Dell H. Robison Middle School

Course List

2014-2015 Robison MS Tentative Advanced Course List 6th-8th grade
6th grade
(Read & Eng Acc Springboard will not be blocked for 2014-15)
Reading Accelerated 6-0250	This one-year course emphasizes the development of critical reading skills. This course is designated as accelerated by the enhanced instructional pacing, depth and breadth of content, and is designed for students who have demonstrated advanced reading skills. Students enrolled in this accelerated course read, comprehend, and interpret a variety of grade level and above grade level text independently and proficiently. Through close reading, critical writing, class discussions, and presentations, students deepen their ability to analyze, evaluate, and critique text. Students actively seek to understand other perspectives and cultures through reading and listening. Technology is used thoughtfully to enhance and integrate their reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language use. This course fulfills the sixth-grade reading requirement (will utilize SpringBoard 6th).
English Accelerated 6-0220	This one-year course provides instruction in the English Language Arts strands identified by the Common Core State Standards as reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language. This course is designated as accelerated by the faster instructional pacing and depth of content. This course is designed to build knowledge and critical thinking skills through close reading of texts; writing to support claims, to clarify ideas, and/or to develop ideas; and a range of collaborative discussions. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the sixth grade English requirement (will utilize SpringBoard 7th).
Math Accelerated 6-0420	This one-year course is designed to prepare students for the increased rigor of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Algebra I in middle school. This compacted course includes the grade six curriculum as well as a portion of the currently adopted CCSS grade seven curriculum. This course focuses on six critical areas: 1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; 2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; 3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; 4) developing understanding of statistical thinking; 5) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; and 6) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The use of manipulatives, mathematical tools, and technology, including calculators and computer software, is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the mathematics requirement for sixth-grade students.
7th grade
(Read & Eng Acc Springboard will not be blocked for 2014-15)
Reading Accelerated 7-1130	This one-year course emphasizes the development of critical reading skills. This course is designated as accelerated by the enhanced instructional pacing, depth and breadth of content, and is designed for students who have demonstrated advanced reading skills. Students enrolled in this accelerated course read, comprehend, and interpret a variety of grade level and above grade level text independently and proficiently. Through close reading, critical writing, class discussions, and presentations, students deepen their ability to analyze, evaluate, and critique text. Students actively seek to understand other perspectives and cultures through reading and listening. Technology is used thoughtfully to enhance and integrate their reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language use. This course fulfills the seventh-grade reading requirement (will use Springboard 8th).
English Accelerated 7-1030	This one-year course provides instruction in the English Language Arts strands identified by the Common Core State Standards as reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language. This course is designated as accelerated by the faster instructional pacing and depth of content. This course is designed to build on knowledge and skills through close reading of texts, learning combining elements of different kinds of writing in support of analysis and reflection, and class discussions. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the seventh grade English requirement (will use Springboard 8th).
Math Accelerated 7-1230	This one-year course is designed to prepare students for the increased rigor of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Algebra I in middle school. This compacted course includes grade seven curriculum as well as a portion of the currently adopted CCSS grade eight curriculum. This course focuses on six critical areas: 1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; 2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; 3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; 4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples; 5) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; and 6) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The use of manipulatives, mathematical tools, and technology, including calculators and computer software, is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the mathematics requirement for seventh-grade students.
Science Accelerated 7 – 1370	This one-year course for seventh-grade students focuses on understanding Earth and Space science systems. Students use scientific processes, protocols, and tools, including inquiry, to build understanding of Earth’s structure and place in the Solar System, atmospheric processes, and composition of matter. Critical thinking, collaboration, accuracy, and communication skills are practiced as students extend their scientific literacy. This course is distinguished from Science 7 by the instructional pacing and the addition of enrichment activities. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the science requirement for seventh-grade students.
U.S./Nevada History Accelerated 7 – 1300	This one-year course is a study of Nevada from statehood to present day and American history from the time of the American Revolution through World War II. Students explore and evaluate challenges facing the new nation and make connections between the rise of industrialization and contemporary social and economic conditions. The history of Nevada is integrated throughout the year. This course is distinguished from U.S./Nevada History 7 by instructional pacing and delivery of advanced content. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This is a required course for all seventh grade students.
8th grade
English Accelerated 8-2030	This one-year course provides instruction in the English Language Arts strands identified by the Common Core State Standards as reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language. This course is designated as accelerated by the enhanced instructional pacing and depth of content. This course is designed to build on knowledge and skills through close reading of texts, learning combining elements of different kinds of writing in support of analysis and reflection, and class discussions. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the eighth grade English requirement (will use Springboard 9th).
Algebra 1-4790	This one-year course provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills for further studies in mathematics. It is intended to increase mathematical fluency in problem solving, reasoning, modeling, and effective communication in the study of number, algebra, functions, and statistics. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The use of technology, including calculators and computer software, is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the Algebra I requirement and one of the mathematics credits required for high school graduation.
Science Accelerated 8-2390	This year-long course for eighth-grade students provides the physical science explanations that extend understandings developed in previous science courses. Students use scientific processes, protocols, and tools, including inquiry, to build understanding of structures, patterns, and relationships explained through the physical sciences. Critical thinking, collaboration, accuracy, and communication skills are emphasized as students refine their scientific literacy. This course is distinguished from Science 8 by the instructional pacing and the addition of enrichment activities. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the science requirement for eighth-grade students.
World Geography Accelerated 8-2300	This one-year course is the study of the world’s cultures, economics, history, regions, and geographic features from the development of ancient civilizations through the Age of Exploration. Students examine the earth from the scale of states, nations, countries, and continents creating connections to contemporary geographic conditions. Students synthesize concepts, patterns, and interdependent relationships that make our ever-changing world diverse and dynamic. This course is distinguished from World Geography 8 by instructional pacing and delivery of advanced content. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.