2011 7 th grade course selection guide

Updated: 2/10/2011

MOUNTAIN BROOK JUNIOR HIGH

205 OVERBROOK ROAD

MOUNTAIN BROOK, ALABAMA 35213

OFFICE: 871-3516 GUIDANCE OFFICE: 877-8346

All students in 7th grade will be enrolled in the following courses: English, social studies, math, science, physical

education, elective and lunch.

DESCRIPTION OF COURSES For all advanced and accelerated classes, the student must maintain a minimum average of 74 to remain in

the class.

ENGLISH

English 7

This course is the level taken by the majority of students entering 7th grade. It provides for the study of writing,

grammar, vocabulary, and literature. Students focus on the four modes of writing: expository, descriptive,

narrative, and persuasive. The theme throughout 7th grade is “Identity,” with much of the literature relating to

this theme. Selected novels are used to enhance the curriculum beyond the textbook provided.

English 7 Advanced This is an advanced course for students, where multiple criteria is reviewed for placement: SAT X scores,

OLSAT score, ARMT Reading score, 1st semester English average, and portfolio essay and reader’s response

scores. This course is designed to move at an accelerated pace. The curriculum provides for the study of

grammar, literary analysis, and formal essay writing. Students focus on the four modes of writing: expository,

descriptive, narrative, and persuasive. The theme throughout 7th grade is “Identity,” with much of the literature

relating to this theme. The course content is similar to that of the regular course, but the reading and

composition require more independent thought and intellectual maturity. Recommendation made by school

Foundational English 7

This course is designed for students with an IEP, who have significant weaknesses in reading, writing, and/or

grammar skills. This course meets the minimum state requirements for 7th grade English with an emphasis on

reading skills. Students practice the four modes of writing: expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive.

The theme throughout 7th grade is “Identity,” with much of the literature relating to this theme. Selected novels

are used to enhance the curriculum beyond the textbook provided. Placement made by school

MATH

Math 7 This is the first year of a two-year course in pre-algebra. The curriculum addresses numerous mathematical

concepts such as: rational number operations, one and two step equations, geometric relationships among two

and three dimensional objects, measurement, and data analysis and probability. Students completing this course

will take the second year of pre-algebra as 8th graders.

Pre-Algebra 7

This is a 90 minute accelerated course for motivated students who desire the opportunity to take algebra in the

8th grade, but do not meet the criteria for placement into Advanced Pre-Algebra 7. Students in this course

attending school from 8:00-3:00 will not have a study hall. However, this course will be offered from 7:30-9:00

for students who wish to have a regular L/S. This course will cover integer operations, the second half of the 7th

grade math curriculum, and the full year of the 8th grade pre-algebra curriculum. Students successfully

completing this course will be considered for placement into Algebra 1 as 8th graders. Grades earned in 8

th grade

Algebra 1 will count towards a students’ high school grade point average (GPA) which is an important

component for college acceptance.

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Pre-Algebra 7 Advanced This is an advanced course which encompasses the second semester curriculum for 7

th grade pre-algebra and the

full year of the 8th grade pre-algebra curriculum. It is designed for mathematically-inclined students who meet

the following minimum requirements: committee recommendation, 92 average in the first semester of 6th grade

Advanced Math, 95th percentile on the Stanford 10 Achievement test in total math and reading comprehension,

an OLSAT score of 130, and the following minimum scores on the placement test for 7th grade math: problem

solving 8/10, computation 54/61, and 80% on the Pythagorean Theorem test. Students who do not maintain a

74 average in this course will be placed into a 90 minute pre-algebra class. Students successfully completing

this course will take Algebra I or Advanced Algebra I as 8th graders, which will count towards students’ high

school grade point average (GPA). Recommendation made by school

Basic Math 7 This is a 90 minute class designed for students who have weaknesses in mathematical skills. Students will have

approximately 30 minutes of remediation in math skills every day to provide them with a stronger foundation

for future math classes. In addition, the Math 7 curriculum is taught at a slower pace and the concepts are not

developed as extensively as in the regular Math 7 course. The content addresses numerous mathematical

concepts such as: rational number operations, one and two step equations, geometric relationships among two

and three dimensional objects, measurement, and data analysis and probability. Students in this course attending

school from 8:00-3:00 will not have a study hall. However, this course will be offered from 7:30-9:00 for

