Course Directory
Our challenging standards-based curriculum emphasizes the development of essential skills, the understanding of important concepts, and the ability to apply learning to real-world problems.
Our curriculum includes courses of study for all students in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, music, visual arts, physical education, and health. In addition, students take grade-specific trimester courses in technology, research, and study skills which are designed to support their integrated learning experience.
Grade 8
World Languages
Spanish classes are designed to promote language proficiency through creativity and play. The goal is for students to be exposed to large amounts of comprehensible Spanish so that they can train their ear and increase their language processing speed. Language is made comprehensible by using the TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling). In addition to acquiring a second language, students begin to recognize the cultural connection between language usage and identity. They learn that proficiency in a second language can enable them to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
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Spanish 8
Spanish Proficiency
In eighth-grade Spanish, material is presented using all tenses. Students learn to manipulate the language in the past, present, and future in order to express original ideas. Students continue to retell stories, create unique stories and engage in conversation in Spanish, but they are now doing so at a higher level of complexity. Vocabulary progression is based on New York State’s World Language checkpoint A level and the development of new words and structures that emerge during storytelling. Students continue to build vocabulary and develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills on a variety of topics. By the end of the year, students regularly engage in conversation with the teacher and peers. They finish the year preparing for the Spanish Proficiency Exam. Successful completion of the course and the Proficiency Exam indicates that students are well-prepared for the next level of Spanish in 9th grade.
Resources: Spanish stories by Elizabeth Gossett. Somos 1, Martina Bex. Qué tal Magazines, Scholastic. TPRS in a Year!, Ben Slavic. PQA in a Wink, Susan Gross. NEW Mini Stories for Look, I Can Talk!, Blaine Ray.