COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

REQUIRED COURSES

ENGLISH

EN07 ENGLISH - 2 semesters
This course is a writing-based basic curriculum consisting of grammar, usage, composition, mechanics, literature, and spelling.

EN10W EXTENDED LEARNING ENGLISH - 2 semesters
(ELP Placement Necessary)
Designed for the high-ability, highly-motivated student, emphasis in this course is placed upon refinement of writing skills, (i.e. composition and grammar) as applied to enrichment experiences. This course replaces the regular seventh grade English course, EN07. Students must submit a signed parent permission letter and maintain a grade of "C" or better to remain in this class.

MATHEMATICS

MA06 REMEDIAL MATHEMATICS - 2 semesters
On-grade level content is taught with emphasis on remediation of prerequisite skills. The class is designed for small group and individual instruction of Title I students.
Prerequisites: Below 6th grade level.

MA07 GENERAL MATHEMATICS - 2 semesters
This course reinforces and expands on the basic mathematical operations for whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. It also introduces the use of ratios, proportions, percents, geometry, equations, and integers. Prerequisites: District placement test score between 40% and 84% and teacher placement.

MA10 ACCELERATED MATH - 2 semesters
This course is for higher ability students and will prepare them for an advanced algebra program. Besides the basic areas, the course also covers integers, equations, inequalities, polynomials, square roots, story application problems, formulas, and graphing. This course meets the requirements for seventh grade mathematics. Prerequisites: District placement test score above 85% and teacher placement.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

PE07 PHYSICAL EDUCATION - 2 semesters
Classes are designed to give youngsters a well-rounded view of physical activities. Team sports and individual activities are varied. All activities are designed to increase some aspect of the child's physical fitness and to provide skills for leisure-time activities. P. E. clothes (shorts, shirt, socks, tennis shoes) are required for participation. A health unit on human growth and development is included with parent permission. Students will be fitness tested at least twice yearly.

READING

RD01 READING FOR SUCCESS- 1 or 2 semesters
Designed for students with significant reading difficulties. Basic reading skills will be covered through small group work and some individualized instruction.
Prerequisites: Significantly below grade level in reading

RD07 POWER READING - 1 semester
This is a one-semester course which is required for students at Stanines 4-6 on the Stanford test. Course content will reinforce AIMS 4th – 8th grade reading standards while introducing students to significant works of literature. Critical thinking skills will also be emphasized in this class.

RD17 READING FOR SUCCESS - 2 semesters
This is a year-long course for students with significant reading deficiencies at Stanines 1-3 on Stanford test. Course content will align directly with AIMS 4th – 8th grade reading standards and be infused with study/testing skills instruction.

RD07 POWER READING - 1 semester
This is a one-semester course which is required for students at Stanines 4-6 on the Stanford test. Course content will reinforce AIMS 4th – 8th grade reading standards while introducing students to significant works of literature. Critical thinking skills will also be emphasized in this class.

RD10 ADVANCED READING - 1 semester
This is a one-semester course designed for very accelerated students with Stanines 7 or above.

NOTE: One semester of reading is required for all students with no exceptions. An additional semester (full year) is required for all students who scored Stanine 1-3 on Reading Comprehension on the previous year’s Stanford exams.

SCIENCE

SC07 7TH GRADE SCIENCE - 1 semester
This is the introductory science course at the junior high. It is an integrated science course which includes the following science disciplines: earth science, life science, and chemistry. The course has an emphasis on the fundamental process skills of science.

SOCIAL STUDIES

SS07 WORLD GEOGRAPHY - 2 semesters
This course is a study of the physical and cultural aspects and the interrelationships of people, places, and environments at all scales from local to global. Emphasis is on developing a broad base of geographic concepts, the five themes of geography, and acquiring knowledge and mapping skills related to major world regions and continents. Additionally, a unit of economics will be taught.

SS10W EXTENDED LEARNING SOCIAL STUDIES - 2 semesters
(ELP Placement Necessary)
A course for seventh grade students with the ability to study in depth and cover more information than the usual seventh grade social studies class. This course replaces SS07, the regular seventh grade social studies curriculum. Students must maintain a grade of "C" or better to remain in this class.

ELECTIVES

AR01 INTRODUCTION TO ART - 1semester
A beginning course in art, introducing the student to basic principles and elements of design, and exposing the student to a variety of media and techniques, including drawing, color, ceramics, textiles and crafts.
Prerequisites: None

EL28 PERFORMING ARTS/SPEECH - 1semester
Covers the basics of oral communication, such as public speaking, and oral interpretation. Also included is instruction in acting, stage management and performance.
Prerequisites: None

WL01 CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH - 1 semester
For students who want to learn a basic vocabulary of Spanish. Understanding and speaking the language (using dialogues) is stressed. Culture and customs of Spanish speaking countries are discussed.
Prerequisites: None

IT01 INTRODUCTION TO INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY - 1semester
This class is designed to help students explore the impact of technology in the areas of manufacturing, communication, construction and energy. Students will use state-of-the art technology, industrial computer programs and academic skills combined with group and individual problem-solving techniques to complete assigned activities and product manufacturing. Personal safety and work ethic are strongly emphasized.
Prerequisites: None

FS01 INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE/ HOME ECONOMICS - 1semester
Students will explore various areas of FACS through hands-on activities, group projects and class discussion. Areas such as life skills, goals and decision making, culinary arts and nutrition, hospitality, child care, apparel/textiles, and careers will be covered
Prerequisites: None

MU03 MIXED CHORUS (Golden Eagles) - 1 or 2 semesters
Offers the fundamentals of music literacy. Students develop skills in group performance and multi-part singing. There may be requirements for performances other than during school hours. No choral experience required
Prerequisites: None

MU04 WOMEN'S CHORUS (Mesa Angels) - 1 or 2 semesters
A performance oriented course for young women. Basic fundamentals of music are stressed. There may be requirements for performances other than during school hours. For students with 1-2 years choir experience
Prerequisites: None

MU18 PREP BAND - 2 semesters
For 7th, 8th, 9th grade students with no or little musical training.
Prerequisites: None

MU20 Percussion Ensemble - 2 semesters
For 7th, 8th, or 9th grade students with no experience to 2 years experience.
Prerequisites: None

MU19 INTERMEDIATE BAND - 2 semesters
For 7th, 8th, or 9th grade students with 1 - 2 years of band experience.
Prerequisites: None

MU23 PREP ORCHESTRA - 2 semesters
A string class for developing basic playing techniques. Reading and performance skills are stressed in preparation for more advanced orchestras. This ensemble will prepare and perform concerts each semester, some of which may be other than school hours. Special concert attire will be worn. Beginners are accepted.
Prerequisites: None

MU24 INTERMEDIATE ORCHESTRA - 2 semesters
A continuing string class in which students further develop their playing techniques. Reading and performance skills are stressed in preparation for more advanced orchestras. This ensemble will prepare and perform concerts each semester, some of which may be other than during school hours. Special concert attire will be worn. Placement is by teacher recommendation/audition.
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation/audition.

**All band & orchestra classes: There may be requirements for performances other than during school hours

CB10 COMPUTER FOUNDATIONS/KEYBOARDING - 1semester
This course is required for all other computer classes (or pass competency test)
Students will learn computer applications and concepts as they develop keyboarding/numeric keypad skills. Topics include effective use of an operation system, using multiple input devices, formatting Microsoft Word Documents, and an introduction to voice recognition software.
Prerequisites: None