Middle School 6-8
Core Academic Subjects
Language Arts Literacy
Grades 6, 7, 8
Instruction in Language Arts Literacy reflects a balanced approach that provides students with the learning opportunities they need in order to develop their abilities as readers, writers, listeners, and speakers. Skills and strategies are taught in an interrelated manner, often using a workshop model of instruction. Teachers are encouraged to rely on assessment of student needs to plan units of study. Reading and writing strategies within narrative and non-narrative genres provide the framework from which teachers derive unit plans. Skills and strategy instruction scaffolds or builds upon prior learning with each successive year of study, as students demonstrate increasing levels of mastery and understanding.
Recommended writing units involve responses to a wide variety of literature and non-fiction as well as to germane themes and issues and include studies in poetry, narrative, argumentative, and expository essays, as well as more informal reader response, journal, and notebook entries. Direct instruction in language arts also includes ongoing units in word study and grammar. Proper usage and mechanics are taught explicitly and are integrated into the writing process.
Language arts literacy also includes instruction in reading skills and strategies and provides opportunities for students to comprehend, analyze, and synthesize textual information. Another important element is independent reading. Students have access to classroom libraries and media center books of various genres and reading levels, and teachers assist students in selecting books appropriate for their demonstrated ability. Students hone their inferential and comprehension skills as teachers implement a balance of instructional approaches to include read-alouds, guided reading, modeling, reading notebooks, and author/genre study. Regular opportunities are provided for in-class reading, discussion, and writing about reading. Students benefit from differentiated teaching strategies such as small group guided instruction and reading partnerships for shared reading experiences.
Advanced Language Arts
Students who demonstrate the ability to excel at language arts have the opportunity in grades 7 and 8 to be eligible for a more challenging language arts course, titled Advanced Language Arts. Students will be identified by their 6th and 7th grade teachers, and samples of their work will be evaluated by a committee of teachers. Criteria in the evaluation process will include students’ grades, samples of literary essays, on-demand narrative pieces, teacher recommendations and standardized test scores. Students included in the program must maintain at least an average grade of B to continue in the course.
Units of studies and themes are consistent with the current 7th and 8th grade curricula, however, the swift pace of this advanced course will allow for more in-depth and enriched study of literature and will include greater authentic writing experiences. Advanced students will be held to higher expectations in both quantity and quality of their work and would be expected to thrive both in independent and group learning environments. Students will be expected to complete weekly reading "extensions" and consistently share their writing with authentic audiences.
Advanced language arts students must possess the capacity to interpret literature at high levels. Students will be exposed to both modern day and classical literature in which they will be expected to analyze and interpret the texts both in classroom discussion and in their writing. Moreover, students must understand the nuances of language and apply that understanding by infusing literacy skills and strategies such as figurative language, symbolism, foreshadowing, irony, and imagery as they develop into young authors.
Core Academic Subjects
Mathematics
Math 6
The Math 6 course is the first course in a three-year sequence for students who are following the traditional mathematics sequence, which lays a foundation for students entering into Algebra 1 in high school. The courses are Common Core aligned and use the Math in Focus textbook. There are five areas of focus: ratios, proportions and percents; the number system, which involves an exploration of positive and negative numbers as well as multiplying and dividing fractions and decimals; equations and expressions; geometry, including area, surface area and volume of solids; and finally statistics, where students will explore types of graphs and calculate measures of central tendencies. The Math 6 course makes real-life connections, as well as continually has students develop and practice mastery through problem solving.
Math 6 Advanced
The Math 6 Advanced course is designed to prepare students for the study of higher level mathematics. The Advanced course is Common Core aligned and uses the Math in Focus textbook; however the course goes beyond the sixth grade standards. Students will develop a fluency in their arithmetic skills, and there is an emphasis on multi-step problem solving. Math 6 Advanced covers all of the areas of focus covered in Math 6, as well as operations with integers, solving inequalities, and exploring problems with circles. An Advanced math student is able solve more rigorous problems, make more connections, and move at a faster pace.