students who wish to have a regular L/S. Recommendation made by school

Foundational Math 7

This course is designed for students with an IEP, who are working more than a year below grade level. These

concepts consist of the following: number theory, basic numerical operations, fractions, geometry,

measurement, and money. The work is modified and does not fully prepare a student for regular level math

courses in the future. Placement made by school

SCIENCE

Science 7 This course focuses on life science. Students are encouraged to develop an appreciation for the importance of

diversity of life, while simultaneously understanding the impact of their roles as individuals in the community of

life. Some areas of study include the characteristics of living things, functions of organelles, tissues and organs

of various systems in the body, function of chromosomes, and Mendel’s laws of genetics. The focus of this

course prepares students for biology and other life science courses taken in high school. Students are involved in

laboratory experiments for a deeper understanding of the concepts.

Foundational Science 7

This course is designed for students with an IEP, who have significant academic weaknesses. It is based on the

minimum state requirements for 7th grade science. This course focuses on life science. Some areas of study are

the characteristics of living things, functions of organelles, tissues and organs of various systems in the body,

function of chromosomes, and Mendel’s laws of genetics. Students are involved in laboratory experiments for a

deeper understanding of the concepts. Placement made by school

SOCIAL STUDIES

Geography/ Civics

This course includes one semester of geography and one semester of civics/citizenship. During the semester of

geography, students increase their knowledge of the physical nature of the world and of the relationships

between people and their environments. They also study geography in the context of economics, politics, and

culture. The curriculum focuses on the cultural geography of the Eastern Hemisphere. During the semester of

civics, students explore the role of citizens in the United States. The curriculum addresses representative

democracy, law, personal economics, and civil responsibility.

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Foundational Geography/Civics This course is designed for students with an IEP, who have significant academic weaknesses. It is based on the

minimum state requirements for 7th grade civics and geography. Students will explore the role of citizens in the

United States. The curriculum addresses representative democracy, law, personal economics, and civil

responsibility. They also study geography in the context of economics, politics, and culture. This year-long

course supports the study of World History I in the eighth. Placement made by school

PHYSICAL EDUCATION According to the Code of Alabama, 16-40-1, daily physical education is required in Grades K-8. No exceptions

and no substitutions.

P.E. Boys/P.E. Girls This course provides participation in a variety of team and individual sports with an emphasis on developing

sports skills. Fitness and health principles are also incorporated into the curriculum to build a foundation for

lifetime fitness. Regulation gym suits are required and students will be assigned P.E. lockers.

P.E. Co-ed This co-ed course provides participation in a variety of team and individual sports with an emphasis on

developing sports skills. Fitness and Health principles are also incorporated into the curriculum to build a

foundation for lifetime fitness. Regulation gym suits are required and students will be assigned P.E. lockers.

This class will meet from 7:15 AM to 7:50 AM daily.

P.E. Adaptive

This PE course is offered for students with physical limitations. It provides participation in a variety of team and

individual sports with individual accommodations made as they are stated in the student’s IEP. Fitness and

Health principles are incorporated into the curriculum to build a foundation for lifetime fitness. Regulation gym

suits are required and students will be assigned P.E. lockers. Recommendation required.

P.E./ Lunch

In this course students participate in PE for 40 minutes and have 20 minutes for lunch.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Foreign Languages are considered an academic elective. If a student chooses to enroll in a Foreign

Language, he or she may not enroll in another elective, unless he/she enrolls in Co-ed PE at 7:15 AM.

French Immersion This course creates an authentic French-speaking environment in the classroom and provides real-life contexts

and everyday situations in which to communicate in French. Upon successful completion of this course, most

students take Advanced French I.

Latin I-A

Latin I-A is the first half of a traditional first year Latin course. This course is followed with Latin I-B in the 8th

grade. Students who complete Latin I-A AND I-B will have completed one year of a Foreign Language credit.

The Latin I-B average will count towards students’ high school grade point average (GPA).

Spanish I-A

Spanish 1-A is the first half of a traditional first year Spanish course. This course is followed with Spanish I-B

in the 8th grade. Students who complete Spanish I-A AND I-B will have completed one year of a Foreign

Language credit. The Spanish I-B average will count towards students’ high school grade point average (GPA).

