th grade and High School Biology in 8th grade.

Science and Math Considerations When considering your child’s science pathway, it is important to consider your child’s math readiness. Due to the algebra skills required for high school science classes such as Chemistry and Physics, selecting Science Path II may necessitate taking a non-algebra-based science elective in 9th grade. Talking Points Parents will be making the science decision at the end of 5th grade. Most families will make the math decision at the end of 6th grade. This is OK! Choose the math pacing now that is best for your child. You do not need to make a math decision now in order to line up with Science Path II. You can still make your math decision at the end of 6th grade. If you choose Science Path I, whichever math pacing you choose after 6th grade will work fine in terms of high school math and science alignment, because students in all math pacing will have completed at least Algebra I before they register for courses such as chemistry or physics in grade 10. If you choose Science Path II, and then decide that Common Core Grade Level Pacing is best, you child may need to take a non-algebra-based science course in 9th grade, in order to have time to complete Algebra I before taking algebra-based sciences such as Chemistry or Physics.

Science and Math Considerations Grade Level MS Science Path I MS Science Path II 6th Life Science Earth and Space Science 7th Physical Science 8th High School Biology 9th Biology Chemistry, Physics, or Non-Algebra-based Science Elective What is important to note is that in order to be successful in courses such as Chemistry and Physics, a student needs to have already completed Algebra I. This is why it is important to consider the relationship between your child’s Science Path and Math Pacing. If you choose Science Path I, whichever math pacing you choose after 6th grade will work fine in terms of high school math and science alignment, because students in all math pacing will have completed at least Algebra I before they register for courses such as chemistry or physics in grade 10. If you choose Science Path II, and then decide that Common Core Grade Level Pacing is best, you child may need to take a non-algebra-based science course in 9th grade, in order to have time to complete Algebra I before taking algebra-based sciences such as Chemistry or Physics. Students in CC Grade Level Pacing

Effects of skipping Life Science Biology is a high school level course Some foundational life science material might have to be learned independently (Erl, can you talk to Sarah about talking points about this?)

Registration Materials will be Coming home tomorrow after Our 5th Grade Orientation