curriculum guide - okaloosa schools

Curriculum Guide 2021 - 2022

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Greetings Wildcats and Future Wildcats!

What an exciting time it is as we prepare for Registration for the 2021-2022 school year. Becoming part of the

Wildcat family is about cultivating relationships with the Wildcat staff and making friends with students you

may not know. We are a community of learners that celebrate diversity and aim to assist you in finding “your

niche” at Meigs. Middle School is a time of discovery; it is the time you begin to figure out who you are now

and who you want to become. Our job is to grow you in the classroom, build on your strengths, and develop

the character traits that will benefit you in all aspects of life. Your job is to always try your best, to keep going

when it is hard, and to never give up. Together, alongside your family, we form one team that’s sole focus is

YOUR success!

With the increased rigor embedded into the Florida Standards, the complexity of state assessments, and more

demanding expectations in high school, college, and the workforce, it is important that the courses you take fit

your future goals. At Meigs, we have been able to structure an appropriate blend of offerings consisting of

intensive, regular, and advanced coursework in every subject area. As we work with you and your parents to

create your schedule, we will ensure you are enrolled in the standards-based courses that suit your educational

needs. For electives, our innovative offerings fully support our commitment to relevant and engaging learning

experiences in Career and Technical Education (CTE), Band, Chorus, Leadership and Physical Education. We

believe that our programs provide for a smooth and seamless transition from one grade level to the next and, in

fact, on into high school where the expectations and rigor are once again raised.

This curriculum guide provides a wealth of information about the various courses and programs available at

Meigs Middle School. Not only will we examine your academic strengths as your course schedule is developed,

but we will also use information you provide regarding your academic, social, and emotional needs. Our goal is

to ensure we provide you with the best opportunity for a successful school year. Please spend some time

reading about the expectations, requirements, and benefits of becoming a Meigs’ Wildcat.

You and your family will complete a Course Selection Form. On this form, please provide your top three

choices for electives. Placement in English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies will be

determined during the summer as we review your final grades, iReady scores, FSA scores, and parent/teacher

feedback. If you have questions concerning registration, our guidance department, as well as any faculty or

staff member, stands ready to assist. We look forward to a great year!

Sincerely, Tracey D. Lamb Principal

Tracey Lamb Principal

Sarah Kennedy Assistant Principal

Joey Chancellor Assistant Principal

Jennifer Barrow School Counselor


Table of Contents

Why a Wildcat? ............................................................................................................ 3

The Wildcat Way ......................................................................................................... 4

Guidelines for Middle School Progression .................................................................. 5

Intensive Studies .......................................................................................................... 6

Exceptional Student Education ................................................................................... 6

How Are My Courses Determined .............................................................................. 7

High School Courses in Middle School ....................................................................... 8

Course Descriptions ..................................................................................................... 9

Electives Courses

Chorus ............................................................................................... 10

Band ................................................................................................ 10

Technology (Web Design) .............................................................. 11

Technology (STEM) ....................................................................... 12

Leadership ........................................................................................ 12

Physical Education (P.E.) ................................................................. 13

Core Subjects

Language Arts .................................................................................. 14

Science ............................................................................................. 14

Social Studies ................................................................................... 15

Mathematics ..................................................................................... 15

2021-2022 School Calendar ......................................................................................... 18


Why a Wildcat?

Being a Wildcat is being empowered to reach your potential in academics, athletics, and much more.

It is being part of a team that aspires to be successful in the community, the workplace, and higher

education. Once you become part of the Wildcat family, you will start to understand how unique we

truly are. Meigs staff is committed to helping students have the best middle school experience

possible. Some things you may want to know about Meigs:

We are the smallest 6th-8th middle school in the district which allows for faculty, staff, and

administration to form positive relationships with students

We teach and practice the Wildcat Way – Being Safe, Being Respectful, Being Responsible,

and Owning Your Actions

We are a PBIS school (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) and use Cat Cash to

recognize students for practicing the “Wildcat Way”

We have daily PRIDE time where we learn about making good decisions and being our best

self

We believe teaching Grit, Growth, and Gains is the key to growing students academically,

socially, and emotionally

We celebrate community and embrace diversity to create the Wildcat Family

We offer current and relevant elective courses which include Web Design, STEM, Chorus,

Band, Leadership and Physical Education

We encourage students to become involved in athletics or clubs as an opportunity to make

friends

A+ school 18 years straight

Course Selections This Academic Catalog is a resource to help students and parents understand decisions concerning

course selections for the upcoming school year. From the courses requested, administration

determines the master schedule for the upcoming school year. Because this schedule is generated

based on number of student requests, careful consideration should be given to course selections, as

course changes during the year are improbable and only allowed within the constraints of the master

schedule and upon administrative approval.

