LANGUAGE ARTS

LANGUAGE ARTS

English

ME601 Humanities English Grade Placement: 6

Prerequisite: Gifted and

Talented Identification

This course is integrated with ME601 and MR601 as a single block of instruction. The Humanities program is built around the examination of universal themes and integrates the study of history, literature, writing, and fine arts. The curriculum, which includes extensive computer use, offers students the opportunity to utilize higher order thinking skills as they produce sophisticated products and presentations. Students work with a wide variety of writing styles, learn editing skills, and produce a historically-based newspaper.

ME611, ME621, ME631 English Grade Placement: 6

In Grade 6, English is integrated with reading as part of a language arts block. Emphasis is placed on vocabulary development and word study. Sixth grade students select and use different forms of writing for specific purposes. They learn to vary sentence structure and use more complex punctuation such as hyphens, semicolons, and possessives. As students practice editing their writing with increasing skill, they produce final, error-free written compositions on a regular basis. As they become more confident writers, their compositions increasingly exhibit individuality and voice.

ME701 Humanities English Grade Placement: 7

Prerequisite: Gifted and

Talented Identification

This course is integrated with ME701 and MR701 as a single block of instruction. The Humanities program is built around the examination of universal themes and integrates the study of history, literature, writing, and fine arts. The curriculum, which includes extensive computer use, offers students the opportunity to utilize higher order thinking skills as they produce sophisticated products and presentations. Students expand their repertoire of writing styles and produce a book that they individually write and illustrate.

ME711, ME721, ME731 English Grade Placement: 7

In Grade 7, English is integrated with reading as part of a language arts block. Seventh grade students are able to select and use different forms of writing for specific purposes. They vary sentence structure and use verb tenses appropriately and consistently. Students edit their writing based on their knowledge of grammar and usage, spelling, punctuation, and other conventions of written language, resulting in error free written compositions of written language, resulting in error-free written compositions. Students’ compositions increasingly exhibit individuality and voice.

ME801 Humanities English Grade Placement: 8

Prerequisite: Gifted and

Talented Identification

This course is integrated with ME801 and MR801 as a single block of instruction. The Humanities program is built around the examination of universal themes and integrates the study of history, literature, writing, and fine arts. The curriculum, which includes extensive computer use, offers students the opportunity to utilize higher order thinking skills as they produce sophisticated products and presentations. Students expand their repertoire of writing styles and produce a literature anthology as a class.

ME811, ME821, ME831 English Grade Placement: 8

In Grade 8, English is integrated with reading as part of a language arts block. Eighth grade students refine and master previously learned knowledge and skills in increasingly complex presentations and writing. They are able to revise their work and produce multi-paragraph compositions with varied sentence structure. Students edit their writing based on their knowledge of grammar and usage, spelling, punctuation, and other conventions of written language, resulting in error-free compositions. They use citations competently and follow accepted formats for research reports. Students continue to become more fluent writers, resulting in writing which strongly exhibits the writer’s voice.

Reading

MR601 Humanities Reading Grade Placement: 6

Prerequisite: Gifted and

Talented Identification

This course is integrated with ME601 and MR601 as a single block of instruction. The Humanities program is built around the examination of universal themes and integrates the study of history, literature, writing, and fine arts. The curriculum, which includes extensive computer use, offers students the opportunity to utilize higher order thinking skills as they produce sophisticated products and presentations. Literature studied includes The Adventures of Ulysses, The Bronze Bo; I, Juan de Pareja, Trumpeter of Krakow, and Wild Children.

MR610 , MR620, MR630, MR640 Grade Placement: 6

Reading (Specific Reading Disorders Elective Course

and Dyslexia/Related Disorders)

This course provides direct, systematic instruction of total word structure combined with literature-based instruction for comprehension.

MR611, MR621, MR631 Reading Grade Placement: 6

In Grade 6, reading is integrated with English (writing and grammar) as part of a language arts block. Students read widely in a variety of fictional and informational texts. Students begin to recognize literary devices such as flashback, foreshadowing, and symbolism. They search out multiple texts to complete research reports and projects. Sixth grade students evaluate the purposes and effects of film, print and technology presentations, and learn to assess how language, medium and presentation contribute to meaning.

MR650 Reading Elective Grade Placement: 6

Reading Elective is a course designed for students who have failed the reading portion of the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS), the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS), or are otherwise identified as needing additional instruction in reading. Students increase their word attack and comprehension skills and improve their fluency. They work individually, in small groups and, where available, use computer technology to enhance learning. Significant blocks of time are provided for reading both independent- and instructional-level materials in both fictional and informational texts. This course is not designed for students who qualify for the Specific Reading Difficulty (SRD) program.

MR701 Humanities Reading Grade Placement: 7

Prerequisite: Gifted and

Talented Identification

This course is integrated with ME701 and MR701 as a single block of instruction. The Humanities program is built around the examination of universal themes and integrates the study of history, literature, writing, and fine arts. The curriculum, which includes extensive computer use, offers students the opportunity to utilize higher order thinking skills as they produce sophisticated products and presentations. Literature studied includes Across Five Aprils,, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, The Hobbit, Treasure Island, and White Fang.

