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HORIZONS PROGRAM . A Remarkable Middle School in the Making. Working to Meet the Needs of Our Gifted Students In a Middle School Setting. Horizons Course in a Content Area.
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Working to Meet the Needs of Our Gifted Students In a Middle School Setting
Horizons Course in a Content Area This model takes the standard curriculum as defined by the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS) and compacts, accelerates, and enriches that curriculum. These classes are taught by a Gifted certified teacher.
CCGPS • In Language Arts there is a focus on teaching grammar and mechanic through writing. This focus has been at Riverwatch internally for us but coming from elementary to middle this will be a change. • We are teaching writing through the ACE strategy that centers upon technical writing skills that are expected across the curriculum and in all grade levels.
CCGPS • In Math, the big change will be that students, at the end of 6th grade, will be expected to have fractions and decimals MASTERED. After this, it will be application of these concepts in future grades. • 6th grade math requires a proficient knowledge and use of computation skills, calling for students to have a clear number sense of fractions, decimals, and percents.
6th Grade • Content Course in Horizons Language Arts • Reading - Fiction with a stronger emphasis on increased Non-Fiction • Writing - ACE strategy • Grammar - within writing • Moving at a faster pace – novel study with a focus on rigor and depth of knowledge.
Novel StudyThe Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963By: Christopher Paul CurtisA four-six week independent and guided novel studySTUDENTS COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES EACH WEEK:~ Read assigned chapters for homework~ Complete high level comprehension questions ~ Complete Literature Circle role sheet and participate in Literature Circle discussion ~ Participate in a focused lesson on a different element of literature each week(atmosphere/mood, character, dialogue)
In addition, the students also complete a variety of activities depending on the novel. • Explore historical fiction & the setting: 1960’s Civil Rights Movement, primary sources from eye-witnesses, video documentary clips, Freedom Fighters play. • Analysis and synthesis through writing: supporting examples, direct quotes, evaluation and explanation • Compare/contrast through examination of a parallel short story or other work.
7th and 8th Grade • Horizons Courses in Language Arts, Science, and/or Social Studies • Homework for advanced courses average about 1 hour per course per night. The rigor intensifies from 6th grade. • Between 5th and 6th grade responsibility and organization is key while the work load stays the same.
Three Year Horizons ProgramAt A Glance • 3 Years of Advanced Language Arts • 2 Years of Advanced Content Study in Science and/or Social Studies ----------------------------------------------------- • Could have 3 Years of Advanced Math if Recommended *Math is not a Horizons course.
The Schedule • 1st Period – Language Arts • 2nd Period – Math • 3rd Period – Science • 4th Period – Social Studies • 5th Period – Academic Enrichment • 6th Period – Connections • 7th Period – Connections