Curriculum

Middle school students explore personalized paths in nine courses each day, including six core academic classes in Math, Reading, Writing, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education, and up to two elective classes, such as World languages, Fine Arts, and STEM, allowing students to tailor their learning experiences. A rich array of extracurriculars, includings sports and clubs, rounds out the adolescent journey, allowing students to explore their interests and shape a well-rounded and dynamic educational journey, paving the way for high school.

Core Subjects

Math

Math Course Offerings

	Core Sequence		Advanced/Dual Promotion
6th	Mathematics 6		Pre-Algebra (Mathematics 6 completed in 5th Grade)	Algebra (Pre-Algebra completed in 5th Grade)
7th	Pre-Algebra		Algebra	Geometry
8th	Foundations for Algebra	Algebra	Geometry	HS Algebra II

Students are placed in their middle school math course sequence based on the prior school year’s math coursework, along with District 15’s accelerated placement guidelines. Middle school math in District 15 is a sequential experience. Students MUST complete the prerequisite courses in order to advance to the next course. (Example: students must complete Pre-Algebra before moving to Algebra). This is to ensure content standard and coverage and skill mastery for future high school math course work.

Students in Grades 6-8 have one 40-minute class period of math instruction per day. The primary focus for our students' math experiences in middle school is to build mathematical thinkers. Middle school students construct mathematical arguments and solve problems in real-world contexts through inquiry and build confidence in their skills through practice. We want students to leave District 15 feeling confident in their math abilities and set up for success in their future math experiences.

Grade 6

Mathematics 6

Pre-Algebra

This course is a compacted curriculum of both 7th and 8th Grade Common Core State Standards which includes: number systems, rational number operations, ratios, proportionality, percentages, expressions, solving linear equations, inequalities, exponents and scientific notation, graphing proportional and nonproportional relationships, angles and angle relationships, circumference and area of circles, volume of cylinders, spheres, and cones, and the Pythagorean Theorem.
Prerequisite: 6th Grade Math

Algebra

Grade 7

Pre-Algebra

Algebra

Honors Plane & Solid Geometry

This advanced course is a comprehensive study of plane and solid geometry including constructions, formulas for measurement and formal proofs. It is based on the theorems and axioms that relate points, lines, planes, and solids. Topics are covered in great depth, especially area and volume of solids. Additional emphasis is placed on the integration of algebraic techniques in solving geometric problems.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1

Grade 8

Foundations for Algebra

This foundational course prepares students for algebra topics and is comprised of 8th Grade Common Core State Standards which include: rigid transformations and congruence; dilations, similarity and slope; linear relationships; linear equations and systems; functions and volume; associations in data; exponents, and scientific notation; irrational numbers. This course is designed to prepare students for future success in high school algebra, by solidifying introductory algebra topics and skills.

Algebra

Honors Plane & Solid Geometry

Prerequisite: Algebra 1

Accelerated Algebra 2

This highly accelerated high school course is designed for students who demonstrate a strong command of algebra and geometry. M328, Accelerated Algebra 2 is provided in partnership with District 211. The course briefly reviews concepts presented in earlier course work and then rigorously expands and applies them to other areas of mathematics. In addition, selected topics from pre-calculus are studied. Ideas presented in this course involve advanced techniques of graphing and solving equations and inequalities and will prepare students to take Trigonometry/Calculus A. This course requires a graphing calculator.

Prerequisite: Honors Plane & Solid Geometry

Math Standards

Standards for Student Mathematical Practice
Standards for Mathematical Content

Standards for Student Mathematical Practice

Standards for Student Mathematical Practice

All K-8 students are expected to develop appropriate expertise in the Standards for Student Mathematical Practice. These practices are longstanding important processes and proficiencies in mathematics education.

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. Keep going!
Reason abstractly and quantitatively. Thank what makes sense.
Construct viable arguements and critique the reasoning of others. Talk and explain.
Model with mathematics. Show your thinking.
Use appropriate tools strategically. Use the right tools.
Attend to precision. Check your work.
Look for an make use of structure. See the pattern or connection.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning. See the pattern or connection.

Standards for Mathematical Content

Standards for Mathematical Content

Students use the Standards for Mathematical Content, which are designated by grade level, in conjunction with the Standards for Mathematical Practices.

Below are the CCSD 15 prioritized content standards for 6-8 content topics covered at each grade level. These are the standards that are on the report card.