Meigs is a place where you will be taught, challenged, inspired and loved.

@CliffordMeigsMiddle @MeigsMiddleSchool @MeigsMS


The Wildcat Way defines our expectations for student behavior both on and off campus. As

students meet and exceed these expectations, they can earn Cat Cash to spend in the school

store. In addition to learning the Wildcat Way, students have daily PRIDE time. During this

part of the day, lessons help support the Wildcat Way by focusing on character education,

making good choices, career exploration, study habits, and goal setting.

Wildcat WayBe Safe

Be Respectful

Be Responsible

Own Your Actions

AT MEIGS MIDDLE SCHOOL…

We PERSEVERE as we embrace challenge and use

our mistakes as opportunities to learn.

We show RESPECT to others and celebrate diversity.

We model INTEGRITY by doing the right thing even

when no one is watching.

We recognize that self-DISCIPLINE is the key to

making our dreams a reality.

We use EMPATHY as a tool to make everybody a

somebody .

WE SHOW WILDCAT P.R.I.D.E.


OCSD Middle School Progression

Required Courses:

6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade

Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics

Language Arts/Communication

(Reading and Writing)





Science Science Science

Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies

PE PE PE

Elective Elective Elective

A middle school student must pass the following twelve (12) core courses in order to be promoted to

the ninth grade:

1. Three courses in Mathematics;

• Each school must offer at least one high school level math course for which students will

receive high school credit if successfully completed.

2. Three courses in English Language Arts;

3. Three courses in Science, which shall include instruction in Life, Earth/Space, and Physical

Science;

4. Three courses in Social Studies, which shall include the study of World History, Civics, and United

States History;

• Students must take the state mandated Civics EOC, which constitutes 30% of the course final

grade.

• A middle grades student who transfers into the state’s public-school system from out of

country, out of state, a private school, or a home school system after the beginning of the

second semester of grade 8 is not required to meet the Civics passage of three (3) courses in

social studies or two (2) year-long courses in social studies that include coverage of civics

education. 1008.22 F.S.

5. Electives may be selected from, but not limited to, the following: technology, speech,

drama, art, music, foreign languages, research/study skills, physical education, and

health.

6. One semester of Physical Education each year in Grades 6, 7, and 8. A student must receive a

passing grade in the PE class to fulfill this requirement. OCSD recommends a full year of PE for 6th

grade students. The physical education requirement may be waived if a student is required to enroll

in Intensive Reading or Intensive Math. Parents may also choose to complete a PE waiver (MIS

4252). This form can be found on Meigs’ website under Guidance or picked up from the Front

Office.

Intensive Math (1204000), Intensive Reading (1000010) and Intensive Language Arts

(1000400) are electives and cannot be used to replace the regular language arts and math

courses used for progression. Students work on specific skills identified through screening and

individual diagnoses as specified on their Progress Monitoring Plan (PMP). In order to

remediate or to provide additional support in reading, writing and/or math, the traditional

middle school core curriculum may not be suspended. Therefore, a student may require four

years to complete the middle school curriculum.

Additional progression information can be found in the Okaloosa County School District’s Pupil Progression Plan.


OCSD INTENSIVE STUDIES

In order to remediate or provide additional support in reading or math, Meigs Middle School offers Intensive Reading

and Intensive Math for students who score below grade level proficiency on the FSA or equivalent standardized

assessment. The Pupil Progression Plan for Okaloosa County School District guidelines for placement are below.

Intensive Reading Placement Guidelines for Grades 6-8: Students who score at Level 1 on FSA are required to be enrolled in an Intensive Reading class.

Students placed in an Intensive Reading class are receiving Tier II intervention, which should be

documented on the PMP under Tier II.

Students who score a lower Level 2 on FSA ELA are highly recommended for Intensive Reading

placement.

Additional Data Used for Placement and conferencing with parents: iReady progress monitoring assessment data

Student grades in ELA courses

Previous FSA Reading scores

Intensive Math Placement Guidelines for Grades 6-8: Students who score a Level 1 on FSA are strongly recommended for placement in an Intensive

Math/Remedial Math Class. Students placed in an Intensive Math class are receiving Tier II

intervention, which should be documented on the PMP under Tier II.

