La Paz Middle School - Areas of Study

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Areas of Study

Focus is on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) as measured by the Smarter Balanced Assessment System. Each class studies the core literary and informational texts chosen. Reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language skills are taught through the texts studied. Students learn critical thinking and the academic English needed to be successful.

ALSO OFFERED AT LPMS (new for 2017-2018): English 8 GATE (Advanced)

English Language Development

This course is designed to teach the English language to non-native speakers. The goals are to increase the ability to communicate with native speakers, to function successfully in society, and to achieve fluency in oral and written expression as established in the State English Language Learner Standards.

Electives

Students are given the opportunity to participate in an elective class in middle school. Each middle school develops its own unique configuration of electives. You will receive a detailed description of the electives offered at your school from the counselors at the time of "Pre-Registration". Courses may vary in length from one semester to a full year.

Courses may be offered in the following areas:

Applied Technology (8th grade only)
Art (GATE/Advanced also offered for 8th grade)
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)
Leadership/ASB
Music (Choir, Band, Advanced Band, Percussion and Music Appreciation)
Student Office Aides (8th grade only)

Physical Education

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 7

In 7th grade, the content standards emphasize meeting challenges and making decisions. The focus of this course is the application of movement skills and knowledge to individual and dual physical activities; the assessment and maintenance of physical fitness to improve health and performance.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 8

In 8th grade, the content standards emphasize working as a team to solve problems. The focus of this course is the application of movement skills and knowledge (including defensive and offensive strategies) to team physical activities.

PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST

All 7th grade students are required by state mandate to take the California Physical Fitness test, a criterion-referenced test, which measures the student's progress toward achieving the Healthy Fitness Zone in the five components of health-related fitness: cardiorespiratory endurance; muscular strength; muscular endurance; flexibility; and body composition.

Mathematics

COMMON CORE MATH 7

All grade 7 students will transition to the Integrated Math program in alignment with the Common Core State Standards. The entry point is the Common Core Math (CC7) course that will prepare students for the progression towards college and career readiness in mathematics. The CC7 course will integrate the 8 Mathematical Practices within the following areas: ratios and proportional relationships, the number system, expressions and equations, geometry and statistics and probability.

COMMON CORE MATH 8

This second course in the Integrated Common Core middle school sequence will build on mastery of the following CC8 course concepts: the number system, expressions and equations, geometry, and statistics and probability. This course will also introduce students to functions for the first time. Throughout the course, students will continue to apply the 8 Mathematical Practices.

ALSO OFFERED AT LPMS: Math 7 support, Math 8 support, and Math 8 Advanced.

Science

SCIENCE 7

Science 7 is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The areas of study for 7th grade science will include topics in chemistry, biology/ecology, earth history, and engineering. The course will include hands-on activities, experimentation, and investigation.

SCIENCE 8

Science 8 is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The areas of study for 8th grade science will include physics (force, motion, density, and buoyancy), chemistry, and astronomy. The course will include hands-on activities, experimentation, and investigation.

ALSO OFFERED AT LPMS: Science 8 GATE (Advanced)

Social Studies

SOCIAL STUDIES 7

World History/Geography
Students study World History and Geography from the fall of the Roman Empire through the 18th century (the Age of Exploration, the Enlightenment, and the Age of Reason), including the study of world religions and the history of Latin America, Africa, and Asia. An emphasis is placed on historical and social science analysis skills as well as geographic literacy.

SOCIAL STUDIES 8

United States History
The eighth grade course of study begins with a review of the major ideas, issues, and events that shaped the founding of the nation. This course will also explore the geography of place, movement, and region, starting with the Atlantic Seaboard and then exploring American westward expansion and economic development, the Civil War and Reconstruction.