Middle School Information Registration and Career Planning

1. Middle School InformationRegistration and Career Planning 2009-2010

2. Middle School Required Courses Core or Advanced English 6 Core or Advanced Math 6 Core or Advanced Science 6 Social Studies 6 Health and Physical Education 6 Elective Course (s) Grade 6 Core or Advanced English 7 Core or Advanced Math 7, Algebra I Core or Advanced Science 7 Social Studies 7 Health and Physical Education 7 Elective Course (s) Grade7 Core or Advanced English 8 Core Math 8, Algebra I, Geometry Core Science 8, Earth Science Social Studies 8 Health and Physical Education 8 or Out of school Physical Activity Elective Course (s) Grade 8

3. Elective Options Grades 6 & 7 Choice of one of these options: • One (1) year class • Two (2) semester classes • Four (4) nine week classes • One (1) semester class and two (2) nine-week classes Grade 8 • Choice of one of these options: • Two (2) year classes • Four (4) semester classes • One (1) year class and two (2) semester classes

5. Interscholastic: • A student must pass 5 subjects during the preceding semester and must be enrolled in 5 subjects in the current semester. • Students must earn at least a 2.0 grade point average each semester. Grades earned in the preceding semester determine eligibility for the following semester. Intramurals: • The Intramural Program is available to all students with activities determined by each school’s interest. After-School Clubs and Activities: determined by each school’s interest. Athletic / Activity Participation in Middle School

6. Upcoming Changes for Middle School Math • Starting 2010-11, there will be a curriculum change in math. This change will be fazed in starting with the 6th grade. • In the 6th grade, some of the 7th and 8th grade math objectives will be incorporated into the 6th grade curriculum. • 7th grade math will be Pre-Algebra. • 8th grade math will be a two-tier Algebra sequence. Students will be able to take either a yearlong Honors Algebra class or two single semester courses ( Algebra Part 1, Algebra Part 2). Students who struggle to pass this class will be assigned to a math lab the same semester for additional support.

8. Middle School Math Sequencefor 6th GradersStarting School Year 2010-2011 Core Math 6 Advanced Math 6 (Pre-Algebra) Core Math 7 (Pre-Algebra) Honors Algebra Algebra Part 1 & Algebra Part 2 with a Math lab for support, Honors or Geometry (if in Honors Algebra in Gr. 7) Honors Algebra

9. High School Mathematics Sequence Intro. to Algebra I Algebra I (X) Algebra I (semester) Intro. to Geometry Geometry (semester ) Geometry (X) Computer Personal Algebra Functions & Programming Finance Data Analysis Algebra II Algebra II / Trigonometry Trigonometry Probability & Discrete Math Analysis Advanced Placement (semester) Statistics Math Computer Science (semester) (semester) Adv. Placement Adv. Placement Statistics Calculus The Intro. to Algebra track will not be offered starting with school year 2010-11

12. High School Science Sequence

13. Core or Advanced? When making a choice between core level classes and advanced level classes, there are many things to think about. Students in Advanced Mathematics 6 will be scheduled for Honors Algebra or Geometry in 8th grade. Students in Advanced Science 6 will be scheduled for Earth Science in 8th grade.

14. Advanced Level Course Considerations Advanced courses are designed for students who have high ability and high interest. These classes are fast paced and require excellent study skills and work habits. The likelihood for success in advanced classes is directly linked with the following student characteristics: A or B in the preceding or prerequisite course Recommendation of teacher Standardized achievement test scores above the 85th percentile for English and Science Standardized achievement test scores above the 70th percentile for Math Reading above grade level Self-motivated with good study habits and organization skills Commitment to the requirements of the course Capacity to attack and solve problems Regular attendance

15. Selection of advanced level courses in middle school affords students the opportunity to take advanced classes in high school, whether as part of advanced placement curricula (AP classes) or in a high school academy program (2 advanced and 5 regular).

