Geography Grade 6
This course is designed for students to develop a greater understanding of world geography and learn to be responsible global citizens.  Students investigate the five themes of geography then apply these to settings around the world.   After an introductory unit on physical, human and cultural geography, students explore regions of the world.  These include: North America, Latin America, Europe, Russia, Africa, South Asia, East and Southeast Asia, and Australia/Oceania.  Students exhibit skills in the use of graphics and historical sources.
World History I  Grade 7
In this course students view the human experience during early and ancient times.  Beyond understanding the main themes of history, students develop an appreciation of the contributions of various peoples to civilization.   Units of study are United Nations, Early Civilizations (River Valleys, Egypt and Israel), and Ancient World (Greece, India and China). Students exhibit skills in the use of graphics and historical sources.
World History II Grade 8
Students view the main themes of the human experience such as tradition versus change, man and the environment, east meets west, etc.   New dynamics such as the rise of empires and world religions are studied to understand and appreciate the diversity of the human story.  Units of study include United Nations, New Empires and New Faiths (Rome and Christianity), The Middle Ages (China, Africa, Japan and Europe), The Changing World (Americas, Renaissance and Reformation, Enlightenment and Revolution).  Students exhibit skills in the use of graphics and historical sources.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Language Arts Grade 6
The course is designed to assist students in the exploration, development and acquisition in the literacy areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and thinking.  The Write Source/6 Traits Series is the foundation for the study of writing.   The Townsend Series assists students to develop a larger working vocabulary.  The literature component consists of four novels and poetry selections.  Learning includes the ability to read and interpret a variety of texts; to write a creative piece and a cause-effect essay; to exhibit sound practice in grammar, usage, and mechanics; and to display confidence in oral presentations.  Student writing is developed and assessed by the internationally acclaimed online writing program, ERB or Education Research Bureau.
Language Arts Grade 7
The learning outcomes continue from Grade 6 and at a higher level of achievement.  The same writing and vocabulary series is utilized to build on past progress.   The literature component features three, age-appropriate novels and selections of poetry.   Students are expected to write a creative piece as well as a cause-effect essay and exhibit the writing conventions of grammar, usage, mechanics and public speaking.  Student writing is developed and assessed by the internationally acclaimed online writing program, ERB or Education Research Bureau.
Language Arts Grade 8
The course expects students to perform at the highest level of achievement in Middle School.  Learning outcomes strive for a mastery level of achievement. The writing and vocabulary series is utilized in order to prepare students for High School.   The literature component features three, age-appropriate novels and selections of poetry.  Students are expected to write a creative piece and a comparison-contrast essay.  Students should exhibit strong grammar skills and ease in delivering oral presentations.  Student writing is developed and assessed by the internationally acclaimed online writing program, ERB or Education Research Bureau.

SCIENCE

Science Grade 6
The course develops a new level of science knowledge and skills.  The McGraw-Hill Science Series and the inquiry-based FOSS Science kits provides a foundation for scientific study.  Units of study include biology, earth science, space, matter, forces, energy, electricity, and magnetism.  Beyond studying science, students act like scientists in applying the scientific method, conducting scientific observations on natural phenomenon, performing experiments, and collecting, recording and analyzing data to validate hypotheses.
Science Grade 7
The course expands upon prior student knowledge and challenge students with new subject matter and activities using the textbook, Glencoe Science Green Level. Topics include cells, plant and animal processes, ecology, Earth structure and processes, and mechanical and electromagnetic waves.  Throughout the course, students learn how to apply the scientific method to explore the world around us.  The course utilizes a variety of instructional strategies including labs, individual and group projects, discussion, note taking, homework, and exams to ensure that all material is accessible to all students.
Science Grade 8
The course challenges students to think critically and understand the world around them.  Using the Glencoe Blue Level textbook, the course focuses on the human body, genetics and evolution, basic chemistry, and forces and motion.  In addition, students use a hands-on Delta Education Foss Kit to study Earth’s position in our solar system and universe.  Students use the scientific method in the science lab to support topics covered in class.  By the conclusion of the course, students should have broad knowledge about many scientific topics and be ready for the more specified High School courses, beginning with Biology.

