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Course Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

REQUIRED COURSES:

English Language Arts/Reading……………………………………………………………………   4

Mathematics…………………………………………………………………………………………………..  5

Science…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..  7

Social Studies………………………………………………………………………………………………..  8

Physical Education……………………………………………………………………………………….. 10

 

ELECTIVES COURSES:

Art……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11

Band………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..11

Boys/Girls Athletics .………………………………………………………………………………………13

Choir ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….15

General Music………………………………………………………………………………………………….15

KickStart Kids………………………………………………………………………………………………….15

Computer Literacy………………………………………………………………………………………….16

Computer Technology Applications……………………………………………………………….16

Spanish I………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16

Agriculture Mechanics/Horticulture……………………………………………………………….17

Gifted/Talented……………………………………………………………………………………………… 17

Response to Intervention..…………………………………………………………………………….18

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .…………………………………………………………18

REQUIRED COURSES

 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS/READING (ELAR)                 Grades 6, 7, 8

Classroom instruction is based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS.  Expectations for students in ELAR include: reading and understanding a wide variety of literary and informational texts to understand the genre, theme, main idea and supporting details; composing a variety of written texts with a clear, controlling idea, coherent organization, and sufficient detail; locating a range of relevant sources and evaluating, synthesizing and presenting ideas and information; listening and responding to the ideas of others while contributing their own ideas in conversations and in groups; learning to use the oral and written conventions of the English language in speaking and writing.  The TEKS are cumulative – students will continue to address earlier standards as needed while they attend to standards for their grade.

 

HONORS ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS/READING (ELAR)  Grades 6, 7, 8

Classroom instruction is based on Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS.  This course is designed for students who wish to have a more challenging and rigorous ELAR experience.  Students are expected to be able to comprehend deeper levels of instruction and demonstrate higher-level critical thinking skills.  Students who participate in Honors classes will demonstrate high level skills in self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication as evidenced by performance that reflects individuality and creativity.  This class offers a differentiated curriculum opportunity for students demonstrating advanced abilities.

**Honors ELAR requirements:

  1. End-of-Year ELAR average  85%
  2. 80% on previous year’s Reading STAAR test
  3. Parent permission

 

 

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MATHEMATICS                                                                         Grades 6, 7

Classroom instruction is based on Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS.  The primary focal areas in Grade 6 and 7 are numbers and operations; proportionality; expressions, equations, and relationships; and measurement and data.  Students use concepts, algorithms, and properties of rational numbers to explore mathematical relationships and to describe increasingly complex situations.  Students will effectively communicate mathematical ideas, reasoning, and their implications using multiple representations such as symbols, diagrams, graphs, computer programs, and language.

 

HONORS MATHEMATICS                                                            Grades 6, 7

Classroom instruction in this advanced math course is based on Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS.  Students will focus on the same areas as above with additional instruction in rigorous and challenging concepts necessary for mastery prior to taking Algebra I.  Students are expected to be able to comprehend deeper levels of instruction and demonstrate higher-level critical thinking skills.  Students will be introduced to graphing technology as they use mathematical relationships to generate solutions, make connections and solve problems in real-world contexts.

**Honors Mathematics requirements:

  1. End-of-Year Math average  85%
  2. 80% on previous year’s Math STAAR test
  3. Parent permission

 

 

MATHEMATICS                                                                      Grade 8

Classroom instruction is based on Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS.  The primary focal areas in Grade 8 are proportionality; expressions, equations, relationships, and foundations of functions; and measurement and data.  Students use algebraic thinking to describe how a change in one

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quantity in a relationship results in a change in the other.  Students connect verbal, numeric, graphic, and symbolic representations of relationships, including qualities and inequalities.  Students begin to develop an understanding of functional relationships.  Students use geometric properties and relationships, as well as spatial reasoning, to model and analyze situations and solve problems.  Use of graphing technology is implemented to provide needed emphasis on algebra readiness skills.