Grade 6

SIXTH GRADE

6.EE.A Apply and extend previous understandings of arithmetic to algebraic expressions.
6.EE.B Reason about and solve one-variable equations and inequalities.
6.EE.C Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variables.
6.G.A Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, surface area, and volume.
6.NS.A Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division to divide fractions by fractions.
6.NS.B Compute fluently with multi-digit numbers and find common factors and multiples.
6.NS.C Apply and extend previous understandings of numbers to the system of rational numbers
6.RP.A Understand ratio concepts and use ratio reasoning to solve problems.

Grade 7

SEVENTH GRADE

7.EE.A Use properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions.
7.EE.B Solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations.
7.NS.A Apply and extend previous understandings of operations with fractions.
7.RP.A Analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems.

Grade 8

EIGHTH GRADE

8.EE.A Work with radicals and integer exponents.
8.EE.B Understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations.
8.EE.C Analyze and solve linear equations and pairs of simultaneous linear equations.
8.NS.A Know that there are numbers that are not rational, and approximate them by rational numbers.
8.EE.A Work with radicals and integer exponents.
8.EE.B Understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations.
8.EE.C Analyze and solve linear equations and pairs of simultaneous linear equations.
8.NS.A Know that there are numbers that are not rational, and approximate them by rational numbers.

English Language Arts (ELA)

District 15 English Language Arts (ELA) courses use a combination of curricular resources to provide students with wide variety of opportunities to engage with a variety of texts, topics, and opportunities to read, write, and discuss.

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Science

The mission of the CCSD15 Science Department is to nurture a generation of inquisitive & problem-solving scientists. We value vibrant learning environments that ignite curiosity, promote collaboration, cultivate critical thinking, and celebrate diverse cultural & linguistic experiences.

Students will investigate real world phenomena, ask questions, develop models, plan and carry out investigations, analyze and interpret data, use Mathematical thinking, construct explanations to communicate information.

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Social Studies

The vision supporting social studies in Illinois and in District 15 is to produce Illinois graduates who are civically engaged, socially responsible, culturally aware, and financially literate.

Students will make real-world connections between reading, writing, and social-emotional learning. They will spend time asking questions and developing critical thinking skills through writing, discussion, and debate. Teachers will facilitate opportunities to do these individually and collaboratively. Starting in Kindergarten, students learn about their own perspectives and communities and gradually build outward to understand their impact on our country and the world.

Grade 6

In 6th grade Social Studies, students will study early humans and the rise of civilization to begin to understand and compare the following, then and now:

Government structures and development
Cultural development
Economic structures and development
Geography impacts on daily life, economics, government, and relationships with others

Quarter 1

Unit 1: Foundations of History
Unit 2: The Rise of Civilization

Quarter 2

Unit 3: Ancient Egypt & The Middle East
Unit 4: Ancient India

Quarter 3

Unit 5: Ancient China
Unit 6: Ancient Greece

Quarter 4

Unit 7 Ancient Rome
Connections to today

Grade 7

In 7th grade Social Studies, students will study the early years of the United States, and begin to think more critically through the Illinois Inquiry Skills below. Students use modern events that affect their lives today to understand the impact of events from the past.

Recognize Perspectives and Articulate Identities
Developing Questions and Planning Inquiries
Evaluating Sources and Using Evidence
Communicating Conclusions and Taking Informed Action

Quarter 1

Discussion Strategies & Information Literacy
The US Constitution

Quarter 2

The Early Republic
Westward Expansion

Quarter 3

Pre-Civil War Society & Culture
Slavery and Economic Impact
The Civil War & Sectionalism

Quarter 4

Reconstruction
Industrialization

Grade 8

In 8th grade Social Studies, students will study the United States post-Civil War to modern times, and begin to think more critically through the Illinois Inquiry Skills below. Students use modern events that affect their lives today to understand the impact of events from the past.

Recognize Perspectives and Articulate Identities
Developing Questions and Planning Inquiries
Evaluating Sources and Using Evidence
Communicating Conclusions and Taking Informed Action

Quarter 1

Discussion Strategies & Information Literacy
Industrial & Economic Growth
The Progressive Era

Quarter 2

Imperialism
World War I
World War II

Quarter 3

World War II
Prosperity & Depression
Post-War America

Quarter 4

Modern times: government and advancement
Civic National & World Engagement

Physical Education & Health

All middle school students are expected to participate in daily physical education classes. A variety of physical activities are offered during the year. Children may be exempt from some or all physical activities with an excuse from parent(s)/guardian(s) for a period of up to three days. Students who need to be excused beyond that or for an extended length of time must provide a written excuse submitted to the school by a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act. Alternative activities and/or units of instruction will be provided for pupils whose physical or emotional condition prevents their participation in the physical education courses as determined by a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act.

