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Language Arts and
Reading
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At the
middle level, a class period for
Language Arts (addressing state goals 3,
4, & 5) and a class period for
Reading/Literature (addressing State
Goals 1 & 2) are scheduled for every
student in each grade 6, 7, & 8.
The
language arts program includes
instruction in composition, speaking,
listening, and communication. Writing
is emphasized, with a focus on the
Illinois State Standards
(writing a variety of compositions,
using research and technology, and using
writing process skills such as editing
and revising). Students write research
papers at each level as well as create
persuasive, expository, and narrative
essays. Students also analyze and write
poetry, give demonstration and
persuasive speeches, and give a variety
of presentations such as debates,
poetry, drama performances, and reports.
The
reading program uses the Balanced
Literacy model supported by the
district. Strategies and techniques are
taught through modeling and mini lessons
using short stories, drama, poetry, and
novels. Students practice their skills
in small guided groups using material at
their own instructional reading level.
With teacher guidance, students
self-select books for independent
reading. Literacy elements and genres
are taught in conjunction with skills
and strategies identified by the
Illinois Learning Standards. Both
contemporary and classical short stories
and novels are included in each grade's
studies. |
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Social Studies
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| "What our students understand
(and that we, as teachers, seem blind to) is that
the very nature of information has changed. It's
changed in what it looks like, what we look at to
view it, where we find it, what we can do with it,
and how we communicate it. We live in a brand new,
and dynamically rich information environment, and if
we are going to reach our students in a way that is
relevant to their world and their future (and ours),
then we must teach them from this new information
environment."
-David Warlick |
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