HUMBLE INDEPENDENT

SCHOOL DISTRICT

MIDDLE SCHOOL

COURSE GUIDE

Grades 6 – 8

2011-2012

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HUMBLE INDEPENDENTSCHOOL DISTRICT

MIDDLE SCHOOL PLANNING GUIDE, GRADES 6-8

2011-2012

Board of Trustees / Administration
Charles Cunningham
Brent Engelage
Lynn Fields
Keith Lapeze
Dr. Bonnie Longnion
Dave Martin
Robert Scarfo / Dr. Guy Sconzo, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Cecilia Hawkins, Deputy Superintendent
Paula Almond, Associate Superintendent
Janet Orth, Assistant Superintendent for Learning Support
AtascocitaMiddle School
18810 W. Lake Houston Pkwy.
Humble, TX 77346
(281) 641-4600
Principal
Karl Koehler / CreekwoodMiddle School
3603 W. Lake Houston Pkwy.
Kingwood, TX 77339
(281) 641-4400
Principal
Walt Winicki / Humble Middle School
11207 Will Clayton Pkwy.
Humble, TX 77346
(281) 641-4000
Principal
Marie Flynn
KingwoodMiddle School
2407 Pine Terrace
Kingwood, TX 77339
(281) 641-4200
Principal
Robert Atteberry / RiverwoodMiddle School
2910 High Valley Drive
Kingwood, TX 77345
(281) 641-4800
Principal
Greg Joseph / RossSterlingMiddle School
1700 Wilson Road
Humble, TX 77338
(281) 641-6000
Principal
Brandon Garza
TimberwoodMiddle School
18450 Timber Forest Drive
Humble, TX 77346
(281) 641-3800
Principal
Chris Fox / WoodcreekMiddle School
14600 Woodson Park Dr.
Houston, TX77044
281-641-5217
Principal
Thyrun Hurst

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Planning for Your Future...... 1

Graduation Requirements...... 2

Other Graduation Programs...... 3

State Assessments - High School Graduation Requirements...... 4

The International Middle Years Baccalaureate Programme...... 4

Post Secondary Educational Opportunities...... 5

Top 10 Percent College Admissions...... 5

TEXAS (Toward Excellence, Access, and Success) Grant Program...... 5

Student Education Benefits Program...... 6

Other Texas Financial Aid Programs...... 6

Early High School Graduation Program...... 6

General Information...... 7

On-Level Courses...... 7

Honors/PreAP Courses or MYB IB Courses...... 7

AVID Elective Class...... 7

New Students - Grades 6, 7, and 8...... 7

Transfers from On-Level Class to Honors/Pre-AP...... 8

Exit Considerations for Honors/PreAP or MYB IB Courses...... 8

Schedule Changes...... 8

Recommendations for Successful Course Selection Grade 6...... 9

Math Identification Matrix...... 10

Recommendations for Successful Course Selection Grade 7...... 11

Recommendations for Successful Course Selection Grade 8...... 12

Recommendations for Successful Course Selection Grade 9...... 13

Special Programs...... 14

Gifted/Talented...... 14

Special Education...... 14

English as a Second Language (ESL)...... 14

Award of Credit...... 15

Credit by Examination for Acceleration...... 15

Performance Criteria for Acceleration...... 15

Examinations...... 15

Procedures...... 15

Test Dates for Acceleration...... 15

Fees for Examinations for Acceleration...... 15

Credit by Examination for Retrieval of Credit...... 15

Performance Criteria for Retrieval of Credit...... 15

Examinations...... 16

Procedures...... 16

Test Dates for Retrieval...... 16

Granting and Recording Credit...... 16

Fees for Examinations for Retrieval...... 16

Credit for High School Courses Taken During Middle School...... 16

Summer School...... 16

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

6th Grade Requirements and Course Descriptions...... 17

Reading/English/Language Arts...... 18

Mathematics...... 19

Social Studies...... 19

Science...... 20

Physical Education...... 20

Fine Arts...... 20

Additional Courses...... 21

7th Grade Requirements and Course Descriptions...... 23

Reading/English/Language Arts...... 24

Mathematics...... 25

Social Studies...... 25

Science...... 26

Health...... 26

Physical Education...... 26

Electives...... 26

8th Grade Requirements and Course Descriptions...... 31

Reading/English/Language Arts...... 32

Mathematics...... 33

Social Studies...... 33

Science...... 33

Physical Education...... 34

Electives...... 34

Electives Offered for High School Elective Credit...... 39

Special Education...... 40

Index ...... 44

Compliance Statement ...... Inside Back Cover

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PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE

The Middle School Planning Guide has been developed to help students and their familiesplan for their future. Brief descriptions of all required and elective courses available to the HumbleIndependentSchool District’s middle school students are included in this handbook so that students, parents, and staff may better work together in meeting the needs of each student.

