1. NEEDHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS GRADE 6-8 PROGRAM OF STUDIES 2009-10

2. Current Middle School Program: A Snapshot The current middle school program consists of cluster classes (Math, Science, SS, & ELA) & Elective Classes A number of Elective Classes are required - i.e. Phys. Ed.; Health, Foreign Language A number of Elective Classes are also available by choice - i.e. Experiential Education, Visual Arts Classes, some Computer Classes

3. Middle School Program Con’t The ability to balance class sizes in the Elective program has been strained due to FTES not keeping pace with class sizes. There is wide variability in the experience students have by the time they transition to the high school. This variability has led to great inconsistency from grade to grade. For example, some students take four Visual Arts classes in a year while others take one; some may only take one computer class over the three years while others take four.

4. An Opportunity… The current program has remained relatively unchanged for many years. Bringing High Rock online provided an opportunity to review the existing program & consider alternatives. A chance to redefine a program that provides a more comprehensive experience for more students. Important that any restructuring of the current program maximizes resources while providing students with a well-rounded experience.

5. Values Associated with the Current Pollard Program “Structural Elements” Cluster Model sustained where all students are ‘in cluster’ at the same time. An two-day rotation which allows for heightened contact time with students. Trimester Model 12 - 15 ‘Elective Classes’ per year for each student.

6. Values Associated with the Current Pollard Program “Programmatic Elements” Foreign Language every other day in 6th & 7th & everyday in 8th grade. Physical Education every other day for the year; Health for a trimester. Exposure to Performing Arts (Band, Strings, Chorus) within the regular school day & offered every other day for the year. Classes in Fine Arts, Technology, & Experiential Education.

7. Highlights Of Proposed Middle School Program Maintains both the structural & programmatic values. Creates coherence in the learning experiences by requiring in effect all students to take all classes offered. Capitalizes on the opportunity & introduces two new courses: Literacy & Media Studies @ 6th Grade & Design & Engineering @ the 7th & 8th Grades.

8. 6th Grade Program Overview Core classes of ELA, Math, Science & Social Studies everyday Foreign Language for three trimesters Physical Education for two trimesters; Health Education for one Literacy & Media Studies for one trimester Visual Arts for one trimester Computer Technology for one trimester Performing Arts rotation which includes three trimester of Band/Strings OR a rotation of Chorus & General Music Classes

9. 6th Grade Program A DayB DayA DayB DayA DayB Day Cluster Phys. Ed.Foreign Lang. Phys. Ed.Foreign Lang. HealthForeign Lang. Computer Technology Performing Arts Literacy & Media Performing Arts Visual Art Performing Arts Trimester ITrimester IITrimester III

10. 7th Grade Program Overview Core classes of ELA, Math, Science & Social Studies everyday Foreign Language for three trimesters Physical Education for three trimesters; Health Education for one Experiential Education for one trimester Visual Arts for two trimesters Computer Technology for one trimester Technology & Engineering for one trimester Performing Arts rotation includes three trimester of Band/Strings/Chorus OR a rotation of Music Explorations, Theatre Arts, & Ceramics/Sculpture

11. 7th Grade Program A DayB DayA DayB DayA DayB Day Cluster Phys. Ed.Foreign Lang. Phys. Ed.Foreign Lang. Phys. Ed.Foreign Lang. Computer Technology Performing Arts Visual Art II Performing Arts Visual Art II Performing Arts Health Experiential Education Tech & Engineering Trimester ITrimester IITrimester III

12. 8th Grade Program Overview Core classes of ELA, Math, Science & Social Studies everyday Foreign Language everyday for three trimesters Physical Education for three trimesters; Health Education for one Visual Arts for one trimesters Computer Technology for one trimester Technology & Engineering for one trimester Performing Arts rotation includes three trimester of Band/Strings/Chorus OR a rotation of Theater Musical Arts, Ceramic/Sculpture & Engineering & Technology for non instrumentalists.

13. 8th Grade Program A DayB DayA DayB DayA DayB Day Cluster Foreign Lang. Computer Technology Performing Arts Health Performing Arts Visual Art Performing Arts Phys. Ed. Trimester ITrimester IITrimester III