16. Advanced Academic Programs in High School(2) The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at Princess Anne High School - Grades 9 and 10 are considered the IB Middle Years Program and grades 11 and 12 the IB Diploma Program. The Mathematics and Science Academy at Ocean Lakes High School Academy Programs in High School (5) Global Studies and World Languages Academy at Tallwood High School Health Sciences Academy at Bayside High School Legal Studies Academy at First Colonial High School Technology Academy at Landstown High School Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Salem High School Enrollment in an academy is based on a successful application process. A student does not have to be identified as gifted to attend any Academy or Advanced Academy Program. All programs have multiple entry and exit points within the curriculum strands so that students have increased flexibility in career and college choices.

17. Advanced Academic Program in Middle School Middle Years International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at Plaza Middle School The Middle Years IB Program Academy curriculum is organized around three major concepts: Intercultural Awareness, Holistic Education, and Communication. Students take core courses of English, social studies, mathematics, science, and physical education, but also take a modern foreign language, visual and performing arts and technology. The program extends over five years, with grades 6, 7, and 8 committed to the Plaza Middle School Middle Years Program Academy, and ninth- and tenth-grade students completing the final two years of the Middle Years IB Program at Princess Anne High School.

18. Gifted Education Middle and High School Level

19. Gifted Education at the Middle School Level The Cluster/Resource Program The cluster/resource teacher program available in each middle school allows the gifted students to interact with their teachers and classmates in a heterogeneous grouping, while attaining benefits through the modification of content, process, product, and learning environment. Each middle school is assigned a gifted resource teacher whose responsibilities include resource, curriculum development, staff training, record keeping and leadership duties, as well as services to students. Students have the opportunity to take advanced classes in English, science, and mathematics, and may begin a foreign language in the 7th grade. The pace in these classes is rapid and students explore the subjects in greater depth and with additional intensity. Kemps Landing Magnet School (KLMS) Kemps Landing is a full-time school for academically gifted students in grades six through eight. Students must apply to Kemps Landing and be accepted in order to attend. Kemps Landing Magnet School requires English, math, science, social studies, physical education, an exploratory, and a foreign language. All students entering the sixth grade will take Latin. Seventh and eighth graders have the opportunity of continuing with Latin or changing to another language. In addition to these language credits, students have the opportunity to receive credit toward graduation for Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II/Trigonometry, and Earth Science upon successful completion of these courses. Because a foreign language is required of all students at KLMS, an extended day allows participation in an exploratory program. Classes such as chorus, orchestra, band, drama, computers, oral/written communication and other specialized courses are offered. Opportunities exist for students to explore topics or subjects of specific interest through distance learning. Extracurricular activities include options such as Future Problem Solving, Destination Imagination, forensics, debate, Academic Challenge, SCA, and several other clubs in which students have special interests. The school does not offer a competitive sports program. Students may be considered for gifted programs through referral by parents/guardians, students, teachers, themselves, and other persons who may have knowledge or expertise to make such a referral including community members, or by any other appropriate school personnel e.g., the student support teams. Should students be eligible for gifted services, parents/guardians will automatically be sent information about the gifted programs.

20. Gifted Dance Education Program The Gifted Dance Education Program is a pull-out model for identified students in grades three through eight and is housed at Old Donation Center. Admission into the program is determined through an application process. Dance students are presented a comprehensive curriculum which emphasizes the areas of concepts and skill development, dance history and appreciation, and creativity. Gifted Visual Arts Program2008 - 2010Identified students in grades three through eight may participate in the Gifted Visual Arts Program housed at Old Donation Center. Admission into the pull-out program is determined through an application process. Instruction in the program is designed to challenge and meet the educational needs of artistically gifted students. The curriculum integrates art history, criticism, aesthetic perception, creativity, theory, and skill development, as well as components from the core curriculum of knowledge. Gifted Visual Arts Program 2010 – 2011 and BeyondBeginning in September 2010, all sixth through eighth grade students identified as gifted in visual arts  and who wish to participate in the Gifted Visual Arts Program will attend Virginia Beach Middle School. The current pull-out model for gifted visual art students in grades 6, 7, and 8 will be converted into a visual art program embedded within the middle school daily schedule. Gifted Visual Arts Program student schedules will incorporate a zero bell approach to provide time for visual arts and another elective. Sixth and seventh graders will have health and physical education scheduled during the zero bell; eighth graders will have art studio. Transportation to Virginia Beach Middle School will be provided for all students attending the Gifted Visual Arts Program. Gifted Arts Programs at the Middle School Level