  • In addition, this planning guide provides information about high school graduation programs. It is very important to begin considering the options sinceselection of high school graduation programs impact financial aid opportunities and choices for post-secondary education. Middle school students may also be interested in taking a high school course such as foreign language or algebra while still in middle school.
  • To assist families, campus orientations and advisements are scheduled during the second semester. The advisement process incorporates suggested recommendations for course selection, teacher input, parent consideration, and student/parent choice. Course offerings provide a solid base of academic study and also allow sufficient flexibility for students to elect some courses based solely on interest. We encourage you to participate in these activities to the greatest extent possible in order to make the most informed decisions. Please consult with campus staff for further information.
  • For a student who enrolls after school begins, course selection is based on grades and other information brought by the student, suggested district recommendations for course selection, and elective choices. Reading evaluations may be done to determine placement.
  • Students entering a district school from non-accredited public, private or parochial schools, or home schools, shall be placed initially by the principal at the age appropriate grade level. Providing the following information could be helpful in determining final placement:
  • Scores on achievements tests
  • Recommendation of sending school
  • Prior academic record

Final placement will be made by the principal based on teacher observation and assessment results.

  • Students who are being home-schooled may choose to enroll in one or more classes through the Humble ISD Home-School Charter Program. Further information is available in the counseling office.
  • The following resources may be of additional assistance:
  • Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board 1-800-242-3062 or
  • Financial Aid Hotline 1-877-782-7322
  • SAT/PSAT: College Board
  • College for Texans
  • Youuniversity: website provides college and career information in a student-friendly format:
  • ACT:
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the US Department of Labor:
  • Minnie Piper Stevens Foundation Compendium of Texas Colleges and Financial Aid:

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

HISD Graduation Requirements for Students Entering Grade 9 in 2010-2011 and Thereafter
Curriculum Area / RecommendedProgram / DistinguishedAchievement Program
Credits / Courses / Credits / Courses
English Language Arts / 4.0 / English I, II, III, and IV
(I and II may be met by ESOL courses) / 4.0 / English I, II, III, and IV
(I and II may be met by ESOL courses)
Mathematics / 4.0 / Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and an additional math course (Math Models may not be taken after Algebra II) / 4.0 / Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and an
additional math course which can not be Math Models
Science / 4.0 / Biology, Chemistry, Physics and an additional science course(IPC may not be taken after Chemistry or Physics) / 4.0 / Biology, Chemistry, Physics (not Principles of Physics)and an additional science course which can not be IPC
Social Studies / 3.5 / World Geography, World History,
U. S. History, and U.S. Government (0.5) / 3.5 / World Geography, World History,
U. S. History, and U.S. Government (0.5)
Economics / 0.5 / Economics / 0.5 / Economics
Physical Education / 1.0 / Physical Education or substitutes (athletics, drill team, fall marching band, fall cheerleading, and JROTC) / 1.0 / Physical Education or substitutes (athletics, drill team, fall marching band, fall cheerleading, and JROTC)
Languages other than English / 2.0 / Must be in the same language / 3.0 / Must be in the same language
Fine Arts / 1.0 / See course descriptions for options / 1.0 / See course descriptions for options
Speech / 0.5 / Communication Applications / 0.5 / Communication Applications
Electives / 5.5 / See course descriptions for options / 4.5 / See course descriptions for options
Total Credits / 26.0 / 26.0
Advanced Measures / None required / In addition to earning the required credits in the DAP above, a student must earn any combination of four advanced measures described below.
State Exams / TAKS (Cohort 2014) or STAAR End of Course Exams in each of the 4 Core Subjects (Cohort 2015 and after) / TAKS (Cohort 2014) or STAAR End of Course Exams in each of the 4 Core Subjects (Cohort 2015 and after)