Math 7
The Math 7 course is the second course in a three-year sequence for students who are following the traditional mathematics sequence. The course is Common Core aligned and uses the Math in Focus textbook. There are five areas of focus for the year: operations with rational numbers; algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities; proportional relationships, including percent, proportion, and direct proportion word problems; geometry, such as angle relationships and calculating area of circles and volume and surface areas of more complex solids; and finally statistics and probability. A mastery of fractions and decimals is crucial for the seventh grade curriculum, since these skills along with integer operations are tied into all topics. In addition to the focus on rational number fluency, the Math 7 course prepares students to better explain their problem-solving methods through continual exposure to a variety of complex real-word problems.
Math 7 Advanced
The Math 7 Advanced course is designed to prepare students for the study of higher level mathematics, specifically to prepare students for Algebra 1 in eighth grade. The Advanced course is Common Core aligned and uses the Math in Focus textbook, however the course goes beyond the seventh grade standards by covering some of the eighth grade standards. From the Math 6 Advanced course, students entering Math 7 Advanced must have a fluency of operations with fractions, decimals, and integers. This knowledge is extended to rational numbers, which is used throughout the course. There is a strong emphasis on multi-step problem solving. All of the areas of focus covered in Math 7 are covered in the Advanced Math 7 course, as well as solving multi-step equations, solving equations with variables on both sides, an introduction to linear relationships, and graphing transformations. While many of the topics are the same between the Advanced course and the Math 7 course, the Advanced student is able to work with more challenging numbers, solve more rigorous multi-step problems, make more connections, and move at a faster pace.
Math 8
The Math 8 course is the final course in a three-year sequence for students who are following the traditional mathematics sequence. The course is Common Core aligned and uses the Math in Focus textbook. Upon completion of eighth grade, students are prepared for Algebra 1 in high school. A main area of focus for the year are expressions and equations, with a focus on linear equations. Students will model relationships and compare functions. Other areas of focus are: rational and integer exponents, as well as scientific notation; geometric understanding, specifically studying congruence, similarity, the Pythagorean Theorem, as cylinders, spheres, and cones; and probability and statistics, with a focus on bivariate data.
Algebra
The Algebra 1 course is Common Core aligned and is designed to prepare students for the study of higher level mathematics in high school. The mastery of rational numbers that students should have from Honors Pre-Algebra or Math 6 Advanced is extended throughout the course. Students enrolled in this course study functions and graphs as well as equations and inequalities. Polynomials, factoring, rational, and irrational expressions along with quadratic equations and problem solving are also examined. Students follow the Ramapo-Indian Hills High School curriculum and take trimester exams. Students take the Algebra 1 PARCC exam. There is a strong emphasis on multistep problem solving and real-life word problems. An Algebra student is able to work with more challenging numbers, solve more rigorous multi-step problems, make more connections, and move at a faster pace.
Honors Geometry
Geometry is a high school honors course with a prerequisite of Algebra 1. The course includes the study of properties of figures in a plane, and in space, as well as the use of real numbers in the measure of distances, angles, arcs, areas and volumes. Some topics for discussion and analysis are lines, planes, angles, triangles, direct and indirect proof, congruence, similarity, parallelism, perpendicularity, circles, areas of polygons and circles, areas and volumes of solids, and trigonometry related to triangles. A coordinate approach or a transformational approach will be utilized in developing some units.
Core Academic Subjects
Science
July 9, 2014, the New Jersey State Board of Education adopted the Next Generation Science Standards. Implementation of the new standards is scheduled for grades 6-12 during the 2016-2017 school year. In preparation for the transition, new units will be piloted during the 2015-2016 school year.
The science program includes a unit of life science, physical science, and earth science. Through inquiry and engineering practices, students develop connections among the three main disciplines of science while applying mathematics and English language arts skills to support claims with evidence, analysis, and reasoning.
Building on skills and knowledge acquired in grade 5, students in grade 6 study environmental science, diversity of life, and the processes that shape the Earth. Potential and kinetic energy is studied through lab experiments at the beginning of the year. Throughout the rest of the school year, students explore, characterize, and classify living things including the study of microscopic organisms using a compound microscope. Students examine patterns of change, unity and modeling of ecosystems and biomes. Students also explore the various biomes of the world and compare the organisms that inhabit them. Investigation of the processes that shaped the earth including earthquakes, volcanoes, and the rock cycle takes place in this course.
