1. Otwell Middle 2015-2016

2.  The following is a list of traits and work habits that students are expected to exhibit. ◦ Strong organizational skills ◦ Motivation to complete all work on time and to advanced standards ◦ Initiative to complete makeup work ◦ High level reasoning/thinking skills ◦ Advanced communication skills ◦ Strong time management skills ◦ Advanced ability for skill set ◦ Ability to maintain a “fast pace” in course ◦ Positive attitude for learning

3.  6 th Grade ◦ Language Arts ◦ Math ◦ Social Studies

4.  7 th Grade ◦ Language Arts ◦ Math ◦ Science ◦ Social Studies

5.  8 th Grade ◦ Language Arts ◦ Math ◦ Social Studies ◦ Science ( Physical Science is a high school credit course.)

6.  Students will study, discuss, research and be held accountable for learning advanced concepts in these classes. Their studies will be more rigorous and in-depth and broader in scope when compared to on-level classes.  Students will be engaged in more and higher level writing assignments throughout the school year. (Higher Level = Application, Analysis, Synthesis and Evaluation of concepts studied.)

7.  Students will be engaged more in work and studies outside of class.  Students will be engaged in more inquiry- based and project-based learning.  Students can expect to collaborate and work in teams, as well as work independently as a self-motivated learner.

8.  Language Arts (6 th - 8 th ) ◦ Accelerated pace of curriculum ◦ Higher level questioning on assessments ◦ Extended grammar concepts ◦ Writing assignments throughout the year ◦ Research projects ◦ 4-5 novels per year ◦ Participation in Writing and Speech Competitions  Students do not have to enter the contest, but must participate in the process.)

9.  Advanced Math (6 th -8 th ) ◦ Complete current grade’s curriculum + several chapters of next grade’s curriculum ◦ Homework nightly ◦ Math based projects

10.  Accelerated Math (7 th & 8 th ) ◦ Fast pace requires more complex and rigorous content at a younger age ◦ 1 ½ years of Math curriculum in one school year ◦ New concepts every day ◦ Task based/student directed learning where teacher facilitates ◦ One hour of homework every night ◦ Students will finish high school Math curriculum at the end of Sophomore year ◦ Summer review packet due on the first day of school

11.  Science (7 th - 8 th ) ◦ Accelerated pace of curriculum ◦ Higher level questioning on assessments ◦ Assessments often include lengthy written response questions ◦ Participation in eCYBERMISSION research project

12.  To supplement the learning of students who have been identified as gifted or advanced, there is a nine- week Connections class tied to Central’s STEM program. Students will be offered this course once during their three years at OMS. We do not guarantee that this will secure a position for a student in the STEM program.

13.  Social Studies (6 th – 8 th ) ◦ Accelerated pace of curriculum ◦ Higher level questioning on assessments ◦ Writing assignments throughout the year ◦ Standards based projects ◦ Small group and large group discussions and presentations ◦ Curriculum based independent novel studies  7 th grade: 2-3 per year  8 th grade: 1 per year

14.  With the challenge and rigor associated with advanced studies courses, students may have to work harder than they ever have before in their studies. They may not always make an A or B.  Advanced studies courses do carry a heavier work load than on-level courses. All students are expected to complete work to advanced content expectations, turn things in on time, check itslearning when absent, and maintain a strong work ethic.

15.  For students whose parents have waived them into an advanced course, they may not drop until the end of the first semester. The grade from the advanced course does transfer.  For students who have been inaccurately recommended, a teacher may request a drop at any time first semester.  Advanced courses may not be dropped during  the second semester of school.

16.  Please feel free to contact us to discuss any questions you may have about advanced courses at Otwell Middle. ◦ Mrs. Beth Holder, Assistant Principal  770-887-5248 X 790417  bholder@forsyth.k12.ga.us bholder@forsyth.k12.ga.us  Ms. Melissa Sessa, Program Coordinator  770-887-5248 x 790422  msessa@forsyth.k12.ga.us msessa@forsyth.k12.ga.us