 

ALGEBRA I (HONORS MATHEMATICS)                                          Grade 8

Classroom instruction in this advanced math course is based on Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS.  Students will continue to build on the fundamental math concepts learned in the earlier grades while they expand their understanding through other mathematical experiences.  Students will use algebraic thinking and symbolic reasoning in a variety of ways to study relationships among quantities.  Students will use functions to determine one quantity from another, to represent and model problem situations, and to analyze and interpret relationships.  Students will work in many situations to set up equations and inequalities and use a variety of methods to solve them.  Students will use a variety of representations, tools and technology to model mathematical situations and solve meaningful problems.  Students are expected to be able to continually use critical-thinking, language, communication, reasoning and numerical fluency skills  in problem-solving contexts.

** Students enrolled in Algebra I take the Algebra I End-of-Course (EOC)

     test in May.  In order to graduate from high school, students must score

     satisfactorily on the Algebra I EOC.  Currently, multiple retakes are

     allowed.

** Students successfully completing Algebra I coursework will receive one

     high school credit. 

 

 

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**Algebra I (Honors Mathematics, Grade 8) requirements:

  1. End-of-Year Math average  85%
  2. 80% on previous year’s Math STAAR test
  3. Parent permission

 

SCIENCE                                                                                              Grade 6

Grade 6 Science is interdisciplinary in nature; however, much of the content focus is onphysical science. Students must become familiar with different modes of scientific inquiry and the diverse ways scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on evidence derived from their work.  Students will concentrate on developing an understanding of elements and compounds.  Students will investigate the relationship between force and motion using a variety of means, including calculations and measurements. Students will develop an understanding of Earth as part of our solar system. The topics include organization of our solar system, the role of gravity, and space exploration. Students will gain an understanding of the broadest taxonomic classifications of organisms and how characteristics determine their classification. The other major topics include the interdependence between organisms and their environments and the levels of organization within an ecosystem.

 

SCIENCE                                                                                             Grade 7

Grade 7 Science is interdisciplinary in nature; however, much of the content focus is onorganisms and the environment.  Scientific investigations are used to learn about the natural world. Students will learn that certain types of questions can be answered by investigations, and the methods, models, and conclusions built from these investigations change as new observations are made.  Students will learn matter and energy are conserved throughout living systems; force, motion, and energy are observed in living systems and the environment in several ways; both natural events and human activities can impact Earth systems; the relationship between living organisms and

 

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their environment; all organisms obtain energy, get rid of wastes, grow, and reproduce; and all living organisms are made up of smaller units called cells.

 

SCIENCE                                                                                             Grade 8

Grade 8 Science is interdisciplinary in nature; however, much of the content focus is onearth and space science.  To develop a rich knowledge of science and the natural world, students will become familiar with different modes of scientific inquiry, rules of evidence, ways of formulating questions, ways of proposing explanations, and the diverse ways scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on evidence derived from their work. Students will learn that matter is composed of atoms and examine a variety of information on the Periodic Table.  They will use chemical formulas and balanced equations to show chemical reactions and the formation of new substances.  Students will experiment with the relationship between forces and motion through the study of Newton's three laws.  Students will identify the role of natural events in altering Earth systems and explore the interdependence between living systems.

 

SOCIAL STUDIES                                                                               Grade 6

In Grade 6, students study people, places, and societies of the contemporary world. Societies for study are from the following regions of the world: Europe, Russia and the Eurasian republics, North America, Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Southwest Asia-North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific realm. Students will describe the influence of individuals and groups on historical and contemporary events in those societies and identify the locations and geographic characteristics of various societies. Students will identify different ways of organizing economic and governmental systems. The concepts of limited and unlimited government are introduced, and students will learn the nature of citizenship in various societies. Students compare institutions common to all societies such as government and education.  Students explain how the level of technology affects the

 

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development of the various societies and identify different points of view about events. The concept of frame of reference is introduced as an influence on an individual's point of view.