MR710 , MR720, MR730, MR740 Grade Placement: 7

Reading (Specific Reading Disorders Elective Course

and Dyslexia/Related Disorders)

This course provides direct, systematic instruction of total word structure combined with literature-based instruction for comprehension.

MR711, MR721, MR731 Reading Grade Placement: 7

In Grade 7, reading is integrated with English (writing and grammar) as part of a language arts block. Students read widely in classic and contemporary selections and informational texts. They use knowledge of Greek and Latin roots and prefixes and suffixes in reading. Seven grade students recognize how style, tone, and mood contribute to the effect of the text. They draw data from multiple primary and secondary sources for use in research reports and projects.

MR750 Reading Elective Grade Placement: 7

MR801 Humanities Reading Grade Placement: 8

Prerequisite: Gifted and

Talented Identification

This course is integrated with ME801 and MR801 as a single block of instruction. The Humanities program is built around the examination of universal themes and integrates the study of history, literature, writing, and fine arts. The curriculum, which includes extensive computer use, offers students the opportunity to utilize higher order thinking skills as they produce sophisticated products and presentations. Literature studied includes April Morning, Gone with the Wind, Once and Future King, and Murder on the Orient Express.

MR810 , MR820, MR830, MR840 Grade Placement: 8

Reading (Specific Reading Disorders Elective Course

and Dyslexia/Related Disorders)

This course provides direct, systematic instruction of total word structure combined with literature-based instruction for comprehension.

MR811, MR821, MR831 Reading Grade Placement: 8

In Grade 8, reading is integrated with English (writing and grammar) as part of a language arts block. Students read widely in classic and contemporary selections and informational texts. Eighth grade students refine and master previously learned knowledge and skills as they read challenging fictional and informational texts. They are able to identify the characteristics of various literary forms. After completing their research, students present oral and written reports, including presentations strengthened by visuals and media.

MR850 Reading Elective Grade Placement: 8

Elective Course

Speech

MN670 Speech – First Year Grade Placement: 6

Text: Speech for Effective Communication, Holt, Rinehart and Winston

This beginning course in middle school speech will introduce the concepts and skills needed to prepare and present public messages. This course will allow students to prepare and present these messages as well as allow students to analyze and evaluate different speeches presented by others. Students will gain skills in reading, writing, listening and thinking while applying memory, organization and delivery skills. This course is an elective and meets daily.

MN770 Speech – First Year Grade Placement: 7

Text: The Basics of Speech, Galvin and Cooper

The first year course in middle school speech includes introductions to the communication process, ethical communication, building a strong value structure foundation, and the various methods of public speaking. Students develop self-confidence in presenting speeches in front of their peers as well as strengthening writing, reading, researching, and listening skills. Students explore communications in various cultures and study the differences between their culture and others. This course is an elective and meets daily. This course is for students who have not previously taken a speech course.

MN771 Speech – Second Year Grade Placement: 7

Text: The Basics of Speech, Galvin and Cooper Prerequisite: MN670

This second year course in middle school speech continues the development of competencies gained in the first year. Students are considered more informed and knowledgeable of the basic communication concepts and theories. Student activities are more advanced and challenging. A more extensive look at methods of delivery is administered. This course is an elective and meets daily. This course is for students who have previously taken one speech course.

MN775, MN776 Speech Communications Grade Placement: 7

Text: Speech: Exploring Communication, O’Connor

This year-long course is a high school speech course offered at the middle school level and therefore must follow the high school curriculum. It takes an extensive look into the communication process, ethical communications and various delivery methods. This enables the students to delve further into the fundamentals of becoming competent communicators. This class includes the study of the communication process and the evaluation and use of non-verbal and verbal communication. Students study and apply the communication process and public address skills to interpersonal and small group situations. This course if offered for one-half (.5) high school elective credit and meets daily.

MN870 Speech – First Year Grade Placement: 8

Text: The Basics of Speech, Galvin and Cooper

MN871 Speech – Second Year Grade Placement: 8

Text: The Basics of Speech, Galvin and Cooper Prerequisite: MN670 or MN770

MN872 Speech – Third Year Grade Placement: 8

Text: The Basics of Speech, Galvin and Cooper Prerequisite: MN670 and

MN771

This third year course in middle school speech continues the development of competencies gained in the first two years. Students now apply their background knowledge with a purpose in mind. This course is an elective and meets daily. This course is for students who have previously taken two speech courses.

MN875, MN876 Speech Communications Grade Placement: 8

Text: Speech: Exploring Communication, O’Connor

As a survey course which must follow high school curriculum, this class includes the study of the communication process and the evaluation and the use of non-verbal and verbal communication. Students study and apply the fundamentals of public address, which include the differing methods, preparation, analysis and evaluation of speech making. In the second portion of Speech Communications, students apply the communication process and public address skills to interpersonal and small group situations. This portion of the introductory course allows students to develop self-confidence and refine their speaking skills in a variety of situations. This course if offered for one-half (.5) high school elective credit and meets daily.

Note: Both semesters of MN775 and MN776 equal one-half (.5) high school elective credit; both semesters of MN875 and MN876 equal one-half (.5) high school elective credit. Both semesters at each grade level must be completed in order earn the one-half (.5) elective credit. The completion of all four semesters (MN775, MN776, MN875, and MN876) equals one (1) high school elective credit.