1. Welcome to issaquah middle school 6th Grade course selection 2019-20
Choosing Your Core Classes

2. Welcome to IMS!
We have a lot of experience welcoming fifth graders and their parents into our IMS family. This year, over 300 fifth graders will transition from our local elementary schools to IMS. In addition, we will be enrolling 6th graders who are new to the district
Transitioning to Middle School can feel a little overwhelming especially when it comes to making course decisions that may impact your child throughout high school
We’re here to help! The right choice may mean a better middle school experience for your child

3. 6th Grade Course Selection Packet
Your child brought home a packet. Please read the information carefully before making your elective and core course selections.
Fill out and sign the form and return it to the 5th grade teacher by the due date noted in the packet
Our district uses an informed self-select model that allows parents to choose the correct level of Language Arts, Math and Science for their child
The district has provided information and recommended criteria which is included in the packet. Please read the information carefully. Following the recommendations will result a better 6th grade experience for your child
Parents tell us that making these decisions can be difficult and confusing. This PowerPoint gives you some additional information to consider before making your choices

4. All 6th graders take the following:
REQUIRED CLASSES:
Language Arts – regular or advanced (1 year)
Social Studies (1 year)
Math – CC 6 or CC 7/8 (1 year)
Science – Path 1 or 2 (1 year)
PE (1 trimester)
Health (1 trimester)
Tech Smart (1 trimester)
Homeroom (25 minutes daily)
ELECTIVE CHOICE (You will choose from):
Year-long Music Elective – Band (Brass or Woodwinds), Chorus, OR Orchestra OR
6th Grade Exploratory – Made up of three single-trimester electives: Introduction to Leadership, Art Exploratory, Recreational Activities
NOTE: Students with an IEP, or who require ELL or academic support will take a support class in place of the elective
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS ARE ON THE IMS WEBSITE

5. before deciding between regular and advanced courses, consider the following:
All core courses have rigor and the rigor and prepare students for high school and beyond
There are many ways to advance in math and science once the student get into high school
Avoid looking too far ahead and choose what is right for your child now
BALANCE IS IMPORTANT – Middle school should be enjoyable and an opportunity to try new things
Consider your child’s ability to manage both extra curricular activities AND the increased expectations of an advanced class
Feel confident in your decision. When a class level has to be changed after school starts in September, it can be disruptive to the schedule and upsetting to a new middle school student
Follow the guidelines in the packet and visit the ISD website for additional information if necessary

6. Profile of a successful advanced student:
Strong work habits and initiative, and high desire to engage in learning
Consistently earns high marks on report cards AND exceeded standards on standardized tests
Excellent organizational skills
Motivation, perseverance and stamina for learning challenging material
Social/emotional maturity and is prepared to be in math and science classrooms with older students
Active participant in all aspects of the classroom
Prepared to devote extra time to studies outside the school day
Enjoys the challenge of the advanced classroom
Willing to accept that grades could be lower than if they took a typical course

7. Language Arts
Students can decide between Regular and Advanced Language Arts every year during spring course selection
Both courses are designed to support and challenge students
For success in Advanced LA students should:
Fit the profile of successful student on the previous slide
Be avid readers AND enjoy writing and be willing to devote extra time to both
Take responsibility for their learning in and outside the classroom
Consistently earn top marks in reading/comprehension on their report card AND exceed standard in reading on standardized tests

8. math Middle School Math Pathways: FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION:
Common Core Path – CC6, CC7, CC8
Accelerated (Compacted) Path – CC6, CC7/8, CC8/Algebra 1 (high school course)
Skipping Content – CC 7/8, CC8/Algebra 1, (high school course) Geometry (high school course)
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION:
Most 5th graders have not learned the ISD 6th grade math curriculum and should take CC 6 Math
Strong math students can begin compacted pacing AFTER 6th grade
Before choosing CC 7/8 have your child take the Common Core 6 Mastery Assessment which can be found on the district website. A score of 80% or above this test indicates your child may be prepared for CC 7/8
In addition to scoring well on the Mastery Assessment, students considering this option should consistently earn top scores in Math on their report cards and exceed standards on standardized tests
CC 7/8 is an advanced AND compacted math class. It moves at a fast pace and compacts one and one half years of math into one year
6th Graders in CC 7/8 need the emotional maturity to be in a classroom with older students
To meet high school graduation requirements, students should be prepared to take 4 years of math in grades Taking advanced math in middle school means your student will complete challenging math in high school

9. science Middle School Science Pathways:
Path 1 – Life Science, Earth Space Science, Physical Science
Path 2 – Earth Space Science, Physical Science, Biology (high school course).
Note: Biology is followed by Chemistry in grade 9
Most 6th graders take Life Science
In additional to the curriculum, Life Science teaches students lab safety skills that prepare them for more advanced science courses
Life Science students visit the Woodland Park Zoo to kick-off their Wild Wise: Coexisting with Carnivores unit and learn about Northwest animals and their habitats.
A small number of students take Earth Space Science (Path 2)
Choosing Science Path 2 means your child skips the entire 6th grade Life Science curriculum
Before choosing Path 2, consider your child’s emotional maturity and readiness to be in a classroom with older more experienced science students
Students should consistently earn top marks on reading and math on their report card and exceed standard on standardized tests.
To meet high school graduation requirements, students should be prepared to take 3-4 years of science in grades Choosing Path 2 means your student will complete challenging science courses in high school

10. “full meal deal”
This refers to students who take on a number of advanced courses and end up carrying a heavy load of work and responsibility when they get to 8th grade
When considering advanced courses this is where it is important to look ahead
Some 8th grade students are in Advanced Language Arts, Algebra 1 or Geometry (both high school courses) and Biology (rigorous high school course) In addition, many of these students continue with Band or Orchestra AND decide to begin a world language (high school course). Some 8th graders are required to take Independent Health and PE outside of the school day
Even top students and their parents report that it can be difficult to manage the academic responsibility (homework) and maintain other interests outside of school

11. Let us know how we can help..
We hope this has helped answer some of your questions.
If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help!
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW:
Sign up for IMS E-News on our website
In August, you will use your Family Access account to complete online back to school check in. Your family will have plenty of opportunity to visit the IMS campus, meet our office staff and see that IMS is a welcoming place
Save the date for our WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) New Student Orientation. Check our website for this date. You don’t want your child to miss this fun event!
Be ready for the first day of school by making sure your child gets their Tdap shot after their 11th birthday
Students participating in sports should get their physical AFTER June 15.