Students who score a lower Level 2 on FSA are highly recommended for placement in an Intensive

Math/Remedial Class.

Additional Data: this data may be used for placement and conferencing with parents. iReady progress monitoring assessment data

Student grades in math courses

Previous FSA Math scores

OCSD EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION

Every student at Meigs Middle School is given access to the general education curriculum in the least restrictive

environment according to their Individual Education Plan (IEP). Generally, students are heterogeneously

grouped for instruction. The term “exceptional student” includes, but is not limited to, students with: Specific

Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Speech/Language Impairments,

Hearing Impairments, Visually Impairments, Emotional or Behavioral Disabilities, and/or are Gifted.

Meigs offers a Matrix of Services for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students. These individual needs are

addressed during IEP reviews and monitored with periodic progress reports. The following matrix domains are

targeted:

o Curriculum and Learning Environment

o Social/Emotional Behavior

o Independent Functioning

o Health Care

o Communication

For questions about your student’s ESE needs, contact our ESE Staffing Specialist, Ms. Walker, or our School

Counselor, Mrs. Barrow.


How Are My Core Courses Determined?

“Grit-Growth-Gains” is a phrase we often use at Meigs to encourage students to consistently push

themselves, especially when feeling challenged. We believe, to academically grow each student,

teachers must infuse the appropriate amount of rigor. To foster growth, a student needs to be enrolled

in specific courses that meet his/her needs. Meigs offers a full menu of intensive, regular, and

advanced coursework in each subject area. Our goal is to create a strengths-based schedule for each

student. While some students may need highly advanced coursework across all core areas, others may

need a mixture of advanced and regular courses. There are limitless combinations to create an

individual pathway to grit, growth, and gains.

Our approach to education is to provide a positive school climate that offers secure relationships which

support academic, cognitive, social, and emotional development. We recognize the importance of

looking at the whole child; and while academic data is important for accurate scheduling, parent input

provides valuable insight for addressing social and emotional needs.

During the summer months, the administrative team reviews student data to include parent input, final

grades, and iReady/FSA scores. Based on the data, we aim to select appropriate core classes as well as

honor the elective requests. By offering an individualized schedule, we hope to provide each student

with a school experience that cultivates the potential for maximum growth. Criteria for advanced level

courses include: Spring 2021 FSA score of level 3 or higher, iReady percentiles above 65, teacher

recommendation, and a final course grade of a “C” or higher. Should your student not meet these

criteria, please call the school to set an appointment to discuss possible advanced opportunities.


OCSD High School Courses in Middle School

Each school will consider on an individual basis an accelerated progression plan for a student who is

significantly advanced.

Middle schools may offer Algebra I Honors, Geometry Honors, Agri-science Foundations I, Physical Science

Honors, Earth/Space Honors, Digital Information Technology, Foundations of Web Design, .NET Application

Development Foundations, and/or Spanish and French I in the brick-and-mortar middle school for high school

credit.

Courses offered at Meigs: • 4.5 Credit Courses

o Algebra I Honors

o Geometry Honors

o Foundations of Web Design (meets the online requirement for graduation)

Once enrolled, students will be held to all the high school course requirements to receive high school credit.

All high school courses taken in middle school will count toward meeting graduation requirements, will be

part of the student’s overall GPA, and are eligible to be included in calculating honors graduation

designation.

Students who elect not to receive high school credit must withdraw from the course within the period identified

by the district (on or before the mid-point (4 ½ weeks) of the first quarter for semester long courses, and by the

end of the first nine (9) weeks for a year-long course or will be given an F (withdrawal F).

If the student has a failing course grade (to include the 30% EOC requirement), but passes the EOC, credit is

issued but the student’s grade remains an F, which is calculated into the high school GPA.

Middle school students may take Algebra I Honors, Geometry Honors, Digital Information Technology, and/or

Web Programming. Students will receive academic counseling regarding the consequence of their choices.

Middle school students and their parent or legal guardian will be carefully advised regarding how these courses

will affect the graduation option they select. If enrolled, students will be held to all the high school course

requirements in order to receive high school credit.

Middle school students taking courses for high school credit may retake the same, or comparable course, in high

school for any grade earned less than a B (i.e. C-F).