 

SOCIAL STUDIES (TEXAS HISTORY)                                      Grade 7

In Grade 7, students study the history of Texas from early times to the present. Content is presented with more depth and breadth than in Grade 4. Students examine the full scope of Texas history, including Natural Texas and its People; Age of Contact; Spanish Colonial; Mexican National; Revolution and Republic; Early Statehood; Texas in the Civil War and Reconstruction; Cotton, Cattle, and Railroads; Age of Oil; Texas in the Great Depression and World War II; Civil Rights; and Contemporary Texas eras. The focus in each era is on key individuals, events, and issues and their impact. Students identify regions of Texas and the distribution of population within and among the regions and explain the factors that caused Texas to change from an agrarian to an urban society. Students describe the structure and functions of municipal, county, and state governments, explain the influence of the U.S. Constitution on the Texas Constitution, and examine the rights and responsibilities of Texas citizens. Students will examine the rich and diverse cultural background of Texas. Students analyze the impact of scientific discoveries and technological innovations on the development of Texas in various industries such as agricultural, energy, medical, computer, and aerospace.

 

SOCIAL STUDIES (U.S. HISTORY)                                             Grade 8

In Grade 8, students study the history of the United States from the early colonial period through Reconstruction. The content in Grade 8 builds upon that from Grade 5 but provides more depth and breadth. Historical content focuses on the political, economic, religious, and social events and issues related to the colonial and revolutionary eras, the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, challenges of the early republic, the Age of Jackson, westward expansion, sectionalism, Civil War, and Reconstruction. Students

 

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describe the physical characteristics of the United States and their impact on population distribution and settlement patterns in the past and present. Students analyze the various economic factors that influenced the development of colonial America and the early years of the republic and identify the origins of the free enterprise system. Students examine the American beliefs and principles, including limited government, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, and individual rights, reflected in the U.S. Constitution and other historical documents. Students evaluate the impact of Supreme Court cases and major reform movements of the 19th century and examine the rights and responsibilities of citizens of the United States.

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION                                                            Grades 6, 7

In Physical Education, students enhance their motor skills for movement that will provide the foundation for enjoyment, continued social development through physical activity, and access to a physically-active lifestyle. In Grades 6-7, students understand in greater detail the function of the body, learn to measure their own performance more accurately, and develop plans for improvement. They learn to use technology such as heart rate monitors to assist in measuring and monitoring their own performance. Identifying the types of activities that provide them with enjoyment and challenge and that will encourage them to be physically active throughout life is reinforced during instruction in these grades.

** MLSJH has designated KickStart I as our 6th grade P.E. course

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ELECTIVE COURSES

ART I                                                                                                   Grade 6

By analyzing artistic styles and historical periods students develop respect for the traditions and contributions of diverse cultures. Students will respond to and analyze artworks, thus contributing to the development of lifelong skills of making informed judgments and evaluations.  Students will rely on their perceptions of the environment, developed through increasing visual awareness and sensitivity to surroundings, memory, imagination, and life experiences, as a source for creating artworks. They will express their thoughts and ideas creatively, while challenging their imagination, fostering reflective thinking, and developing disciplined effort and problem-solving skills.

**Note:  An art fee may be assessed for this course.

 

ART II                                                                                           Grades 7, 8

In Art II, students study the elements and principles of design and compositional development.  The student expresses ideas through original artworks, using a variety of media with appropriate and increasing skill.  Students will create artworks integrating themes found through direct observation, personal experiences, and imagination.  They will also apply design skills to communicate effectively ideas and thoughts in everyday life and select appropriate art materials and tools when producing their art.  Students will are expected to be able to define a variety of concepts directly related to the art elements and principles, using accurate vocabulary.

**Note:  An art fee may be assessed for this course.

 

BRASS BAND                                                                                      Grade 6

Brass Band is composed of students who wish to play instruments in the brass family which consists of five major instruments (trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone and tuba) and their variations.  Students will learn to

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play the instrument, individually and in groups, and perform a varied repertoire of music.  Students will be introduced to the fundamental skills and techniques that relate to accurate intonation and rhythm and perform from memory during formal and informal events.  They will sight-read simple music in various keys and meters, learn to use and identify standard music symbols and terms, and interpret them appropriately.