21. The High School Resource Program A gifted resource teacher is employed at each high school to serve as an advocate for all gifted and talented students. Students have the opportunity to take advanced placement (AP) classes in English, science, mathematics, computer science, social studies, and foreign languages. Gifted Program Credit Courses are offered for credit to intellectually and artistically gifted students. The classes may meet in the afternoons or evenings, depending on the individual course. All Gifted Program Credit Courses are not held in all the high schools.  The Governor's School for the ArtsStudents in Virginia Beach City Public Schools, in grades 9-12, are eligible to attend the Governor's School for the Arts in Norfolk, Virginia. Students must complete an application and audition for the intensive programs in dance, music, musical theatre, theatre, and visual arts. The applications are available from the school all year and the adjudication process takes place in January. Students take their academic classes at their regular high schools in the morning and attend the Governor's School for the Arts for three hours every afternoon during the regular school year. For each year they attend, students may earn three credits. The Governor’s Summer Residential Programs Summer Residential Governor’s Schools provide gifted high school juniors and seniors with intensive educational experiences in agriculture, foreign languages, the humanities, life science and medicine, mathematics, science, and technology, or the visual and performing arts, Students also may consider a mentorship experience in engineering or marine science. Gifted Programs at the High School Level

22. Special Education Middle School • Inclusion courses: Math, Science, English, Social Studies • Resource courses: Math, Science, English, Social Studies • Consult services • Academic Concept Support High School • Inclusion courses: Math, Science, English, Social Studies • Resource course: earns one elective credit. This does not take the place of or earn credits in the disciplines of Math, Science, English, or Social Studies • Consult services

23. Technical and Career Education Programs

24. Advanced Technology Center (ATC)offers 1 and 2 year programs and 4 strands of curriculum Information Technology: A+ Computer Repair Computer Network Administration Digital Design Internet Web Professional Software and Game Development Advanced Software and Game Development Telecommunications: Telecommunications CISCO Networking Academy High Performance, Manufacturing/Engineering: Marine Engineering and Design Computer Aided Drafting and Design Engineering Technology Modeling & Simulation Marketing: Hotel Operations & Management Classroom on the Mall

25. Technical and Career Education Center (Tech Center) • Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating • Auto Body and Paint Technology • Automotive Service Technology • Carpentry • Construction Technology • Cosmetology • Culinary Arts • Dental Assisting • Early Childhood Education • Electricity • Electronics • Landscape Design and Management • Legal Office Administration • Masonry • Medical Systems Administration • Outdoor Power Equipment • Plumbing and Heating • Practical Nursing • Public Safety • Television Communications and Production • Turf Management • Welding

26. Alternative Education The Renaissance Academy Adult Learning Center Virginia Beach Juvenile Detention Center / Education Center

27. The Renaissance Academy Believing that all students can learn, the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Office of Secondary Instructional Services seeks to develop and implement alternative education programs to meet the needs of students who are not experiencing success in regular secondary (grades 6-12) school settings. Alternative education programs strive to ensure that every student finds a path to personal and community educational goals. The school division operates one alternative center for both high school and middle school students, as well as specific programs that address targeted student needs. The past alternative education centers, Central Academy, Center for Effective Learning, Open Campus High School, and Princess Anne Center (Young Parents Program) became The Renaissance Academy in July 2009. SECEP programs will move to the Renaissance Academy in January 2010. The following alternative education programs are also housed in The Renaissance Academy Choices Program (grades 6-12) Anti-Tobacco Use Program (all levels) Individual Student Alternative Education Plan (grades 9-12) Online Learning (grades 9-12) Ropes and Initiatives (all levels) Substance Abuse Intervention Program (grades 6-12) Staffing Student Support Specialists