MATHEMATICS

Math Grade 6
Students are challenged with a new level of mathematics.  New knowledge and skills are developed with the use of the new Glencoe Mathematic series.  There is a strong focus on understanding key mathematics concepts and fundamental mathematical skills such as problem solving.  Course content includes units on: Algebra, Graphing & Statistics, Operations with Decimals, Fractions and Decimals, Operations with Fractions, Ratio, Proportions, Functions, Percent & Probability, Systems of Measurement, Geometry, Percent, Volume and Area, Integers and Transformations.
Math Grade 7 /Pre-Algebra
The course covers the fundamental principles necessary for excelling in Algebra.  Students utilize the Glencoe-McGraw Hill Pre-Algebra textbook to learn about topics organized thematically including integers, equations, factors, fractions, rational numbers, ratios, proportions, percents, functions and graphing, equations and inequalities, real numbers, right triangles, two dimensional and three dimensional figures, statistics and probability, and polynomials and non-linear functions.  The course focuses on using a variety of problem solving strategies to solve theoretical and real world problems.  By the end of the course, students should be very well prepared for learning Algebra.
Math Grade 8 /Algebra
The course provides students with a solid foundation of Algebraic concepts and skills.  Students explore topics such as solving and analyzing linear equations and inequalities, functions and patterns, polynomials, factoring, quadratic equations and exponential functions, radical expressions and triangles, rational expressions and equations, and statistics and probability.  By the end of the course, students are proficient in the language and tools of Algebra and will be well prepared for the High School Math series, beginning with Geometry.

WORLD LANGUAGES

English Language Learners (ELL) Grades 6-8
English Language Learning is offered to students whose native language is not English and is scheduled opposite Mandarin in the curriculum. To ascertain English language proficiency, students undergo the Language Assessment System (an internationally recognized standardized language assessment tool). Student progress is monitored throughout the year by LAS benchmark testing.  At the end of the year a final assessment is completed to judge whether students have progressed to the point where they can be exited from the ELL program. ELL teachers work collaboratively with core teachers to develop lessons to support core subjects. Depending on their language proficiency, students are provided with a variety of support: ranging from modified curricula and texts to withdrawal for those requiring intensive support.
Mandarin Beginner Level Grades 6-8
The Beginner Class is designed for students with little to no Mandarin fluency.  Beginner students will learn Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language.  Classes focus on the basic knowledge of Pinyin, simple Chinese characters.  Students develop basic listening and speaking skills and rudimentary reading and writing skills.  The class develops an understanding of and an appreciation for Chinese culture.  Special holidays and traditions are celebrated.   Students have the opportunity to share their new language acquisition during special events like Chinese New Year and Fine Arts Night.  The series entitled Chinese Made Easy is the textbook for Mandarin instruction.
Mandarin Intermediate Grades 6-8
The Intermediate Class is designed for those students who have studied Chinese language for one or two years. In order to enroll in this class, students are required to exhibit basic speaking and listening skills.  Emphasis is place on developing speaking & listening skills but instruction also targets the acquisition of reading and writing skills.  Special events throughout the year allow Mandarin students to express their new language proficiency.
Mandarin Advanced Grades 6-8
The Advanced Class is designed for those students who have a strong Chinese background.  Students may enter the class if they have met or exceeded the criteria for the intermediate Chinese program at AIAN.   A strong foundation in speaking and listening is necessary.  Instruction is targeted at improving proficiency in reading and writing skills.   Outstanding examples of student work are shared and celebrated throughout the year.