Building on skills and knowledge acquired in grade 6, students in grade 7 study force and motion, Earth’s waters, cell structure and organization of living things, and astronomy. Students gain an understanding of Earth-Sun-Moon relationships, explore groundwater distribution, and investigate force and motion, electromagnetism, and cell structure and organization of living things including human body systems. Engineering projects are embedded into units throughout the year.
Building on skills and knowledge acquired in grade 7, students in grade 8 investigate the interaction of humans and the environment through a study of meteorology and climate change, chemistry, and genetics and evolution. Throughout grade eight, students gain an understanding of the structure, dynamics and geophysical systems of the Earth related to conditions in the atmosphere that lead to weather systems and climate. Students gain an understanding of the structure and behavior of matter, including chemical interactions. In addition, students gain an understanding of the processes of genetic inheritance and evolution. Engineering projects are embedded into each trimester unit.
Core Academic Subjects
Social Studies
Grade 6
Students in grade 6 study ancient civilizations starting from the Prehistory through the Byzantine Empire. Students focus on the different regions of the Ancient River Valleys, Classical Civilizations, and the Byzantine Empire. Each of these regions is studied by analyzing themes through essential questions and the big ideas of geography, civics, economics, government systems, and culture. Students focus on reading non-fiction text and using multiple sources of information to write, to inform and to persuade, as well as construct creative projects to express information. Sixth grade students in social studies have a one to one Chromebook environment that they use daily in class. Students utilize the technology in class to develop collaborative skills and prepare for debating and defending decisions made in class.
Grade 7
Students in grade 7 will explore the four lenses of social studies including geography, government, culture, and economics. Using these four lenses, students will examine several regions of the world including East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and the Middle East. Students will be challenged to compare and contrast the religions, customs, governance, geography, and economic structures of these regions to our own American society in order to identify similarities and differences and build geo-political understanding. In looking at the societal comparisons students will spend significant time in studying genocide, holocaust, and human rights violations of both past and present that have devastated the dignity and rights of a free world. This course is designed to help shape our middle grade learners into productive and informed global citizens.
Grade 8
Students in grade 8 study American Civics: citizenship and government. This course provides students with an understanding of civic life, and the influences on and workings of American government. Students learn the principles and influences behind the Constitution, how the United States government functions as set forth by the Constitution, and how the Constitution guarantees the rights of its citizens. In this course, students think conceptually through authentic learning experiences. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking and the development of skills that prepare students for high school, such as cause and effect, primary source analysis, and explanatory and argumentative writing. Formal writing assessments in 8th grade social studies are document based and require students to support their viewpoints using primary and secondary source materials. Students practice 21st century skills on a daily basis with the use of classroom technology.
Special Area Subjects - World Languages
French
Grade 6
The students enrolled in this course study greetings, the family, weather, expressions of time, the days and months, café foods and beverages, the physical features of France and the main cities of (map reading). This course also provides cultural study, which includes learning about francophone countries, the euro, cafés, and French holidays & traditions.
Grammar is studied at the beginning level in this course (masculine/feminine nouns, the definite/indefinite article).
Grade 6 French classes meet on an every other day basis.
Grade 7
Students enrolled in this course learn how to describe daily activities, invite friends to do things, describe themselves & others, describe their rooms, and talk about possessions. This course also provides cultural study, which includes learning about French schools, France’s ethnic diversity & French-speaking countries, and French holidays.
The grammar study is extended in grade 7 to present tense of regular and irregular verbs, questioning, negation, masculine and feminine nouns, adjectives, prepositions, and possession. Seventh grade French classes meet on an every other day basis.
Grade 8
Students enrolled in this course study city life, buying clothes/fashion, leisure-time activities, and food/meals. This course also provides cultural study, which includes a historical overview of the French Revolution, French cities, Parisian monuments and landmarks of France and francophones countries/provinces (Belgium and Québec), the French concept of style, weekend and sports activities popular in France, the importance of leisure time to the French people, and French cuisine.
