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McLean School Middle School Academics

Academics Middle School

Middle School (5-8) Philosophy

Our mission is to provide an encouraging, positive and nurturing environment in which our students' strengths are emphasized and maximum potential is reached. As students grow, we strive to provide an academic program, which is both developmentally appropriate and challenging to the intellectual capabilities of all of our students. We are aware of the accommodations needed for our students and address these needs by teaching to and making students aware of their learning styles.

In the Middle School, we strive to teach our students the skills necessary for successful learning and living as young adults. These skill areas include: critical thinking skills; study habits; group dynamics; social interaction and awareness; and active community involvement/service.

We believe that students have the capability to engage in positive decision-making and are able to accept responsibility for those decisions. Therefore, we encourage students to increase their sense of discipline, responsibility and motivation. Our goal is to assist and guide students in the tasks, which promote development of self-confidence, self-esteem, and the realization of self-efficacy.

Middle School Academic and Specialty Areas (Grades 5 & 6)

Reading/Language Arts
WOW
Mathematics
Science Lab
Social Studies
Study Skills
Spanish
Latin
Art
Computers
Music
Physical Education

Middle School Academics (Grades 7 & 8)

Reading/Language Arts (Grades 5 & 6)

: Students are involved in a reading and language arts block daily. The focus of the Reading Program is to teach the appreciation and understanding of literature, and to create enthusiastic and discerning readers. The focus of the Language Arts Program is to develop the ability to communicate through the written word, and to strengthen speaking skills. The school requires students to take these courses simultaneously, thereby providing students a double exposure to reading and writing skills, which are necessary for academic and personal success. The program addresses differences in learning styles and achievement levels beginning in Grade 2. In the classes for students with minimal learning differences, there is a smaller student- teacher ratio.
The learning objectives and the scope and sequence for Reading/ Language Arts were developed by teacher representatives from all grade levels. The objectives reflect the desire to meet developmental needs of students at each level, while maintaining a challenging academic program.

Workshop on Organized Writing (WOW) (Grades 5 & 6)

WOW is a writing program designed for teachers to use in helping students to improve their writing skills. Since writing is an on-going process, requiring practice, students are assigned a writing sample every two weeks. There are at least 90 minutes per week allotted for the writing of this sample piece. During this two week period, each student is required to bring this sample through the six stages of writing: brainstorm/notes, rough draft, revision, editing, final draft, and publishing. At the revision stage, each student is required to conference with the teacher. Student evaluation checklists are completed during the conference (teachers also have a checklist). These standardized evaluation procedures assist teachers (and students) in analyzing students' strengths and weaknesses. Having writing goals in mind can be very instrumental in the improvement of written expression. This program is a progressive one, with students developing a portfolio in 3rd grade and keeping it with them through the 6th grade.

Middle School Mathematics (Grades 5 & 6)

The mathematics program at McLean School consists of various teaching styles and learning materials, united in a single purpose which is to develop mathematical skills and conceptual understanding in each McLean child. Learning objectives are developed by individual teachers. These teachers select their own materials and strategies appropriate to particular classes and students.

Students in grades 5-6 are in classrooms that feature both group and individual instruction. Students are placed in classes according to their skills, learning styles, and academic needs. Materials are designed to take advantage of a student's particular learning style. Students with minimal learning differences are offered instruction using alternative teaching methods as well as an opportunity to remediate weaknesses according to diagnostic profiles.

In grades 5 & 6, the curriculum is expanded to further develop concepts of fractions, decimals, and percents and to explore their relationships. Students use problem solving strategies to reinforce and apply mathematical skills that have been previously taught. Rounding and estimating skills, as well as the use of a calculator, are incorporated into the curriculum. Throughout all skill areas, math manipulatives and cooperative learning activities are employed to teach concepts and facilitate communication. Accelerated classes such as Pre-Algebra are offered.