Grade 6

Grade 7

The 7th Grade physical education/health course provides each student with the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive program consisting of skill development, lead up games, individual sports, team sports and physical fitness activities. Emphasis is placed on active participation and positive social interaction during fitness and sport activities. Activity in the moderate to vigorous level is expected, as this contributes to the overall physical fitness and academic success of our students. Fitness testing, as required by law, will be conducted during the year using FitnessGram. P.E. uniform and athletic shoes are required every day in order to earn participation credit. Good sportsmanship, safety, appropriate language, and following all rules and procedures are expected at all times.

The 7th Grade health curriculum is conducted in conjunction with the physical education program. The curriculum covers the following topics: Tobacco, Alcohol, & Other Drug Prevention; and Violence & Injury Prevention. Upon request, materials are available for viewing.

Grade 8

The 8th Grade physical education/health course provides each student with the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive program consisting of skill development, lead up games, individual sports, team sports and physical fitness activities. Emphasis is placed on active participation and positive social interaction during fitness and sport activities. Activity in the moderate to vigorous level is expected, as this contributes to the overall physical fitness and academic success of our students. Fitness testing, as required by law, will be conducted during the year using FitnessGram. All students are required to dress in a P.E. uniform daily in order to participate. All students are evaluated in a number of areas including, but not limited to: general participation; the process of skill development; and game play activity levels. Good sportsmanship, safety, appropriate language, and following all rules and procedures are expected at all times.

The 8th Grade health curriculum is conducted in conjunction with the daily physical education program. The curriculum is based on the Human Growth and Development unit, supported by Candor Health Education. (The ETR HealthSmart resource will not be used for the 8th- grade Human Growth and Development unit.) Eighth graders will review important wellness and environmental health topics before transitioning to high school. The eight-week program covers the following topics: environmental health impact, healthy minds & bodies review, and teen sexual health. Upon request, materials are available for viewing.

2 Elective Class Periods

Grade 6

Some elective courses are year-long which means they meet daily for the entire school year. Some elective courses meet for only one semester in the spring or fall. Students have 2 options in 6th grade:

Option 1: Instrumental Music + Two Semester-Long Electives

The student may choose to participate in Instrumental Music (Band or Orchestra — and Mariachi only at WCJH), which is a year-long elective.
The student will participate in two additional semester-long elective classes. The student will rank four semester-long electives in order of preference. These electives include:
- Art,
- Connect & Create,
- Comprehensive Music, and
- STEM - Design & Modeling.

Option 2: Four Semester-Long Electives

The student will participate in all four semester-long elective classes. These electives include:

Art,
Connect & Create,
Music, and
STEM - Design & Modeling.

Students with Additional Supports

Additional support classes are year-long courses offered in place of Electives. Support classes include Language Studies for multilingual programming, IEP/special education support, social-emotional support groups, supplemental reading intervention, and supplemental math intervention. If your child would benefit from additional support, you will be contacted by your middle school to discuss your child’s schedule.

Semester-Long Courses

Art

This semester-long art course is designed to meet the Illinois Learning Standards. The curriculum focuses on the study of art through the use and understanding of the Elements of Art including, shape, form, space, texture, value and color. The program encourages students to develop cultural and historical awareness through the visual arts. Students are exposed to a variety of art materials, methods and production opportunities. Students focus on problem solving, self-directed learning, peer collaboration and managing materials as they purposefully design, produce and present their own expressive works of art.

Comprehensive Music

During this semester-long course, students participate in a broad range of activities related to creating, performing, and responding to music. These experiences include learning an instrument such as piano, guitar, or African drumming; and using web-based applications on Chromebooks and/or iPads, in addition to traditional instruction. Students also participate in the study of the history of popular music. The keyboard and guitar skills learned are used to demonstrate the roots of rock music. By engaging in music reading and performing through student-chosen popular music and traditional music, students gain the independence needed to continue playing and appreciating music beyond this course.

Connect & Create

Broadcasting, storytelling, performing, podcasting, influencing: communication is a vital skill that you will use your entire life! Join us as journalists, marketers, content creators and more to develop confidence and proficiency as you explore a variety of communication tools! In teams and as individuals, students develop an understanding and experience of the basic principles of oral and visual communication using various current media tools for a variety of purposes and audiences.

STEM (Project Lead The Way): Design & Modeling

Design and Modeling (DM) provides students opportunities to apply the design process to creatively solve problems. Students are introduced to a unit problem in the first activity and are asked to make connections to the problem throughout the lessons in the unit. Students learn and utilize methods for communicating design ideas through sketches, solid models, and mathematical models. Students will understand how models can be simulated to represent an authentic situation and generate data for further analysis and observations. Students work in teams to identify design requirements, research the topic, and engage stakeholders. Teams design products (i.e., design a toy or game for a child with cerebral palsy), fabricate using a 3D printer and test it, and make necessary modifications to optimize the design solution. Students will also learn how to use industry-standard 3D modeling software to create a virtual image and 3D print of their designs that they can take home.