The grammar study moves the students to a continuation of regular/irregular verbs, comparison with adjectives, past & future tenses, object pronouns, and the partitive. Eighth grade classes meet every day. Students who complete the program at Eisenhower with high proficiency may be recommended for level two of the language for high school.
World Languages - Italian
Grade 6
Students enrolled in this course study the alphabet, family, weather, time, the
calendar, numbers, and the geographical features of Italy. This course also provides
cultural study which includes the euro, learning about Italian students’ school/social
habits, Italian holidays, and the arts. Grammar is studied at an introductory level.
Sixth grade Italian classes meet on an every other day basis.
Grade 7
Students enrolled in this course study personal likes and dislikes, extending
invitations, finding out information, and describing people, places, and objects. This
course also provides a cultural study which includes Italian music and traditional
dances, learning how the Italian uses the Internet, and gestures. The grammar study
is extended to the study of present tense of regular and irregular verbs, questioning,
negation, masculine and feminine nouns, adjectives, and articles, prepositions, and
Seventh grade Italian classes meet on an every other day basis.
Grade 8
Students enrolled in this full immersion course study city life, buying clothes, leisure time activities, and food/meals. The cultural study moves the students to the study of the Regions of Italy, weekends/vacations/sports activities popular in Italy, reading authentic texts,
Italian cuisine and the arts (including Italian cinema). The grammar study moves the
students to a continuation of regular/irregular verbs, comparison with adjectives,
past and future tense, and object pronouns. Eighth grade classes meet every day.
Students who complete the program at Eisenhower with high proficiency may be
recommended for level two of the language for high school.
World Languages - Spanish
Grade 6
The students enrolled in grade 6 Spanish study topics which include getting acquainted, the family, the weather, counting, days and months, pastime activities, telling time, colors and shapes, basic commands used in a classroom, and familiarization with Spanish speaking countries. There is also a cultural component which study includes learning about foods eaten in Hispanic countries, and music and art in the Hispanic World. Basic grammar is addressed at this level.
Sixth grade Spanish classes meet on an every other day basis.
Grade 7
The students enrolled in grade 7 Spanish study topics which include numbers, expressing likes and dislikes, inquiring and talking about people. There is also a cultural component which includes music and art. The grammar study is extended to the study of subject pronouns, present tense of regular and irregular verbs, noun adjective agreement, possessive and comparative adjectives.
Seventh grade Spanish classes meet on an every other day basis.
Grade 8
The students enrolled in grade 8 Spanish master the content learned in grades six and seven while extending their learning to ordinal numbers, locations, technology, talking about the home, chores, sports, the body, and vacations. The cultural study continues and includes music, literature, and art. The grammar study also continues and includes indirect and direct object pronouns, stem change verbs, verb expressions.
Eighth grade classes meet every day.
Students who complete the program at Eisenhower with high proficiency may be recommended for level two of the language for high school.
Special Area Subjects - CYCLES
Digital Imaging
Grade 7
Students enrolled in this course are introduced to digital photography, photo-manipulation, graphic design and 3D design and printing. Students create various photographic, graphic design and 3D projects. They discuss the importance of the legal and ethical uses of imaging technology and explore the artistic potentials of digital imaging and 3D design. In addition, the problems of 3D design and printing are discussed.
TV Production
Grade 8
Students enrolled in this course use Art/Digital Media and Multimedia Production skills to produce ETV, Eisenhower's daily TV news show. Students also produce video projects that are aired on ETV. Students learn the importance of copyright as well as the legal and ethical uses of broadcast technology. Students are expected to work collaboratively and demonstrate respect for others. Emphasis is placed on building student’s public speaking and interviewing skills and advanced video editing.
Yearbook
Grade 8
The yearbook cycle class covers the basics of desktop publishing while producing the
school yearbook. Students will learn the step-by-step processes of design, caption
writing, alternative coverage, theme development, photojournalism, and designing
spreads while incorporating graphic elements. The students’ final work is part of the Eisenhower School Crossroads Yearbook.