ENCORE

Art Grade 6
All Grade 6 students study art for one quarter.  The textbook entitled Community Connections serves as the guide for studio work.   The themes of belonging, making a difference, and celebrating are emphasized.  Students are provided the opportunity for studio experiences in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics.  The class involves itself in special, ESLR-based projects such as Pinwheels for Peace, UN Day, Chinese New Year, and Peace Day.  Art from around the world and from different eras is explored, with an emphasis on historical and contemporary China.   Students are expected to understand key concepts and vocabulary.
Health Grade 6
The course is an activity-based program with an emphasis on health skills, at risk behaviors, and promotes health literacy.  Fitness and nutritional information is explored and students will be shown how to become fit.   Students learn that good health affects academic performance, friendships, appearance, and life in general.   Issues such as alcohol, drugs and disease are discussed. This is the first course in Glencoe's Teen Health.
Drama Grade 6
This introductory course explores the history of drama in the eastern and western world.   Drama comparisons and contrasts is discussed and possible reasons for variations in time and place considered. Various styles of story telling are investigated and enjoyed.  Students have the opportunity to create their own stories.   The medium of puppetry is used in story telling.
Art Grade 7
All Grade 7 students study art for one quarter.  The textbook entitled Community Connections serves as the guide for studio work.   The themes of belonging, making a difference, and celebrating are emphasized.   The class builds on the skills acquired in the Grade 6 studio experiences in the areas of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics.  The class plays a significant role in special, ESLR-based projects such as Pinwheels for Peace, UN Day, Chinese New Year, and Peace Day.  Art from around the world and from different eras are explored, with an emphasis on historical and contemporary China.   Students are expected to exhibit competency in the major concepts and vocabulary in art.
Health Grade 7
The course is an activity-based program with an emphasis on health skills, at risk behaviors, and promoting health literacy.  Fitness and nutritional information is explored and students are shown how to become fit.   Students learn that good health affects academic performance, friendships, appearance, and life in general.  Issues such as alcohol, drugs and disease are discussed. This is the second course in Glencoe's Teen Health.
Drama Grade 7
The course allows students to investigate the evolution of drama over time and across the globe.   The class focuses on the development of the chorus component of drama.   To understand and appreciate the role of the chorus in drama, several outstanding choral performances are shared.  Modern writers like Carl Sandberg help students listen for the unique quality of chorus.  Students write and present their own choral pieces.
Art Grade 8
All Grade 8 students study art for one quarter.  The textbook entitled Community Connections will be used and serves as the guide for studio work.   The themes of belonging, making a difference, and celebrating will be followed. The class will build on the skills acquired in the Grade 6 and 7 studio experiences in the areas of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics.  The class will play an important role in special, ESLR-based projects such as Pinwheels for Peace, UN Day, Chinese New Year, and Peace Day.  Art from around the world and from different eras are explored, with an emphasis on historical and contemporary China.   Students will exhibit mastery in the major concepts and vocabulary in art.
Health Grade 8
The course is an activity-based program with an emphasis on health skills, at risk behaviors, and promoting health literacy.  Fitness and nutritional information will be explored and students will be shown how to become fit.   Students will learn that good health affects academic performance, friendships, appearance, and life in general. Issues such as alcohol, drugs and disease are discussed.  This is the third course in Glencoe's Teen Health.

Drama Grade 8
The survey of the history of drama will be completed in this course.  Students will examine the use of disguise in dramatic pieces.   Outstanding examples of disguise from diverse cultures will be shared.   Students will have the opportunity to create their own disguise by making masks.   The class will perform monologues to complete their drama studies.
Music Grades 6-8
Students explore instrumental and vocal music.  Students study music fundamentals such as note reading and playing instruments.  In addition, students listen and sing music from diverse cultures and various historical genres.  Students are encouraged to improve their musical expressions to the point of composing their own music.  Students will have opportunities to record performance compositions.   Vocal and instrumental performances are highlighted during special events such as Fine Arts Night.
Physical Education Grades 6-8
Students will receive instruction in the ACAMIS sports of volleyball, basketball and soccer.  In addition, students learn the rules and skills necessary to play hockey, baseball, tennis, table tennis, gymnastics, dodge ball, etc.  While learning these sports, students practice teamwork as well as develop life-long aptitude to be physically active.
Information Technology Grades 6-8
Computer skills acquired in this course include a variety of technologies to form a basis for communication; to utilize a range of computer technologies to access information; utilize computer technology to communicate ideas and information; to avoid the potential for abuse, misrepresentation and inappropriate use of the computer.