Middle School Science (Grades 5 & 6)

The multi-sensory curriculum concentrates on exploratory learning of various elementary science concepts and building on the children's natural interest in the world. Observation, identification, interpretation, experimentation, application, and critical thinking skills are developed across the grade levels. Predicting, hypothesizing, and the scientific method are also practiced. A hands-on-approach is continuous across the grade levels. Projects, field trips, experiments, teacher observation, lab reports, and tests are the basis for evaluation. A science specialist teaches all of the classes, using a hands-on inquiry-based approach. Students meet three periods per week with the science lab teacher and one period as week in the classroom with their classroom teacher. Students are encouraged to have fun while synthesizing concrete and abstract information. Projects, field trips, experimentation, teacher observation, lab reports, and tests are the basis for evaluation. Group projects and independent thinking are encouraged as the student advances in each grade level. Through activities, students are led to relate science to their everyday lives. Topics covered include Human Body and Nutrition, Magnets and Electricity, Structures, Space and Beyond, Ecosystems Brain/Nervous System, Energy and Motion, Chemistry and Matter, Fossils, Cells and Heredity.

Middle School Social Studies (Grades 5 & 6)

The social studies curriculum focuses on the development of geography skills and an appreciation of various cultures, both historical and contemporary; interpretation of current events and their effect on the students; and an understanding of the students themselves and the communities around them.

The students use a variety of resources with their studies. Field trips, audiovisual materials, texts, newspapers, and speakers are some techniques used to foster an appreciation and understanding of the world around them. Study and research skills are integrated with the curriculum throughout the grades.

All classes in each grade follow the same curriculum. The difference between the classes is in the delivery techniques for the concepts presented and in abstract conceptualization needed. While the content is the same for all grade classes, the activities many vary depending on the learning style of each specific class. An integrated and cross-curricular approach is utilized in the Middle School.

Middle School Study Skills (Grades 5 & 6)

In grades 5 and 6, one period a week is set aside specifically for Study Skills this year. All students in grades 7 & 8 have one quarter of study skills daily as a graded class. This scheduling speaks to the importance of this topic at McLean, in addition to its integral part in our program in the middle school.

Principles Underlying Study Skills Courses

Time set aside specifically for these focuses attention on the "art" and importance of studying.
These classes allow students to share styles with their peers.
Direct study raises consciousness about systems and strategies.
Students need to learn the value of time management.
Time to reflect on this topic helps students see the value of a plan in their approach to their studies.
Students need to identify their own strengths and weaknesses.
It is important to learn how to integrate and apply learned strategies and skills.

Middle School Foreign Language (Grades 5 & 6)

Learning a modern foreign language involves the use of many senses. Therefore, the approach must be multi-sensory and comprehensive in scope to enable each grade level to grasp all the required skills. The individual needs of students are addressed while challenging them to learn about the language of another culture. Cultural awareness is a main emphasis throughout the program for all grade levels.

Spanish

Grades five and six are introduced to a Spanish FLEX (Foreign Language Exploratory) program that focuses on creating an interest in and appreciation of foreign language. Students are exposed to Spanish for a semester.

Latin

Students may enroll in Latin as a classical, non-spoken foreign language course. Our Latin curriculum, beginning in grade 5, is designed to connect with our English curriculum. Latin provides students with a firm grounding in linguistics, vocabulary, and grammar. The study of word derivation enables students to expand their own vocabulary as they relate to the English language.

Middle School Latin curriculum balances the students' learning of vocabulary, grammar, and translation skills with the study of ancient Roman culture. Grades five and six are introduced to an exploratory Latin FLEX (Foreign Language Exploratory) course for a semester. It focuses on fundamental vocabulary development and the study of Roman culture.

Middle School Academics (Grades 7 & 8)

Middle School English (Grades 7 & 8)

In middle school students write for a variety of purposes. Through daily and long-term assignments, students build and expand their understanding of writing as a process that includes notetaking, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Instruction in the structure and styling of sentences, paragraphs, and essays is emphasized. Students learn to plan before writing, showing awareness of purpose, audience, content, and form. At the high school level, students analyze and model the writing of accomplished authors, as well as, connect cultural, social or historical influences to language.