Year-Long Courses

Instrumental Music: Band

Band is offered as an enrichment class to all students. Students are invited to continue their Band experience on traditional band instruments, becoming more proficient and exploring more advanced pieces at each grade level. Through the study of different time periods and styles, students will understand music as a form of communication which will expand their ability to listen, analyze, and discuss concepts.

Through daily learning, students prepare for performances at concerts and events during and outside the school day.

Instrumental Music: Beginning Mariachi (Winston Middle School only)

Offered as a sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade enrichment class to all students. Students are invited to learn a mariachi instrument that includes the violin, trumpet, clarinet, guitar, vihuela, and guitarron. Periodically, students participate in instrument-specific sectionals. Specialized instruction focuses on note reading, listening, and singing that is inherent to the mariachi genre. Students will also explore the historical significance of mariachi music while preparing authentic mariachi performance experiences.

Instrumental Music: Orchestra

Orchestra is offered as an enrichment class to all students. Through the study of different time periods and styles, students will understand music as a form of communication which will expand their ability to listen, analyze, and discuss concepts. Through the instrumental performance experience, students will prepare a variety of genres and styles of music, exploring more advanced pieces at each grade level.

Orchestra meets daily throughout the school year. Students are also required to attend one small-group lesson per week which meets during another class period on a rotating schedule. The Orchestra performs at various events throughout the school year. Students are also offered the opportunity to participate in various festivals and competitions.

Grade 7

Some elective courses are year-long which means they meet daily for the entire school year. Some elective courses meet for only one semester in the spring or fall. Students have 3 options in 7th grade:

Option 1: The student may choose two year-long exploratories from the following offerings:

World Language (French, Spanish, or Spanish for Native Speakers) plus
Instrumental Music (Band or Orchestra — and Mariachi only at WCJH)

If your child selects option 1, their exploratory schedule is complete.

Option 2: The student may choose one year-long exploratory (World Language, Band or Orchestra) and will be assigned to two semester-long exploratory courses, which includes one that will take place during the fall and the other one that will occur during spring semester. Available semester-long (half-year) exploratory course pairings are:

One semester of Comprehensive Music
One semester of Art
One semester of STEM - Computer Science
One semester of STEM - Flight & Space

Option 3: For a student that does not select a year-long enrichment, students will be placed into a set of four, one-semester long exploratory classes that expose the student to each of the following:

One semester of Comprehensive Music
One semester of Art
One semester of STEM - Computer Science
One semester of STEM - Flight & Space

Students With Additional Supports

For students who require a Language Studies course for Multilingual programming, IEP/special education support, a two-period math course, placement in social-emotional support group, or is recommended for supplemental reading intervention, such support will take the place of one or both exploratory offerings, and will allow needed support to be provided. Students will be contacted by their middle school to answer enrollment questions and resulting changes to that student’s exploratory course schedule.

Semester-Long Courses

Art

Comprehensive Music

STEM (Project Lead the Way): Computer Science for Innovators and Makers

This unit will allow students to discover computer science concepts and skills by creating personally relevant, tangible, and shareable projects. Throughout the unit, students will learn about programming for the physical world by blending hardware design and software development. They will design and develop a physical computing device, interactive art installation, or wearable, and plan and develop code for microcontrollers that bring their physical designs to life.

STEM (Project Lead the Way): Flight and Space

The exciting world of aerospace comes alive through the Flight and Space unit. Students discover the science of flight and use aerodynamic concepts to explain how aircraft fly. Students receive an introduction to the engineering design process, investigate the effect of different airfoils on flight, use maps for navigation, and explore flight crew scheduling criteria. Students investigate how scientists and engineers play a vital role in space travel, space discovery, and living in space. They explore launch, orbit, landing, maintaining health in space, and maintaining a stable living environment for astronauts. Students work to design and model different aspects required to complete a mission to Mars.

Year-Long Courses

Instrumental Music: Band

Through daily learning, students prepare for performances at concerts and events during and outside the school day.

Instrumental Music: Beginning Mariachi (Winston Middle School only)

Instrumental Music: Orchestra

Scholars (Two-Year Commitment)

Scholars class focuses on college and career readiness by providing lessons which include study skills, organization, leadership, teambuilding, and goal-setting. Students are introduced to a wide variety of speakers who share information about the college they attended and the career choices they have made. Students also attend a college campus tour field trip. Students who are a great fit for this class are generally performing at or near grade-level and could benefit from additional skills and support.