28. Adult Learning Center The mission of the Adult and Continuing Education program is to respond to the needs of the adult population by offering a comprehensive educational program to the community. The Adult Learning Center is dedicated to providing adults a variety of affordable opportunities for lifelong learning. Academic Programs: ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages ABE – Adult Basic Education and GED – General Educational Development exam Literacy Program Community Education: Classes offered in Arts, Business/Communication, Dance, Computers, Fun Things to Do, General Interest, Health & Fitness, Languages, Math, Medical, Money Sense, Photography, and Writing Workforce Training Certificate Programs: Administrative Assistant, Office Associate, Medical Front Office Personnel, Pharmacy Technician, or Veterinary Assistant

29. High School Diplomas And Verified Units of Credit 2010-2011 will be a year of change. There will be new diploma requirements and 2 new Technical Diplomas. HB 2039 and SB 1147 (2007) require the Board to establish the requirements for the Standard Technical and Advanced Technical Diplomas, and the academic requirements for these diplomas must meet or exceed the requirements for the Standard and Advanced Studies Diplomas. Beginning with the ninth-grade class of 2010-2011 and beyond, students shall earn the required standard and verified units of credits as described in VAC 20-131-50

30. Standard Diploma

31. Standard Technical Diploma

32. Advanced Studies Diploma

33. Advanced Technical Diploma

34. Modified Standard Diploma The Modified Standard Diploma requires twenty (20) standard credits, but no verified credits. Students seeking a modified standard diploma must pass the 8th Grade Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in both English: Reading and Literature and Research (R/L/R) and Mathematics. This diploma program is intended for certain students who have a disability and are unlikely to meet the credit requirements for a Standard Diploma. Eligibility and participation in the program is determined by the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team and the student, where appropriate, at any point after the student’s eighth grade year. The school must secure the informed written consent of the parent/guardian and the student to choose this diploma option.

35. Modified Standard Diploma English 9,10,11,12 4 credits Mathematics 3 credits (Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include content from among applications of Algebra I, Geometry, Personal finance, and Statistics in course approved by the State Board of Education) Science 2 credits (Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include content from at least two of the following: applications of Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics in courses approved by the State Board of Education) Social Studies 2 credits (Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include one credit in Virginia and U.S. History, Virginia and U.S. Government in courses approved by the State Board of Education.) Health and Physical Education 2 credits Fine Arts or Career Technical Education 1 credit Required Courses 14 CREDITS Elective Courses 6 CREDITS (Courses to satisfy this requirement must include at least two sequential electives: for example, Accounting and Advanced Accounting or Journalism I and II.) TOTAL 20 CREDITS

36. Special Diploma Students with disabilities who complete the requirements of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and do not meet the requirements for other diplomas are awarded Special Diplomas. Certificate of Program Completion This program is designed for a student who has earned all of the required standard units of credit for graduation, but has not earned the appropriate corresponding verified credits. Opportunities will be given to earn the verified credits and if the student does, then, he/she will be considered a graduate and earn the appropriate diploma. If the student does not, the student will be awarded the Certificate of Program Completion.

37. High School Vocabulary Standard Unit of Credit The standard unit of credit for graduation is based on a minimum of 140 clock hours of instruction and successful completion of the requirements of the course. A semester course receives one-half credit. Verified Unit of Credit A verified unit of credit for graduation is based on a minimum of 140 clock hours of instruction, successful completion of the requirements of the course, and a passing score on the end-of-course Standards of Learning test for that course. A state-approved substitute test may be used for specified SOL tests. English English 11: Reading/Literature Research English 11: Writing Mathematics Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Science Earth Science Biology Chemistry Social Studies World History to1500 A.D. World History from1500 A.D. World Geography Virginia and U.S. History