OTHER GRADUATION PROGRAMS

Distinguished Achievement Program

The State of Texas seeks to recognize those students with exceptional achievement in high school. The Distinguished Achievement Program is for those students whose accomplishments are of such caliber as to be acknowledged on a national level. This program requires completing the Recommended Plan, taking one additional credit in foreign language, specific math and science requirements (see counselor for details) and completing four advanced measures in any combination:

1.Original research/project that is

a.Judged by a panel of professionals in the field that is the focus of the project; or

b.Conducted under the direction of mentor(s) and reported to an appropriate audience; and

c.Related to the required curriculum set forth in §74.1.

2.Test data where a student receives:

a.A score of three or above on The College Board advanced placement examination;

b.A score of four or above on an International Baccalaureate examination; or

c.A score on the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) that qualifies a student as a Commended Scholar or higher by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation; as part of the National Hispanic Scholar Program of the College Board; or as part of the National Achievement Scholarship Program for Outstanding Negro Students of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

3.Dual Credit/College Course – a grade of 80 or higher on courses that count for college credit – including a tech prep program.

Minimum Program

A student entering Grade 9 in the 2007-2008 school year and thereafter shall enroll in the courses necessary to complete the curriculum requirements for the Recommended High School Program or the Distinguished Achievement High School Program unless the student, the student’s parent or other persons standing in parental relation to the student, and a school counselor or school administrator agree that the student should be permitted to take courses under the Minimum High School Program. In order to opt into the minimum program a student must:

  1. be at least 16 years of age;
  2. have completed two credits required for graduation in each subject for the foundation curriculum; or
  3. have failed to be promoted to the tenth grade one or more times as determined by the school district.

Hard work pays off!! You may qualify for the TEXASGrant!
The TEXAS Grant, in combination with other aid, will pay your tuition and fees at Texas’ public colleges and universities. Find out more information about the TEXAS Grant at Are you eligible? Yes, if you…
Complete the Recommended or Distinguished High School Program,
Are a Texas resident,
Have not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving a controlled substance,
Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need. (Do this in January of your senior year.)
See your counselor for more information.

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State Assessment - High School Graduation Requirements

Students in the 11th grade who are planning to graduate from a Texas public high school will be required to pass the English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies sections of a new exit level test. The first time a student can take this test is in the spring of 11th grade. If unsuccessful on one or more parts of this test the first time, he/she can take that part again whenever it is given.

The 11th grade exit level test will cover material about the following academic subjects:

  • English Language Arts, including at least English III and writing.
  • Mathematics, including at least Algebra I and Geometry.
  • Social Studies, including early American History and United States History.
  • Science, including at least Biology and Integrated Physics and Chemistry.

For additional information on TAKS objectives, see this TEA website:

or review documents available on middle school campuses.

THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME

The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) focuses on the development of the whole child while encouraging students to question and evaluate information crucially, to seek out and explore the links between subjects, and to develop an awareness of the international community in terms of culture, politics, economics, and societal differences. Students who complete the five year MYP (6 - 10) are eligible to advance into the IB Diploma Programme (11 - 12) at HumbleHigh School.

RossSterlingMiddle School is currently in the Candidate Year Two Phase and will submit Application B October 2011. Once authorization is granted, all district students will be eligible to apply to the MYP at RossSterlingMiddle School.

For more information, please contact RossSterlingMiddle School or

POST SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Recent legislation adds the requirement that students complete the recommended high school program (RHSP) or distinguished academic program (DAP) to be considered for admission to any general academic teaching institution, including those with open enrollment policies. Since the passage of this legislation, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has adopted emergency rules to allow these institutions to continue admitting students who would not qualify for admissions under the new requirements until August 31, 2009.

Top 10 PercentCollege Admissions

Students who are in the top 10 percent of their graduating class are eligible for automatic admission to any public university in Texas. Admission to a university does not guarantee acceptance into a particular college of study or department. The requirement to graduate on the recommended (RHSP) or distinguished (DAP) plan will also apply in this circumstance. Please reference the statement above.