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YEARLY ELECTIVES Academic Skills 7

This course is designed for students who need assistance in academic, organizational, and time management

skills, and addresses the academic needs of the student. For maximum success, parents, students, and academic

support teachers work together as a team. Recommendation is determined by a student’s grades and teacher

recommendations as to a student’s overall needs. Students are re-evaluated at the end of each grading period to

determine eligibility. Per teacher recommendation and a Student Based Student Support Team decision,

students achieving A’s and B’s will be automatically removed and placed into another elective for second

semester. Recommendation required.

Beginning Band

This course is designed for the beginning instrumental music student. Students will learn to produce sounds

characteristic of the instrument and demonstrate the components essential to the production of characteristic

tones. Students become well versed in the ability to count and sight-read rhythms. Participation in all

performances is required.

Band, Concert This is an intermediate-level band course designed for students with one or more years experience in band.

Students widen their range of dynamics and the range at which they achieve a characteristic sound. Additional

scales and rudiments are mastered, facilitating the ability to play in a wide variety of keys. Concert Band

performs regularly at concerts, competitive music festivals, and selected pep rallies and athletic events.

Participation in all performances is required.

Choir JH Year

This course is designed for students who are eager to explore choral music instruction. Emphasis is placed on

the fundamentals of singing. They are exposed to various musical styles and cultures. The MBJH Choir is a

performing group. Participation in performances is required.

Resource Lab 7 This course is designed to provide academic and organizational assistance to students as specified in their IEP.

Students, parents and special education teachers work as a team to address the academic needs of the student.

Time is used to support students by preparing for tests, working on homework, and reinforcing skills that are

presented in the core academic subject classrooms. Recommendation required.

SEMESTER ELECTIVES

Creative Writing JH This course is designed for 7

th-9

th graders who enjoy writing and desire the opportunity to write poetry, short

stories, advertisements, personal narratives, and reviews. Students will use the writing process to define personal

writing styles.

Drama Intro This course is designed for 7

th-9

th graders who want to perform on stage. Students participate in a one-act play, a

dramatic duo acting team, and an original play that is presented at the end of the semester. This class also

includes the technical side of theater, such as lighting and sound, costuming and makeup, set design, and

directing. Students are required to participate in one or two performance(s) outside of the school day. These

date(s) and times will be announced in advance.

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Junior United Nations Assembly

This course is designed to give students valuable experience and confidence in a variety of communication

skills. Students use research to write proposals and defend positions of a country at the Alabama Junior United

Nations Assembly (JUNA). Students engage in public speaking and group communication activities. Students

have JUNA/lunch in order to prepare and practice for the assembly during 2nd

semester. Students are selected

for this class through an application process. Please go to the MBJH website for further application

information.

Rotating Elective Program- Fine Arts

This is an exploratory course that exposes students to electives that may be taken at a more in-depth level in the

8th and 9

th grades. The Fine Arts REP consists of two introductory courses: Speech/Drama/Debate, and Art. In

Speech/Drama/Debate students develop confidence by engaging in public speaking, group communication

activities, drama, and debate. In the Art class students are introduced to art by creating original works of art

using a variety of media.

Rotating Elective Program- Technology

This is a semester long exploratory course that exposes students to two electives that may be taken at a more in-

depth level in the 8th and 9

th grades. The technology REP consists of two introductory courses: Career

Explorations and Computer Essentials. In Career Explorations students study the history of Flight Aviation

involving the construction of a balsa/paper rubber band powered airplane, NASA and the construction of an

ESTES model rocket, and engineering and the construction of and balsa wooden bridge. In Computer Essentials

students will create a webpage and work in Word, Excel, and ACCESS to understand how they can use these

skills in the world today.

LUNCH PERIODS

Lunch/Study Students eat lunch for half of the period and attend a supervised study hall for the other half of the period.

Lunch/Band 7

Students eat lunch for half of the period and participate in band for the other half of the period. Students must be

enrolled in band to participate in this class.

Lunch/Choir 7

Students eat lunch for half of the period and attend choir the other half. A student does not need to be enrolled in

choir to participate in this class.

Lunch/JUNA 7

This course divides class time between lunch and an additional JUNA time as needed. Once the assembly has

met, students will have study hall. Students enrolled in JUNA are required to take this class, instead of

Lunch/Study.

Lunch /Resource Lab Students eat lunch for half of the period and receive minimal academic and organizational assistance as per

student’s IEP goals the other half of the period. Recommendation required.

