1. Principal's Coffee February 11, 2014

2. Looking ahead to next year... What courses can my student take?

3. The number of classes that students may take does not change next year.... 6th/7th graders must take: math, LA, Social Studies, Science, and PE. They must take one LA elective and one other elective. 8th graders must take: math, LA, SS, and Science. They must take three other electives - one of them could be a LA elective, but that is not mandatory. Athletics is an elective in 8th grade.

4. Current LA Structure 6th-7th graders take two daily periods of LA daily 8th graders take one daily period of LA daily Discoveries courses for GT students are three periods per day for 6th-7th graders and two periods for 8th graders (LA & SS) Struggling students are supported either in a reading class for 8th grade only or during Wolf Time

5. Purpose: To continue to provide well-designed, focused LA instruction while providing students choices in their literacy learning. Key point: There will be NO reduction in the number of minutes Consistency of program structures

6. Description of LA Electives - single period 1. Future Problem Solvers - Community Problem Solvers grades 6 & 7 Full Year Very rigorous coursework, projects, and competitions

7. 2. Future Problem Solvers - Global Issues grades 6, 7 & 8 Full Year Very rigorous coursework, projects, and competitions

8. 3. AVID Grades 6, 7 & 8 Full year Acceptance into AVID is based on an application and interview process. WICOR curriculum Build college readiness skills

9. 4. GT Independent Study Half year - can be chosen for both semesters Open-ended Required elements will be research, reading, and writing Culminating project will be a presentation

10. 5. Creative Writing Grades 6, 7 & 8 Half year Designed to inspire and improve the writing of aspiring writers A variety of compositions

11. 6. Young Adult Literature Grades 6, 7 & 8 Half year Read, discuss, and reflect on numerous books and articles in a wide variety of genres A variety of composition

12. 7. Media and Technology Literacy Grades 6, 7 & 8 Half year Students will use digital tools to study, evaluate, and create multi- media projects around literacy topics. Analyze web based content

13. 8. Literacy Achievement Grades 6, 7 & 8 Full year Targeted intervention Small class sizes

14. 9. English Acquisition Grades 6, 7 & 8 Full year Students new to the English language English reading, writing, & speaking

15. In addition to the new LA electives, there are other new elective courses offered for 8th graders: Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance Principles of Art, Audio Video Technology, and Communications

16. House Bill 5 Endorsements STEM Business and Industry Public Services Arts and Humanities Multidisciplinary

17. Questions?