38. Student-Selected Test A student-selected test for verified credit may come from any end-of-course SOL test that is not already satisfying a required verified credit or tests in computer science, technology, or other areas as prescribed by the Virginia State Board of Education. Sequential Electives Sequential electives are defined as two years of study in a focused sequence of elective courses leading to further education or preparation for employment. Students who are pursuing the Standard Diploma or the Modified Standard Diploma must complete two sequential credits. Fine Arts The following courses will meet the fine arts graduation requirement: all art courses, all music courses, all drama courses, Visual Language, and designated courses in the gifted program. The course taken to satisfy the fine arts requirement may also serve as one of the two courses required to satisfy the sequential electives requirement. Fine Arts or Career Technical Education All technical and career education courses and designated courses in the gifted program will meet the career technical education graduation requirement. The course taken to satisfy the fine arts or career technical education requirement may also serve as one of the two courses required to satisfy the sequential electives requirement.

39. Middle School Vocabulary • Block Scheduling • Homebound Services • 504 Plans • Distance Learning • Online Courses via Virtual Virginia Beach e-Learning • Intervention / Remediation Programs • Expunging Grades • Summer Enrichment Classes • Project X-CD • AVID program

40. Academic and Career Plan

41. The Academic and Career Plan in the SOA In December 2007, in a letter distributed to all members of the Board of Education, Governor Tim Kaine requested that the revised Standards of Accreditation, contain provisions for each middle and high school student to have an academic career plan that aligns academic and career goals with the student’s course of study. January 2008 - Board proposed changes to the SOA. February 2009 - The Board adopted final changes to regulations for accrediting public schools in Virginia. I believe such a plan can help students who may be at risk of not graduating by reinforcing the expectations well ahead of their senior year. The planning process might also encourage students who are satisfied with minimum effort to reach for higher levels of achievement knowing the economic benefits of postsecondary career pathways. Additionally, it will give students opportunities to identify areas of interest and explore new things about which they may not otherwise be aware. Governor Timothy M. Kaine. Letter to the Virginia Board of Education, December 2007.

42. Academic and Career Plan Beginning with the 2010-2011 academic year, all schools shall begin development of a personal Academic and Career Plan for each seventh-grade student with completion by the fall of the student’s eighth-grade year. Transfer Students Students who transfer from other than a Virginia public school into the eighth grade shall have the Plan developed as soon as practicable following enrollment. Beginning with 2011-2012, students who transfer after their eighth-grade year shall have the Plan developed upon enrollment. Revisions to the Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia 8 VAC 20-131-140: College and career preparation programs and opportunities for postsecondary credit.

43. Program of study for High School Graduation • Postsecondary career pathway based on student’s academic and career interests • Shall be signed by the student, student’s parent or guardian, and school official(s) designated by the principal; • The school shall have met its obligation for parental involvement if it makes a good faith effort to notify the parent or guardian of the responsibility for the development and approval of the Plan; • Shall be included in the student’s record; and • Shall be reviewed and updated before the student enters the ninth and eleventh grades. • Any personal academic and career plans prescribed by local school boards for students in grades 7-12 and in effect as of June 30, 2009, are approved to continue without further action by the Board. • The Board of Education will establish guidelines for development of the Plan. Academic and Career Plans shall include, but not be limited to: .

44. Career Assessment A career assessment is a tool used to assist students in aligning interests, values, knowledge, and skills with career clusters and identifying career pathways that will meet their individual career goals. • Career Clusters as the foundation for student success • Common State Vision • Lifelong Learners • Logical Informed Choices • Plans of Study and Student Ownership • Aligns academics and careers • Skills to Succeed • Higher graduation rates Career Clusters link what students know about their abilities and skills to the knowledge and skills they learn in school that are needed for success in postsecondary education/training and future careers. REMEMBER: We are helping students plan FOR LIFE, not just for high school graduation!