Journalism
Grade 8
This course is designed to help students learn about what it takes to create a newspaper. Students are introduced to the world of mass media, basic photojournalism concepts and skills, and the exploration of journalistic writing. While discovering the many characteristics of a newspaper, students will research and write articles to be published in the middle school newspaper (The General News). Class activities, individual and group projects will immerse students in the world of journalism. Students will learn the functions of the media as well as the importance of the First Amendment as a guarantor of a democratic society. Among a wide range of skills, they will also learn how to use digital cameras and desktop publishing computer software, all part of generating complete print (and online) newspapers.The cycle will culminate with a published newspaper that will be disseminated for students and staff to enjoy.
Information Literacy
Grade 6
How to find information quickly, reliably, and with accuracy all go into making
Information Literacy a necessary part of our sixth graders’ education. Emphasis is
placed on using print and non-print sources, evaluating information, and using it
constructively in report writing. Multiple aspects of information gathering are
addressed from using the Dewey Decimal OPAC system to citing MLA bibliographic sources.
Information literacy will directly benefit students and help them be prepared for future research.
Robotics
7th Grade
In the Robotics cycle, students will incorporate the Lego Mindstorm EV3 Robotics kit into their exploration and understanding of science, technology, engineering and math. In addition, they will incorporate and develop 21st Century Skills while working in small teams to follow directions, build, program, test and evaluate a robotic model while applying scientific, engineering and mathematical concepts.
Programming and Design
8th Grade
The Programming and Design cycle builds on the skills learned in the 7th Grade Robotics class. Students will develop advanced programming abilities such as loops and switches. While working in groups, students will use their 21st Century Skills to design, build and program a unique robot to perform specific tasks as they continue to explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
Technology Literacy
6th Grade
Students in the Technology Literacy cycle class gain an understanding of computer hardware and software parts and terminology and apply that to projects that explore real life use of information. In addition, students explore the advanced features of spreadsheets and word processing as well as graphic design concepts. Students also continue to develop their typing skills.
Digital Citizenship
6th Grade
In this course, students explore aspects of the Internet and its role and function in our world. Topics include Internet history, search engines, copyrights, Fair Use, and Cyber Safety. Projects in this course develop video editing skills, graphics programs, digital cameras, and presentation programs. Teachers advocate the safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology. The course encourages students to exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity. Students are also encouraged to demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning.
Multimedia Production
Grade 7
Students enrolled in this cycle class will analyze, evaluate and create media in a variety of forms. Students will learn to use various multimedia technologies like GarageBand, iMovie, digital camcorders and microphones to create a number of hands-on projects in audio and video production from concept to completion.
Art
Grades 6 and 7
Sixth and seventh grade art is an introduction to the middle school visual arts program. Students are engaged in all aspects of the curriculum based on the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Visual Arts. These standards include aesthetics, elements and principles of design, critique and history and culture of art. Projects based on the above mentioned standards are designed to meet the needs of the student. The sixth and seventh grade program sets in motion the process of critical thinking in the area of art. A variety of media is used in the production of art to accomplish the goals. Drawing, painting, and artistic design lessons prepare the students for the advanced work in eighth grade art. All students receive art classes in grade six or grade seven as a cycle course. This course is focused on higher level art production as well as aesthetics, principles and elements of design and art history. Students work in all areas and media including drawing, painting, mixed media and sculpture. Lessons are designed to build upon concepts and skills taught throughout the earlier grades. A more mature and advanced approach is encouraged while stressing creative problem solving.
Grade 8
Students in eighth grade art are prepared for further study in high school and beyond. All students receive art classes in grade eight.
Home Economics
Grades 6 & 7
By the end of grade seven, all students are introduced to kitchen safety and sanitation, kitchen management of supplies and equipment, nutrition and food cookery principles. Students work cooperatively, rotating kitchen responsibilities, while preparing, serving and evaluating assigned recipes. Students are expected to demonstrate trustworthiness, responsibility, fairness, respect, caring and citizenship.
Computer and Internet skills are integrated throughout the course. Social skills, gender equality, creativity, independent thinking and self-expression are encouraged.