Additional progression information can be found in the Okaloosa County School District’s Pupil Progression Plan


PRIDEWildcat Community

Where Everyone Grows

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Course Descriptions


Elective Course Descriptions

CHORUS

Chorus 1 - 6th grade Chorus Grade 6 – Year Long

Students develop beginning vocal technique and skills, critical and creative thinking skills, and an appreciation of music

from around the world and through time. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals.

Students will be required to attend and/or participate in periodic rehearsals and performances outside the school day to

support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.

M/J Chorus 2 – Concert Chorus Grade 7, 8 – Year Long

Students build on previous choral experience to expand vocal, technical, musical, and ensemble skills through rehearsal,

performance, and study of high-quality choral literature. Singers focus on increasing knowledge of music theory, music

literacy, and aesthetic response. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students

will be required to attend and/or participate in periodic rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support,

extend, and assess learning in the classroom. Chorus 2 students may audition for All-County and/or All-State Honors

Chorus. Students in Chorus 2 may be eligible for placement in Select Chorus (based on audition or teacher

recommendation).

M/J Chorus 3 – Select Chorus Prerequisite: Audition

Grade 7, 8 – Year Long

Students with previous choral experience to build intermediate-level knowledge of vocal technique, musical literacy, and

ensemble skills, and related musical knowledge through rehearsal, performance, and study a variety of high-quality 2-, 3-,

and 4-part choral literature. Select Chorus students are held to a higher standard for both academics and behavior. Public

performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students will be required to attend and/or

participate in periodic rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the

classroom. Select Chorus students may audition for All-County and/or All-State Honors Chorus.

M/J Chorus 4 – Show Choir Prerequisite: Audition


Show Choir is a performance based class where students learn to prepare and perform popular music. Students learn how

to add choreography to songs as well as text interpretation, facial and body expression, and many other performance skills.

Show Choir performs at all Meigs Chorus concerts as well as pep rallies.

BAND

M/J Band 1 Grade 6, 7, 8 – Year Long

Students with little or no instrumental experience develop musicianship, technical proficiency, and performance skills.

Beginning musicians focus on development of skills and techniques through scales, etudes, and solo literature. Public

performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or

participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.

This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.


M/J Band 2 or 3

(Concert Band/Symphonic Band) Prerequisite: Band 1 or Equivalent; Symphonic Band – Audition/Teacher Selection


Students with previous band experience build on instrumental technique, music literacy, and aesthetic response through

rehearsal, performance, and study of a variety of high-quality band literature. Instrumentalists expand their knowledge of

music notation, music theory, sound production, and personal and group rehearsal strategies. Public performances may

serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students will be required to attend and/or participate in periodic

rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course

may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.

TECHNOLOGY – WEB DESIGN TRACK

Coding Fundamentals Prerequisite: None

Grade 6 – Year Long

The Coding Fundamentals course is the perfect course to introduce students to the fast-growing field of computer science

through fun, skill-building applications. This course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as

programming, physical computing, and HTML/CSS. Students engage with Coding Fundamentals as a medium for creativity,

communication, problem solving, and fun. The course inspires students as they build their own Web sites, apps, and

games. Students in the Coding Fundamental course will gain a solid foundation in programming knowledge and skills. No

previous coding skills are required. Students will have the opportunity to earn ICT Web Essentials Digital Tool

Certificate.

Fundamentals of Web & Software Development Prerequisite: None


Have you ever wanted to learn to create a website? Not sure where to begin? The Fundamentals of Web and Software

Development is where you will learn the basics of HTML, the publishing language of the Web, and CSS, how pages get

their style. Students will create their own live home pages to serve as portfolios of their creations. By the end of the course,

students will be able to explain how web pages are developed and viewed on the internet, analyze and fix errors in existing

websites, and create their very own multipage website. Students will have the opportunity to earn an MTA Intro to

Programming Using HTML & CSS Industry Certification.

Foundations of Web Design – High School Honors Weighted Course, Online Credit Prerequisite: 6th or 7th grade Web course

Practical Arts Credit

This Web design course is a foundational course that introduces students to basic Web design using HTML5 (Hypertext

Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). Through the course, students are introduced to planning and

designing effective Web pages from start to finish while having fun doing it. The combination of hands-on learning and

teacher instruction gives the student a well-rounded background in Web design. Students will have the opportunity to

earn the CIW Advanced HTML5 & CSS3 Specialist Certification.