Statement of Non-discrimination

It is the policy of the Mountain Brook Schools that no person within the district shall be excluded from participation in, denied the

benefits of, or subject to discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability or age in any program, activity,

or employment practice. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Dr.

Dale Wisely, Director of Students Services, 32 Vine Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213, 205-877-8349.

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS for the classes of 2013 and 2014

ADVANCED DIPLOMA With Honors COURSE GROUP (Units

Required for Graduation)

COURSE TITLE COURSE UNIT VALUE

English (4) English (9-12) 1 unit/course

4 units total

Mathematics (4 of the

following)*

Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II with Trig, Probability and

Statistics, Pre-calculus, or Calculus

1 unit/course

4 units total

Science (4) 4 Courses from Group 1

(Biology and either Chemistry or Physics are required.)

1 unit/course

4 units total

Social Studies (4) World History, U.S. History to 1877, U.S. History 1877 to

the Present, Government & Economics

1 unit/course

4 units total

Foreign Language (3)*

French, Latin, Spanish 1 unit/course

3 units total (same language)

Physical Education/LIFE

(MBHS)(1)**

Physical Education/LIFE(MBHS) 1 unit/course

Health Education (0.5) Health with online experience 0.5 units total

Fine Arts (0.5) Any Fine Arts offering 0.5 units total

Electives (3) Various selections 3 units total

Technology Proficiency Demonstrated through passing of Technology Test or by

taking Computer Applications* or Business Technology

0 unit for passing test

.5 units for Comp App or

Business Tech

Total 24

ADVANCED DIPLOMA COURSE GROUP (Units


COURSE TITLE COURSE UNIT VALUE

English (4) English (9-12) 1 unit/course

4 units total

Mathematics (4)* Algebra I-A, Algebra I-B, Geometry, and Algebra II with

Trig OR

Algebra I, Geometry, Algebraic Connections, and Algebra

II with Trig OR

Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II with Trig, Probability and

Statistics, Pre-calculus, or Calculus

1 unit/course

4 units total

Science (4) 3 Courses from Group I and 1 from either Group I or II

(Biology and either Chemistry or Physics are required).

1 unit/course

4 units total

Social Studies (4) World History, U.S. History to 1877, U.S. History 1877 to

the Present, Government & Economics

1 unit/course

4 units total

Foreign Language (2)* French, Latin, Spanish 1 unit/course

2 units total (same language)


(MBHS)(1)**

Physical Education/LIFE(MBHS) 1 unit/course




Technology Proficiency Demonstrated through passing of Technology Test or by

taking Computer Applications*or Business Technology


.5 units for Comp App or

Business Tech

Total 24

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STANDARD DIPLOMA COURSE GROUP (Units


Course Title Course Unit Value

English (4) English (9-12) 1 unit/course 4 units total

Mathematics (4)

Any four maths, including Algebra I and Geometry

The Algebra I credit may be fulfilled by taking

Algebra I-A and Algebra I-B

1 unit/course

4 units total

Science (4) Any four sciences including Biology and Physical Science,

Chemistry, or Physics

1 unit/course

4 units total

Social Studies (4) World History, U.S. History to 1877, U.S. History 1877 to the

Present, Government & Economics

1 unit/course

4 units total


(MBHS) (1)**


(MBHS)

1 unit/course




Technology Proficiency Demonstrated through passing of Technology Test or by taking

Computer Applications * or Business Technology


.5 units for Comp App or Bus. Tech

Total 24 Students may take courses at the regular, advanced, and/or AP level in order to receive any of the above diplomas. Additionally, students must

pass all 5 areas of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam.

*Both grade and credit for Algebra I, Level 1 of a foreign language, and/or Computer Applications taken in the 8th grade will appear on the

student’s high school transcript. These courses will count toward the 24 credits required for graduation and will be used in computing class rank

and GPA.

**PE/Life Waiver: This course can be waived if students fulfill the course requirements through participation in school athletic teams, marching

band, or selected performing vocal groups in 10th grade.

Science Courses - GROUP I: Biology, Adv. Biology, AP Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Adv. Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Chemistry II, Adv.