Skills in time management, organization, higher-order thinking, analysis, synthesis
and evaluation are stressed throughout the course. The curriculum encourages sixth and seventh grade students to observe, question, become interested in current health issues, develop interpersonal relationship skills and solve problems. Home Economics has the family as its focus and the development of the individual as a contributing member of the family, community and society. The sixth and seventh grade curriculum includes a wide range of consumer and homemaking concepts so students become aware of interactions in individual development, environment, technology, and the quality of life. Throughout this course, students begin to understand the decisions they make regarding personal health and well being impact upon their personal development, family resources, and their role in a broader society.
As a part of the cycle program, by the end of seventh grade all students will have had
Home Economics
GRADE 8
Students in grade 8 apply life management skills to realistic situations. Students prepare for the future by learning to make decisions, solve problems, establish personal goals, communicate effectively, apply management skills using available resources, and by developing a personal sense of self-worth using creative approaches to problems. Home economics students acquire transferable skills useful in daily life; they are able to apply these skills to everyday living activities that will challenge them in the future.
Many eighth grade students will be able to take Home Economics.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Instrumental Music
Grades 6, 7, 8 Band
(Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion) and Orchestra (Strings-Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass)
The sixth, seventh and eighth grade instrumental music courses form the intermediate
level in a sequential learning process that begins in grade four and extends through high school. There are two elements in the course of study that are interdependent and indispensable.
The first is a small group “lesson” class in which the fundamentals of music notation and theory, together with hands-on playing of an instrument, are explained and demonstrated. These classes are comprised of players of instruments from the same family (i.e. brass, woodwind, percussion and string). This homogeneous grouping of instruments for lessons is of paramount importance to effective instruction. Students also receive group lessons throughout the course of the school year. Group lesson method books, grade level appropriate ensemble selections, and teacher-generated exercise sheets form the core of the written materials used in class. The rigor and complexity of the music studied intensifies as the students move-up through the grades.
The second essential element in the comprehensive instrumental music course is the student’s participation in a large group ensemble. At Eisenhower, these include the sixth grade Band, seventh grade Band, eighth grade Band, Orchestra and Jazz /Rock Band. The full ensemble experience helps build confidence and self-esteem in our young players as well as a sense of accomplishment when they perform before an audience. Students participate in at least two concerts a year. These larger groups rehearse once per week.
Instrumental Music classes meet on an every other day basis. Full band practices are held weekly.
World Music
Grade 7
The World Music option is designed to give the students a non-performance classroom
experience that focuses on learning about music through the study of different musical traditions, histories, and cultures of the world. Students work independently and in groups to learn about music through multi-media projects, written assignments, group presentations, and research.
A typical unit of the class would start by identifying a country or region of the world. This region would then be discussed in terms of history, arts, climate, politics, culture, fashion, and any other applicable area. A follow-up lesson (or two, depending on the region) would involve listening to and discussing musical aspects of the region. By exploring the instruments, folk songs, and traditions that are involved in music students will gain a valuable understanding of the culture of each region.
As an evaluation, students tie their knowledge of the region together with a final presentation that may incorporate their studies in other areas of the school, such as language arts, science, art, or culinary arts of the area. A final end of the year project or festival will allow the students to share their work with fellow students.
Vocal Music
Grades 6, 7, 8
The Vocal Music Program is designed to give students experience in performance as well as learn about and employ different skills for the understanding and appreciation of music as an art form. Students work together to prepare for performances of choral literature at various concerts. These experiences assist the students in learning about music notation and vocal production. Students also learn to critique their own work and other performances. Time is spent on different genres that have employed the voice throughout history.
Sixth grade begins as a two-part chorus and becomes a three-part chorus as the year progresses. Students gain experience in reading and understanding a choral octavo to assist in preparation for the concerts. Concert etiquette is discussed. The students are also introduced to the basics of musical theater.
Seventh grade is a continuation of the skills begun in 6th Grade with more performances and higher degree of complexity of songs. Further knowledge of different types and styles of vocal performance are discussed and experienced.
Eighth grade students use the knowledge and experience from the earlier years to prepare for concerts. Students also gain an understanding of the evolutionary process of the arts as they are affected by outside influences.