Oral communication skills are strengthened through the reading and evaluation of students' writing ; including self, peer, and teacher evaluation. In addition, students receive instruction in grammar, mechanics, and vocabulary development.

Brief Course Description

I. WRITING PROCESS

A. Assignments are daily to long-term
B. Two or more graded assignments per month
C. Five purposes which change monthly, or so
D. Self, peer, and teacher evaluation with use of checklists

11. VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT

A. Sadlier-Oxford workbooks
B. Two weeks for every lesson
C. SAT words, study of prefixes and suffixes
D. Application to writing assignments

111. GRAMMAR SERIES

A. Holt, Rinehart and Winston workbooks
B. Standardized test preparation

Middle School Literature (Grades 7 & 8)

McLean students come to realize the value of literature, found in both classic and contemporary works, through their own increasingly complex and sophisticated interpretations of those texts. Middle School Literature courses help students understand and appreciate all literary genres: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. Our students work toward gaining a confidence and comfort with reading and discussing works on literary, emotional and intellectual levels. Literature is taught by genre or thematically, with emphasis placed upon the universality of the human condition. In seventh grade, students study works emphasizing "Coming of Age," including a lengthy multi-cultural unit. Likewise, the eighth graders study works relating to "Identity." Students begin their study of literary devices, learning structures of plot, conflict, characterization, and theme. This foundation will be built upon in years to come. One goal of the curriculum is that students will become increasingly aware of, and sensitive to, the struggles and needs of others, and will be able to transfer this awareness into their lives. In addition, through regular independent reading students broaden their knowledge of available literature, thus encouraging them to become life long readers of significant works.

Middle School Mathematics (Grades 7 & 8)

The core curriculum in mathematics is designed to challenge McLean students to develop a thorough understanding of and a working knowledge of concepts from basic through secondary mathematics. Students whose background suggests a need to reinforce arithmetic concepts and computation will begin with Math 7 and continue with Math 8 as is appropriate. When they demonstrate a good working knowledge of arithmetic and are ready to handle abstract concepts, students in grades 7 or 8 will study Pre-Algebra. When students have demonstrated a readiness to make meaningful connections among numbers, variables, equations, graphs, and patterns, they will enroll in Algebra 1. This course is offered on a variety of levels over a one or two year period. After successfully completing basic algebra, students discover in Geometry how to apply logical reasoning as they learn about shapes and measurements as well as traditional definitions, postulates, and theorems. In Algebra II, students then learn advanced algebra to give them a firm understanding of concepts and sound skills needed for higher level mathematics and science courses. Higher level courses in Pre-Calculus, Probability & Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, and/or Calculus will be offered in junior and senior years as is appropriate.
In all classes, new material is often presented with concrete models in order to give students a kinesthetic as well as visual and auditory experience with the mathematics being studied. Calculators are used for checking work as well as for problem solving. Graphing calculators are required for higher level courses.

Individual needs of students are met by means of independent work, private student-teacher conferences, group work, cooperative learning, enrichment, computer software, and other resources.

Middle School Science (Grades 7 & 8)

The Middle School Science program utilizes a hands-on, process-oriented approach. Activities and experiments are based on inquiry, using student curiosity about the world. Individual and group experiments and projects help students process information, build vocabulary, and associate new ideas to previously learned concepts.
In life science, seventh graders explore the systems in the human body. They learn how the systems work, how the systems function together, and how internal and external factors can affect the body's ability to function efficiently. The 7th-grade curriculum includes a self-discovery project in which students explore their individual learning styles.

The eighth grade curriculum serves as an introduction to chemistry and physics, preparing students for the more intensive studies they will receive in these areas in high school.

Methods of evaluation include lab work, tests, quizzes, projects, group work, contributions to class discussion, and oral or written presentations. One or more of these methods may be selected depending upon the appropriateness for the subject matter and on the particular student.