** Students are required to provide their own instrument or mouthpiece for

     a school instrument (school instruments are in limited supply) at the

     beginning of the year to participate in band.

 

WOODWIND BAND                                                                           Grade 6

Woodwind Band is composed of students who wish to play instruments in the woodwind family which consists of three major instruments (flute, clarinet, and saxophone) and their variations.  Students will learn to play the instrument, individually and in groups, and perform a varied repertoire of music.  Students will be introduced to the fundamental skills and techniques that relate to accurate intonation and rhythm and perform from memory during formal and informal events.  They will sight-read simple music in various keys and meters, learn to use and identify standard music symbols and terms, and interpret them appropriately.

** Students are required to provide their own instrument or mouthpiece for

     a school instrument (school instruments are in limited supply) at the

     beginning of the year to participate in band.

 

BAND                                                                                                   Grade 7

The Brass Band and Woodwind Band are combined in 7th grade.  Students will continue to study the fundamental skills and techniques introduced during the previous year while creating and arranging increasingly complex rhythmic and melodic phrases.  Students will learn how to evaluate the

 

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quality and effectiveness of personal performances and how to exhibit concert etiquette during live performances.

** Students are required to provide their own instrument or mouthpiece for

     a school instrument (school instruments are in limited supply) at the

     beginning of the year to participate in band.

 

BAND                                                                                    Grade 8

The Brass Band and Woodwind Band are combined in 8th grade.  Students in 8th grade band travel to the high school daily, during the school day, to practice with the high school band.  Eighth grade band students are expected to perform at selected high school football games, as well as other events, competitions and contests.  They will learn to describe and analyze musical sound and artistry, identify melodic and harmonic parts of music, define concepts of intervals, music notation, chord structure, and rhythm/meter.  Students will demonstrate accurate skills independently and in ensemble while performing increasingly difficult literature.

** Students are required to provide their own instrument or mouthpiece for

     a school instrument (school instruments are in limited supply) at the

     beginning of the year to participate in band.

 

BOYS ATHLETICS                                                                        Grades 7, 8

Boys in Athletics will learn fundamental skills of football, basketball and track while being expected to demonstrate consistency using those skills in a variety of settings. The rules and procedures for Athletics are governed by the University Interscholastic League (or UIL).  Students will be taught health-related fitness and an appreciation for teamwork and fair play.  Students will apply movement concepts and principles to the learning and development of motor skills. They will be taught the basic components and rules of structured physical activities; understand and apply safety practices

 

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associated with team sports; and, develop self-management and social skills to work with others as a team.

**UIL rules state that students must maintain passing grades of 70 or above

    in all classes to participate in sports events.

**UIL rules state that students may not be concurrently enrolled in Athletics

    and a PE class or PE equivalent.

**Physicals are required of students participating in Athletics (each year). 

    These are offered by the school district in the spring, free of charge.

 

GIRLS ATHLETICS                                                            Grades 7, 8

Girls in Athletics will learn fundamental skills of volleyball, basketball and track while being expected to demonstrate consistency using those skills in a variety of settings.  The rules and procedures for Athletics are governed by the University Interscholastic League (or UIL).  Students will be taught health-related fitness and an appreciation of teamwork and fair play.  Students will apply movement concepts and principles to the learning and development of motor skills.  They will be taught the basic components and rules of structured physical activities; understand and apply safety practices associated with team sports; and, develop self-management and social skills to work with others as a team.

**UIL rules state that students must maintain passing grades of 70 or above

    in all classes to participate in sports events.

** UIL rules state that students may not be concurrently enrolled in Athletics

     and a PE class or PE equivalent.

**Physicals are required of students participating in Athletics (each year). 

    These are offered by the school district in the spring, free of charge.

