Los Cerros Middle School

6th Grade Core (English Language Arts/ Reading/ History-Social Science) 

The 6th grade core curriculum is standards based and taught in a three period time block that blends the content of English Language Arts and History-Social Science. The courses are taught by one teacher and provide a transition from elementary to middle school. Through the writing process, students learn explicit strategies to help them find meaningful subjects to write about. In addition, they learn ways to structure their writing, revise, edit and publish. They also learn spelling strategies and proper conventions. Students discover meaning in literature and history by connecting their reading to personal experiences and prior knowledge. The English Language Arts program includes comprehension strategies in fiction and non-fiction and an exploration of genres. The integrated, activity-based History-Social Science curriculum begins with the study of early humans and focuses on ancient civilizations through the rise of the Roman Empire. 

 

 

7th Grade Core (English Language Arts/History-Social Science) 

The 7th grade core curriculum is standards based and taught in a two period time block, which blends the content of English and history-social science, reinforcing the reading, writing, and analytical-cognitive skills necessary for both. Skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening are taught in the context of literature and medieval history studies. The English curriculum includes reading comprehension, literary analysis, and instruction in several standards-based writing types, including summary, persuasive, narrative and response to literature. Spelling, vocabulary, and grammar are also included in the course of instruction. The history-social science curriculum focuses on history from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Age of Reason in the beginning of the 18th century, and includes instruction on the Roman Empire; Medieval Europe; the rise of Islam; Medieval Africa, Japan, and China; Mesoamerica; Europe during the Renaissance; the Reformation and Scientific Revolution, the Age of Exploration, and the Age of Reason. 

 

 

8th Grade Core (English Language Arts/History-Social Science) 

The 8th grade core curriculum is standards based and taught in a two period time block which blends the content of English and history-social science, reinforcing the reading, writing, and analytical-cognitive skills necessary to both. Course content includes a study of novels, poetry, and state writing types integrated with the study and research skills necessary for analysis. While studying historical events from the founding of the nation to World War I, students will analyze the development of Constitutional Democracy, with an emphasis on individual rights, an understanding of the political system and ways in which citizens can participate in and influence government. Students examine the gradual expansion of the US and its subsequent shaping and influence on foreign policy. Emphasis is on cause and effect, chronology, and an appreciation for how the past influences current events.