Vocal music classes meet on an every other day basis.
Physical Education and Health
Grades 6, 7, 8
The goal of the physical education program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle. Students from sixth through eighth grade are introduced and taught a variety of activities that address fitness needs, developmental processes, and personal interest. Age-appropriate activities are designed to promote the psychomotor and affective development of students in team, individual, fitness, adventure-based, and lifetime activities. The emphasis is placed on basic skill development so that students can participate in organized games and recreational actvities. Each unit strives to enhance personal wellness through the use of competitive, non-competitive and cooperative group activities. Physical education classes meet on an every other day basis.
The Health education curriculum addresses four major areas: Wellness, Integrated Skills, Drugs and Medicines and Human Relationships and Sexuality. Each of these areas, identified by the New Jersey Core Content Standards, is addressed each year in developmentally appropriate succession. All students in grades 6-8 receive health education as a cycle course.
Gifted and Talented
Wyckoff Extended Learning - (WEL)
Wyckoff’s Extended Learning (WEL) program continues for first-year middle school students who have been identified as advanced learners. This course offers students both self-guided and teacher-initiated opportunities to express and strengthen their unique talents. While the district’s elementary WEL program helps students to identify and nurture their giftedness, the middle school program serves to guide advanced learners toward more accelerated academic activities and challenges them to stretch their cognitive and creative abilities. Students are introduced to
independent and collaborative class activities, mini-projects and larger units of study designed to promote students’ critical analysis, creative problem solving, metacognition, self-awareness, and awareness of others. Cross-disciplinary curriculum units challenge students to broaden their worldview and develop out-of-the-box perspectives on a range of topics, including media literacy, global studies, the humanities, fine arts, science and technology, current events, studies in the
social sciences, and other subjects that might surface from students’ “interest inventories.” Students also pursue a self-directed research project on a subject of their choice. The teacher serves as a guide-on-the-side to facilitate resource gathering, research strategies, product development and models for presentation. WEL students employ self-assessment strategies to help them identify personal interests, inventory individual strengths, measure intellectual development and plan for future learning opportunities.
Grade 7 WEL continues to guide advanced learners towards unique and challenging opportunities for academic and personal growth. This course focuses on self-motivation and independence, as well as teamwork and cooperation. Students pursue self-directed research projects on subjects of their choice. The projects may be an extension of work they initiated in sixth grade or may represent a new effort entirely. The teacher supports students in developing and strengthening research and reporting skills. Students are encouraged to stretch and experiment with new strategies and practices. As in the sixth grade program, students work both independently and collaboratively on mini-units and activities, as well as larger projects and units of study. Students have input in the design and facilitation of cross-disciplinary and intellectually challenging projects. These students continue to employ self-assessment strategies to help them identify personal interests, inventory individual strengths, measure intellectual development and plan for future learning opportunities. Seventh graders have the opportunity to develop and facilitate community service and civic activities; these help students exercise the leadership skills that, for many advanced learners, may be at the core of their natural skill set. Planned activities are developed to foster and strengthen a sense of community among WEL students, teachers and families.
Grade 8 WEL students engage in self-selected research projects, work in self-directed teams, and complete projects for entry in national competitions or international programs. General topic areas from which students may select a project are law and society, the environment, engineering, literature, and global communications. Students learn time management strategies, develop collaborative skills, and acquire increased understanding of a topic of personal interest. In some cases, student projects have garnered national recognition.
Supplemental Reading
Grades 6, 7, 8
The ability to read proficiently is fundamental to success in school and life. The supplemental reading course at Eisenhower is intended to meet the needs of those students in a regular education setting who have been identified as reading at least two grade levels below. Students enrolled in this course have the benefit of receiving additional support in areas of need. Diagnostic reading assessments are administered to each student to identify specific areas of need. This reading class is intended to provide students with the opportunity to improve their fluency, comprehension and test taking skills. Vocabulary is developed utilizing prefix, suffix and word roots. Reading comprehension instruction is provided for both literal and inferential tasks using both fiction and non-fiction material. In addition, organizational and study skills are developed and reinforced. Students are also actively engaged in independent reading at their independent reading level.