 

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CHOIR                                                                                     Grades 7, 8

In Choir, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate appropriate small and large ensemble performance techniques during concerts.  By reflecting on musical periods and styles, students will learn music’s role in history; describe and analyze musical sound; and perform a varied repertoire of music (choral, patriotic, pop, folk, etc.).

 

GENERAL MUSIC                                                                               Grade 6

Students in General Music will relate music to history, to society and to culture and be expected to describe aurally-presented music; music-related vocations and avocations; and relate the other fine arts to music concepts.  Students will respond to and evaluate music performances for effectiveness using identified criteria.

 

KICKSTART KIDS/PHYSICAL EDUCATION                       Grades 6, 7, 8       

KickStart Kids is a non-profit organization with a mission to build strong moral character in our youth through martial arts.  We provide a program that replaces many missing elements in our students’ lives by offering a mentoring role model, a greater chance of success in reaching goals, and an opportunity to develop discipline through physical and mental conditioning. In the KickStart Kids program, the students will have the option to participate in our after-school demonstration team, summer program and our in-house karate tournaments.  The only fees associated with the program are the tournament fees.  Participation in tournaments is optional.

KickStart Kids I is primarily for 6th graders, and others, who have never been in the program before.

KickStart Kids II and III is for students who have previously been in the program one and two years, respectively.

**As part of the foundation curriculum required by the State, MLSJH has designated KickStart I as the 6thgrade P.E. course.

 

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COMPUTER LITERACY                                                               Grades 7, 8

Students in Computer Literacy will learn about current and emerging technologies, including technology systems and appropriate digital tools.  Students will identify, create and use files in various formats; create and present original works as a means of expression; understand and use software applications, operating systems and hardware systems; and, practice safe, responsible, legal and ethical behavior while using technology tools and resources.

**Computer Literacy is designed as an introductory computer course for

   students and is considered a prerequisite for Computer Technology

   Applications.

**Space is limited due to number of computers available.

 

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS                           Grades 7, 8

Students in Computer Technology Applications will extend their knowledge of computer systems, software and hardware by learning to apply troubleshooting techniques to resolve computer issues; implement effective file management strategies; evaluate how technology changes impact our society; use a variety of local and remote input sources; and, create and edit files with productivity tools including word processing, spreadsheet, databases and digital publications.

** Computer Technology Applications is designed for students who already

     have the necessary computer systems knowledge.

**Space is limited due to number of computers available.

 

SPANISH I                                                                                          Grade 8

Students in this course will study the Spanish language at an introductory level.  They will develop an understanding of simple, clearly spoken, and

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written language as well as learn about the practices and perspectives of the cultures studied.

 

AGRICULTURE MECHANICS/HORTICULTURE                              Grade 8

First semester, Agricultural Mechanics, is designed to develop an understanding of agricultural mechanics as it relates to safety and skills in tool operation, electrical wiring, plumbing, carpentry, fencing, concrete, and metal working techniques.  To be prepared for careers in agriculture, student will acquire technical knowledge and skills related to power and structural systems; and develop and understanding of the skills necessary to obtain career opportunities in the agricultural industry.

Second semester, Horticulture, is designed to develop an understanding of common horticultural management practices as they relate to food and ornamental plant production including the technical skills associated with the management and production of horticultural plants; identification of structures and physiological processes used in plant production; management and control of common pests of horticultural plants; and, marketing and management skills used in the operation of horticultural businesses.

**The number of students allowed to enroll in this class is limited and

    class is held on the high school campus.

 

GIFTED AND TALENTED (G/T)                                             Grades 6, 7, 8

**Students must qualify for enrollment in G/T.  The period to nominate students for G/T will take place during the fall semester.

Students identified as gifted/talented will be provided an array of learning opportunities that are commensurate with their abilities and that emphasize content in the four foundation curricular areas.  Gifted/Talented students participate in a continuum of learning experiences that lead to the development of advanced-level products and/or performances; and, opportunities are provided to accelerate in areas of student strengths.

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RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RTI)                                Grades 6, 7, 8

**Students must qualify for enrollment in RTI.  It is not a course in which students may enroll themselves; however, a description of RTI is included below.