Students must apply for the class and receive approval from the Scholars team to enroll.

World Language: French 1

Year-long World Language classes for beginners introduce students to both language and culture. A communicative approach is emphasized and instructors focus on creating a balance between the three modes of communication; presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal. Please note that Heritage speakers are encouraged to select either Spanish for Native Speakers or a language they do not already speak. This course is for beginners only.

World Language: Spanish 1

Year-long World Language classes for beginners introduce students to both language and culture. A communicative approach is emphasized and instructors focus on creating a balance between the three modes of communication; presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal. Please note that Heritage speakers are encouraged to select either Spanish for Native Speakers or a language they do not already speak. This course is for beginners only.

World Language: Spanish for Native Speakers

In this year-long course, students focus on Spanish language and literature using the Socratic Seminar as the core strategy for learning. This strategy allows for debate, discussion and exploration to respond to essential questions. Reading and writing in Spanish is an integral part of this class; students also explore grammar and language use. Dictation, verb conjugation and the use of accents are emphasized. Instructors use the Spanish language exclusively to communicate their ideas, both orally and in writing.

Grade 8

Option 1: The student may choose two year-long exploratories from the following offerings:

World Language (French, Spanish, or Spanish for Native Speakers) plus
Instrumental Music (Band or Orchestra — and Mariachi only at WCJH)

If your child selects option 1, their exploratory schedule is complete.

One semester of Comprehensive Music
One semester of Art
One semester of STEM - Automation & Robotics
One semester of STEM - Medical Detectives

One semester of Comprehensive Music
One semester of Art
One semester of STEM - Automation & Robotics
One semester of STEM - Medical Detectives

Students With Additional Supports

Semester-Long Courses

Art

Comprehensive Music

STEM (Project Lead the Way): Automation and Robotics

Automation and Robotics teaches students critical thinking and problem solving skills through a series of hands-on design challenges. Students will learn mechanical systems and how they can be adapted to change speed, torque, and type of motion. Students will use this information to design, construct, and program autonomous robots that meet the criteria and constraints of a design challenge. They will learn and apply basic coding skills using RobotC programming software and construct their robots using VEX robotic kits.

STEM (Project Lead the Way): Medical Detectives

In the Medical Detectives (MD) unit, students play the role of a real-life medical detective as they solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, investigate how to measure and interpret vital signs, and learn how the systems of the human body work together to maintain health. Students will engage in a hands-on dissection of a sheep brain (with options for a more hands-off computer based dissection) to study how body systems work together. Finally, students will play the role of forensic scientist as they analyze evidence found at a “crime scene” and diagnose a disease using DNA evidence.

Year-Long Courses

Instrumental Music: Band

Through daily learning, students prepare for performances at concerts and events during and outside the school day. Eighth-grade students will also have the opportunity to make connections with their high school Band program, teachers, and students.

Instrumental Music: Beginning Mariachi (Winston Middle School only)

Instrumental Music: Orchestra

Scholars (Two-Year Commitment)

Students must apply for the class and receive approval from the Scholars team to enroll.

World Language: French 2

This year-long World Language class builds on the skills and concepts introduced in French 1. Students will continue to explore both language and culture. A communicative approach is emphasized and instructors focus on creating a balance between the three modes of communication; presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal. Please note that Heritage speakers are encouraged to select either Spanish for Native Speakers or a language they do not already speak. This course is for students who have completed French 1 only.

World Language: Spanish 2

This year-long World Language class builds on the skills and concepts introduced in Spanish 1. Students will continue to explore both language and culture. A communicative approach is emphasized and instructors focus on creating a balance between the three modes of communication; presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal. Please note that Heritage speakers are encouraged to select either Spanish for Native Speakers or a language they do not already speak. This course is for students who have completed Spanish 1 only.

World Language: Spanish for Native Speakers

Click here for a printable Middle School Elective Course Descriptions that includes English, Spanish, Ukrainian, Japanese and Russian translations.

Middle School Core Curricular Resources

Grades	Content	Curricular Resource	Publisher
6-8	English Language Arts	Amplify ELA	Amplify
6-8	English Language Arts	Units of Study	Heinemann
6-8, Accelerated Algebra	Math	Illustrative Math	McGraw Hill
Algebra	Math	High School Aligned
Algebra II
Geometry
6-8	Science	Open Sci Ed	OpenSciEd
6	Social Studies	History Alive!	TCI
7–8	Social Studies	myWorld	SAVVAS
6-8	Health	ETR HealthSmart	ETR

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