TECHNOLOGY – STEM TRACK

Introduction to Technology (STEM Year 1) Prerequisite: None


The Introduction to Technology will expose students to the facets of technology. Students will gather knowledge and will be

introduced to the design and problem-solving processes using manipulative skills while working cooperatively with others in

team activities. The students will bring their creative minds, creative abilities, and hands-on skills together to solve challenges.

Students will have the opportunity to earn a Computer Essentials Certificate and Gaming Essentials Certificate.

Exploring Technology (STEM Year 2) Prerequisite: Introduction to Technology

Grade 7,8 – Year Long

This course gives students an opportunity to explore the area of production technology with a focus on robotics. Students

will solve technological problems using a variety of tools, materials, processes, and systems while gaining an understanding

of the effects of production technology on our everyday lives. Using the engineering design process, students will work in

pairs and small teams to have their robots complete various tasks. In addition, students will learn basic programming

concepts through the Lego EV3 robotics platform. This course is good preparation for students interested in robotics or

engineering. Students will have the opportunity to earn their Programming & Logic Certification.

Exploration of Robotics (STEM Year 3) Prerequisite: Exploring Technology


In this course, students will learn about the nature of technology and problem-solving using robotics as the platform.

Students have opportunities to study the scope of technology and its impacts on society. They learn about the core concepts

of technology and about the various approaches to solving problems, including engineering design and experimentation.

Students participate in engineering-design activities to understand how criteria, constraints, and processes affect designs.

Students are involved in activities and experiences where they learn about brainstorming, visualizing, modeling,

constructing, testing experimenting, and refining designs. Students also develop skills in researching for information and

communicating design information. Students will have the opportunity to earn their Rapid Prototyping & 3D Design-

Beginner Certification.

LEADERSHIP

M/J Peer Counseling 1 (Leadership Year 1) Prerequisite: None

Grades 6, 7 – Year Long

The goal of this class is to develop student leaders that positively represent the voices of the school, selflessly serving

students and staff, while reaching the community. Students will learn to teach, train, and develop the skills and behaviors of

good leadership, including understanding leadership styles, goal setting, time management, communication skills, human

relations, mindfulness skills, managerial skills, and project management.

M/J Peer Counseling 2 (Leadership Year 2) Prerequisite: None

Grades 7, 8 – Year Long

The goal of this class is to develop student leaders that positively represent the voices of the school,

selflessly serving students and staff, while reaching the community. Students will learn to teach, train,

and develop the skills and behaviors of good leadership, including understanding leadership styles,

goal setting, time management, communication skills, human relations, mindfulness skills, managerial

skills, and project management.


PHYSICAL EDUCATION

M/J Fitness Grade 6 Grade 6 – Year Long

The Physical Education course is designed to provide a developmentally appropriate and comprehensive experience

through exposure to a wide variety of activities and quality instruction. The goal of the course is to promote the acquisition

of skills and beliefs needed to pursue a lifetime of involvement in physical activity and healthful decision making. Students

will have the opportunity to learn basic skills and fundamentals for core sports and activities such as basketball, flag

football, kickball, dodgeball, volleyball, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, and capture the flag.

M/J Comprehensive Grade 7 Grade 7 – Year Long






Team Sports – Grade 7 Athletics/Weightlifting Prerequisite: Coach Approval


Team Sports is a weightlifting course that provides a supervised resistance training program safe for all students. This

program is designed to not only enhance the muscular strength and power of students, but improve their cardiovascular risk

profile. In addition, the goal is for students to improve their motor skill performance which will in turn enhance their

athletic abilities and increase natural resistance to sports-related injuries. While priority will be given to our school-

sponsored athletes, any student interested in a weight training course is encouraged to register.

M/J Comprehensive Grade 8 Grade 8 – Year Long






Individual/Dual Sports – Grade 8 Athletics/Weightlifting Prerequisite: Coach Approval


Individual/Dual Sports is a weightlifting course that provides a supervised resistance training program safe for all students.

This program is designed to not only enhance the muscular strength and power of students, but improve their

cardiovascular risk profile. In addition, the goal is for students to improve their motor skill performance which will in turn

enhance their athletic abilities and increase natural resistance to sports-related injuries. While priority will be given to our

school-sponsored athletes, any student interested in a weight training course is encouraged to register.