To be eligible for automatic admission, a student must:

  • Graduate in the top 10 percent of his/her class at a public or private high school in Texas, or
  • Graduate in the top 10 percent of his/her class from a high school operated by the U.S. Department of Defense and be a Texas resident or eligible to pay resident tuition;
  • Enroll in college no more than two years after graduating from high school; and
  • Submit an application to a Texas public university for admission before the institution’s application deadline (check with university regarding specific deadlines).
  • Students admitted through this route may still be required to provide SAT or ACT scores although these scores are not used for admissions purposes. Students must also take the THEA test, unless exempted from the test requirements. Check with the admissions office regarding THEA, SAT, and ACT requirements.

After a student is admitted, the university may review the student’s high school records to determine if the student is prepared for college-level work. A student who needs additional preparation may be required to take a developmental, enrichment, or orientation course during the first semester of college.

TEXAS (Toward EXcellence, Access, and Success) Grant Program

The purpose of this program is to provide a grant of money to enable well-prepared eligible students to attend public institutions of higher education in Texas. Awards to private institutions are being phased out.

Who can compete for an initial award? A student who meets one of the following two eligibility categories:

  • is a Texas resident;
  • has not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance
  • shows financial need and an expected family contribution (EFC) of less than or equal to $4,000;
  • registers for the Selective Service or is exempt from this requirement;
  • is a recent graduate of an accredited high school in Texas;
  • completes the recommended or distinguished achievement high school curriculum or its equivalent;
  • enrolls in an eligible Texas college or university within 16 months of high school graduation;
  • has accumulated no more than 30 semester credit hours, excluding those earned for dual credit course or awarded for credit by examination (AP, IB, or CLEP);

OR

  • has earned an associate’s degree from a public technical, state, or community college in Texas; and,
  • enrolls in any public university in Texas no more than 12 months after receiving his/her associate’s degree

Students entering the program from high school who continue in college and who meet program academic standards can receive awards for up to 150 credit hours, until they receive their bachelor’s degree, or for five years if enrolled in a 4-year degree plan or six years if enrolled in a 5-year degree plan, whichever occurs first.

Students entering the program based on the acquisition of an associate’s degree who continue in college and who meet program academic standards can receive awards for up to 90 semester credit hours, until they receive a bachelor’s degree, or for three years if enrolled in a 4-year degree plan or four years if enrolled in a 5-year degree plan, whichever comes first. Awards will be made through the financial aid office of the college. Persons interested in the program should contact the college financial aid office to verify deadlines and procedures.

Student Education Benefits Program

This program allows public colleges to reduce tuition and/or fees for eligible students. The state has programs for some students who meet one of the following:
  • in foster care before age 18
  • adopted prior to age 14
  • valedictorians
  • blind
  • deaf
  • early high school graduates
/ The state also has programs for children of:
  • disabled or deceased peace officers
  • deceased public servants
  • deceased veterans
  • POWs or MIAs
  • parents receiving TANF for the student when he/she was a high school senior

Students should contact a college financial aid officer for instructions.

Other Texas Financial Aid Programs

Other scholarships, grants, and financial aid, including tuition exemption, loans, and work-study are available. Further information is available from the following sources.

Texas Financial AidInformationCenter

Toll free 877-782-7322

1-888-311-8881 to get financial aid questions answered

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation

Exemption Information

1-800-242-3062 ext. 6387 (unmanned)

Tract sheet and links to other sources

Early High School Graduation Program

New Early High School Graduation Scholarships for Students Graduating on or after June 15, 2007.

To qualify for Early Graduation awards, the student must:

  • graduate from a public high school in Texas;
  • complete the recommended or distinguished high school curriculum in no more than 36 consecutive months, no more than 41 months or no more than 46 months:
  • attend the majority of high school in Texas;
  • register for the Selective Service or exempt from this requirement;
  • be aUS citizen or otherwise lawfully authorized to be in the United States
  • has written permission from a parent or legal guardian to graduate early (if completing grades 9-12 in 41 continuous months or fewer).

Students must submit an official transcript and application completed by the high school counselor to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Board then assesses the student’s eligibility, determines his/her award, and if the student qualifies, sends an award letter to the student , the relevant high school and the college the student plans to attend.