45. Search By Career Cluster: Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Architecture & Construction Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications Business, Management & Administration Education & Training Finance Government & Public Administration Health Science Hospitality & Tourism Human Service Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security Manufacturing Marketing Sales & Service Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics

46. Career Clusters Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources– Jobs in the agriculture and natural resources career cluster involve planning, managing, and performing agricultural production, horticulture and landscaping services, and related professional and technical services; planning, managing, and performing mining and extraction operations; managing and conserving natural resources; and performing related environmental services. • Mining engineer • Aqua culturist • Animal breeder • Logger • Fish and game warden • Groundskeeper • Greenhouse manager • Farm manager • Animal trainer Architecture & Construction– Jobs in the architecture and construction career cluster involve designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining the built environment. • Architect • Electrician • Architectural restorer • Brick mason • Surveyor • Landscape Architect • Urban Planner • Drafter Arts, A/V Technology & Communications– Jobs in the arts, audio/video technology, and communications career cluster involve designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services. • Audio designer • Museum curator • Commercial artist • Musician • Cable TV engineer • Journalist • Animator • Broadcast technician • Actor Business, Management & Administration – Jobs in the business and administration career cluster involve planning, organizing, directing, performing, and evaluating business functions essential to effective and productive business operations. • Accountant • Human resources manager • Administrative assistant • Information systems manager • Management analyst • Marketing manager • Receptionist • Interviewer Education & Training– Jobs in the education and training career cluster involve planning, managing, and providing education and training services, and related learning support services, including assessment and library and information services. • Elementary school teacher • High school teacher • School administrator • Corporate trainer • Child care worker • College professor • Instructional media designer • Physical trainer Finance– Jobs in the finance career cluster involve providing services for financial and investment planning, banking insurance, and business financial management. • Credit analyst • Financial examiner • Loan officer • Stockbroker • Tax preparer • Actuary • Insurance agent • Financial advisor Government & Public Administration – Jobs in the government and public administration career cluster involve planning, managing, and providing government legislative and administrative and regulatory services and related general purpose government services at the federal, state, and local levels. • IRS agent • Foreign service officer • Regional planner • Bank examiner • Cryptologist • Intelligence agent • Soldier or sailor • Legislator Health Science – Jobs in the health science career cluster involve planning, managing, and providing diagnostic, therapeutic, supportive, and information and research services in health care. • Audiologist • Optometrist • Chiropractor • Pharmacist • Sonographer • Medical records administrator • Biostatistician • Industrial hygienist • EMT/paramedic • Health educator

47. Career Clusters Hospitality & Tourism – Jobs in the hospitality and tourism career cluster involve planning, managing, and providing lodging, food, recreation, conventions, and tourism, and related planning and support services such as travel-related services. • Travel agent • Hotel manager • Concierge • Waiter or waitress • Bartender • Chef • Athlete • Lifeguard • Recreation director • Convention manager Human Services– Jobs in the human services career cluster involve tending to families and to human needs. • Wedding consultant • Massage therapist • Consumer advocate • Social worker • Food pantry organizer • Preschool teacher • Child development specialist • Counselor • Home care aide Information Technology – Jobs in the information technology career cluster involve the design, development, support, and management of hardware, software multimedia, and systems integration services. • Network administrator • Webmaster • Data analyst • Technical writer • Help desk technician • Software engineer • Programmer • Digital media specialist • Network technician Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security – Jobs in the law and public safety career cluster involve planning, managing, and providing judicial, legal, and protective services. • Firefighter • Police officer • Corrections officer • Lawyer • Judge • Paralegal • Bailiff • Security guard Manufacturing – Jobs in the manufacturing career cluster involve planning, managing, and performing the processing of materials into intermediate or final products and related professional and technical support activities, such as production planning and control, maintenance, and manufacturing/process engineering. • Factory production worker • Millwright • Instrument control technician • Electrical equipment installer • Business machine repairer • Quality control technician • Instrument maker • Sheet metal worker Marketing, Sales & Service – Jobs in the retail/wholesale sales and service career cluster involve planning, managing, and performing wholesaling and retailing services and related marketing and distribution support services including merchandise/product management and promotion. • Distribution manager • Traffic clerk

48. Virginia Education Wizardhttps://www.vawizard.org/vccs/Main.action

49. Academic Plans • Middle School Student going to High School • Elementary School Student going to Middle School

50. This Academic Plan will be revised in the fall of 2009 to reflect the new diploma options.