MindFind is an innovative curriculum introduced in grade 7 in which students not only discover how they learn best but how they can become advocates for their own learning styles. Through scientific study, students follow a self-discovery process that often boosts individual confidence in academics and connects with other daily life skill activities. MindFind can enhance communication skills among students, teachers, and parents. This flexible program was created to benefit the traditional learner as well as those with learning differences. Participants learn if they are an auditory, visual, kinesthetic, or multisensory learner. They also gain an understanding of their styles of communicating, remembering, working either individually or in groups. This is an opportunity to view learning with new perspectives and has a wonderful side effect - enthusiasm for learning!

Middle School Social Studies (Grades 7 & 8)

The social studies curriculum begins, in grade seven, with the development of geography skills. Students are exposed to a variety of areas and cultures around the globe. They study our world through facts and interpretations. They are encouraged to gain an appreciation and understanding of various cultures, both historical and contemporary, and their place in their own communities and cultures. Eighth grade, American History, begins with a study of pre-Columbian, Native American civilizations and continues through to the Civil War. Students are taught to think critically about events and how these events shaped our present society.
The students utilize a variety of resources within their studies. Field trips, audiovisual materials, texts, newspapers, Internet, and outside speakers are some techniques used to foster increase their understanding of the world around them. Study and research skills are integrated with the curriculum. The students are frequently evaluated through quizzes, tests, reports, individual and group projects, and teacher observations.

Middle School Foreign Language (Grades 7 & 8)

Learning a modern foreign language involves the use of many senses; therefore, the approach must be multi-sensory and comprehensive in scope to enable each grade level to grasp all the skills required. Cultural awareness is a main emphasis throughout the program for all grade levels.

Spanish

In grade seven, a basic introductory Spanish course is taught, primarily for developing oral, listening, reading and writing skills. Regular cultural information on customs throughout the Spanish-speaking world is presented to develop an appreciation of other cultures.

The students in grade eight continue to develop their foreign language skills. The class is presented with a more formal and comprehensive structure. Reading is used to obtain information, and writing is introduced to help with the learning process and to provide essential practice of key vocabulary and structures. Spoken Spanish is used to a greater extent to enhance the learning of vocabulary and grammar.

Latin

Students may enroll in Latin as a classical, non-spoken foreign language course. Our Latin curriculum is designed to connect with our English curriculum. Latin provides students with a firm grounding in linguistics, vocabulary, and grammar. The study of word derivation enables students to expand their own vocabulary as they relate to the English language.

Grades seven and eight continue to emphasize vocabulary enrichment through translation. Moreover, in grades seven and eight students become engaged in work that encourages research, organization, and creativity. As students move through grades seven and eight, they adopt a reading approach to Latin.

Middle School Study Skills (Grades 7 & 8)

In grades 5 and 6, one period a week is set aside specifically for Study Skills this year. All students in grades 7 & 8 have one quarter of study skills daily as a graded class. This scheduling speaks to the importance of this topic at McLean, in addition to its integral part in our program in the middle school.
: Principles Underlying Study Skills Courses
Time set aside specifically for these focuses attention on the "art" and importance of studying.\These classes allow students to share styles with their peers. Direct study raises consciousness about systems and strategies. Students need to learn the value of time management. Time to reflect on this topic helps students see the value of a plan in their approach to their studies. Students need to identify their own strengths and weaknesses. It is important to learn how to integrate and apply learned strategies and skills.: Topics to be Covered
Plan books

Organization of lockers and supplies

Homework and the study environment

Schedules - creating a picture of your time - time management

Test taking strategies - how to study for tests, exams, and efficient approaches to standardized testing.

Notebooks - organization and management

Study Hall - How to study - where to begin - having a plan.

Resources

Middle School Study Skills by: John Ernst
Learning to Study &endash; Book G Perfection Learning Corporation
Learning and Using Study Skills by: Barbara L. Marrs
Study Strategies Made Easy School Success Series

Middle School Health (Grades 7 & 8)

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