CORE SUBJECT COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

LANGUAGE ARTS

Language Arts 1 – Grade 6 M/J Language Arts 1, ADV – Grade 6 Recommended: FSA Reading Level 1, 2 Recommended: FSA Reading Level 3, 4, 5



The purpose of the Language Arts courses is to provide grades 6, 7, and 8 students, using texts of appropriate complexity,

integrated language arts study in reading, writing (argumentative and informative), speaking, listening, and language for

college and career preparation and readiness. The content includes active reading of varied texts for what they say

explicitly, as well as the logical inferences that can be drawn, analysis of literature and informational texts from varied

literary periods, writing for varied purposes, effective listening, speaking, and viewing strategies with emphasis on the use

of evidence to support or refute a claim in multimedia presentations, class discussions, and extended text discussions, and

collaboration amongst peers.

During the spring, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will take the FSA Writing and the FSA Reading Assessment

SCIENCE

M/J Earth Space Science – Grade 6 Recommended: FSA Reading Level 1, 2

M/J Earth Space Science ADV Recommended: FSA Reading Level 3, 4, 5

The Earth/Space science curriculum introduces students to the basic laboratory safety skills, use of the scientific method,

and measuring in the metric system. Emphasis is placed on the use of the scientific method to solve problems and

understand natural phenomena. This science course provides an opportunity for students to explore the Earth’s materials,

processes, place in the universe, and history. Other topics covered in this course are meteorology, oceanography,

astronomy, and geology. Laboratory activities and safe laboratory techniques are essential elements of the course. Projects

are used to further the students’ understanding of key concepts.

M/J Life Science – Grade 7 Recommended: FSA Reading Levels 1, 2

M/J Life Science ADV Recommended: FSA Reading Levels 3, 4, 5

Life Science includes basic safety skills, inquiry, critical thinking, use of the scientific method, measurement, and the metric

system. Emphasis is placed on the use of the scientific method to solve problems and understand natural phenomena. The

initial focus of the course includes the animal and plant cell, the classification systems for the major kingdoms of life, heredity,

and the study of the ecology of our surroundings before moving to the study of the human body, human health, genetics, and

evidence on biological evolution. Laboratory techniques are an essential part of the course. Projects are used to further the

students’ understanding of key concepts.


M/J Physical Science – Grade 8 Recommended: FSA Reading & Math Levels 1, 2

M/J Physical Science ADV Recommended: FSA Reading & Math Levels 3, 4, 5

Safety skills and the use of the scientific method and metric system are utilized to further students’ knowledge of science.

The content area for the eighth grade focuses on an introduction to chemistry and physics. Chemistry topics include

properties and changes of matter (e.g., physical and chemical), and the atomic model of matter. Physics topics include

forces (e.g., magnetic, electrical, gravitational), energy (e.g., thermal, kinetic, potential), motion, light, and sound.

Laboratory activities and safe laboratory techniques are an essential part of the course. Projects further the students’

understanding of key concepts.

During the spring, 8th graders will take the comprehensive Florida Science Assessment (6-8)

SOCIAL STUDIES

M/J World History – Grade 6 Recommended: FSA Reading Level 1, 2

M/J World History ADV Recommended: FSA Reading Level 3, 4, 5

The primary content for this course pertains to the world's ancient and classical civilizations of Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Students will be exposed to the multiple dynamics of world history including economics, geography, politics, and

religion/philosophy. Students will study methods of historical inquiry and primary and secondary historical

documents. This course also offers scaffolded learning opportunities for students to develop the critical skills of analysis,

synthesis, and evaluation. Socratic seminars/discussions, emphasizing free-response and document-based writing,

contrasting opposing viewpoints, and solving problems are various methods of instructional exploration in this course.

2106010 M/J Civics (State EOC) – Grade 7 Recommended: FSA Reading Level 1, 2

2106020 M/J Civics ADV (State EOC) Recommended: FSA Reading Level 3, 4, 5

The seventh-grade social studies curriculum consists of the following content area strands: Civics, Geography, and

Economics. The primary content for the course pertains to the principles, functions, and organization of government; the

origins of the American political system; the roles, rights, responsibilities of United States citizens in a democratic society;

and methods of active participation in our political system. The course is embedded with strong geographic and economic

components to support analysis, synthesis, document-based writing and civic education instruction.