Chemistry, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, Physics, AP Physics B, AP Physics C

GROUP II: Environmental Science, Marine Science, Physical Science, Forensic Science, Earth and Space Science

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA with Credit-Based Endorsement To earn this endorsement, students must have passed three of the five subtests on the Alabama High School Graduation Exam including reading, math, and

one of the science, language, or social studies subject-area tests. Eligible students shall complete the required credits for a diploma and continue to take the

AHSGE each time offered.

ALABAMA OCCUPATIONAL DIPLOMA The Alabama Occupational Diploma (AOD) course of study is designed for students with disabilities (as defined by the IDEA) with the expected outcome of independent, competitive employment. Students with disabilities obtain the Alabama Occupational Diploma by earning the required AOD course

credits and completing the AOD portfolio. The Alabama Occupational Diploma courses of study may be implemented in any Least Restrictive

Environment deemed appropriate by the IEP Team. Students may earn the course credits for the AOD through general education courses or occupational diploma courses.

COURSE GROUP (Units Req. for Grad.) COURSE TITLE COURSE UNIT VALUE

English (4) Life Skills English I, II, III & IV or gen. ed. courses 1 unit/course/4 units total

Mathematics (4) Essential Mathematics I & II and Algebraic Explorations

I & II or general education courses

1 unit/course/4 units total

Science (4) Life Skills Science I, II, and III; Science Connection IV

or general education courses

1 unit/course/4 units total

Social Studies (4) World History for Living II

United States History for Living I & II, Economics for

Living, and United States Government for Living or

general education courses

1 unit/course

4 units total

Career/Technical Education (2) 2 units total

Career Cooperative Education (1)

Coordinated Studies or Transition (1)

1 unit total/1 unit total

Health Education (.5) Health with online experience 0.5 units total

Physical Education /LIFE(MBHS) (1)** Physical Education/LIFE(MBHS) 1 unit total

Fine Arts (0.5) Any Fine Arts courses 0.5 units total

Electives (2) P.E, career/technical education, driver education…. 2 units total

Total 24

MATH FLOW CHART

10/10

Fifth Grade Math

6th Grade

Advanced

Math

6th Grade

Math

Algebraic

Connections

Math

7 Basic

Math 7

Advanced

Algebra I

Algebra

I Pre-

Algebra

8

Basic

Pre-Algebra\

8

Advanced

Algebra II

with Trig

Algebra

I-A

Algebra I Geometry Advanced

Geometry

Algebra

I-B

Geometry

Algebraic

Connections

Algebra II

with Trig

Geometry or

Essential

Geometry

Algebraic

Connections

Probability and

Statistics Algebra II

with Trig

Advanced

Algebra II

with Trig

Pre-calculus Advanced

Pre-

Calculus

Advanced

Pre-alg.

7

Algebra II Algebra

II with

Trig

Probability and

Statistics

Pre-calculus Advanced

Pre-

calculus

Calculus AP

Calculus

8th

9th

12th

11th

10th

Pre-alg

7

12th

Grade

Group 1 Group 2

Math Requirements Group 1 Group 2 1 Completed Algebra I 2 Completed or concurrently enrolled in Algebra II w/Trig 3 Completed or concurrently enrolled in Pre-calculus 4 Completed or concurrently enrolled in AP Calculus B/C 5 Strong math background required

Anatomy & Physiology

All Chemistry

Biology

Physics

All ADV & AP classes

Physical Science

Earth & Space Science

Environmental Science

Forensic Science

Marine Science

Biology

Adv Biology

Adv Chemistry2

Physical Science

Chemistry1



Forensic Science

Marine Science


Chemistry1


Adv Anatomy & Physiology

AP Biology5

AP Chemistry 3

Chemistry II2



Forensic Science

Marine Science

Physics2

AP Physics B3 or C

4


Adv Anatomy & Physiology

AP Biology5

AP Chemistry 3

AP Environmental Science

Chemistry II2



Forensic Science

Marine Science

Physics2

AP Physics B3 or C

4




Forensic Science

Marine Science

Physics2

Chemistry II2

AP Environmental Science




Forensic Science

Marine Science

Physics2

Science Curriculum Flowchart

Grades 9-12 with Math Requirements (See Course Selection Guide for specific requirements/prerequisites.)

9th

Grade 10th

Grade 11th

Grade 12th

Grade

(Bold lines indicate most commonly chosen paths.)

Updated: 2/10/2011 4:51:24 PM

Pre-calculus

2011 7 th grade course selection guide

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