RTI is an approach schools use to help all students, including students who struggle in one or more content areas.  Teachers use multiple forms of data to determine where learning gaps may exist. Then, students in RTI receive additional help, or intervention, to close gaps in learning. 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

STATE TESTING REQUIREMENTS

The State of Texas assessment system is known as STAAR, or the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness.  The required tests for each grade level at Mae Luster Stephens Junior High School are listed below.

6th grade

7th grade

8th grade

Reading, Math

Reading, Writing, Math

Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies (possibly Algebra I EOC)

 

STUDENT SUCCESS INITIATIVE

The Student Success Initiative (SSI) was created by the Texas Legislature to ensure that all students receive the instruction and support they need to be academically successful in reading and mathematics.

Under the SSI grade advancement requirements, students are required to pass the STAAR grade 8 reading and mathematics tests to be promoted to ninth grade.

 

 

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Retesting

Students in 8th grade have three opportunities to pass the STAAR reading test and three opportunities to pass the STAAR mathematics test.  If a student does not pass one or both tests, the school must give the student additional instruction after each testing opportunity, and the student must participate in that instruction.  Parents will be notified if their child does not pass a STAAR test that is required for promotion.

2014, 2015 testing dates for grade 8 SSI subjects:

2014

Math

Reading

April 1

April 2

May 13

May 14

June 24

June 25

2015

Math

Reading

March 30

March 31

May 12

May 13

June 23

June 24

 

If a student has not passed after the second testing opportunity, a grade placement committee (GPC) is formed.  The GPC, which consists of the principal, teacher, and parent or guardian, will create an instructional plan based on the individual needs of the student.

Parents’ Role in the Process

A student who is unsuccessful on the STAAR reading and/or mathematics test after the third testing opportunity will be retained.  However, the student’s parents may appeal the decision to have their child repeat the 8th grade by submitting a request to the GPC within five working days of receiving the retention notice.  The GPC may decide to promote a student to the next grade, but only if everyone on the committee agrees that the student is likely to succeed in the next grade.  Even if the GPC decides to promote the student, the student must participate in the required additional instruction in order to be promoted.

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NOTE:  For information about how the Student Success Initiative applies to students receiving special education services, you may contact Ginny Leuba at 903.756.5314.

 

FOUNDATION CURRICULUM IN THE STATE OF TEXAS*

The foundation curriculum is required of every student, every year and includes:  English Language Arts/Reading, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies.  These are designated as “Required Courses” in this guide.

 

ENRICHMENT CURRICULUM IN THE STATE OF TEXAS

The enrichment curriculum includes: Career and technical education, fine arts, health education, languages other than English, physical education, and technology applications.  The offering and enrollment in these classes depends on a variety of factors.

While in Junior High, students must take a minimum of one fine arts class and twophysical education (or physical education equivalent) classes.**

 

COURSE SEQUENCING

In order to fulfill the education requirements of the State of Texas, we have included a suggested course sequence for students at Mae Luster Stephens Junior High School.  Adhering to the suggested sequence ensures that all students complete the mandatory courses prescribed by the State – P.E. equivalent in 6th and 7th grade; Fine Arts equivalent in 6th grade.

 

HONORS CLASS CHANGES

In rare instances, students may need to change from an honors course to a regular course.  If a student’s parent makes a request with a valid reason for the placement change, the request may be granted. 

 

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HONORS CLASS CHANGES, cont.

A change from regular to honors class(es) will only be considered in instances where the student met all Honors requirements initially, has demonstrated mastery of concepts during the first grading period and the master schedule will accommodate the change.

 

HONORS POLICY APPEAL PROCESS

Parents of students who do not qualify for an Honors class may submit a written appeal to MLSJH no later than 10 school days after enrollment.  The appeal must include specific reasons the parent is asking for the student’s participation in the Honors class and how the student is qualified.  The Honors appeal committee with then meet to determine if the appeal will be granted and will notify the parents accordingly.

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