During the spring, 7th graders will take the Civics EOC

M/J United States History – Grade 8 Recommended: FSA Reading Levels 1, 2

M/J United States History ADV Recommended: FSA Reading Levels 3, 4, 5

The purpose of this course is to enable students to understand the development of the United States within the context of

history by examining connections to the past to not only prepare for the future as participating members of a democratic

society but also to understand the rights and responsibilities of citizens. The student will examine political, economic,

technological and social developments of the United States from the Exploration Period through Reconstruction, with

special emphasis on Florida’s role. The course of study should include but is not limited to: the impact of expansion on the

development of America; political, social, and economics conflicts and compromise; influence of diverse groups on cultural


development of the U.S.; key concepts of the United States Constitution and other important historical documents.

Document-based writing will be emphasized in this class.

MATHEMATICS

M/J Grade 6 Math Recommended: FSA Math Level 1, 2

Students will: Develop an understanding of and fluency with multiplication and division of fractions and decimals, ratios,

rates, estimation, equivalent forms for decimals, fractions, and percent. Write, solve and graph one and two step equations

and inequalities as well as use tables, graphs and equations to describe linear equations. Explore the measurements of

composite two-dimensional figures and volumes of rectangular prisms. Determine and use measures of central tendency

and variability to analyze data sets.

M/J Accel Math Grade 6 Recommended: FSA Math Level 3, 4, 5

All topics in M/J Mathematics I are included in M/J Mathematics I, Advanced. In addition, students will: Develop an

understanding of and apply proportionality to solve problems involving percent. Apply formulas to determine surface areas

and volumes of three-dimensional shapes including pyramids, prisms, cylinders, and cones. Develop an understanding of

operations involving integers and other rational numbers, as well as solving linear equations. Identify and plot ordered pairs

in all four quadrants of the coordinate plane.

M/J Accel Math Grade 7 – Grades 6, 7 Prerequisite: Administration Approval for Grade 6, Teacher recommendation for Grade 7

Recommended: FSA Math Level 4, 5

Students will develop an understanding of and apply proportionality, similarity, and formulas to determine surface areas

and volumes of three-dimensional shapes including pyramids, prisms, cylinders, and cones. Identify and plot ordered pairs

in all four quadrants of the coordinate plane and will predict the results of transformations. Determine, compare and make

predictions based on experimental and theoretical probability of independent and dependent events. Construct and analyze

histograms, stem-and-leaf plots and circle graphs. Analyze and represent linear functions and solve linear equations and

systems of equations. Analyze two and three-dimensional figures by using distance and angle relationships. Analyze and

summarize data sets including box and whisker plots, scatter plots and lines of best fit. 6th graders may require

additional, supplemental instruction to fully prepare for the standards associated with this course.

M/J Grade 8 Pre-Algebra – Grades 7, 8 Recommended: Math FSA Level 1, 2

Students will analyze and represent linear functions and solve linear equations and systems of equations. Analyze two and

three-dimensional figures by using distance and angle relationships. Analyze and summarize data sets including box and

whisker plots, scatter plots and lines of best fit. Compare, contrast and convert between customary and metric systems.

Solve one and two step inequalities with one variable. Perform operations on real numbers using multi-step and real-world

problems.

Algebra I Honors – Grades 7, 8 (High School Credit Course) Prerequisites: Grade 7 Math Advanced, Grade A/B, & Teacher Recommendation

Recommended: FSA Math Level 4, 5

High School Credit: 1 (Weighted, Year Long)

This rigorous course is designed to provide an in-depth study of the foundation for future secondary mathematics courses

and develop skills needed to solve mathematical problems. Topics shall include, but are not limited to, functions, linear


Math 6 Math 7Math 8Pre-Algebra

Math 7A

Math 6A Math 7A

Math 8Pre-Algebra

Algebra IHonors

Algebra IHonors

GeometryHonors

OR

OR

GRADE 6 GRADE 7 GRADE 8

OCSD MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH PROGRESSION

equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, operations with radical expressions,

solving quadratic equations, ratios, and proportions.

Geometry Honors – Grade 8 (High School Credit Course) Prerequisite: Algebra I Honors, Teacher Recommendation

High School Credit: 1 (Weighted, Year Long)

This course includes a rigorous, in-depth study of practical applications of geometric skills and concepts in the real world, as

well as, but not limited to, truth tables, vectors, Fibonacci sequence, coordinate geometry proofs, proofs involving circles and

problems involving cross sections of solids.

During the spring, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will take the FSA Math Assessment or EOC

Middle school is a critical time when students are caught in the

middle between the person they are and the person they want to be.

Meigs administration, teachers, and staff are looking forward to

planting the seeds of success. Please let us know how we can help

your student have the best possible Wildcat experience.

curriculum guide - okaloosa schools

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